Painesville public meetings in 2020

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals held a virtual public hearing on three variance requests. It approved a request to reduce lot frontage from 75 to 60 feet for 19 lots in Lexington Village #2, but denied a request to lower the minimum floor area from 1,600 to 1,400 square feet. The board also approved variances for a detached garage at 317 East Erie Street and a fence at 477 Chardon Street.

• Approved Refusal 2357: reduce lot frontage to 60 ft (from 75 ft) for Lexington Village #2, 19 lots, Community Lane extension to Newell Street
• Denied Refusal 2357: reduce minimum floor area to 1,400 sq ft (from 1,600 sq ft) for same development
• Approved Refusal 2358: garage setbacks at 317 East Erie Street (1-ft east, 1-ft 7-in west, variances of 4 ft and 3 ft 5 in)
• Approved Refusal 2359: 6-ft fence height variance at 477 Chardon Street (3-ft variance)
• Applicant has 30 days to appeal the denial to Common Pleas Court

Board of Zoning Appeals Actions

The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals considered three variance requests at its December 17, 2020 meeting. It approved a variance to allow 60-foot-wide lots in Lexington Village #2, but rejected a related request to reduce the minimum floor area to 1,400 square feet. The board also approved variances for a detached garage setback at 317 East Erie Street and a fence height at 477 Chardon Street.

• Approved Refusal 2357: 60-ft lot width variance (from 75-ft) for Lexington Village #2, 4-1 vote
• Rejected Refusal 2357: 1,400 sq ft minimum floor area variance (from 1,600 sq ft), 2-3 vote
• Approved Refusal 2358: garage setback variance at 317 East Erie Street, 5-0 vote
• Approved Refusal 2359: 6-ft fence height variance at 477 Chardon Street, with condition to stain/paint by Sept 1, 2021, 5-0 vote

Planning Commission

The Painesville Planning Commission renewed a conditional use permit for Glenn Springs Holdings for soil removal at Elm Street, extending it through December 2021. They also voted to draft a text amendment to allow music production studios as a conditional use in the B-2 General Business District, following a request from a property owner at 24 Elevator Avenue.

• Renewed conditional use permit (Refusal No. 2111) for Glenn Springs Holdings for soil removal at Elm Street, with annual review and progress report due by December 2021.
• Approved motion to draft language for Unified Development Code to add music production studio as conditional use in B-2 District.
• Discussed soil removal activity near Shamrock Boulevard and Encore Development, noting it is covered by a grading plan.
• Johnson Funeral Home's crematory presentation tabled to next meeting.

Planning Commission Actions

The Painesville Planning Commission met on December 10, 2020, and took action on two items. They approved a one-year renewal of a conditional use permit for soil removal at Elm Street, and they voted to prepare zoning language to allow music production studios as a conditional use in the B-2 General Business District. A presentation on a crematory use for Johnson Funeral Home remains tabled until next month.

• Renewed conditional use permit (Refusal No. 2111) for Glenn Springs Holdings, Inc. for soil removal at Elm Street, with Condition #18 requiring a progress report by December 2021.
• Voted 5-0 to prepare Unified Development Code language for music production studio as a conditional use in B-2 General Business District.
• Johnson Funeral Home crematory use presentation tabled until next month.
• No public hearing items were on the agenda.

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals approved two variance requests and denied an administrative appeal. The board granted a five-foot setback variance for an above-ground pool at 189 North Settlers Lane and a three-foot height variance for a detached garage at 350 Liberty Street, both with three-month COVID-19 extensions. The board upheld the denial of a business occupancy permit for a music/recording studio at 24 Elevator Avenue, determining it is not a permitted use in the B-2 district.

• Approved Refusal 2355: 5-foot setback variance for 15x24 above-ground pool at 189 North Settlers Lane
• Approved Refusal 2356: 3-foot height variance for 19-foot detached garage at 350 Liberty Street
• Denied appeal: Music/recording studio at 24 Elevator Avenue not permitted in B-2 district
• Both approvals include 3-month extension due to COVID-19 pandemic
• Motion to reverse denial failed 3-1

Board of Zoning Appeals Actions

The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals approved two variance requests for residential properties and denied an administrative appeal regarding a business occupancy. The board voted 4-0 to grant a five-foot setback variance for a pool at 189 North Settlers Lane and a three-foot height variance for a garage at 350 Liberty Street, both with three-month extensions due to COVID-19. The appeal by Stephen Vasvary to reverse the denial of a Music/Recording Studio at 24 Elevator Avenue failed 3-1, sustaining the administrator's decision that the use is not permitted in the B-2 district.

