Brecksville shed, garage and generator rules
In Brecksville, Ohio, a detached garage can be up to 660 square feet and a shed 144 to 240 square feet, depending on your zoning district. Both go in the rear yard, at least 10 feet from the lot lines, no taller than 15 feet. A standby generator goes in the rear yard too. Anything bigger, taller or somewhere else needs a variance, and the board has said yes to all 76 such requests it has heard since December 7, 2020.
Size limits
Section 1151.25(d) of the city’s Planning and Zoning Code sets the maximum floor area for accessory structures on a one-family lot:
- Detached garage: 660 square feet, in every district.
- Shed “or similar structure”: 144 square feet in districts R-A, R-8A, R-8 and R-16; 192 in R-20 and R-30; 240 in R-40 and R-60.
- Pergola, pavilion, gazebo (built “predominately open to the elements”): 256 square feet in R-A, R-8A, R-8 and R-16; 400 in R-20 and R-30; 550 in R-40 and R-60.
The city’s 2025 handout adds how it measures: “from the outer most structural members of the accessory structure (walls, posts for overhangs/extended roofs, etc.),” and different structure types can be attached to each other as long as each part stays under its own limit. Not sure which district you are in? The Building Department will tell you: 440-526-2630.
Where it can go, and how tall
The yard schedule (Section 1151.26) puts accessory buildings, detached garages, tool sheds, hot tubs, gazebos and the like in the rear yard only, at least 10 feet from the side and rear lot lines (5 feet in R-8 and R-8A). A detached garage also has to be at least 10 feet from the house. The height limit for any accessory building is 15 feet (Section 1181.11(b)); the handout says that is measured “from average grade to the midpoint of the roof.”
A garage in the front yard, or one closer to the road than the district allows, needs a variance for location as well as size. Front setbacks in Section 1151.24 are 125 feet from an arterial or collector street in every residential district, and 60 feet from a local street in most (50 in R-8, 25 in R-8A).
Generators
Standby generators are covered in the Building Code rather than the zoning code, at Section 1326.02. We could not pull that section’s text from the city’s online code, so here is how the board itself describes it. Every generator case in the record is written up as a request “for a variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, instead of the rear as required by code” (August 10, 2026 minutes; the same wording appears in the board’s October 2024 hearing notices).
Both generator requests in the record were approved 6–0, and both were about the house, not the owner’s preference. In March 2026 the electrician explained the gas and electric service come in on that side and the unit would be screened. In August 2026 the installer explained that the generator’s manual and the National Electrical Code require 5 feet of clearance from operable windows, which the rear of the house could not give; the board asked for plantings around the unit and the owner agreed. Bring the installer.
Every shed, garage and generator decision in the record
All 76 requests about accessory structures the board has decided since we started reading its minutes in December 2020, from the published minutes. 69 were approved. Click a case ID to read the minutes.
August 10, 2026 · 8410 Sunnydale Dr
Generator on the side of the house. Code says back.
Said: the installation manual and electrical code set clearances the rear yard could not meet.
The electrician presented alongside the homeowner.
approved6–0July 13, 2026 · 6811 Farview Rd
Garage of 936 sq ft. Code says 660.
Said: storing collector vehicles and a tractor now kept off-site; the site where a storm took down a tree.
Letters of support from neighbors were put in the record.
approved6–0April 13, 2026 · 8436 Riverview Rd
Garage in the front yard, a bit over the size limit.
Said: two-thirds of the lot is a ravine; the brick attached garage can't be expanded; a 2002 variance on the same lot.
Letters of support from seven neighbors.
approved6–1April 13, 2026 · 10320 Barr Rd
Two trailers and an RV, not in the back yard.
Said: the rear of the lot slopes and drains badly; the house sits 200' back from the road, next to a highway.
Applicant agreed during the hearing to move everything to the side yard with screening. A neighbor spoke in support.
approved7–0March 9, 2026 · 6946 Crystal Creek Dr
Generator on the side of the house, behind bushes.
Said: gas and electric service are on that side; screening from view.
Neighbors sent a letter saying the location was fine. Approved with a condition.
approved6–0March 9, 2026 · 10404 Parkside Dr
Pool house and pavilion, over the size limit.
Said: keeping small children in sight while using the pool.
