Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves variances for garage at 1301 Morell Avenue
Summary
The Grandview Heights Board of Zoning Appeals approved two variances for 1301 Morell Avenue on June 10, 2026, allowing lot coverage to increase from 40% to 41% and reducing the corner-lot accessory setback from 15 feet to 11 feet so the owners can build a detached two-car garage. Staff recommended approval and a nearby neighbor spoke in support; the board voted 4–0 with one member excused.
The Grandview Heights Board of Zoning Appeals voted June 10 to grant two variances for a proposed two-car detached garage at 1301 Morell Avenue, approving an increase in lot coverage from 40% to 41% and reducing the required corner-lot accessory-structure side-yard setback from 15 feet to 11 feet.
Brenda Parker, the applicant, told the board the existing garage "is at the end of its life" and is too small for current vehicles, and that the owners want a 24-by-22-foot structure with second-floor storage while keeping existing front walkways. "We're requesting a width of 24 ft and a depth of 22 feet so that we're not going too far into the rear yard," Parker said.
A staff member reported the property is about 4,200 square feet — roughly 51% of the typical RS2 lot size of 8,200 square feet — and noted the house sits on a corner lot with streets on three sides and an alley in the rear. The staff calculation showed the proposed layout results in roughly 41% lot coverage; the staff member said the recommendation was "to approve both requests." The staff member also emphasized the lot's smaller-than-standard dimensions as a practical constraint.
An adjacent owner, Ty Van Masakers of 1305 Morell Avenue, spoke in support and urged the board to consider traffic and visibility on nearby Hope Avenue. "We see a significant volume of traffic on Hope coming off of Third and Northwest ... because that intersection is the death of many of us," Van Masakers said, adding that a larger two-car garage could reduce on-street parking and improve sight lines for drivers.
Board members called the request modest given the lot constraints and the minimal 1-percentage-point increase in lot coverage. Members said visibility onto Hope Avenue was the primary concern but, after reviewing site photos and the proposed placement, they concluded the four-foot setback reduction would not significantly harm sight lines.
A motion to approve BZA Case 11-2026 (parts A and B as read) was made and seconded by Board member Cunningham. The board recorded votes as follows: Cunningham — yes; Lassusa — yes; Kinsinger — yes; Dowski — yes. Member Cal was excused. The motion carried and the chair announced the case approved.
The board noted that the code requires three yes votes for approval when the panel is not at full membership; the four recorded yes votes met that threshold. With no other business, the chair adjourned the meeting.