• Approved variance for 15x24 above-ground pool with 5-foot setback at 189 North Settlers Lane (Refusal 2355)
• Approved variance for 19-foot detached garage at 350 Liberty Street (Refusal 2356)
• Denied appeal to allow Music/Recording Studio at 24 Elevator Avenue (B-2 district)
• Both approvals include 3-month extension due to COVID-19

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board will hold public hearings on two variance requests regarding property setbacks and structure heights. Additionally, the Board will review an administrative appeal concerning a denied business occupancy application.

• Variance request for a 15 x 24 above ground pool at 189 North Settlers Lane
• Variance request for a 19-foot tall detached garage at 350 Liberty Street
• Administrative appeal regarding a denied Music/Recording Studio use at 24 Elevator Avenue

Planning Commission Actions

The Painesville Planning Commission met via Zoom on November 12, 2020, and voted unanimously on several items. They recommended a text amendment to the Unified Development Code for Business Park Development to City Council, approved a renewable energy system installation, granted a conditional use permit extension, and approved a final plat for a new subdivision phase. They also tabled a public meeting presentation for a funeral home crematory use.

• Recommended text amendment to Section 1115.24 Business Park Development to City Council (5-0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 6.4kW roof mount solar system at 885 Homewood Drive (5-0)
• Granted 6-month extension of Conditional Use Permit for HOLA Ohio commercial kitchen incubator at 265 North State Street (5-0)
• Approved Final Plat for Encore Estates at Heisley Park Phase 2, 59 lots (5-0)
• Tabled Johnson Funeral Home crematory use presentation until next month (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Painesville Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend a text amendment to the Unified Development Code that would allow Business Park Development as a conditional use in the B-2 General Business district. The commission also approved a solar panel installation, a conditional use permit extension for HOLA Ohio, and the final plat for Encore Estates Phase 2. A public presentation by Johnson Funeral Home regarding a proposed crematory was tabled to the next meeting.

• Recommended text amendment to Section 1115.24 for Business Park Development as conditional use in B-2 district
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 6.4kW solar roof mount system at 885 Homewood Drive
• Granted 6-month extension of Conditional Use Permit for HOLA Ohio commercial kitchen at 265 North State Street
• Approved Final Plat for Encore Estates Phase 2 (59 lots) at Heisley Park
• Tabled Johnson Funeral Home crematory presentation until next meeting

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals has cancelled its regularly scheduled meeting for Thursday, October 15, 2020, due to the lack of an agenda. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for Thursday, November 19, 2020.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda
• Next meeting scheduled for November 19, 2020

Board of Zoning Appeals Actions

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2020, is cancelled due to lack of an agenda. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Thursday, November 19, 2020.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda
• Next meeting scheduled for November 19, 2020

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals has cancelled its regularly scheduled meeting for Thursday, September 17, 2020, due to the lack of an agenda. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for Thursday, October 15, 2020.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda
• Next meeting scheduled for October 15, 2020

Planning Commission Actions

The Painesville Planning Commission met via Zoom on September 10, 2020, to review land use permits and design compliance. The commission voted to approve a temporary modification for a Bed and Breakfast to host assembly events, subject to parking and code amendment conditions. Additionally, the body approved temporary use and structure permits for a church and a YMCA, and reviewed a design appeal for a credit union.

• Approved temporary modification of conditional use permit for Bed and Breakfast at 448 Mentor Avenue to allow assembly use for up to 49 occupants (3-2 vote).
• Approved one-year continuation of temporary use permit for Grand River Baptist Church at 608 South State Street for community outreach (5-0 vote).
• Approved one-year temporary structure permit for storage containers at YMCA, 933 Mentor Avenue (5-0 vote).
• Accepted design review for HVAC unit wrap at Lake County Employees Federal Credit Union, 77 North St. Clair Street, with status update required in 3-6 months.

