Stow BZA Upholds Two Dangerous Building Orders, Approves Peterboro Drive Deck Variance

STOW, Ohio — The Stow Building and Zoning Appeals Board denied appeals in two dangerous-building cases and approved one rear setback variance at its May 11, 2026 meeting, keeping city oversight in place at both condemned properties while clearing the way for a backyard pool deck.

Peterboro Drive Deck Variance Approved

The board opened with BZA Case 2026-007, a rear setback variance for a property at 3085 Peterboro Drive. The resident applicant requested permission to build a deck surrounding an existing pool. The required rear setback in the R-1 residential zone is 45 feet; the variance allows the deck to sit 20 feet from the rear property line.

A 20-foot gas line easement runs along the rear of the property, and the proposed deck would fall outside that easement. An existing six-foot privacy fence lines the rear property boundary. A neighboring resident who received notice indicated he had no objection to the project.

The pool, shed, and pavilion on the property are all existing structures. The board voted unanimously to approve the variance.

Uniondale Drive: Dangerous Building Appeal Denied

The board then heard BZA Case 2026-005, involving a property at 2120 Uniondale Drive. The property had been declared a dangerous building by Chief Building Official Anthony Catalano following a zoning complaint.

The initial designation was triggered by hoarding conditions and deteriorating exterior conditions. Two trees fell on the 0.23-acre R-3 zoned property in March, with a smaller tree leaning against the house and a larger tree covering much of the backyard. A fire marshal inspection identified seven code violations, including waste material storage and clearance issues near ignition sources.

Family Making Progress

The property owner is currently residing in a nursing home. A family member who holds power of attorney appeared before the board on her behalf and described significant cleanup efforts already underway. The family was on its third dumpster and had cleared the living room and much of the kitchen. A tree company had been scheduled to provide a removal estimate.

A separate legal process to remove a former occupant who still resides at the home was also underway. An attorney was handling eviction proceedings, with the process expected to conclude around June 1.

Catalano told the board the city intended to enter into a written agreement with the family outlining the remediation timeline. He said the city would continue working with them and acknowledged the family had been cooperative throughout the process.

How the Vote Works

Before the vote, the board chair explained the mechanics of the automatic appeal. A “yes” vote would uphold the appeal and remove city oversight. A “no” vote would deny the appeal and allow the city to continue working with the owner toward a resolution.

“By denying the appeal, we give the city the right to continue working with the owner toward a good viable solution,” the chair said.

The board voted unanimously to deny the appeal, keeping the condemnation order in place.

Orchard Drive Trailer: Second Dangerous Building Appeal Denied

The board’s final case, BZA Case 2026-006, involved Unit D20 at 3560 Orchard Drive, a trailer park situated between Elmwood and Graham roads on a 5.71-acre R-3 zoned site. The lot is owned by Stow Estates MHC LLC.

The case stemmed from a zoning complaint about materials stored outside the unit. Upon inspection, Catalano declared the trailer a dangerous building. The covered porch appeared to be supported in part by stored materials, and a fire marshal inspection found four code violations.

No Utilities, Cleanup Planned

Catalano told the board the unit currently has no running water, no heat, no electricity, and no sanitary facilities. The condemnation was based primarily on hoarding and trash conditions. He noted the trailer’s structural integrity could not be fully evaluated until the interior was cleared.

The unit’s owner appeared before the board and said he had reached out to a local health department for support with a hoarding situation. He had an appointment scheduled for May 19 to begin addressing it and had already started clearing the front porch while working two jobs.

A city representative noted that while Stow Estates MHC LLC owns the lot, the unit owner owns the trailer itself. The city’s stated goal was to work with the unit owner to restore safe and livable conditions, while acknowledging the mobile home company’s position was still unclear.

The board voted unanimously to deny the appeal. The city will continue working with the owner toward resolution.

The board adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

Board Members Present

Greg Seifert (At-Large), Randall Roberts (Ward 1), Edward Franks (Ward 2), George Urban (Ward 3), Will Jendrisak (Ward 4). Secretary: Jami Lord-Smith.