Painesville public meetings in 2024
29 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance request from Enbridge Gas Ohio to place a utility cabinet in the front setback at 117 Mentor Avenue, which is normally prohibited in the R-1 residential district. The board also discussed a previous fence installation causing traffic safety concerns at Erie Street and Elm Street.
- Approved variance for Enbridge Gas Ohio to install a 8'x4.5'x5.67' steel utility cabinet in the front setback at 117 Mentor Avenue
- Required installation of a 6' tall white vinyl fence 5' from the right-of-way, with 6' tall evergreens for screening
- Staff recommended approval with stipulations; vote was 4-0
- Board discussed traffic safety issues from a corner fence at Erie Street and Elm Street affecting truck deliveries
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission voted 4-0 to approve a waiver from the city's parking requirements for multiple properties on Fairlawn and Ridgelawn Avenues. The waiver allows driveway expansions instead of constructing a second enclosed parking space on each lot, subject to permits and inspections.
- Waiver approved for properties at 498, 502, 506, 512, 520, 550 Fairlawn Avenue and 133 Ridgelawn Avenue
- Applicants: Bill Stoneman and Bob Tomsich; owners: Stonetrust Properties LLC, Archer Ventures LLC, 95753 LLC
- Condition: all required permits and inspections must be obtained
Board of Zoning Appeals Actions
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance for Enbridge Gas Ohio to place a utility cabinet in the front setback at 117 Mentor Avenue, which is normally prohibited in the R-1 residential district. The board also allowed a 6-foot fence within 20 feet of the right-of-way, exceeding the usual 3-foot height limit, with conditions including a white vinyl fence, evergreen screening, and bollards inside the fence. The vote was 4-0.
- Variance approved for utility cabinet in front setback at 117 Mentor Avenue
- 6-foot fence allowed within 20 feet of right-of-way, exceeding 3-foot limit
- Conditions: white vinyl fence, 2-foot clearance around cabinet, 6-foot evergreens for screening
- Enbridge Gas Ohio applicant for new measurement and regulation equipment
Board of Zoning Appeals Actions
The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals approved seven variance requests, each by a 4-1 vote, allowing construction of 1,170-square-foot dwellings instead of the required 1,600 square feet on non-conforming lots in the R-1 Single-Family Residential district. The board also discussed potential changes to minimum floor area requirements for R-2 Multi-Family districts and unanimously voted to reschedule the November meeting to November 19, 2024.
- Approved variance for 498 Fairlawn Ave (Stonetrust Properties LLC) for 1,170 sq ft dwelling (4-1)
- Approved variance for 502 Fairlawn Ave (Archer Ventures LLC) for 1,170 sq ft dwelling (4-1)
- Approved variance for 506 Fairlawn Ave (Stonetrust Properties LLC) for 1,170 sq ft dwelling (4-1)
- Approved variance for 512 Fairlawn Ave (Archer Ventures LLC) for 1,170 sq ft dwelling (4-1)
- Approved variance for 133 Ridgelawn Ave (95753 LLC) for 1,170 sq ft dwelling (4-1)
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals voted 4-1 to approve seven variance requests allowing construction of 1,170-square-foot dwellings on Fairlawn Avenue and one on Ridgelawn Avenue, where code requires 1,600 square feet. The applicants, Stonetrust Properties LLC and Archer Ventures LLC, said the homes would be affordable (low $200,000s) and replace long-vacant lots. The board also discussed changing its November meeting date.
- Approved variances for 498, 502, 506, 512, 520, 580 Fairlawn Avenue and 133 Ridgelawn Avenue
- Each variance allows a 1,170 sq ft dwelling instead of the required 1,600 sq ft
- Applicants plan ranch-style homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, no basement, one-car garage
- Staff recommended approval of all reduced square footage requests
- Board voted to move November meeting from Nov 21 to Nov 19 due to Holiday Shop & Stroll
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission voted 3-1 to approve a Conditional Use Permit for Grand River Walk LLC to build a mixed-use building at 257 E. Main Street. The project includes 110 residential units, ground-floor restaurant space, and 191 parking spaces. The commission also approved the preliminary site plan and architectural design with conditions.
