Solon Planning Commission Approves Garage, Church Eagle Scout Project and Metroparks Variances

SOLON, Ohio — The Solon Planning Commission unanimously approved three items at its May 12, 2026 meeting, operating with three of five members present. Assistant Law Director Lon Stolarsky confirmed the three-member quorum was sufficient, with two affirmative votes needed to advance items to City Council. Windy Hill Lane Garage Variance Gets the Green Light A resident at 37125 Windy Hill Lane received approval for a 16-foot side yard setback variance to construct a 20-by-20-foot detached garage. The variance was needed because of the lot’s steep rear slope and existing driveway configuration, which limited where the structure could be placed. The application had been tabled from the April 28 meeting while the homeowner worked with the Engineering Department to resolve drainage concerns. The revised plan includes a four-foot grass swale between the proposed garage and the property line, designed to direct runoff toward the rear of the property. The commission noted the engineering memo must be fulfilled before a building permit is issued. The item will appear on the City Council consent agenda at the May 18 meeting. Lot Consolidation for Cleveland Metroparks Approved Following a public hearing, the commission approved a lot consolidation request from the Board of Park Commissioners of the Cleveland Metropolitan Park District. The consolidation combines two parcels on Aurora Road — permanent parcel numbers 951-19-015 and 951-19-018. City Planner Heather Heckman explained the consolidation fulfills a contingency from a 2025 lot split approval. At that time, Cleveland Metroparks was given five years to consolidate the parcels. The commission also authorized the mayor to execute all paperwork necessary to complete the right-of-way acquisition. Eagle Scout Project Wins Variances at Pioneer Memorial Church The commission approved two 50-foot side yard setback variances for a 10-by-10-foot concrete pad at Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church, 35100 Solon Road. The project is an Eagle Scout undertaking by Jake Devine of Scouting America Troop 821. The pad will be used for a portable piano during the church’s outdoor summer services. The church owns three adjacent parcels, and the concrete pad sits near an interior property line between two of them. The commission noted that work had begun before permits were obtained, meaning the project may be subject to a fine under city ordinance — though the fine may be waived. Church representatives Pat Owens and Don Shook were present along with Devine. A planning department contingency requires the church to consolidate its three parcels, consistent with a 2025 approval of a related outdoor pavilion. Community Notes In closing remarks, Mayor Kraus congratulated graduating Comet seniors and noted their commencement is expected the following week. He also announced Solon’s Memorial Day processional will travel down Aurora Road to the cemetery. The commission also celebrated the passage of the Solon City Schools operating levy and noted four graduating students will be attending MIT and other top universities.