Board approves 2-foot side-yard variance for garage at 991 Sunset Drive

The Alliance City Board of Zoning Appeals approved a 2-foot side-yard setback variance for an accessory garage at 991 Sunset Drive during its May 19, 2026 meeting. Vice Chairman Mike Aeling moved to approve the appeal; Billy Ray seconded and the board voted in favor.

Zoning Inspector Shane Howard testified the city's code requires a 5-foot side-yard setback under Sec. 1130.08(c) and described the building-code conditions tied to any variance. "Along with this variance, if he's granted the variance, he'll have to also build it per the Ohio building code, which will require one hour firewall on the garage itself," Howard said. Appellant William F. Morris described his house as "a century home" on a very small lot. "When they platted these lots, they were all postage stamp lots, which would be sufficient if we were driving the 1922 Ford," Morris said. "We need the 2 feet so that a vehicle is going to be able to be backed out and turned around so that it can come out the driveway forward."

Ellen Meyer said she contacted neighboring property owners and "they said they are fine with it." Chairman Brent Barnes, speaking during the board's brief deliberation, said he preferred residents be able to exit driveways forward for safety reasons: "I would rather be able to exit my driveway driving forward than backing up because I have seen kids almost get hit." No members of the public appeared to oppose the request. The board recorded the motion as approved by the members present; the file identifies the appeal as Appeal #26-007.

Next steps: the applicant must obtain permits and construct the garage in compliance with Ohio building code requirements, including the one-hour firewall described by the zoning inspector. The minutes do not record any appeal or opposition; Herbert Watson was listed as absent during the meeting.