Neighbor letters and HOA approval submitted; the board asked about the one neighbor not contacted.
approved5–0March 9, 2026 · 3340 Royalton Rd
Bigger shed with a greenhouse, over the size limit.
Said: the existing shed is rotting; yard and sports equipment storage; a gardener in the house.
approved6–0February 9, 2026 · 10017 Greenhaven Pkwy
A variance from Section 1151.26(1) detached garage located in the rear yard required to allow new construction in the side yard, located at 10017 Greenhaven Pkwy, 601-11-002
Said: .
approved7–0October 13, 2025 · 6633 Westview Dr.
The Board of Zoning Appeals recommend to City Council (1) a variance from Section 1151.25( d)(2)(B)maximum 192 sq/ft. for an accessory structure to allow 200.5 sq/ft . (2) a variance from Section 1151.26(2) minimum 1O' side yard setback required to allow 7' for the construction of shed
Said: .
approved6–1September 8, 2025 · 10420 Springhill Dr.
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(3)(C) accessory structure maximum of 550 sq. ft. to allow 2,430 sq. ft. for the construction of a pavilion, located at 10420 Springhill Dr., PPN 605-10-008
Said: privacy.
denied2–4August 11, 2025 · 10216 Woodlands Dr.
The request of Joe Donnelly on behalf of Joe Tagliaferro for a variance from Section 1326.02 that a generator be located in the rear to allow in the side yard, located at 10216 Woodlands Dr., PPN 605-22-032
Said: cost or durability.
approved5–0July 7, 2025 · 9169 Meadow Lane
A variance from Section 1326.02 generator located in the rear required to allow in the side yard, located at 9169 Meadow Lane, PPN 601-10-027
Said: the lot itself; cost or durability.
approved4–3May 12, 2025 · 3643 Boxelder Dr
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(B) maximum 192 sq/ft. to allow 288 sq/ft. for the construction of shed
Said: .
approved6–1May 12, 2025 · 5324 Miller Rd
(1) a variance from Section 1183.15(a) to allow a gravel driveway instead of the required concrete or asphalt, (2) a variance from Section 1119.09(d) not to install the required public sidewalks until such time that the City deems appropriate, (3) a variance from Section 1151.04 to allow the 2880 sq/ft. accessory use t
Said: an existing structure.
approved7–0January 13, 2025 · 4809 Snow Blossom Ln
A variance from section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, instead of the rear as required by code, providing some type of natural screening, approved by the City’s Arborist, is planted by the structure to help conceal it year round
Said: .
approved7–0January 13, 2025 · 9737 Brecksville Rd
A variance from section 1151.23(b) to allow a shed to be located in front of the building line on a corner lot
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved7–0November 12, 2024 · 10637 Glen Forest Trail
Paul Gaiduk Appeal 2024-40 made by Paul Gaiduk for a variance from Section 1181 .11 (b) maximum 15 ft height to allow 18 ft for the construction of an accessory structure
Said: the lot itself.
approved6–0October 7, 2024 · 5245 Miller Rd.
Mr. Hasman made a motion and Ms. Gagliano seconded that the Board recommend and forward to City Council for their consideration, an Appeal 2024-35 for variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, instead of the rear as required by code, located at 5245 Miller Rd., PP# 604-04-015
Said: .
approved6–0October 7, 2024 · 8505 Sunnydale
Mr. Jayjack made a motion and Mr. Hasman seconded that the Board recommend and forward to City Council for their consideration, Appeal 2024-36 for a variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, instead of the rear as required by code, located at 8505 Sunnydale, PP# 601-13-019
Said: the lot itself.
approved6–0September 9, 2024 · 9567 Park Place Dr.
Mr. Collin made a motion and Mr. Stucky seconded that the Board recommend and forward to City Council for their consideration, a request for variance from Section 1151.25 (d)(2)(b) maximum 192 sq ft to allow 240 sq ft for the construction of shed located at 9567 Park Place Dr., PP#602-02-050
Said: privacy.
approved5–0September 9, 2024 · 6723 Westview Dr.
