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Planning commission approves variance allowing wider driveway at 213 North Sorrow Drive
Summary
The Canal Winchester Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 on June 8 to approve variance VA26-010, allowing a driveway wider than the 10-foot right-of-way limit at 213 North Sorrow Drive. Staff cited neighborhood context and private easements; the applicant plans a rear fence and automatic gate.
The Canal Winchester Planning and Zoning Commission on June 8 approved variance VA26-010 to permit a driveway wider than the 10-foot right-of-way width at 213 North Sorrow Drive.
Planning staff presented the request and recommended approval, saying the lot is 84 feet wide in the Winchester Village neighborhood and the driveway that was poured measures roughly 22 feet — wider than the Chapter 1198 residential appearance standard adopted in 2019. "The driveway that was installed does not match the approved site plans," planning staff said, but added that the surrounding neighborhood contains similar driveways and granting the variance would not confer an undue privilege.
The presentation explained that private water and sewer easements serving a nearby nursing home constrain building placement on the lot and influenced the detached garage location. Staff noted that, given the lot width and driveway length, the property still provides on-street parking capacity and would not impede the public sidewalk.
Applicant Wade Jordan, who identified himself at the meeting, said he had no additional comments beyond staff and described the wider apron as necessary to make the lot usable. He also told the commission the owners plan to install a rear fence with an automatic gate that will visually shorten the driveway depth. "We're bringing a family to the community," Jordan said, adding that concrete can be replaced if utility work is required.
Commissioners asked about easement responsibilities and whether lines are active; staff responded that the easements are private, that one water and one sewer line serve the parcel and that repair and access responsibilities are governed by the private easement language between the property owner and the nursing home.
Miss McDonald moved to approve VA26-010 and Mr. Posgrove seconded. The roll-call vote was recorded as Mr. Donahghue — yes; Miss Goodton — yes; Miss McDonald — yes; Mr. Deeds — yes; Mr. Posgrove — yes. The motion carried 5-0.
The commission recorded the variance approval; no subsequent conditions or appeals were recorded in the meeting minutes.
