MINUTES OF MEETING - The Village of Indian Hill

MINUTES OF MEETING
INDIAN HILL PLANNING COMMISSION
MAY 15, 2007
The regular meeting of the Indian Hill Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, May
15, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Administration building.
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Officials Present:
Visitors Present:
Paul F. Madden
Jane G. Koppenhoefer
Charles E. Reynolds
David T. Ottenjohn
Richard C. Wiggers
Michael W. Burns, City Manager
David M. Couch, Assistant City Manager
George C. Kipp, Village Project Manager
John Lanier, Hannibal Development Company
Addison Lanier, Hannibal Development Company
Michael McInturf, Michael McInturf Architects
T.J. Ackermann, 6670 Wyman Lane
Lee Nordloh, Nordloh & Associates
John & Ann Kean, 6415 Miami Road
David Rhodenbaugh, 6385 Miami Road
James Schloemer, 8075 Remington Road
Scott & Emily Blackwelder, 6325 Miami Road
Doug & Susan Grosse, 7595 Shawnee Run Road
Ron Roberts, Roberts Engineering
Frank & Connie Woolard, 6240 Shawnee Run Road
Stephen Smith, Stephen Smith Associates
Steve & Sarah Steinman, 8905 Shawnee Run Road
Craig & Marcia Standen, 6280 Shawnee Pines Drive
Troy Blackburn, 5155 Stonebarn Road
Sourushe Zandrakili, 7950 Indian Hill Road
Chairman Madden called the meeting to order and asked for comments or corrections
to the April 17, 2007 Planning Commission minutes. There being none, Mr. Ottenjohn
made a motion to approve the minutes. Mrs. Koppenhoefer seconded, and the minutes
were approved by a unanimous voice vote.
Item Number 1: The Hannibal Development Company is requesting approval for the
consolidation of the Conceptual and Preliminary Plans for Phase 2A of the Twin Fences
at Peterloon Subdivision.

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 2
Mr. Madden asks for anyone planning to speak on behalf of this case, to please stand,
raise their right hand, and be sworn in prior to speaking.
Mr. Ron Roberts, with Roberts Engineering, comes before the Commission on behalf of
Hannibal Development. Mr. Roberts states that most of Phase 1 has been developed.
They are here to receive approval of the Conceptual and Preliminary Plans for Phase
2A. Phase 2B, which will be located at the north end of the cul-de-sac, will follow in the
future.
Mr. Roberts comments that there is one lot in District “A” and eight lots in District “B” in
Phase 2A. There have been only minor adjustments that have been made to this plan
from the originally approved Concept Plan.
Staff Report: Mr. Couch notes the previous actions that have been taken by the
Planning Commission related to Phase I of Twin Fences at Peterloon Subdivision as
follows:
• The Concept Plan of Phase I was approved on November 18, 2003.
• The Preliminary Plan was approved on February 26, 2004.
• The Final Subdivision Plat of Phase I was approved on July 20, 2005.
The applicant is requesting a consolidated approval of the Concept Plan/Preliminary
Plan approval for Phase 2A of the Twin Fences at Peterloon Subdivision. Phase 2A has
a gross area of 26.46 acres and includes nine (9) building lots with eight (8) lots to be
located in District “B”, and one (1) lot to be located in District “A”.
There are only a few minor revisions to the original Concept Plan that was approved in
2003, which include lots #38, #35, #37, and #39. A revision to lot #38 allows for an
additional 1.5 acres to be added to the original Concept Plan. Lots #35, #37, and #39
have been revised to relocate resource protected areas as part of storm water
detention.
The proposed public road (Stirrup Cup Drive) will provide access to all nine lots, with
lots #34 and #38 being served by forty (40) foot ingress/egress easements. Seven of
the nine lots will front Stirrup Cup Drive, with lots #34 and #38 being rear lots with no
frontage.
Stirrup Cup Drive will extend from Larking Drive, in a direction of north to south. The
length of the proposed public road will be approximately 1,050' with a pavement width of
20' and a public right of way of 50'. The terminus for Stirrup Cup Drive is a “T”
turnaround design in preparation for the future extension of the road. Our police and fire
have reviewed the temporary terminus and find it acceptable.

