Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Summary (2026-01-08)

The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals convened at 6:02 p.m. on January 8, 2026, to address the election of officers, procedural rules, and a variance application. The board established its leadership for the upcoming year, affirmed its adherence to parliamentary procedures, and reviewed a specific setback variance request. Public comments were solicited, revealing community support for the procedural necessity of the variance, though some neighbors expressed broader concerns regarding site details not under this specific vote.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was adopted unanimously via motion by Commissioner Bucknell and second by Commissioner Stepp.
• The minutes of the September 17, 2025, meeting were approved as the official record without changes, based on a motion by an unnamed commissioner and second by Commissioner Bucknell.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bob Norman (Northwest Neighborhood Association): Expressed support for the variance. He clarified that the current request is strictly for the south side setback and noted that the variance is necessary to align businesses within the site, a requirement due to the historical transition from a special district to the Unified Development Code (UDC). He confirmed the neighborhood understands this is a procedural necessity.
• Applicant (Mark Walls, G.): Stated that while neighbors have concerns regarding other criteria not under the current variance request (specifically infrastructure modifications and traffic command management), the neighborhood does not oppose the variance itself.

Discussion Items

• Elections for 2026: Commissioner Bucknell was elected Chair for 2026, and Commissioner Bucknell (who also served as Vice Chair nominee) was elected Vice Chair for 2026, both by unanimous vote of the present commissioners.
• Parliamentary Procedure: The board unanimously affirmed its commitment to adopting and using Robert's Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for all 2026 meetings via a motion by Commissioner Abbott.
• Variance CD 2025-005 (SC Invest LLC): Staff and the applicant presented a request to remove the maximum 15-foot front building setback requirement on the south side (55th Street frontage) for a proposed scanner restaurant. Staff recommended approval, citing the site's unique dual frontage and existing private roadway conditions that would otherwise result in an overly tight pedestrian setback if the standard were fully adhered to. Commissioners clarified that the vote is limited strictly to the south side setback variance and that any future development on the north side would require a separate variance if it deviates from code.

Key Outcomes

• Chair/Vice Chair Elected: Commissioner Bucknell (Chair) and Commissioner Bucknell (Vice Chair) were elected for 2026 unanimously (Commissioners Abbott, Pearl, Bucknell, Stepp voted aye).
• Procedural Adoption: Robert's Rules of Parliamentary Procedure were adopted for the 2026 fiscal year (Unanimous).
• Minutes Approval: Minutes from September 17, 2025, were approved (Unanimous).
• Variance Approval: Variance CD 2025-005 VAR was approved to remove the maximum front building setback requirement for the south side of the property. The vote was unanimous (Commissioners Abbott, Pearl, Bucknell, Stepp/Burl all voted aye). The approval is based on findings outlined in the Community Development memo.
• Future Consideration: Staff proposed adjusting meeting start times from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the remainder of the year; the board agreed to gauge interest from other members before placing the change on the next agenda.