The Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Oakwood met in regular session at 4:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the City of Oakwood, located at 30 Park Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio 45419. Mr. Donald O’Connor presided, and Ms. Katie Vavro, the Planning and Zoning Administrative Assistant, recorded the proceedings.

Upon call of the roll, the following members of the Board responded to their names:

• MR. NICK ENDSLEY ABSENT
• MR. DONALD O’CONNOR PRESENT
• MS. CHRISTINE YANKEL PRESENT
• MR. PAUL KAVANAUGH PRESENT
• MRS. SAMANTHA ELDER ABSENT

The following officers of the city were present:

The following visitors registered:

Mr. O’Connor called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Mr. Endsley and Mrs. Elder were unable to attend and their absences were excused.

Mr. O’Connor postponed the organizational meeting until all five members are present at a future meeting.

Mr. O’Connor asked the members of the Board if any discussion was warranted regarding the minutes from the May 8, 2025 meeting. There being none, it was moved by Ms. Yankel and seconded by Mr. Kavanaugh that the minutes be approved as submitted and the reading thereof be dispensed with at this session. Upon a viva voce vote on the question of the motion, the same passed unanimously and it was so ordered.

Mr. O’Connor explained that the only agenda item is Application #26-1 to consider a variance for a front yard setback for construction of a porch at 143 Oak Knoll Drive. He invited Mrs. Valentin to present a staff report before opening the public hearing.

Mrs. Valentin referenced a PowerPoint presentation and provided the following report.

The Applicant, Laura Mercer, has submitted a proposal for the construction of a front porch located at her property at 143 Oak Knoll Drive. This property falls within the R-4 zoning district, which typically mandates a 25 feet front yard setback. The proposed front porch would decrease this setback to 22 feet, resulting in a reduction of 3 feet.

Mrs. Valentin presented aerial views of the proposed site plan at 143 Oak Knoll Drive as well as a proposed rendering of the front porch.

Ms. Yankel inquired about the setback requirements for homes located in the immediate vicinity of the applicant’s property.