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 3
In following the specific procedures of the Indian Hill Subdivision Ordinance regarding
Conceptual/Preliminary Plan requirements, the following submissions have been
submitted and reviewed:
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency – Approved original Concept Plan stating that
a centralized sewage collection is feasible and practical, and the fifty-four (54) sewer
credits are available for development use.
Metropolitan Sewer District – Submitted letter stating that a gravity sanitary sewer is
approved for the proposed nine (9) lots of Phase 2A.
Village of Indian Hill Health Department – Agree with the proposed sanitary sewer
design.
Village of Indian Hill Police and Fire Departments – Both departments have
reviewed the plans and approve the designs. However, the Fire Department requests
that the water main be looped starting at Perin Road, Phase I, to the proposed water
main for Phase 2A.
Indian Hill Water Works – The proposed water main for Phase 2A shall be looped from
Perin Road, Phase I, (Cincinnati Water Works) to Phase 2A, Stirrup Cup Drive, meeting
the Indian Hill Water Works standards for installation.
Traffic Engineering and Study – Previously approved during Phase I at the November
18, 2003 meeting.
Storm Water Review – A proposed detention basin is shown on lot #35. An existing
detention basin is located on lot #32 and was approved during Phase I.
In review of the storm water report, it calls for a retaining wall to be constructed along
the right of way of Stirrup Cup Lane as part of the detention basin labeled “detention
basin #3”. Staff requested that the developer relocate the structure outside the
resource protected area. The developer has done so.
Utility Easements – The plan calls for a 5' wide utility easement located just outside the
right of way on the east side of Stirrup Cup Drive. There’s also a 20' wide sanitary
sewer utility easement located along the west side of Stirrup Cup Drive, connecting to
an existing 8" sanitary sewer that is located along the side lot lines on lots #31, #32, and
#34.
Green Areas and Bridle Trail Easements – There are no green area gifts proposed
for Phase 2A. There is a bridle trail easement shown along the side lot lines of lots #34
and #32 crossing Stirrup Cup Drive. Originally the easement traveled across the fronts

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 4
and sides of lots #36 and #37. It has been since revised and shown along the sides
and rear of lots #36 and #37.
The Green Area Advisory Committee visited the site and request that an effort be made
to save a few climax trees (trees that are 150 years old). Otherwise, the committee was
very pleased with the overall layout.
Natural Resource Protection Analysis – The following natural resource protection
analysis calculations are complete and have been verified.
• Kope Formation and Flood Plain 0.00 acres
• Slopes 20% or Greater 3.10 acres
• Mature Canopy Forest 0.98 acres
• Young Canopy Forest 7.58 acres
Engineer’s Review – The engineer’s report includes the following areas of review.
‣ Lot area and layout
‣ Roadway and design
‣ Storm water calculations and design
‣ Utilities – Water main and sewer
‣ Grading plan
‣ Verification of Natural Resource Protection Standards
‣ Subdivision fee schedule
The Village Engineer finds the Concept/Preliminary plans to be acceptable.
Subdivision Review Fee – Mr. Couch notes that the Village’s subdivision review fee,
per Section 5.7 of the Indian Hill Subdivision Ordinance is $3,350.00.
Mr. Couch concludes by stating that Staff has properly notified neighbors. Staff finds
that the consolidation of the Concept/Preliminary Plan meets the requirements of the
Indian Hill Subdivision Ordinance and recommends approval.
Mrs. Koppenhoefer questions how long the Commission should allow the “T” turnaround
at Stirrup Cup Drive.
Mr. Burns comments that the Commission may want to put a condition on the Final Plat
approval concerning the length of time that the end of the drive can remain a “T”
turnaround. He suggests that a term of fives years may be appropriate. Mr. Burns
mentions that the Village has had “T” turnarounds for periods of four to five years.

