Valley View planning board approves variances, allows demolition extension and grants small permit waivers

The Village of Valley View Planning Board on Oct. 21 approved a slate of zoning actions including a time-limited extension for removal of one accessory structure at 6868 Hathaway Road, variances tied to a lot split on Donald Avenue, and a permit to retain an accessory structure used by a local events business.

In public comment, Linda Walcher, who said her family owns the property at 6868 Hathaway Road, told the board she has begun renovating the family home but lacks funds to remove both the silo and the barn. “The silo will come down in time,” Walcher said, but she asked for additional time to address the outbuildings after mortgaging the house to finance necessary repairs.

Mayor Matthew March and Building Commissioner Larry Ellis noted the Board had previously granted two extensions. The board voted 4–0 (Member Joseph White absent) to approve a six‑month extension to April 1, 2026, on the condition that either the barn or the silo be removed within the extension period; the motion was moved by Member Mike Bertovich and seconded by Secretary Marty Johnston.

The board next heard from Angela and Keith Klodnick and Scott Justice, representing L'Nique, the events and linen rental business at 7685 Hub Parkway. The Klodnicks said the small accessory structure they erected replaced an earlier structure and improved their operations during a slow post‑COVID recovery. Keith Klodnick described contractor quotes for a future building addition, saying estimates ranged from about $250 to $300 per square foot for a roughly 4,000‑square‑foot expansion, numbers the Klodnicks said made immediate expansion unaffordable.

Members acknowledged the permitted accessory structure technically violated the codified ordinance but judged it minor relative to neighboring properties and the village’s goals for small business retention. The board approved the accessory‑building request by a unanimous 4–0 roll call (motion moved by Secretary Marty Johnston, seconded by Member Mike Bertovich).

On 6720 Donald Avenue, property owner Frank Pitts requested a lot split so he can sell part of the parcel while retaining the remainder. The Board discussed adjusting lot widths to avoid unnecessary variances; after an amendment to change one variance from 70 feet to 78 feet, the Commission approved the front lot‑line variances, a variance allowing an accessory building on a lot without a dwelling and the overall lot split. Motions on the split and variances passed on successive roll calls with all present members voting aye.

Engineer Todd Sciano reported on a separate request to consolidate two parcels on Cloverleaf Parkway to enable leasing of a landlocked lot. The board approved the consolidation and Mr. Sciano said additional steps related to titling and tenant recruitment may return to the Planning Commission.

In other business, Building Commissioner Larry Ellis reported a fence installed at 13330 S. Partridge Drive exceeded the approved height by approximately three to four inches. Solicitor David Lambros advised the board it could authorize a small variance; the board approved a fence‑height variance not to exceed four inches.

Votes at a glance

• Extension for one structure at 6868 Hathaway Road — motion moved by Mike Bertovich, seconded by Marty Johnston; roll call ayes: March, Jakubczak, Johnston, Bertovich; outcome: approved (extension to April 1, 2026; removal of either barn or silo required). • Accessory building at 7685 Hub Parkway (L'Nique) — moved by Marty Johnston, seconded by Mike Bertovich; roll call ayes: Jakubczak, Johnston, Bertovich, March; outcome: approved. • Lot split and variances at 6720 Donald Ave. — multiple motions (amendment to variance, variances for lot widths, accessory‑building variance, overall split); all motions carried on roll calls with ayes recorded for all members present; outcome: variances and lot split approved. • Lot consolidation (PPNs 571-04-014 and 571-04-018) — moved by Marty Johnston, seconded by Mike Bertovich; roll call ayes: Johnston, Bertovich, March, Jakubczak; outcome: approved. • Fence-height variance at 13330 S. Partridge Drive — moved by Julie Jakubczak, seconded by Mike Bertovich; roll call ayes: Bertovich, March, Jakubczak, Johnston; outcome: approved (variance not to exceed four inches).

What comes next

Several approvals presume subsequent administrative or permitting steps: the Walchers must remove either the barn or silo by the April 1, 2026 deadline; the lot consolidation will require additional titling steps to ready the parcel for tenants; and the Klodnicks must pursue any state commercial permit required for structural work noted by Building Commissioner Larry Ellis. The Commission adjourned at 6:02 p.m.