Ms. Gagliano made a motion and Mr. Stucky seconded that the Board recommend and forward to City Council for their consideration, the request for a variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(B) maximum 192 sq ft to allow 240 sq ft for the construction of a replacement shed located at 6723 Westview Dr., PP# 603-20-008
Said: an existing structure.
approved5–0September 9, 2024 · 7530 Bristol Ln
Mr. Collin made a motion and Ms. Gagliano seconded that the Committee recommend and forward to City Council for their consideration, the request for a variance from Section 1326-02 to install a generator in the side yard, instead of the rear as required by code, located at 7530 Bristol Ln, PP# 604-03-066
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved4–0September 9, 2024 · 7777 Parkview Rd
Ms. Gagliano made a motion and Mr. Stucky seconded that the Committee recommend and forward to City Council for their consideration, the request for: 1. A variance from Section 1151.25 (d)(1) maximum 660 sq ft to allow 1,648 sq ft 2. A variance from Section 1151.26 (1) located in the rear yard required to allow in the
Said: an existing structure.
approved4–0July 8, 2024 · 13209 Station Road
The request of Alex Denigris for a variance from Section 1151.25(d) that a detached private garage be a maximum of 660 sq ft to allow 3,500 sq ft, and a variance from Section 1181.11 that the maximum accessory building height be 15’ to allow 20’8”, as shown on the application dated June 19, 2024, located at 13209 Stati
Said: .
approved7–0June 10, 2024 · 9416 Brecksville Road
The request of Morel Landscaping LLC on behalf of Tony Stillings for a variance from Section 1151.25(d) that sheds be a maximum of 192 sq ft in an R-30 district to allow 280 sq ft as shown on the application dated May 20, 2024, located at 9416 Brecksville Road, PPN 603-16-015
Said: .
approved6–0May 13, 2024 · 9229 Province Lane
A variance from Section 1151.25(d) that a detached private garage be a maximum of 660 sq. ft. to allow 720 sq. ft.; a variance from Section 1151.26(1) that a detached private garage be located in the rear yard to allow one in the side yard; and a variance from Section 1151.24 that the front yard setback be 60’ to allow
Said: the lot itself.
approved6–0May 13, 2024 · 6811 E. Wallings Road
A variance from Section 1151.26(2) that hot tubs be located in the rear yard only to permit a hot tub in the side yard
Said: privacy; the lot itself; cost or durability.
approved6–0May 13, 2024 · 13209 Station Road
A variance from Section 1151.25(d) that a detached private garage be a maximum of 660 sq. ft. to allow 5,000 sq. ft., and a variance from Section 1181.11 that the maximum accessory building height be 15’ to allow 21’ 9”
Said: privacy; the lot itself; an existing structure.
denied1–5May 13, 2024 · 2616 Hidden Canyon Drive
A variance from Section 1151.25(d) that a detached private garage be a maximum of 660 sq. ft. to allow 1,920 sq. ft.; a variance from Section 1151.26(1) that a detached private garage be located in the rear yard to allow one in the side yard; and a variance from Section 1181.11 that the maximum height of an accessory b
Said: the lot itself.
approved6–0March 11, 2024 · 8300 & 8310 Settlers Passage
(1) a variance from Section 1151.04 to allow the accessory use sq/footage to exceed that of the single-family dwelling (main use), (2) a variance from section 1151.23(a) maximum 210 ft. front yard setback to allow 224.86 ft., (3) a variance from section 1119.09(d) not to install the required public sidewalks until such
Said: the lot itself.
part approved0–7, 7–0, 7–0, 7–0February 12, 2024 · 6505 Summer Wind Drive
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(C) maximum 240 sq. ft. to allow 412 sq. ft. for the construction of a pool house building
Said: .
approved5–0December 11, 2023 · 7009 Crestview Road
(1) variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the front yard, instead of the rear as required by code
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved7–0October 9, 2023 · 2643 Hidden Canyon Drive
Preston Buchtel for Michael Dimas for (1) a variance from Section 1151.25(d) (2) (C) maximum 240 sq. ft. to allow 1117 sq. ft. for the construction of a pool house building located at 2643 Hidden Canyon Drive, PP#605-11-018
Said: the lot itself.