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 5
Mrs. Koppenhoefer made a motion to approve the consolidation of the Conceptual and
Preliminary Plans for Phase 2A of the Twin Fences at Peterloon Subdivision. Mr.
Reynolds seconded, and the motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
Mrs. Koppenhoefer recused herself from the following case involving the Indian Hill
Swim Club.
Item Number 2: The Indian Hill Swim Club, at 7585 Shawnee Run Road, is requesting
special exception approval under the Continuing Jurisdiction of the Indian Hill Planning
Commission to replace the existing swimming pools and primary building.
Mr. Madden asks for anyone planning to speak on behalf of this case, to please stand,
raise their right hand, and be sworn in prior to speaking.
A model of the Indian Hill Swim Club is moved to the table before the Commission.
Mr. T.J. Ackermann, residing at 6670 Wyman Lane, comes before the Commission on
behalf of the Indian Hill Swim Club. Mr. Ackermann states that he is a six year member
of the club and is on his second term as president.
Mr. Ackermann states that the club has been in existence since 1957. They currently
have two pools and three accessory structures on the site. The club has a total of 376
full time family members, 11 senior members, and 8 single members.
The club has been looking at options for rebuilding the entire structure due to
deteriorating conditions of both pools and the buildings. After through review, the club
has come to the conclusion that the current placement of the pools and the tennis
courts utilize the site in a fashion that is best for the members and surrounding
neighbors.
Mr. Ackermann announces that the club has hired Mr. Michael McInturf, with Michael
McInturf Architects, and Mr. Ron Roberts, with Roberts Engineering, to assist them with
this project.
Mr. Michael McInturf, with Michael McInturf Architects, residing at 5905 Sentinel Ridge
Lane, comes before the Commission and comments that they have studied several
different schemes and have decided that the best option is a complete replacement of
the existing pools and buildings.
Mr. McInturf refers to the model of the property and states that the club has 11.6 acres.
The proposal is to remove all of the buildings as they exist separately on the structure
and replace them with one singular structure. In addition, two tennis courts are to be

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 6
removed and replaced with a play field and detention area. The other two tennis courts
will remain where they are currently located.
The club currently has a competition pool, recreation pool, and a wading pool. The
lower competition pool has an adjacent shower/bathroom facility and the main bathroom
facility is located up in the concession building with the dining area. The new plans
show the lower bathrooms being tucked under the building.
The next floor includes the main entrance, check in desk, administration, a
meeting/storage room and the concession area. On the south side of the site there will
be an outdoor dining terrace. There will be restroom facilities and additional storage
area on the west side of the building.
Mr. McInturf states that all of the parking area remains the same. There will be an
additional graveled area for some staff parking.
The club originally wanted to push the wading pool closer to the west property line.
Village Staff has expressed concern over this and has encouraged the club not to allow
the pool to impede more than 50' from the corner. The club has made this adjustment
to resolve this matter.
Mr. McInturf notes that the club has met with a number of neighbors in an effort to listen
to their concerns and resolve any issues.
Mr. McInturf explains that much of the undergrowth by the wading pool will remain as a
buffer to the neighbors. However, a retaining wall will be needed that will also function
as a guard rail/fence for the pool itself. Water runoff will be directed down to the
detention basin.
Staff Report: Mr. Couch states that the Indian Hill Swim Club, located at 7585
Shawnee Run Road, is requesting special exception approval under the Continuing
Jurisdiction of the Indian Hill Planning Commission to replace the existing swimming
pools and primary building in the same location.
The Indian Hill Swim Club has been in existence and operated as an approved special
exception since 1957. The Planning Commission is required to review and authorize
special exception applications before the issuance of a site clearance per Section
101.48 Continuing Jurisdiction of Planning Commission; Reconsideration and
Revocation of the Indian Hill Zoning Ordinance.
The Indian Hill Swim Club is a private membership only non-commercial club. It’s
seasonally operated, opening on Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. Their
normal hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. There may be a few events each

