Toledo Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing - April 20, 2026

The Board of Zoning Appeals convened on April 20, 2026, to hear four cases involving zoning variances and encroachments. The meeting included public testimony, staff recommendations, and board votes on each item.

Case No. 26-00002: David Cash – 4333 Jackman Road

• Request: To maintain an enlarged rear yard garage that encroaches on the property line. The applicant stated the garage was repaired and expanded without a permit, and neighbors' letters supported the improvement.
• Testimony: Tom Mackin, General Counsel for Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority, noted that the property behind the applicant is owned by HUD, and the encroachment may be onto their property. He opposed the encroachment but had no objection to a variance if the structure is on the applicant's property.
• Outcome: The board deferred the case to allow the applicant to provide a property survey to confirm the property lines. Vote: unanimous (all aye) to defer until next month.

Case No. 26-00008: Elizabeth Bradshaw (Texporting Goods) – 3342 Central Avenue

• Request: A building height variance of 9.8 feet over the maximum allowed 35 feet, for a single-story portion of a planned 120,000 sq. ft. development.
• Discussion: Planning commission had recommended approval. The applicant stated the height would create visual continuity between the two-story and single-story sections.
• Outcome: Motion to approve the variance passed unanimously (all yes).

Case No. 26-00009: Tobias Papa – 2953 LC Avenue

• Request: Variance for a widened driveway (12 feet over the original) that serves as additional parking without a permit. The applicant stated he did not know a permit was required and is willing to extend the driveway to his detached garage.
• Discussion: Staff noted that if the driveway leads to a garage, no variance is needed. The applicant agreed to submit a site plan showing the extension to the garage.
• Outcome: The board deferred the case to allow the applicant to submit a revised site plan and seek a permit without a variance if the extension is feasible.

Case No. 26-00010: Linda Parra (Nuestra Gente Community Projects) – 1411 Broadway Street

• Request: Variance to install a six-foot fence along Broadway Street and Wallbridge Street (front and side) at a community center. The applicant cited security, safety, and privacy concerns, including theft, loitering, and unauthorized use of the parking lot.
• Testimony: David Mosley, owner of adjacent property, opposed a six-foot fence, citing negative impact on property value and visual character of the street. He noted a four-foot fence is allowed without variance.
• Discussion: The board explained that a three-and-a-half-foot (42-inch) fence is allowed without a variance along those streets, but a six-foot fence requires a hardship showing. The board found no hardship demonstrated.
• Outcome: The variance for a six-foot fence along Broadway and Wallbridge was denied (all no). The board noted that the applicant can install a six-foot fence on the sides and back without board approval.

Approval of Minutes

• The board approved the minutes from the February 23, 2026 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Deferral of Case 26-00002 pending property survey.
• Approval of height variance for Case 26-00008.
• Deferral of Case 26-00009 for revised site plan.
• Denial of six-foot fence variance for Case 26-00010; three-and-a-half-foot fence allowed on front and side streets.