Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning Approvals topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission approves several variances and preliminary site plans, tables controversial cluster request
Summary
The commission approved fence, setback and site-plan requests — including a fence setback reduction to 12 feet, two variances for a house addition, a screened-deck variance, preliminary approval for a school expansion (subject to fire/engineering conditions), a dumpster enclosure, and a revised lot split — and tabled the contested cluster-home project.
At its Dec. 3 meeting the Beachwood Planning and Zoning Commission approved a slate of routine variances and site plans and recorded conditions for several approvals.
Key approvals and outcomes: - Fence setback (24815 Green Witch Lane): The commission approved an 8‑foot variance to allow a 6‑foot ornamental metal fence 12 feet from the right‑of‑way instead of the 20‑foot code setback; staff noted the administration is proposing a code change to reduce the standard to 12 feet. - Rear-yard addition and hardscape (23115 Greenlawn Avenue): The commission granted an 11‑foot rear‑yard variance and a 135‑square‑foot hardscape variance to permit a one‑story addition and deck; building and engineering staff reported no objections. - Screened deck (24213 Woodway Road): A 9.3‑foot rear‑yard variance was approved to allow a screened deck to match an existing encroachment; the commission cited precedent for filling existing notches in dwellings. - Fuchs Miss Rocky School expansions (26600 Shaker Boulevard): The commission granted preliminary site‑plan approval for classroom and gym/cafeteria additions and additional parking (49 new spaces) subject to final drainage calculations, utility geometry and a fire‑department stipulation requiring 360‑degree access around the structure. - Dumpster enclosure (3025 Science Park Drive): Preliminary and final site‑plan approval was granted for a 19x20 chain‑link dumpster enclosure with privacy slats for the Cleveland Clinic Rehab site after city departments reported no objections. - Chagrin Highlands revised lot split: The commission reapproved a previously considered plat with a minor revision to show a future roadway as a right‑of‑way so county recordation will create lots with frontage; the reapproval will allow land acquisition to proceed.
Commissioners emphasized that approvals conditioned on technical submittals (school expansion) require final engineering deliverables — grading, stormwater calculations and pavement composition — before final sign‑off. The city engineer reiterated that stormwater compliance and any Corps of Engineers wetland jurisdiction remain prerequisites for final permits when projects affect wetlands or drainage.