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 7
year that will extend beyond normal operating hours. Approximately forty (40) part-time
employees are hired to work at the club during the season.
The club is also licensed to operate a swimming pool and a food service under the
jurisdiction of the Ohio State Health Department and the Hamilton County Health
Department.
The property is located in District “C” – one acre and has a lot area of 11.6 acres. The
property is accessed by a private drive from Shawnee Run Road via Dot Avenue.
The applicant is proposing to raze and replace the existing pool house including the
deck and overhang, the member’s pool, the competition pool and deck, wading pool and
deck, basketball court, and the south tennis courts.
The existing parking area in the north end of the property is to remain. The tennis
courts located on the northwest corner of the property and the tennis courts located on
the west side of the property will also remain. These tennis courts are located in nonconforming
locations, but have been previously approved by the Planning Commission.
Also shown on the site plan are several structures and renovations to the facility
including a new pool house. The proposed pool house has approximately 8,350 square
feet and includes an outdoor dining area, outdoor terrace, food service area, meeting
room, reception area, restrooms, and storage area for maintenance and pool
equipment.
The proposed general pool is approximately 84' X 65' and is surrounded by a concrete
deck. Mr. Couch reminds the Commission that decks are not subject to setbacks. A
new competition lap pool, shown in the same location as the existing lap pool, is
proposed at approximately 84' X 60' with a concrete deck.
A wading pool is to be located on the northwest side of the property. As Mr. McInturf
mentioned earlier, Staff had some discussions with the engineer and architect relative to
where they had originally positioned the pool. It was proposed about 35' off the side lot
line. Staff asked them to move the location of the pool back to a minimum of 50', which
they did.
Staff was also concerned by the slopes that were created by the wading pool. Some of
the slopes would have been less than a three to one ratio. However, this problem has
been eliminated by the repositioning of the pool.
Staff is also very pleased with the proposal of the retaining wall and the drainage being
directed to the proposed detention basin. Mr. Couch comments that this should
eliminate the runoff problems.

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 8
Mr. Couch adds that any additional screening through plantings that can be provided in
that area would be encouraged by Staff.
The existing driveway from Shawnee Run Road will remain the same until you reach the
area of the new building entry. The circular entry will change slightly with the addition of
seven (7) new parking spaces. Within the circular drive is a fire hydrant that both the
fire department and Indian Hill Water Works are requesting to be replaced with a new
hydrant, meeting the Indian Hill Water Works specifications. There is an existing 6"
water main serving the facility. Both the fire and water departments feel the existing
main will be sufficient.
An existing sanitary sewer owned by MSD will provide sufficient sewer needs to the
property.
As part of the approval of the special exception request, per Section 101.431 of the
Indian Hill Zoning Ordinance, the Commission shall not grant a special exception
unless, in each case, it makes written findings of fact and conclusions, directly based on
and supported by the particular evidence presented in the application and at the
hearing, that the proposed special exception meets the following twelve (12) standards:
1) The establishment, maintenance, or operation of the special exception will not
be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, convenience, comfort,
morals, or general welfare;
Granting the special exception will improve and enhance the general welfare of
the Village by upgrading the buildings, along with providing compliance to all
current Indian Hill zoning requirements and Hamilton County’s requirements.
2) The special exception is not inconsistent with the Village’s adopted Land Use
Objectives and Policies;
Granting this special exception is not inconsistent with the Village’s adopted
Land Use Objectives and Policies, but in fact promotes the recreational
enjoyment that the Swim Club provides to the Indian Hill residents.
3) The special exception, either alone or in conjunction with other special
exceptions previously granted or otherwise existing, will not injure, diminish, or
impede the use, enjoyment, or normal and orderly development of other
property in the immediate vicinity for uses permitted in the zoning district;
Granting the special exception will not injure, diminish, or impede the use,
enjoyment, or normal and orderly development of other property in the
immediate vicinity for uses permitted in the zoning district, but will improve the

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 9
use and enjoyment of others. Improvements to the existing facility will promote
a higher level of service and maintenance.
4) The special exception is consistent with the residential character of the
immediate vicinity of the parcel proposed for development;
The special exception is consistent with the residential character of the
immediate vicinity for development, meeting all zoning requirements for
setbacks, buildings, and structures. Swimming pools and tennis courts are also
consistent accessory structures located on Indian Hill properties for recreational
activities.
5) The special exception will not substantially diminish or impair property values
within the neighborhood;
Granting the special exception request will not substantially diminish or impair
property values within the neighborhood, but will protect these values through
structural improvements.
6) Adequate utilities, drainage, wastewater treatment, and/or other facilities
necessary to serve the proposed special exception already exist or will be
provided;
Adequate utilities already exist. Engineered storm water calculations have been
submitted to support the proposed drainage improvements, which include storm
water detention. A new fire hydrant is to be installed, meeting fire code
standards.
7) Adequate access roads, entrance and exit drives, and off-street parking spaces
already exist or will be provided and designed so as to prevent traffic safety
hazards, to minimize traffic conflicts and congestion in the streets, and to
maintain the rural residential character of existing roadways in the Village
without requiring improvements that will increase the capacity of existing
roadways or will encourage their use by through-traffic;
Adequate access to the facility already exists, and there will be no traffic
increase or change in the service driveway to the facility. Adequate parking also
exists and an additional seven spaces are included as part of the project.
8) The special exception will not adversely affect a known archaeological,
historical, or cultural resource;

