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Resident urges city action over drainage, notice and variances at 400 Harris
Summary
A Richmond Heights resident told council that multiple variances granted for a large garage at 400 Harris led to drainage problems and property damage; the city agreed to have its engineer inspect and referred the matter to the law department for review.
A Richmond Heights resident identified himself as Markski during public comment on July 9 and urged the city to address what he called ongoing drainage damage and failures of notice tied to variances granted for a large detached garage at 400 Harris.
In his remarks the resident said he and his wife received no written notice of zoning appeals and variances for the neighboring property, and cited city code sections 185.06–185.07 as the basis for required notice to adjacent owners. He said the drainage problems and resulting damage began after construction in 2010, that the city took enforcement action in March 2017 against an illegal auto-repair operation but had not remedied long-term property damage, and that the property is now for sale.
Mayor Thomas apologized that the issue predates his administration and said housing inspector Peter Lon had inspected the site and provided photographs to staff. Council leadership said they would ask the city engineer to evaluate drainage conditions and then refer findings to the law department to determine next steps and possible enforcement.
Council members recalled prior variances and the 2012 zoning-board proceeding, noted there is a noncompliant shed on the property that could warrant citation, and emphasized that restrictions and conditions should be disclosed to prospective buyers.
The city did not commit to a specific remediation action during the meeting; staff described a next step of an engineering inspection followed by legal review.