- Conditional Use Permit approved for mixed-use development in DD and B-3 Districts
- 110 residential units: 10% studios, 80% one-bedroom, 10% two-bedroom
- 4,300 sq ft indoor restaurant and 2,800 sq ft outdoor dining
- Parking waiver: 1.35 spaces per residential unit and 41 spaces for restaurant (down from 61)
- Off-site parking agreement required to bring total to 190 spaces
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-1 to approve a variance request from Main Street Apartments, LLC to convert an existing second-floor 2-bedroom apartment into two 1-bedroom apartments at 166 Main Street. The variance allows each new unit to be about 560-568 square feet instead of the required 850 square feet. The Board also discussed recommending a code change to reduce the minimum square footage for one-bedroom units.
- Variance approved 3-1 for two 1-bedroom apartments at 166 Main Street (parcel 15-B-C01-B-00-022-0) with 282 and 290 sq ft reductions from the 850 sq ft minimum
- Applicant Clifford Babcock of Main Street Apartments, LLC stated the change would help with occupancy issues
- City Planner Celina Sotka noted similar smaller apartment sizes have been approved elsewhere in the city
- Board agreed to recommend City Council consider changing the one-bedroom square footage code
- Parking requirement of 2 spaces per unit is met with existing parking at the site
Board of Zoning Appeals Actions
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance request from Main Street Apartments, LLC to convert a second-floor two-bedroom apartment into two one-bedroom apartments at 166 Main Street. The variance allows each new unit to be smaller than the minimum floor area required by the zoning code. The vote was 3-1.
- Variance approved to reduce first apartment to 568 sq ft (282 sq ft below required 850 sq ft)
- Variance approved to reduce second apartment to 560 sq ft (290 sq ft below required 850 sq ft)
- Applicant: Main Street Apartments, LLC, represented by Clifford Babcock
- Property located at 166 Main Street in B-3 Commercial district
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission approved the final phase (Phase 21) of the Rivers Edge condominium development at 798 Rivers Edge Lane, a right-of-way vacation on Turney Court, and several zoning code changes. The code changes add medical and adult-use marijuana facilities, vape/e-cigarette stores, and small box discount stores as conditional or permitted uses in certain districts. All votes were 5-0.
- Approved final plat for Phase 21 of Rivers Edge condominium development at 798 Rivers Edge Lane (vote 5-0)
- Approved vacation of Turney Court right-of-way to combine parcels 15-D-004-0-00-007-0 and 15-D-004-0-00-006-0 (vote 5-0)
- Approved medical and adult-use marijuana facilities as conditional uses in B-2, M-1, M-2 districts (vote 5-0)
- Approved vape/e-cigarette stores as conditional uses in B-2 General Business District (vote 5-0)
- Approved small box discount stores as permitted uses in B-2 General Business District (vote 5-0)
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals voted 5-0 to approve three variance requests: an above-ground pool at 226 Colonial Drive, a deck at 31 Blue Heron Court, and lot splits at 428 West Jackson Street. It also voted 3-1 to accept a sidewalk replacement appeal as timely and 4-0 to grant the appeal except for three sidewalk blocks at 355 South State Street.
- Variance approved for above-ground pool to encroach 5' into rear setback at 226 Colonial Drive
- Variance approved for deck to be 8' from rear property line at 31 Blue Heron Court
- Variances approved to reduce lot area and frontage for parcels at 452 and 422 West Jackson Street
- Sidewalk replacement appeal granted except for blocks 15, 16, and 17 at 355 South State Street
Board of Zoning Appeals Actions
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved three variance requests and partly granted one appeal. Variances allowed a pool setback reduction at 226 Colonial Drive, a deck setback reduction at 31 Blue Heron Court, and lot-area/frontage reductions for two parcels at 428 West Jackson Street. The board also approved a sidewalk replacement appeal for 355 South State Street except for three sidewalk blocks.
