A meeting of the Village of Riverlea Planning Commission was held June 10, 2024 at the Old Worthington Library. Members present were Bryce Jacob (Planning Commissioner), Christopher Bedell, Paul Collini, Rich Skowronski, and Jennifer Zipfel. Also present were Janet Brown and Brian & Christina Saull. The Planning Commissioner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

  1. The minutes of the regular Planning Commission meeting of April 8, 2024 were not read since each member had received a copy. Skowronski moved and Zipfel seconded the motion that the minutes be approved as submitted by the Clerk-Treasurer. The following vote was recorded on the motion: Yea: 5, Bedell, Collini, Jacob, Skowronski, and Zipfel; Nay: None; Abstain: None. The motion carried 5-0.
  2. An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness and Variance by Brian and Christina Saull at 5920 Olentangy Blvd to add a six-foot powder coated aluminum fence around the side yard at the north side of the property as well as a four-foot fence between the garage and front corner of the house. This four-foot fence will be constructed of wrought iron and more decorative than the fence around the yard and will serve as a railing along the sidewalk. The applicant requested a variance to the 48-inch height limit for fences within 10 feet of the property line. Brian Saull stated that the house’s lot is unique because it is a corner lot with no rear yard. The dividing line between the house and the neighbor along Riverglen is covered in vegetation. Due to this vegetation and the layout of the house, the proposed fence will not be visible from the street.

Collini asked why the six-foot height is being requested and Brian Saull replied that it is do keep the yard delineated, similar to other properties, as well as to keep their dog contained and to keep other animals out of the yard. The Planning Commissioner stated that keeping deer out of a property is not considered a hardship and has been denied in previous requests from residents. Brian Saull stated that he had researched other properties throughout the Village and found 28 with similar six-foot fences along other areas besides the rear of the property. The Planning Commissioner mentioned that most of these fences were older, and some were surrounding pools.

Collini inquired as to whether the height requirements in the Village code distinguishes between wood and metal fences and the Planning Commissioner replied that it does not. The Planning Commissioner recommended that the applicants use a four-foot fence at the front and side of the yard and a six foot fence at the rear of the yard. The applicants stated that they are open to this idea. Collini stated that a letter of approval would be required from the neighbor at 322 Riverglen to approve the six-foot height of that fence

Collini moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the fences with the following heights conditional upon a letter of support from the neighbor at 322 W Riverglen: Six feet along the north and east sides of the yard, four feet along the west side, and six feet along the south side. Jacob seconded this motion. The following vote was recorded on the motion: Yea: 4, Bedell, Collini, Jacob, and Skowronski; Nay: 0; Abstain: 1, Zipfel. The motion carried 4-0-1.

  1. An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness by Bryce Jacob at 258 Frontenac Pl to add a metal fence along the east side of the rear yard and construct a wood arbor. Jacob stated that the intent is to follow the grade of the yard at four feet, but the height may need to slightly exceed four feet to keep the fence level as it follows this slope. Zipfel asked if the slope could be regraded and Jacob replied that this would affect the drainage of the yard. Collini suggested that the height of the fence be adjusted to follow the slope of the yard.

Skowronski moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for a fence starting at four feet in height against the house and terminating against the existing fence to the west level with the start of the fence and Collini seconded this motion. The following vote was recorded on the motion: Yea: 4, Bedell, Collini, Skowronski, and Zipfel; Nay: 0; Abstain: 1, Jacob. The motion carried 4-0-1.

  1. The Planning Commissioner reported that the construction of the pool and fence at 5775 Carrington is complete, and the owners are requesting the return of their street bond. The Planning Commissioner will review the property for damage and inform the Clerk-Treasurer if this is to be returned.

Skowronski moved and Jacob seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved unanimously (5-0). The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

 

Bryce Jacob, Planning Commissioner

Josh Mehling, Clerk