Board approves variance to place shed on Evans Foundation reserve behind 190 Old Mill Lane

The Pataskala Board of Appeals on July 14 approved variance application VA‑26‑014 to allow a 140‑square‑foot accessory shed to be placed on a 22‑acre reserve parcel owned by the Evans Foundation and leased by the City of Pataskala.

Planning staff told the board the parcel is undeveloped and the requested structure—a 10‑by‑14 foot shed on a 16‑by‑16 gravel pad—would sit about 23 feet from the Licking River and 11 feet from the applicant’s lot. Staff noted the request is for an exception to Section 12.21.05(d)(4), which prohibits accessory buildings on lots without a principal structure, and recommended the board consider conditions including obtaining all required permits within one year.

Michael Kennedy, who said he lives at 190 Old Mill Lane, told the board he has lived at the address for 30 years and routinely maintains part of the Evans Foundation parcel. "I've needed a shed for 30 years this month," Kennedy said, adding that a shed would let him move one car into the garage in winter and reduce a safety risk on a steep driveway.

Board members asked whether the parcel is in the floodplain; staff replied it is not. Members discussed whether approval would set a precedent for other neighbors; staff and board members noted any additional neighbor would have to apply for a variance and the board would evaluate each request on its own facts.

Chair read the required findings of fact on the variance tests and moved to approve VA‑26‑014 with the condition that the applicant obtain all necessary permits from the City of Pataskala and the Licking County Building Code Department within one year. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call.

The board also approved related procedural and financial findings for the application as recorded in the minutes. The applicant was told to apply for an accessory‑building permit if the variance is recorded.