- Approved variance for above-ground pool to encroach 5' into rear setback at 226 Colonial Drive (5-0)
- Approved variance for deck to be 8' from rear property line at 31 Blue Heron Court (5-0)
- Approved variances to reduce lot area and frontage for two parcels at 428 West Jackson Street to allow lot splits and sale (5-0)
- Approved appeal of sidewalk replacement mandate at 355 South State Street except for blocks 15, 16, and 17 (4-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission approved a request to rezone three parcels from multi-family residential to general business. The change allows for a golf cart repair business at a former vehicle repair shop. Approval was contingent upon several deed restrictions regarding storage, sales, and landscaping.
- Rezoning of 178 First Street from R-2 Multi-Family Residential to B-2 General Business
- Approval of golf cart repair business use for parcels 15-D-001-0-00-030-0, 15-D-001-0-00-031-0, and 15-D-001-0-00-032-0
- Requirement for vinyl fencing and evergreen screening/earth berms via deed restrictions
Board of Zoning Appeals Actions
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved three variance requests from the Board of Lake County Commissioners for the new Lake County Ohio Public Safety Center, allowing a building height of 86'8" (41'8" over the limit), an 18' encroachment into the front setback, and an 8' fence height. A residential variance for a pool setback was tabled from a prior meeting, and a deck setback variance was tabled until the next meeting.
- Approved variance for 86'8" building height in B-2 district (Refusal #2431)
- Approved variance for 18' front setback encroachment for Public Safety Center (Refusal #2432)
- Approved variance for 8' fence height in nonresidential district (Refusal #2433)
- Tabled variance for 12' rear setback encroachment for deck at 31 Blue Heron Court (Refusal #2434)
- Tabled variance for above-ground pool setback at 226 Colonial Drive (Refusal #2425)
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on five variance requests. Three requests from the Board of Lake County Commissioners seek exceptions for the new Lake County Ohio Public Safety Center, including a taller building height, a reduced front setback, and a taller fence. Other requests involve a residential pool setback and a deck setback.
- Variance to allow pool to encroach 5' into rear setback at 226 Colonial Drive
- Variance to allow building height of 86'-8" in B-2 district (41'-8" over limit)
- Variance to allow 18' encroachment into 25' front setback for Public Safety Center
- Variance to allow 8' fence height instead of 6' in nonresidential district
- Variance to allow deck 8' from rear property line at 31 Blue Heron Court
Planning Commission
The Painesville Planning Commission voted 3-0 to approve a conditional use permit and certificate of appropriateness for the new Lake County Public Safety Center, along with temporary parking and multiple demolition certificates for county buildings. The commission also discussed but did not vote on proposed zoning text amendments for marijuana, vape shops, and small box discount stores.
- Approved conditional use permit for public use in B-2 district (Refusal #2428)
- Approved certificate of appropriateness for new Lake County Public Safety Center (Refusal #2429)
- Approved temporary parking lot for county jail construction, one-year term (Refusal #2430)
- Approved demolition certificates for 197 N. St. Clair, 175 E. Erie, 201-209 S. St. Clair, 215 N. St. Clair, 216 E. Jackson, 99 & 125 E. Erie (Refusals #2435-2440)
- Discussed but did not vote on zoning for medical/recreational marijuana, vape/e-cigarette stores, and small box discount stores
Board of Zoning Appeals Actions
The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals voted on four variance requests at its June 20, 2024 meeting. It approved variances for a driveway setback at 43 Blue Heron Court, a fence height at 475 Railroad Street, and a fence setback at 1902 Spruce Lane. A request for a pool encroachment at 226 Colonial Drive was tabled to the next meeting.