tabled7–0September 11, 2023 · Brecksville
A variance from section 1151.25(d) (2) (b) a maximum 192 sq. ft. to allow 280 sq. ft. and a variance from 1151.26 (1) minimum 10 ft. side yard setback to allow five feet for the construction of a shed ROLL CALL: Ayes: Hasman, Caruso, Gagliano, Rose Nays: Collin, McCrodden Absent: Hruby MOTION CARRIED
Said: .
approved4–2September 11, 2023 · 3911 Oakes Road
(1) a variance from Section 1151.25 (d) (2) (B) maximum 192 sq. ft. to allow 484 sq. ft. for the construction of a shed, to be boarded on three sides of arborvitae providing to the satisfaction of the city arborist
Said: an existing structure.
approved5–1August 7, 2023 · 8700 Riverview Road
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03 (a) fence not allowed in a front yard to allow a post and rail fence, (2) a variance from section 151.25(d)(2)(B) maximum floor area of 192 sq./ft. to allow 200 sq./ft., and (3) a variance from section 1151.26 greenhouse required in the rear yard to allow in the front yard
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved6–1July 10, 2023 · 9019 Highland Drive
A variance (1) a variance from Section 1151.25(d) (1) Maximum 660 sq. ft., to allow 1350 sq. ft. and (2) a variance from Section 1151.26(1) minimum 10 ft. side yard setback, to allow 4 ft. and (3) a variance from Section 1181.11(b) maximum building height 15 ft., to allow 18 ft. for a replacement detached garage
Said: the lot itself.
approved6–0June 12, 2023 · 9962 Spearhead Drive
A variance for ARP Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. for Robert and Kathy Dobrowsky for a variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, instead of the rear as required by code
Said: the lot itself.
approved7–0June 12, 2023 · 4563 Hunting Valley Lane
A variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, instead of the rear as required by code
Said: the lot itself.
approved6–0April 10, 2023 · 6866 Farview Road
(1) a variance from Section 1151.25(d)(1) maximum 660 sq. ft., to allow 1260 sq. ft., and (2) a variance from Section 1181.11(b) 15 ft. maximum building height to allow a 18 ft. height for the construction of a detached garage
Said: privacy; the lot itself; an existing structure.
approved7–0April 10, 2023 · 6508 Summer Wind Dr.
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(C) maximum 240 sq. ft. to allow 400 sq. ft. for a pool house
Said: .
approved7–0March 13, 2023 · 8819 Snowville Road
(1) a variance from Section 1326.01, to allow one air conditioning unit in the front 50% of the side of the dwelling, rear 50% required, and (2) a variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, instead of the rear as required by code
Said: privacy; the lot itself; noise.
approved7–0March 13, 2023 · 5250 Oakes Road
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(B), a maximum of 192 sq. ft. to allow 720 sq. ft. for a shed
Said: .
approved7–0March 13, 2023 · 7825 Oakhurst Circle
A variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, instead of the rear as required by code, with landscaping screening approved by the City Arborist
Said: cost or durability.
approved7–0March 13, 2023 · 9520 Whitewood Road
A variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, instead of the rear as required by code, with landscaping screening approved by the City Arborist
Said: .
approved7–0March 13, 2023 · 6770 Rivercrest Drive
A variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, instead of the rear as required by code, with landscaping screening approved by the City Arborist
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved7–0February 13, 2023 · 10230 Woodview Way
A variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, on a corner lot, instead of the rear as required by code
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved6–0February 13, 2023 · 6610 Morningside Drive
A variance from Section 1151.26(2) to place a shed in front of the building line, on a corner lot
Said: privacy.
approved6–0December 12, 2022 · 2620 Hidden Canyon Drive
A variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, instead of the rear as required by code with landscaping as approved by the Building Department to screen generator
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved7–0November 7, 2022 · 9985 Barr Road
A variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the side yard, 26 ft. from the house, instead of the rear as required by code, subject to review by the Brecksville Fire Department
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved5–0November 7, 2022 · 9455 Barr Road
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(B) from the maximum 192 sq. ft. to allow 308 sq. ft. for the construction of a shed
Said: privacy; the lot itself; an existing structure.
approved5–0October 10, 2022 · 9979 Barr Road
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(B) from the maximum 192 sq. ft. to allow 256 sq. ft. for a shed
Said: .