Planning Commission

The Painesville Planning Commission voted to temporarily modify a conditional use permit for the Bed and Breakfast at 448 Mentor Avenue, allowing assembly for up to 49 people for 12 months. The Commission also approved a one-year renewal of a temporary use permit for Grand River Baptist Church at 608 South State Street and a temporary structure permit for storage containers at the YMCA on 933 Mentor Avenue. Additionally, the body accepted a new proposal to screen the rooftop HVAC unit at the Lake County Employees Federal Credit Union.

• Approved temporary modification of conditional use permit at 448 Mentor Avenue for assembly up to 49 occupants, expiring in 12 months (Vote: 3-2)
• Approved one-year renewal of temporary use permit for Grand River Baptist Church at 608 South State Street (Vote: 5-0)
• Approved one-year temporary structure permit for storage containers at YMCA, 933 Mentor Avenue (Vote: 5-0)
• Accepted proposal for brick-image wrap on rooftop HVAC unit at Lake County Employees Federal Credit Union, 77 North St. Clair Street

Board of Zoning Appeals Actions

The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-2 to approve a variance allowing a six-foot fence at 481 Storrs Street, exceeding the three-foot limit for fences within 20 feet of a public street. The variance was requested by the City of Painesville.

• Approved Refusal 2354 for a fence height variance at 481 Storrs Street
• Variance allows six-foot chain link fence, ten inches off sidewalk
• Vote: 3-2 (Briggs, Aston, Dunay yes; Bartholomew, Behrens no)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing and voted 3-2 to approve a variance allowing a six-foot-high chain link fence along the Storrs Street frontage at 481 Storrs Street, where the code limits fences within 20 feet of a right-of-way to three feet. The City requested the variance for safety, security, and screening of stored materials and buildings at the Storrs Street complex. The board also approved the minutes of the July 16, 2020 meeting.

• Approved Refusal No. 2354: variance for a 6-foot fence at 481 Storrs Street (Parcel 15-A-002-0-00-017-0) in B-2 General Business District, 3-2 vote
• Applicant: City of Painesville; fence to be 10 inches off sidewalk, connecting to existing fencing
• Discussion included concerns about sidewalk damage, consistency with nearby fences, and the fence across the street at storage units
• Adjacent property owner Tom Falcone (Redi Go Food Mart, 444 North State Street) expressed no opposition after discussion
• Approved minutes of July 16, 2020 meeting, 5-0

Planning Commission Actions

The Painesville Planning Commission recommended approval of a text amendment to the Unified Development Code adding Section 1119.18 on Renewable Energy Systems, with a grandfathering provision for existing solar installations. The Commission also scheduled a September 10, 2020 review of the Lake County Employees Federal Credit Union's non-compliance with screening requirements for its rooftop HVAC unit at 77 North St. Clair Street, and appointed Mary Hada to the Community Reinvestment Area Committee.

• Recommended approval of new Section 1119.18 Renewable Energy Systems, 4-0
• Set September 10, 2020 meeting to review LCEFCU rooftop HVAC screening non-compliance
• LCEFCU invited to appear and submit a signed contract with a completion timeline
• Commission may refer non-compliance to City Administration for enforcement if unresolved
• Mary Hada appointed to Community Reinvestment Area Committee

Planning Commission

The Painesville Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted to recommend approval of a text amendment to the Unified Development Code adding Section 1119.18, which regulates the installation of solar panels and other renewable energy systems. The amendment includes grandfathering provisions for existing systems and allows the Commission to review new types of systems as conditional uses. The Commission also discussed enforcement of a rooftop HVAC screening violation by the Lake County Employees Federal Credit Union and scheduled a follow-up review for September.

• Recommended approval of Section 1119.18 Renewable Energy Systems (vote 4-0, one abstention)
• Grandfathering clause for existing solar arrays, cells, and systems
• Planning Commission to review LCEFCU non-compliance with rooftop HVAC screening at September 10 meeting
• LCEFCU invited to appear and submit a signed contract with timeline for compliance
• Appointed Mary Hada to Community Reinvestment Area Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals Actions

The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on July 16, 2020, to consider three new variance applications. The board voted unanimously to approve all three requests, allowing deviations from standard parking, setback, and structure size rules. Each approval included specific stipulations regarding permits, easements, and property use restrictions.

• Approved variance for Steven McGuire at 804 North St. Clair Street to build a shed instead of a required garage.
• Approved variance for Terry Long and Christine Spikes Long at 2001 S. Ashwood Lane to place a pool 2 feet from property lines, with stipulations for permits and easement letters.
• Approved variance for Greg Pillar at 616 North St. Clair Street to expand a nonconforming accessory structure by 875 square feet, requiring removal of an existing shed.
• All three motions carried with a 5-0 vote from the board members.