- Approved driveway variance at 43 Blue Heron Court (3-1)
- Tabled pool variance at 226 Colonial Drive (4-0)
- Approved fence variance at 475 Railroad Street (4-0)
- Approved fence variance at 1902 Spruce Lane (3-1)
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals met on June 20, 2024, to consider four variance requests. It approved a driveway setback variance at 43 Blue Heron Court, a fence height variance at 475 Railroad Street, and a fence height variance at 1902 Spruce Lane. A swimming pool setback variance at 226 Colonial Drive was tabled because the applicant did not appear. The board also discussed recommending code changes to reduce the need for common variance requests.
- Approved 3-1: driveway variance at 43 Blue Heron Court to allow 1' side setback instead of 3'
- Approved 4-0: 6' fence within 20' of right-of-way at 475 Railroad Street (Western Reserve Railroad Association)
- Approved 3-1: 6' fence in front setback on corner lot at 1902 Spruce Lane
- Tabled 4-0: swimming pool setback variance at 226 Colonial Drive (applicant absent)
- Discussed possible code changes to reduce $175 appeal fee for common requests
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve a waiver request from Damon Deandrade (US Lawns) for site improvements at 524 Liberty Street. The waivers reduce parking and landscaping requirements and allow a paved driveway instead of paving the whole site, with conditions. The decision is forwarded to City Council.
- Approved waiver for reduced parking spaces (Section 1125.04)
- Approved waiver for reduced landscaping (Section 1125.11)
- Approved waiver to pave only driveway instead of whole site (Section 1125.03(b)(11))
- Conditions: pave driveway, employee parking area, and landscaping barriers on northern and eastern borders
- Vote: 5-0
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission approved a modification to the parking stipulation for the Vic Place redevelopment at 100 South Park Place. The change sets residential parking at 1.19 spaces per unit and waives the commercial parking requirement. This still provides one space per residential unit plus 15 additional guest spaces, with city lot and on-street parking for overflow.
- Approved 5-0 modification to parking stipulation for Vic Place redevelopment
- Residential parking requirement set at 1.19 spaces per unit
- Commercial parking requirement waived
- Location: 100 South Park Place and city parking lot at S. St. Clair Street
- 15 additional guest spaces plus city lot and on-street overflow parking retained
Board of Zoning Appeals Actions
The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals voted 0-5 to deny a variance request by Lenell Johnson/Standards to Success LLC for a three-season room and new deck at 324 Bank Street. The structures would have encroached into the required 10-foot side yard setback by 5 and 6 feet. The board cited the encroachment and the applicant's failure to follow proper permitting processes as reasons for denial.
- Variance denied for 324 Bank Street to allow a three-season room and deck encroaching into the side yard setback
- Vote was 0-5 against the variance
- Property is in R-1 Residential and Bank Street Design Review District
- Administration cited prior work without permits at the property
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals voted 0-5 to deny a variance request from Lenell Johnson/Standards to Success LLC for 324 Bank Street. The variance would have allowed a three-season room and new deck to encroach the required 10-foot side yard setback in the R-1 district. The applicant had received stop work orders for construction without permits, and the denial requires removal of the structures.
- Variance request Refusal #2421 for 324 Bank Street denied 0-5
- Requested 5-foot encroachment for three-season room and 6-foot for deck
- Property in R-1 Residential and Bank Street Design Review District
- Previous stop work orders issued by city and Lake County Building Department
- Public opposition from resident and email correspondence
Planning Commission
The Painesville Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for an event center at 113 Main Street, with a 4-0 vote and 10 stipulations including occupancy limits, event hour restrictions, and police approval of a security plan. The commission also approved proposed code changes to Manufacturing, Extractive sections of the Unified Development Code, aimed at addressing buildability issues on sloped parcels in commercial and industrial districts. An administrative report on 2024 design review applications was presented.
- Conditional use permit approved for event center at 113 Main Street (B-3 District), 4-0 vote
- Permit includes waiver of lot area requirement from 0.75 acres to 0.2012 acres
- Event hours restricted: Mon-Thu until 9 PM, Fri-Sat until 11 PM, Sun until 8 PM; max 150 persons
- Security plan must be approved by Police Chief before events; annual review by Planning Commission
- Code changes to Manufacturing, Extractive sections approved 4-0 to address non-buildable parcels due to topography
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance request from Rick Beamer for a property at 111 Mathews Street. The applicant revised his request to reduce the accessory structure size to 960 square feet and to seek a variance for a third structure instead of a fourth. The board voted 4-0 to approve the variance.
