Gahanna Planning Commission Meeting - April 17, 2026

The Gahanna Planning Commission met on April 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Chair Sarah Pollyea with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Chair Michael Suriano. All seven members were present. The commission considered three variance applications and discussed the 2026 meeting schedule. All three variances were approved unanimously (7-0), and the commission agreed to vote on a revised meeting schedule at the organizational meeting in January 2026.

Minutes Approval

• The minutes from October 22, 2025 were approved with a 6-0-1 vote (Shapaka abstaining).

Public Comments & Testimony

• V-0029-2025 (167 Scottsbury Court): Applicant William Sweeney, property owner, stated the unique curvature of Highbury Crescent and a mature tree limit placement. Neighbor William Schorr (260 Highbury Crescent) expressed no objection and noted the improvements enhance property value.
• V-0030-2025 (1392 Hanbury Court): Applicant Nichole Coverstone, homeowner, explained the rear yard is sloped with a drainage easement, limiting options for a pergola. She was unaware a variance was needed until applying for a permit.
• V-0031-2025 (535 Humboldt Court): Applicant Steve Benninger, homeowner, described his wife's mobility challenges due to a prosthetic leg, making stairs difficult. He stated the addition would provide one-level living and is largely invisible from the street. Electrical engineer Rand Gulvas explained the need to reroute electrical service, preventing eastward movement of the addition.

Discussion Items

• V-0029-2025 (167 Scottsbury Court): City Planner Maddie Capka presented a variance to allow a 240 sq ft shed/greenhouse combination 6 feet from the rear property line (code requires 10 feet) and partially in the front yard due to the corner lot configuration. Staff had no objection. The applicant cited a mature tree, a planned room addition, and the lot's unique shape. The commission noted the tree and corner lot as hardships. Motion by Greenberg, second by Shapaka. Passed 7-0.
• V-0030-2025 (1392 Hanbury Court): City Planner Capka presented a variance to place a 190 sq ft pergola (8 ft 4 inches tall) on the side of the house rather than the rear, due to a sloped rear yard and a 10-foot drainage easement. All setbacks are met; a 5-foot privacy fence and mature tree provide screening. Staff had no objection. Motion by Tamarkin, second by Greenberg. Passed 7-0.
• V-0031-2025 (535 Humboldt Court): City Planner Capka presented a variance to build a 1,192 sq ft addition 18 ft 1 inch from the rear property line (code requires 25 feet). The addition is on a cul-de-sac adjacent to a wooded city-owned parcel. The location accounts for an easement, roof tie-in, and existing electrical meter. Staff recommended approval. Motion by Laser, second by Suriano. Passed 7-0.
• 2026 Meeting Schedule Discussion: Director of Planning Michael Blackford presented data showing a decline in applications (2025 average under 3 per meeting, 45 applications total, 70% variances) and 9 cancelled meetings in 2025. He noted that 9 of 10 peer communities meet once per month and 7 start before 7:00 PM. He proposed reducing to one meeting per month at 6:00 PM (second Wednesday, avoiding Veteran's Day). Commissioners discussed advantages (staff efficiency, fewer cancellations) and concerns (large projects like Creekside, applicant wait times). Suggestions included special meetings for major items, earlier start times (6:30 PM was favored), and prioritizing residential items on agendas. Deputy Clerk McGuire clarified the meeting schedule will be voted on at the organizational meeting in January 2026, and charter attendance requirements may be reviewed in the 2026 Charter Review Commission. No formal vote was taken.
• Official Reports: Assistant City Attorney Matt Roth reported on an ongoing court appeal regarding a pool cabana at 400 Braemer Court. Council Liaison Pollyea noted the city budget vote is scheduled for December 15, 2025, and legislation for Creekside improvements is upcoming. An annexation on Johnstown Road was approved by county commissioners.

Key Outcomes

• V-0029-2025: Approved unanimously (7-0). The variance permits a shed/greenhouse 6 feet from the rear property line and partially in the front yard.
• V-0030-2025: Approved unanimously (7-0). The variance permits a pergola on the side of the house instead of the rear.
• V-0031-2025: Approved unanimously (7-0). The variance permits a 1,192 sq ft addition 18 ft 1 inch from the rear property line.
• 2026 Meeting Schedule: No decision made. The commission will finalize the schedule at the organizational meeting in January 2026. The consensus favored meeting once per month at 6:30 PM, with flexibility for special meetings for large projects. Commissioners will consider charter attendance requirements during the Charter Review Commission year.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 PM.