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Janice St. John urges Walton Hills board to deny variance for backyard accessory structure
Summary
At an Aug. 13, 2025 hearing, resident Janice St. John asked the Walton Hills Board of Zoning Appeals to deny a variance that would reduce a 20-foot side setback for a proposed 12-by-16 accessory structure, citing loss of enjoyment, drainage concerns and property-value impacts; a motion to amend the variance (location change, 4-foot variance, vegetation buffer) was made and the transcript records an approval but no roll-call vote.
At the Aug. 13, 2025 hearing of the Walton Hills Board of Zoning Appeals, residents and board members considered a variance request for a detached 12-by-16 accessory structure after the building inspector denied a June 23 permit under Walton Hills ordinance section 1266.07(F), which requires a 20-foot minimum side setback.
Janice St. John, who identified herself during public comment, said she opposed any setback less than 20 feet. “I really don't want to be here today. But I just have to speak out to protect my property,” she said, adding that the proposed structure would be the first thing she sees from her living-room windows and that there is no tree buffer to screen the view. She also raised concerns about soggy ground and drainage near the drop-off, and about potential effects on resale value and precedent for other requests.
Board members and staff discussed site constraints and relocation options, noting site visits by members in the days before the hearing. A board member moved to amend the variance application to change the structure’s location, allow a 4-foot variance from the applicable setback and require vegetation buffering to lessen visual impact. The transcript indicates the motion was followed by an approval, but the record does not include a named mover, seconder or a roll-call vote tally.
The ordinance cited by staff, Walton Hills ordinance 1266.07(F), governs side setbacks for detached accessory buildings including garages. The transcript does not record a formal written decision with a vote count or conditions of approval beyond the motion text; minutes or a later formal order would be required to confirm the board’s final action and any conditions for permitting.
Next steps: the record suggests the board acted on the amendment in the hearing transcript, but the transcript does not supply a full roll-call or a written finding of fact; interested parties should consult the official minutes or the board’s written decision for the formal outcome.
