Planning commission approves variance for wider driveway at 213 North Sorrow Drive

The Canal Winchester Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously June 8 to approve variance VA26-010, allowing a driveway installed at roughly 22 feet wide at 213 North Sorrow Drive to remain despite residential appearance standards that set a 10-foot right-of-way driveway width.

Staff planner Mr. Moore told the commission the property is in Winchester Village (lot 227), is an approximately one-quarter-acre lot about 84 feet wide, and was developed in the 1990s. He said the driveway as installed does not match the approved permit drawings but that the surrounding neighborhood includes similar driveways and that private utility easements and the forced location of a detached garage contributed to the lot’s unique configuration. “Staff is recommending BA26010 be approved as presented,” Mr. Moore said.

Mr. Moore described chapter 1198.04 A3 of the residential appearance standards (adopted in 2019), which regulates driveway widths and encourages grouped driveways to preserve on-street parking. He said the code applies to new single-family construction outside plan districts and that the literal application here would not reflect the existing context. He also noted the easement area serves a nursing home to the rear, including the facility’s main water feed and fire suppression connections, which previously made relocation cost prohibitive.

Applicant Wade Jordan said the 10-foot-wide approach would be impractical for everyday use and that the concrete could be replaced if a utility repair were required. He told the commission he plans to install a fence and automatic gate that will shorten the visible depth of the driveway from the street and that he intends the house as a long-term residence.

With no public comment, Commissioner Goodton moved to close public comment and Commissioner McDonald seconded. Commissioner McDonald then moved to approve VA26-010 as presented; the motion was seconded by Mr. Posgrove. A roll-call vote recorded 'yes' for Commissioners Donahghue, Goodton, McDonald, Deeds and Posgrove, and the motion carried.

The approval allows the existing driveway configuration to remain; staff noted the applicant may still install a fence and automatic gate as described. The variance decision does not alter the underlying chapter 1198 standards, which staff said were adopted to promote a particular residential pattern in newer subdivisions.