Commission discusses accessory structure requirements
by Laura Bednar
July 22 zoning commission meeting
The Sagamore Hills Zoning Commission continued its discussion about increasing size allowance for accessory structures after residents complained.
Zoning Chair Dwight Chasar said township trustees received calls from residents who wanted an increase in the number of accessory structures allowed on residential property and an increase in the structure size. In response he said, “The question is, is it the majority of the community?”
Current zoning code allows for a maximum of two accessory structures per property, a height maximum of 18 feet and structures cannot have a combined total greater than 50% of the residential living area, nor more than 1.5% of the total lot size.
Zoning Inspector Ray Fantozzi said there are no square footage restrictions on additions to a house, which could be an alternative for those without enough land for a separate structure. Structures include barns, sheds, gazebos, greenhouses and garages.
Fantozzi said he doesn’t want to change the maximum number of buildings or height, as an increase in height could result in multiple story buildings. “Accessory buildings should never be larger than the residence on the lot,” said Fantozzi.
Commission member Peter Lachina disagreed, giving an example of a five-acre lot and an accessory structure used for agriculture.
Fantozzi and commission members discussed potential square footage sizes of accessory structures based on property size. The last suggestions discussed were: up to 3/4 of an acre lot would be allowed a 450-square-foot structure; 3/4 of an acre to 2 acres could have a 900-square-foot structure; and 2 acres or more would be allowed a 1,400-sqaure-foot structure. Any overhang exceeding 2 feet on an accessory structure would count toward the square footage.
Structures would still have to be at least 10 feet from the side and rear lot lines.
Township attorney Jeff Snell said no matter what size is allowed, someone will want something bigger. Chasar agreed, saying, “It won’t satisfy people.”
Fantozzi said the rules would not change PUDs or cluster homes. The commission tabled the discussion until next meeting.
In other news
Chasar became chair of the zoning commission following Dr. David Koncal’s retirement from the commission earlier this year. He was the vice chair and according to Roberts Rules of Order, the vice chair automatically becomes the chair in those situations. At the meeting, commission member Lachina was unanimously chosen to be vice chair.
Zoning commission members voted to approve an addition to the zoning code allowing for tattoo shops in the commercial district. The addition was sent to township trustees, who held a public hearing on the issue on Aug. 12. ∞