Dormont Borough Zoning Hearing Board Meeting - September 15, 2025

The Dormont Borough Zoning Hearing Board convened with Chair Liz Baldoni presiding, board members Stephanie Wallace, Alison Hannon, Adrian Walker, and Jeff Dobson present, and Zoning Officer Jeff Stackage. The board heard three applications for zoning variances: two requests for 100% opacity privacy fences and one request for a front-yard parking pad. All three variances were approved unanimously after discussion.

Application 1: Bradford Scheinman – 3085 Pinehurst Avenue

• Variance sought: 100% fence opacity (maximum allowed is 75%).
• Applicant's testimony: Mr. Scheinman stated that the existing fence in the rear is already full privacy and the variance would allow matching side fencing. He cited safety and privacy concerns due to the condition of the adjacent property, including windows falling out, chipping lead-based paint, and a large hole. He also noted that the neighbor does not appear to live there full-time. The applicant has two young children under two years old.
• Board discussion: The zoning officer confirmed the existing fence is approved for replacement, and the variance would marry the fences. No concerns were raised.
• Outcome: Motion to approve the variance as written; seconded; unanimous vote to approve.

Application 2: Noah Bussard – 1230 Wisconsin Avenue

• Variance sought: 100% fence opacity (maximum allowed is 75%).
• Applicant's testimony: Mr. Bussard explained that the fence is primarily for their dog (to prevent barking at neighbors' dogs) and for future family privacy. He noted that they have good relationships with neighbors but desire additional privacy.
• Board discussion: No questions from board members.
• Outcome: Motion to approve the variance; seconded; unanimous vote to approve.

Application 3: William and Roberta Modick – 1664 McFarland Avenue

• Variance sought: Permission to install a parking pad in the front yard (parking pads are permitted only in rear and side yards in the street-loaded district).
• Applicant's testimony: Mr. Modick described safety hazards: the driveway is on a hill and a car slid into the road; backing out onto busy McFarland Road is dangerous. There is no alley access (the alley ends eight houses away) and no street parking in front of the property (a no-parking zone). The closest street parking is about 1,200 feet away. He stated that they had been parking on a gravel area in front but received a violation notice from code enforcement. The property was purchased about two years ago after COVID.
• Board discussion: Zoning Officer Stackage noted that the property is already over the maximum lot coverage (currently 62%, would increase to 68% with the pad). The variance specifically addresses the front-yard prohibition; additional building code requirements (curb cuts, engineer review) would still apply. Board members asked about the property line and potential encroachment onto the sidewalk/right-of-way. The applicant confirmed there is 8 feet from the sidewalk to the wall, so adjustments could be made. The board discussed that the hardship is based on peculiarities of the property (slope, lack of rear parking, no street parking) and safety concerns. The board clarified that this variance is unique to this block, not the entire borough.
• Outcome: Motion to approve the variance based on safety and property peculiarities; seconded; unanimous vote to approve. The zoning officer stated he would contact the applicant to proceed with permitting.

Post-Meeting Inquiry

• A neighbor, Rohit, from 1663 McFarland Road asked whether he would need to go through the same process for a similar parking pad. The board confirmed that any property wishing to do the same must apply for a variance through the same procedure.