Hebron planning board recommends site plan and variances for National Church Residences senior apartments

The Village of Hebron Planning & Zoning Board on Jan. 8 reviewed a proposal from National Church Residences to build multi‑family senior living apartments at 3272 Hebron Road and moved to recommend the site development plan to village council.

Board member Dr. Valerie Mockus made the motion to recommend approval; Mr. Mike McFarland seconded. The transcript records a follow‑on motion from Mr. McFarland to approve five variances requested by the applicant, with Dr. Mockus seconding. The motions and seconds are recorded in the minutes; the provided transcript does not include vote tallies or a roll call for those motions.

The applicant requested five variances from Village zoning code chapters 1115 and 1131: allowing more than 12 units per dwelling, raising the lot‑coverage limit (the applicant requested an 80% lot coverage variance versus the 35% maximum), reducing required side yard setback, lowering the minimum finished area for a one‑bedroom unit from 700 square feet to 640 square feet, and modifying multi‑family parking standards (the code calls for 2.5 spaces per unit with one enclosed garage).

During the public hearing, board members questioned parking and access. Mr. McFarland asked whether the village places limits on how many parking spaces a resident may have; Sarajane Steffes, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said historically the village had not placed such limits and that many residents in this age group do not own cars. Chairman Rick Stoner asked about fire department access; Steffes said there will be fire access on the south side of the property. Andrea Chapman asked specifically about lot coverage and was told the applicant is requesting 80% coverage. Steffes said National Church Residences has contracted with Licking County Aging Partners to provide transportation services for residents.

Board members and staff discussed unit size: Economic & Community Development Director Brittany Misner confirmed the zoning code’s minimum finished area for a one‑bedroom unit is 700 square feet; National Church Residences is seeking approval for 640‑square‑foot one‑bedroom units.

The board’s motions to recommend the site plan to council and to approve the variances are recorded in the minutes. The transcript does not show vote counts for those motions; the minutes record motions and seconds only in the provided excerpt. The recommended site plan will proceed to the village council for final action.

Next steps: the recommendation will be considered by the Village of Hebron council (date not specified in the transcript).