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 10
There are no known archaeological, historical, or cultural resources on the
property.
9) The applicant has represented to the Commission that it has the capacity to
complete, maintain, and operate the special exception as proposed and
approved, and has made or will make adequate legal provision to guarantee the
provision and development of any buffers, landscaping, public open spaces, and
other improvements associated with the proposed development;
The application and facilities have been in existence since 1957 as an approved
special exception. The proposed improvements are needed. The project has
been properly engineered, and there are no proposed changes to the existing
easement agreement.
10) The special exception shall in all other respects conform to the applicable
regulations of the zoning district in which the property is located, except where
the Planning Commission in a particular case grants a variance from the
regulations pursuant to Section 101.5 or, if the regulations are of a type that
may not be varied under Section 101.52, where the Council in a particular case
waives or modifies the regulations pursuant to the recommendation of the
Commission;
The special exception conforms, in all other respects, to the applicable
regulations of the zoning district in which the property is located.
11) All exterior lighting fixtures will be designed, directed, or shaded so that no direct
light is cast upon any other property; and all driveways and off-street parking
areas will be designed and screened to minimize the illumination of adjacent
residential properties by automobile headlamps;
There are no exterior lighting changes shown or proposed for the project, and
the club is open only during daylight hours. Additional screening and landscape
buffers may be added to prevent any sweeping of headlights.
12) All buildings and structures located within twenty-five (25) feet of the minimum
front yard, side yard, or rear yard required under Section 63.1 or Section 73.1
will be screened by landscaping of a type, nature, and seasonal character that
will ensure the privacy of adjacent dwellings and will ensure that the visual
character of the use will be compatible with surrounding uses; and all accessory
outdoor storage areas, mechanical equipment, and waste disposal facilities will
be screened from the view of adjacent dwellings.

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 11
The Indian Hill Swim Club intends to maintain the existing character of the land,
and that no structures or buildings are in conflict with the Indian Hill Zoning
Ordinance. The Commission also finds that granting the special exception is
consistent with the Indian Hill Zoning Ordinance and the Indian Hill Land Use
Objectives and Policies, and that the improvement are in the best interest of the
Village of Indian Hill and their residents.
Staff finds that the special exception request by the Indian Hill Swim Club meets the
twelve (12) standards for Planning Commission approval, but Staff recommends the
approval be subject to the applicant providing a detail of how construction traffic,
including the drive entrance and parking areas are to be maintained during construction.
Staff would also like to receive a time schedule for construction, including starting and
ending dates for this project. This information will need to be provided prior to the start
of the project.
Mr. McInturf notes that the project is an eight month project beginning the day after
Labor Day and being completed by Memorial Day.
Mr. Frank Woolard, residing at 6240 Shawnee Run Road, comes before the
Commission on behalf of the Shawnee Pines Homeowner’s Association.
Mr. Woolard notes that Mr. Ackermann and Mr. McInturf have taken the Homeowner’s
Association on a tour of the area and have kept an open dialogue with the
Homeowner’s Association regarding this project.
The Homeowner’s Association’s major concerns involve drainage issues and how their
properties may be affected by the construction and placement of the Swim Club. The
last time the Swim Club renovated the parking lot and courts, the residents of two
adjacent dwellings incurred $14,000 - $18,000 in drainage control that they were not
expecting. Mr. Woolard still has concerns but does feel that the Swim Club has
addressed the Association’s drainage concerns.
Mr. Woolard also has concerns about sediment from construction running down the
channel into the Association’s lake, causing the lake to fill in at a much higher rate than
would normally occur.
Mr. Woolard expresses disappointment with the plan to remove three (3) large maple
trees that serve as a backdrop to the Association’s properties. He would like the Swim
Club to review the design to see if there is some way to keep from eliminating these
trees.
Mr. Couch comments that with the runoff from the wading pool being directed to the
proposed detention basin, it should eliminate the drainage issues in this area.