Planning Commission Actions

The Painesville Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a text amendment to the Unified Development Code adding Section 1117.10, which sets appearance standards for nonresidential uses in the B-1 and B-2 districts. The standards cover streetscape, parking, landscaping, utilities, lighting, signs, style, and colors. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action. The commission also discussed penalties for projects not completed in a timely manner.

• Recommended approval of new Section 1117.10 Appearance Standards for Nonresidential Uses in B-1 and B-2 Districts
• Standards include streetscape elements consistent with the 2010 Downtown Painesville Transportation and Streetscape Plan
• Requires street trees at 50-foot intervals, 30% evergreen plant material, and 10% interior landscaping for parking lots with 20+ spaces
• Prohibits concrete block, smooth-faced tilt-up concrete panels, vinyl siding, and pre-engineered metal buildings on facades visible from public rights-of-way
• Commission discussed adding timeframes for completion of projects heard by the Commission

Planning Commission

The Painesville Planning Commission met via video conference and recommended approval of a text amendment to the Unified Development Code adding Section 1117.10, which sets design standards for nonresidential uses in B-1 and B-2 districts. The commission also received an administrative report on recent design review applications and discussed penalties for incomplete projects.

• Recommended approval of Section 1117.10 Commercial Appearance Standards for B-1 and B-2 districts (5-0 vote)
• Approved minutes of June 11, 2020 meeting (4-0, Fialko abstaining)
• Reviewed design review applications: 131 North State Street (St. James Church roofing) and 95 South State Street (Mainly Ohio signage)
• Discussed adding timeframes for completion of projects heard by the Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals Actions

The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals approved three zoning variances, including two for 6-foot privacy fences in residential front setbacks and one for a building expansion. The board also directed the city administration to contact the Ohio Department of Transportation regarding maintenance of overgrown state-owned properties. Additionally, the board noted the withdrawal of a demolition order for 223 Chestnut Street after the property was sold.

• Approved variance for 6-foot fence at 694 North St. Clair Street (Refusal 2349)
• Approved variance for 6-foot fence at 559 Glenwood Drive (Refusal 2350)
• Approved variance for 1,800 sq. ft. building addition at 81 Elevator Avenue (Refusal 2348)
• Motion to contact ODOT regarding overgrown state-owned properties near the freeway
• Noted withdrawal of demolition order for 223 Chestnut Street following property sale

Planning Commission Actions

The Painesville Planning Commission met via Zoom on May 14, 2020, to review two specific property applications. The body voted to extend a conditional use permit for HOLA Ohio LLC and approved design changes for a historic site. No other new business or public hearing items were presented.

• Approved 6-month extension of Conditional Use Permit for HOLA Ohio LLC at 265 North State Street (3-0 vote)
• Approved addition of accessory structures, building extension, and parking at 475 Railroad Street for Western Reserve Railroad Association (4-0 vote)

Planning Commission

The Painesville Planning Commission met via video conference and approved two items. They granted a six-month extension of the conditional use permit for HOLA Ohio at 265 North State Street, allowing the commercial kitchen project to proceed. They also approved the Western Reserve Railroad Association's site plan for 475 Railroad Street, which includes new structures and an event center expansion, as consistent with the Historic Preservation District.

• Approved 6-month extension of conditional use permit for HOLA Ohio at 265 North State Street
• Approved site plan for 475 Railroad Street: engine barn, box car, caboose, parking expansion, event center extension
• HOLA Ohio purchased building and kitchen equipment, retained RSA Architects
• Western Reserve Railroad Association plans include historic engine #999 replica and 1880 horse-drawn trolley
• Motion carried 3-0 for HOLA extension; 4-0 for railroad site plan

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing to consider a variance request for a nine-foot fence at the Lake County Courthouse. The request seeks to exceed the six-foot height limit in the Central Business District to improve security for judges. The agenda text provided ends before the final vote or decision on this item is recorded.

• Variance request for a 9-foot fence at 47 North Park Place (Lake County Courthouse)
• Request exceeds the 6-foot fence height limit in the B-3 Central Business District
• Public comment from Painesville United Methodist Church regarding access and drainage
• Administrative Appeal for 223 Chestnut Street was tabled with no action taken

Planning Commission Actions

The regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting for April 9, 2020, has been postponed due to COVID-19. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2020.

