Board rejects front-yard accessory-structure variance for Cornerstone/Train after neighbor opposition

The Green Board of Zoning Appeals considered a two-part variance request for 6287 Caribou Drive on May 21 and did not approve the variance after a recorded roll call.

Homeowner Kelly Train, represented at the hearing, said the corner lot’s gas line and the property’s leach field and steep topography constrained buildable locations and that the proposed site was the flattest feasible spot near the existing driveway. “We’ve requested the absolute minimum variance necessary,” Train said, noting Summit County health department approval for the proposed plan.

A nearby neighbor, Laurie Brown, told the board she opposed the variance, submitted documentation to zoning, and argued the request would lower property values, set a precedent, and hurt neighborhood character and aesthetics. “Please do not permit an accessory structure to be located in the front yard,” Brown said.

Neighbor Jeffrey Pritt — who earlier appeared as an applicant on a separate item — spoke in support, saying that from an on-site view he could not identify another practical location for the structure on the lot.

A board member moved to approve both parts of the variance (a 24-foot front setback variance and permission to place an accessory in the front yard) and the motion was seconded; roll call was recorded as Schultz — yes; Awadallah — yes; Spate — no. The chair announced the variance did not pass at this time and encouraged the applicant to reconsider the layout and explore other options.

The record shows both neighborhood opposition and immediate neighbor support; the applicant may revise plans and return to the board.