Commission approves side-yard variance so resident can add accessible bathroom

A unanimous Beachwood Planning and Zoning Commission approved a 5.4-foot side-yard setback variance on April 30 to allow a bathroom addition at 2657 Elmhurst Drive.

Ruth Hatchell, the homeowner, told the commission she is adding a 7½-by-10-foot en suite bathroom to the main bedroom because there is no other practical location in the house. “I live at 2657 Elmhurst Drive in Beachwood, and I'm applying to add a bathroom en suite onto my main bedroom,” Hatchell said.

Designer Roberto Pinedo said the property’s irregular, pie-shaped lot forces the addition closer to the side lot line, and that the team had tried to push the new wall back to minimize encroachment. “Because of the irregularity of the property line, it has been challenging to provide the full master bathroom for Ruth,” Pinedo said.

City engineering, fire and building departments reported no objections. Planning staff (Mr. Smarrigan) told commissioners that the lot shape produces a practical difficulty and recommended approval with two staff stipulations in the record.

Commissioner Silver asked whether utility poles or easements could prevent construction; city engineering said easements and utility access are the applicant’s responsibility and that the city focuses on emergency access and safety. The commission adopted the motion introduced by Mr. Carr and seconded by Mr. Silver; the record shows Mayor Burns, Miss Blue Donald, Mr. Carr, Miss Jacobs, Mr. Silver and Mr. Zabel voting yes.

The variance allows the dwelling to be located 6.6 feet from the side lot line in lieu of the code-required 12 feet. Hatchell thanked the commission after the vote. The approval is subject to the stipulations noted in the staff report.