Planning Commission

200 South Hamilton Road City of Gahanna Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Meeting Minutes Planning Commission Thomas Shapaka, Chair James Mako, Vice Chair Michael Greenberg John Hicks Michael Suriano Michael Tamarkin Thomas J. Wester Pam Ripley, Deputy Clerk of Council Wednesday, May 24, 2023 7:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/ROLL CALL Gahanna Planning Commission met in regular session on May 24, 2023. The agenda for this meeting was published on May 19 , 2023. Thomas Wester, acting Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Greenberg. Present 5 - John Hicks, Michael Greenberg, Michael Suriano, Michael Tamarkin, and Thomas J. Wester Absent 2 - James Mako, and Thomas W. Shapaka B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA - NONE C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2023-0096 Planning Commission minutes 5.10.2023 Motion was made by Hicks, seconded by Tamarkin, that the Minutes from May 10, 2023 be approved. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4- Hicks, Suriano, Tamarkin and Wester Absent: 2- Mako and Shapaka Abstain: 1- Greenberg D. SWEAR IN APPLICANTS & SPEAKERS Assistant City Attorney Matt Roth administered an oath to those persons wishing to present testimony this evening. City of Gahanna Page 1 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 24, 2023 E. APPLICATIONS - PUBLIC COMMENT V-0013-2023 To consider a variance application to vary Section 1141.08(a) Yard Requirements of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Gahanna; for property located at 709 Parkedge Dr.; Parcel ID: 025-007589; Current Zoning SF-2; Jessica Johnson, applicant. Madeline Capka, City Planner, provided a summary of the application; see attached staff presentation. Capka said the application request is for a variance to reduce a front yard setback from 40 feet to 35 feet. The front yard setbacks were originally 35 feet for the whole subdivision. In 2007, the setback in the Single Family-2 (SF-2) was increased to 40 feet. Other homes constructed in the neighborhood were constructed when the setback was 35 feet. If the variance is approved, it will allow for the home to be built outside of a 100-year floodplain. The application was reviewed by various city staff and departments. There were no objections from staff. The Big Walnut Creek runs through the rear of the site. The site is located within both a 100-year and 500-year floodplain. Land located within a 100-year floodplain has a one percent chance of flooding each year versus land within a 500-year floodplain has a 0.2 percent chance of flooding each year. The site in question is covered by more of a floodplain than the adjacent properties, which is why it is still undeveloped. The Variance criteria to consider: are there special circumstances or conditions applying to the land, building, or use referred to in the application? The granting of the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights? The granting of the application will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in such neighborhood. Staff recommends approval of the variance request. Chair opened public comment at 7:07 p.m. Applicant Jessica Johnson, 90 Southwind Dr., Gahanna is available for questions. Clerk confirmed there were no comments from the public. Chair closed the public comment at 7:08 p.m. Questions from the Commission. Tamarkin commented that the 500-year floodplain also encroaches on the other properties along the street. He said as far as the floodplain it is consistent with the neighboring properties. The neighboring properties were developed with the 35-foot setback. Capka said that is correct. A motion was made by Hicks, seconded by Suriano, that the Variance be City of Gahanna Page 2 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 24, 2023 Approved. Discussion on the motion: Suriano is in favor of the variance given the consistency with neighboring properties and what staff has presented. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Hicks, Greenberg, Suriano, Tamarkin and Wester Absent: 2- Mako and Shapaka F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE G. NEW BUSINESS - NONE H. OFFICIAL REPORTS Council Liaison Director Blackford said that the Rezoning for the Crescent multi-family project was presented to Council at a committee meeting on May 22, 2023. It should be through the Council process mid-June. The zoning code changes that the commission referred to council will have a public hearing and hopefully adopted June 5, 2023. I. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS - NONE J. POLL MEMBERS FOR COMMENT - NONE K. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. City of Gahanna Page 3