Toledo Administrative Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting - August 17, 2026

The Administrative Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of Toledo, Ohio, held a public hearing on August 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM in City Council Chambers. The board considered five variance applications and approved four, with one deferred. The meeting was chaired by a board member, and all seven members were present, establishing a quorum. Staff were sworn in, and public testimony was heard on each case.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved an administrative item for a four-foot tall split-rail fence without a formal hearing, as it was considered minor.
• The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case 1 (Tobias Papa, 2953 LC Avenue): Neighbor Daniel Alan Pollack opposed the driveway extension, citing exhaust fumes entering his bedroom, a gas line proximity, and concerns that the new concrete was only four inches thick instead of the required six inches. Applicant Tobias Papa stated he followed prior instructions, the extension is uniform with the neighborhood, and he will park his work truck elsewhere to address the exhaust issue. Two other neighbors spoke in support of Mr. Papa.
• Case 2 (Peggy and Joseph Solinski, 1119 North Superior Street): Applicant Peggy Slawinski explained she wants to replace three existing sheds with a new Amish-built shed to improve access for her husband, who uses a riding mower after a stroke. She opposed a city staff suggestion to place the shed 25 feet from the property line, arguing it would be too far into her yard.
• Case 3 (St. Joan of Arc Rectory, 2458 Reagan Woods Drive): Monsignor Mark Borger, pastor, stated the proposed six-foot fence will replace the existing fence in the same location, noting the height varies due to a slope.
• Case 4 (Lucas County EMS, 2144 Monero Street): Sarah Watson, architect engineer, stated the fence is for employee security due to late-night shifts. She confirmed updated plans incorporate Uptown District recommendations.
• Case 5 (Key Bank, 30204 Tremainsville Road): John Benedict, representing the applicant, argued that a 20-foot sign is necessary because the building is set back 105 feet from the road and would be obscured by neighboring signs. Board members questioned whether a true hardship exists, noting the current sign is non-conforming and the city is revising its sign code. The applicant requested a deferral to avoid denial.

Discussion Items

• Case 1 – Driveway Extension Variance: The board discussed whether the extension is uniform with the neighborhood and whether the neighbor's concerns about exhaust and water drainage are valid. The applicant agreed to change parking habits.
• Case 2 – Accessory Structure Variance: The board discussed the setback requirement (25 feet from the property line) versus the applicant's desire to place the shed three feet from the garage. The applicant declined a compromise.
• Case 3 – Fence Height Variance: The board noted the fence will remain level along a slope, resulting in varying heights from about four to six feet.
• Case 4 – Security Fence Variance: The board learned that the Uptown District Architectural Review Committee had conditionally approved the fence design, requiring landscape improvements.
• Case 5 – Sign Height Variance: Several board members expressed concern that approving a 20-foot sign would undermine the recently adopted sign code. The chair suggested tabling to allow the applicant to work with planning staff. The applicant agreed to a deferral to avoid a year-long waiting period if denied.

Key Outcomes

• Case 1 – Approved: All seven members voted in favor of the variance for the driveway extension (Christy Sonic, Gloria Shepherd, Devon Overton, Eric Craig, Robert Pasker, Nathan Epkee, and the chair). The applicant was urged to pay fines and pull permits.
• Case 2 – Approved: The variance to build a third accessory structure within the front yard setback was approved unanimously (all seven yes).
• Case 3 – Approved: The variance for a six-foot fence in the front yard setback was approved unanimously.
• Case 4 – Approved: The variance for a six-foot security fence around the Lucas County EMS building was approved unanimously, subject to Uptown District conditions.
• Case 5 – Deferred: The board voted to defer the case to the October meeting to allow the applicant to revise the sign proposal or withdraw. The motion passed with all members in favor.

Additionally, the board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and briefly discussed a trailer issue (informal, no action taken).