Planning commission approves pergola and hardscape variance at Turnbridge Lane property

The Beachwood Planning & Zoning Commission on Oct. 30 approved variances that will legalize excess hardscape and allow an open-air pergola and a short sidewalk at 24794 Turnbridge Lane.

The applicant, represented by Dave Kaplan of Oliver Architecture, told the commission the pergola replaces a former covered porch removed during a recent renovation and that the only new pavement is a 111-square-foot sidewalk to reconnect the front walk to the driveway. "We are not adding to hardscape in this case ... the pergola itself is high enough so that from inside the house, it doesn't block the view out of the large windows," Kaplan said.

City staff and commissioners recommended approval, noting the site already contains legally nonconforming hardscape installed before current rules. "Although the amount of the variance is [larger on paper], the additional hardscape is only 111 square feet," the city planner said, adding that the lot backs up to school property and ball fields with minimal direct impact on neighbors.

Commission member Mr. Schweickett moved to grant the variances subject to the stipulations in the staff report; another member seconded. The commission voted to approve the request.

The approvals include an accessory-structure variance to permit the pergola and a variance to allow the total hardscape to be 3,904 square feet in lieu of the code-permitted 3,105 square feet, per the staff presentation. The commission also noted that no new pavement associated with the pergola would be added beyond the reconnecting sidewalk.

The decision is a local land-use approval; the commission's action authorizes the variances under the Beachwood Codified Ordinances and includes the conditions spelled out in the staff report. The applicant thanked the commission at the meeting; no appeals or additional conditions were recorded at the hearing.

The commission proceeded to the next agenda item following the vote.