Board of Zoning Appeals Actions

The City of Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals has cancelled its regularly scheduled meeting for March 19, 2020. Prior to the cancellation, the Administrative Review for 223 Chestnut Street was postponed to the April 16, 2020 meeting at the applicant's request. No other specific agenda items or decisions are recorded in the provided text.

• March 19, 2020 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting cancelled
• Administrative Review for 223 Chestnut Street postponed to April 16, 2020

Board of Zoning Appeals

The City of Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals cancelled its regularly scheduled March 19, 2020 meeting due to the Stay at Home Orders issued by Gov. DeWine. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for Thursday, April 16, 2020.

• March 19, 2020 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting cancelled
• Cancellation due to Stay at Home Orders issued by Gov. DeWine
• Next meeting scheduled for April 16, 2020

Planning Commission Actions

The Painesville Planning Commission met on March 12, 2020, and approved a final plat for two units in the Retreat at Rivers Edge subdivision, with stipulations on landscaping, legal review, and grading. No public hearing items were on the agenda. The commission also noted one design review approval for signage at 808 Richmond.

• Final plat approved for 882 and 884 Rivers Edge Lane (Units 37 and 36) with conditions including a landscape buffer, condominium declaration review, and grading inspection.
• Design review application approved for signage at 808 Richmond for a new bait and tackle shop.

Planning Commission

The Painesville Planning Commission approved the final plat for Phase 20 of the Retreat at Rivers Edge subdivision, covering two residential units at 882 and 884 Rivers Edge Lane. The approval includes stipulations for a landscape buffer, review of condominium declarations, and final grading inspection. No other new business or public hearings were on the agenda.

• Final plat approval for 882 and 884 Rivers Edge Lane (Units 37 and 36) of Retreat at Rivers Edge
• Landscape buffer required along south property boundary and front setback of unit 36
• Condominium declarations to be reviewed by Assistant Law Director
• Final grading must comply with City's Engineering and Storm Water regulations before occupancy
• Design review application approved for signage at 808 Richmond for a new bait and tackle shop

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals held an organizational meeting to re-elect officers and accepted minutes from September 2019. The board approved a variance allowing a garage addition at 839 Sunbury Oval to sit 20.7 feet from the rear property line, citing a 50-foot easement. It also approved a variance for Encore Estates at Heisley Park to place two development signs, with conditions for landscaping and lighting. An administrative appeal regarding a demolition order at 223 Chestnut Street was postponed to March 19, 2020.

• Approved variance for Raymond Walling at 839 Sunbury Oval to construct a 20’ x 18’ garage addition with a 20.7-foot rear setback.
• Approved variance for Encore Estates LLC at Heisley Park to install two freestanding signs, one at each entrance, with specific landscaping and lighting stipulations.
• Postponed administrative appeal for Julius A. & Catherine Sue Kovacs at 223 Chestnut Street regarding an April 24, 2019 demolition order to the March 19, 2020 meeting.
• Re-elected James Behrens as Chairman and James Callender as Vice-Chairman for two-year terms.

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals has cancelled its regularly scheduled meeting for Thursday, January 16, 2020. The cancellation is attributed to the lack of an agenda. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for Thursday, February 20, 2020.

• Cancellation of the January 16, 2020 meeting
• Next meeting scheduled for February 20, 2020

Planning Commission Actions

The Painesville Planning Commission held a special meeting on January 16, 2020, to consider administrative reports. The commission voted unanimously to accept the Final Plat for the Road Dedication of Shamrock Boulevard. The decision was forwarded to the City Manager for transmission to the City Council.

• Final Plat approval for Road Dedication of Shamrock Boulevard (4-0 vote)

Planning Commission

The Painesville Planning Commission held a special meeting to review the final plat for the road dedication of Shamrock Boulevard. City Engineer Leanne Exum explained that the roadway, from Jackson Street to the bridge, must be dedicated as a public road for development to proceed. The Commission voted to accept the final plat, noting that because the City owns the property, full subdivision infrastructure requirements were not necessary for this specific dedication.

• Final Plat approval for Road Dedication of Shamrock Boulevard (from Jackson Street to the bridge)
• Motion to accept the Final Plat carried 4-0