- Approved variance for accessory structure at 111 Mathews Street (R-1 district)
- Variance allows third accessory structure and 637 square feet over permitted size
- Applicant reduced structure size from 1,500 to 960 square feet and removed carport
- Minutes from January 18 and February 15, 2024 meetings approved 4-0
Board of Zoning Appeals Actions
The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on a variance request from Rick Beamer for property at 111 Mathews Street. The applicant sought to build an accessory structure exceeding the permitted size and number. The board voted 4-0 to approve the revised request for a 960 square foot structure.
- Variance approved for 960 sq ft accessory structure at 111 Mathews Street
- Applicant revised request from 1,500 sq ft to 637 sq ft overage
- Third accessory structure allowed instead of fourth
- Carport removed from original application
Planning Commission
The Painesville Planning Commission voted 3-0 to approve proposed code changes addressing large farm animals in R-1 and S-1 districts, with a modification defining personal gardening. The commission also voted 3-0 to table proposed changes to manufacturing, extractive regulations for B-2, M-1, and M-2 districts. The agenda includes an administrative report on 2024 design review applications.
- Approved code changes to Agriculture Use in Unified Development Code and Chapter 518 Animals
- Approved definition of personal gardening with seasonal incidental sales
- Tabled proposed changes to Manufacturing, Extractive in B-2, M-1, M-2 districts
- 2024 Design Review Application report presented
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals met and tabled both the previous meeting's minutes and a variance request. The variance, submitted by Rick Beamer for properties at 111/119 Mathews Street, was tabled because the applicant changed the requested building dimensions during the meeting, requiring staff to prepare updated information.
- Tabled approval of January 18, 2024 meeting minutes until next meeting
- Tabled variance request by Rick Beamer for 111/119 Mathews Street
- Original request: 30' x 50' accessory structure, fourth structure, exceeding square footage limit
- Applicant revised request to 24' x 20' structure after lot consolidation and carport removal
- Motion to table passed 3-0
Board of Zoning Appeals Actions
The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals met on February 15, 2024, to consider a variance request from Rick Beamer for a 30' x 50' accessory structure at 111/119 Mathews Street. The board voted 3-0 to table the request, allowing the applicant to submit a revised application because the proposed structure and property condition had changed since the initial filing. No other matters were discussed, and the meeting adjourned.
- Variance request tabled for 111/119 Mathews Street (parcels 15-C-028-A-00-038-0 & 15-C-028-A-00-037-0)
- Request sought to allow a fourth accessory structure and exceed permitted square footage
- Board voted 3-0 to table the request for a revised application
Board of Zoning Appeals Actions
The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on an administrative appeal by property owner Betty Raimey, who sought to overturn the city's decision to demolish the structure at 563 Lawnview Avenue. The board voted 4-0 to sustain the demolition decision, meaning the appeal was denied. No other business was discussed.
- Administrative appeal by Betty Raimey to stop demolition of 563 Lawnview Avenue
- Board voted 4-0 to sustain the demolition decision
- Property is in R-1 residential district
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Painesville Board of Zoning Appeals held an organizational meeting, elected officers, and approved prior minutes. The main item was an administrative appeal by Betty Raimey against the demolition of her property at 563 Lawnview Avenue. After discussion, the board voted 4-0 to sustain the demolition, affirming the city's process.
- Elected Mr. Behrens as Chairperson and Mr. Briggs as Vice-Chairperson (3-0 votes)
- Approved minutes of November 16, 2023 meeting (4-0)
- Administrative appeal by Betty Raimey for 563 Lawnview Avenue (R-1 district)
- Board sustained demolition of 563 Lawnview Avenue (4-0)
- Discussion of property violations, Land Bank process, and demolition cost recovery via property taxes