approved7–0October 10, 2022 · 5554 Miller Road
(1) a variance from Section 1151.26(2), minimum required 10 ft. side yard setback, to allow 3.5 ft., and (2) a variance from Section 1151.23(4)(b) to allow a shed to be located, other than the rear yard, as required by code, and (3) a variance from Section 1151.03(c) to install a shed on a vacant lot (not permitted)
Said: the lot itself.
approved7–0August 8, 2022 · 10614 Fitzwater Road
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(B) from the maximum 192 sq. ft. to allow 384 sq. ft. for a shed
Said: an existing structure; cost or durability.
approved7–0July 11, 2022 · 9333 Highland Drive
A variance from Section 1151.26(2) that a shed be located in the rear, to allow the placement of a shed in the front yard
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved5–0July 11, 2022 · 6578 Summer Wind Drive
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(C) from the maximum 240 sq. ft. to allow 307 sq. ft. for the construction of a pool house
Said: an existing structure.
approved5–0June 13, 2022 · 10340 Whitewood Road
(1) a variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(C) from the maximum 240 sq. ft. to allow 320 sq. ft., and (2) a variance from Section 1151.26(2), minimum side yard setback of 10 ft. to allow 5 ft., for the construction of a shed
Said: safety; the lot itself.
approved7–0June 13, 2022 · 8506 Brecksville Road
(1) a variance from Section 1151.25(d)(1) maximum 660 sq. ft. to allow 900 sq. ft., and (2) a variance from Section 1183.15(a) not to install a hard surface driveway for the construction of a detached garage
Said: privacy; the lot itself; an existing structure; cost or durability.
approved7–0May 9, 2022 · 8056 Long Forest Drive
A variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator on the side of the house instead of the rear as required by code
Said: safety.
approved6–0May 9, 2022 · 8506 Brecksville Road
(1) a variance from Section 1151.25(d)(1) maximum 660 sq. ft. to allow 1350 sq. ft., and (2) a variance from a variance from Section 1183.15(a) not to install a hard surface driveway for the construction of a detached garage
Said: an existing structure.
denied3–3May 9, 2022 · 10447 Tanager Trail
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(B) from the maximum 192 sq. ft. to allow 240 sq. ft. for the construction of a shed
Said: .
approved6–0May 9, 2022 · 11510 Glen Valley Drive
A variance from Section 1151.26(2) to allow a pavilion with a fireplace in the side yard instead of the rear yard as required by code
Said: the lot itself.
approved6–0April 11, 2022 · 8460 Brecksville Road
(1) a variance from Section 1151.25(d)(1) maximum 660 sq. ft., to allow 864 sq. ft., and (2) a variance from Section 1181.11(b) 15 ft. maximum building height to allow a 16.17 ft. height for the construction of a detached garage
Said: .
approved6–1November 8, 2021 · 8060 Long Forest Drive
A variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator on the side of the house instead of the rear as required by code
Said: privacy; noise.
approved7–0October 11, 2021 · 8700 Riverview Road
(1) a variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)B, maximum 192 sq. ft. to allow 240 sq. ft. for the construction of a shed, and (2) a variance from Section 1151.26(2) requirement that sheds be located in the rear yard, to allow in the front yard
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved6–1October 11, 2021 · 5995 Miller Road
(1) a variance from Section 1151.25(d)(1) maximum 660 sq. ft. to allowed 1680 sq. ft. (3) a variance from Section 1151.26(7) that a driveway setback be a minimum of 3 ft. from the lot lines to allow 2 ft., for a detached garage
Said: the lot itself.
part approved7–0, 0–7October 11, 2021 · 8997 Highland Drive
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(1) maximum 660 sq. ft. to allow 1785 sq. ft. for a detached garage
Said: .
approved6–0August 9, 2021 · 9013 Highland Drive
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(l) from the APP. 2021-32 maximum 660 sq.ft. to allow 818 sq. ft. for an addition of a covered patio off an existing 9013 garage
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved5–0August 9, 2021 · 5559 Ridgewood Lane
A variance from Section I 151.25(d)(2)(B) and APP. 2021-33 115 l .25(d)(3)(B) from the maximum 592 sq. ft. to allow 712 sq. ft. for the construction of a POOL pool pavilion and shed
Said: the lot itself.
