Home-Based Business Structure OK in Claridon
Construction of a large, steel-sided out-building on a residential lot on Claridon Troy Road is not something Claridon Township can deny, even if a neighbor feels it does not conform to the nature of the neighborhood.
Construction of a large, steel-sided out-building on a residential lot on Claridon Troy Road is not something Claridon Township can deny, even if a neighbor feels it does not conform to the nature of the neighborhood.
Township Zoning Inspector Harry Jacob told Claridon Township Trustees Jan. 21 he received a call from Daniel Serge at 11887 Claridon Troy Road concerned Steve Smetana, who lives across the road, is erecting a commercial-looking building.
Upon investigation, Jacob found the structure is not in violation of zoning as long as Smetana uses it as planned, to house his equipment used to install turf on athletic fields, Jacob said.
Smetana has a house on 3 acres at the corner of Claridon Troy and Hall roads and has already erected the framework of the out-building on his 3.3-acre parcel south of his home, Jacob said.
He plans to plant evergreens in front of the building as a buffer, he said.
Home-based businesses are permitted in residential areas as long as they don’t violate the zoning code.
Jacob said unless Smetana starts allowing retail sales or there are a lot of employees coming and going from the building, it is not in violation.
“Right now, it’s a storage building for a home-based business,” he said.
He said Serge also has a tree farm, which is a home-based business, and drives trucks.
“It’s all about use. If the use is within our code, there’s nothing for me to do,” Jacob said.
In other business, trustees voted in favor of paying J&L Door Service in Chester Township up to $1,600 to install equipment on the recycle-yard gate.
Trustee Jonathan Tiber said the gate is in place and being opened and closed by township employees. J&L will install the solar cells to power the gate as well as a timer set to open and close the gate.
The work will be done after trustees approve the township’s permanent appropriations, he said.
Tiber recommended trustees consider having a concrete apron poured to improve function of the gate, which has wheels.
Trustee Cooper Sherman said the project would include about 1,300 square feet of concrete and cost about $8,450. Trustees agreed to table that expense.
They also heard a presentation from Matt Trafis, account manager form IAP Government Services Group out of Cleveland.
Trafis said the construction management firm serves as a third party to administrate facility repair and construction contracts.
They discussed the possibility of having IAP assist in bidding the contracts for widening and repaving the north end of Taylor Wells Road in 2020. The project includes a number of crossover pipes. Trafis said his company will work with the Geauga County Engineer’s Office and the township is under no obligation until trustees accept a bid for the project.
