Enon BZA approves 3-foot side-setback variance for downtown restaurant's shipping container

The Enon Board of Zoning Appeals on Monday approved a request by restaurant owner Adrien Shill for a 3-foot side-setback variance to place a steel shipping container at 210 East Main Street for on-site storage.

Chair Ciphford introduced BZA case 2025-02 and the village administrator designate summarized the application and submission letter from Shill, who told the board the restaurant has outgrown its off-site storage and staff must cross the street to reach existing container space. "We are very, very busy and... we've run out of storage space. Right now, I have a shipping container in the lot next door. But what it means is that my staff have to keep crossing the road... with dollies and various things," Shill said, describing nonperishable supplies and two chest freezers planned for the new container.

Board members reviewed the seven statutory criteria the board uses for variances. Members noted the municipal ordinance calls for a 6-foot side setback but that the requested placement would be approximately 3–4 feet from the east lot line for a short distance. One member characterized the change as "about 50%" of the required setback, but several members said that, given the age and tight plotting of downtown parcels and an existing privacy fence, the container would be largely hidden and would not substantially alter neighborhood character.

Fire-service implications were discussed. A member with firefighting experience asked whether the container and an overhang could reduce working space for firefighters; board members and the applicant clarified the container is steel and that the planned arrangement includes an open-sided roofed area rather than a fully enclosed connection. The board discussed whether county building officials would need to review the portable structure or any suppression requirements.

A motion to approve the variance was made and seconded. On a roll call, Mr. Perrell, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Potter, Mr. Beard and Mr. Robinson voted yes; the motion carried and the variance was approved.

Chair Ciphford reminded those present that BZA decisions may be appealed under the procedures cited at the hearing: a notice of intent to appeal must be filed within five days and a formal appeal within 15 days, and a reversal or modification by council would require five affirmative votes. The chair closed the meeting by thanking Shill for investing in downtown Enon.

The record includes the board's finding that alternatives were limited by the existing building footprint and that neighbor input (the adjacent homeowner, Mr. Babcock) was reported to be permissive though he was not present at the hearing.