approved5–0June 7, 2021 · 9054 Highland Drive
A variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(c) maximum 240 sq. ft. to allow 360 sq. ft. for the construction of a shed
Said: .
approved5–0May 10, 2021 · 5395 Miller Road
A variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator in the front of the house instead of the rear as required by code
Said: privacy; cost or durability.
approved6–0May 10, 2021 · 10056 Barr Road
(1) a variance from Section 1151.25(d)(2)(B) from the maximum 192 sq. ft. to allow 992 sq. ft., and (2) a variance from Section 1181.11(b), 15 ft. maximum building height to allow 17 ft. for the construction of a pool house
Said: an existing structure.
approved6–1May 10, 2021 · 12004 Chippewa Road
A variance Section 1151.03(c) to install an above ground pool on a vacant lot (not permitted)
Said: .
approved7–0May 10, 2021 · 11034 Snowville Road
(1) a variance from Section 1151.25(d)(1) maximum 660 sq. ft. to allow 884 sq. ft. and (2) a variance from Section 1181.11(b) maximum height 15 ft. to allow 18.5 ft. and (3) an amended variance from Section 1183.15(a) not to install a hard surface driveway, provided a permeable surface driveway, acceptable to the Build
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved6–0April 12, 2021 · 9885 Greenhaven Parkway
A variance from Section 1152.25(d)(1) maximum 660 square feet to allow 1248 square feet for the construction of a detached garage
Said: safety.
denied3–4December 7, 2020 · 4547 Hunting Valley Lane
A variance from Section 1326.02 to install a generator on the side of the house instead of the rear as required by code
Said: privacy.
approved6–0
What the approvals have in common: a reason rooted in the lot (a ravine, drainage, where the utilities enter, a storm-damaged spot), and neighbor letters in the file. Five of the seven put neighbor support in the record.
Related: a garage out front, and a taller house
Two neighbors of these rules come up often. A garage on the front of the house inside the setback is a Section 1151.24 request. A roof over the 30-foot main building limit (a portion of it, 10 to 30 percent of the ground floor area depending on the district, may reach 40 feet) is a Section 1181.11(a) request. The board approved all three it heard, each on the shape of the lot.
July 13, 2026 · 5901 Oakes Rd
Garage on the front of the house, 30' from the road. Code says 125'.
Said: a severe slope behind the house; photos of a neighbor's garage that sits closer to the road.
Neighbor letters in support; one adjacent owner raised the visual impact and asked for landscaping.
approved6–0August 10, 2026 · 6727 Victoria Ln
New house, 3' taller than the code allows.
Said: the lot's grade.
approved6–0August 10, 2026 · 6721 Victoria Ln
New house with a roof taller than the code allows.
Said: a walkout basement on a sloped lot.
approved6–0
How to apply
- Apply through the city’s Citizenserve portal and file one hard copy of the proposal by the deadline before the next meeting.
- Include a site drawing to scale showing the lot, the house, existing structures, the new one, and its distances to the side and rear lines. Anything larger than 11 by 17 goes in as a PDF.
- The fee is $50 for the first variance on a parcel and $15 for each additional one. Size and location are two variances.
- The board meets at 7:30 PM on the first Monday after the first Tuesday of each month, in the City Hall Council Chambers.
- City Council votes on the board’s recommendation the following Tuesday. Then apply for the building permit (two sets of plans, in person, and a 10-day posted waiting period, per the handout).
Sources: the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals page and accessory structures handout, as of September 2026. Code text is from the city’s published code PDF, 2023 supplement; confirm current numbers with the Building Department.
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Sources
- Brecksville Planning and Zoning Code, Sections 1151.24, 1151.25, 1151.26, 1181.11 (2023 supplement PDF)
- City of Brecksville, Regulations for Residential Accessory Structures (2025 handout)
- City of Brecksville, Board of Zoning Appeals page
- Brecksville BZA agenda and notices, October 7, 2024 (Section 1326.02 wording)
- Brecksville BZA minutes, March 9, 2026
- Brecksville BZA minutes, April 13, 2026
- Brecksville BZA minutes, July 13, 2026
- Brecksville BZA minutes, August 10, 2026
Written from public records. This is not legal advice.