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 12
Mr. Couch also mentions that part of Hamilton County’s storm water regulations
requirement for construction would be to have a sediment fence around the perimeter of
the area prior to construction.
Mr. Doug Grosse, of 7595 Shawnee Run Road (fronts Dot Avenue), states that he has
not been contacted by the Swim Club concerning this project and would like to be
updated as the project proceeds.
Mr. Grosse expresses concern over the construction project, time of duration,
construction hours, the effect of heavy construction equipment on Dot Avenue, mud on
the lane, and runoff from the construction and improvements made to the Swim Club.
Mr. Burns suggests that the Swim Club officials get together with Mr. Grosse to discuss
and expand on some of his concerns.
Mr. Burns explains that the Village does have strict standards in place for construction
hours, which include no work being permitted on Sunday and reasonable hours on
Saturday and through the week.
Mr. Grosse asks for clarification of the placement of the retaining wall. Mr. McInturf
explains that the wall will be placed as close to the parking lot as possible. They also
plan to maintain the heavy undergrowth between the properties.
Mr. David Rhodenbaugh, who owns the properties at 6385 and 6345 Miami Road,
expresses concern over the legal liability of property owners and the club since most of
the properties extend out onto Dot Avenue. He’s concerned about liability issues if a
child is hit on the lane. Maintenance and expansion of the lane is also a concern.
Mr. Burns replies that the Village does not have any control over these issues since Dot
Avenue is a private lane.
Mrs. Marcia Standen, residing at 6280 Shawnee Pines Drive, asks about drainage,
mud, and erosion during construction.
Mr. Burns replies that the Swim Club is required to maintain erosion control during
construction.
Mr. Ottenjohn asks for clarification concerning lighting since the current building will be
demolished.
Mr. Couch replies that he has been told by the architect that there will be no new
lighting. There are a few small lights on the current building, but no new lighting is
being proposed.

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 13
Mr. Burns comments that the Hamilton County Building Department will probably
require some security lighting, but the Village’s lighting code will require that lighting to
be shielded in a fashion so that it won’t reflect onto adjacent properties.
Mr. McInturf comments that there is an extensive canopy at the club, and if a
thunderstorm rolls in during a swim meet and it gets really dark, some incidental lighting
would be used within the canopy. All lighting would be focused inward. There will not
be any exterior lighting.
Mrs. Grosse and Mrs. Woolard inquire about the late parties that occasionally take
place at the club. Mrs. Woolard asks if there is a certain hour that these parties should
end by in an effort to reduce the noise.
Mr. Burns states that there is not currently any condition on this special exception use
concerning an ending time for parties, but the Commission could place one on the club
with this approval.
Mr. Madden asks if the club has a policy for ending times for parties. Mr. Ackermann
states that the club typically tries to end parties by 11:00 p.m. There is one member
party and a swim team party that may have ended closer to 11:30 p.m.
Mr. Madden reminds those in attendance that the Swim Club is classified as a special
exception. Therefore, there is ongoing monitoring by the Commission, so if there
comes a time when the club and adjacent neighbors cannot work out their differences,
you can petition Staff to come back before the Commission.
Mr. Ackermann comments that the Swim Club did have a meeting with surrounding
owners and is happy to work with them to address any other issues or concerns they
may have.
Mr. Madden encourages the Swim Club to notify property owners once a full set of
construction drawings are prepared and make the drawings available for property
owners to view. The Swim Club will have to report back to Staff for review of all
drainage and zoning issues and to obtain a site clearance release. The club will then
have to receive a building permit from Hamilton County.
Mr. John Kean, residing at 6415 Miami Road, questions the easements that are in affect
and asks for clarification.
Mr. Couch states that he has met with the attorney’s for the Swim Club and has worked
with them to research this property. Mr. Couch has seen the easement rights and
recalls that Dot Avenue was vacated in the early 1960’s. The properties do overlap into
the center of Dot Avenue. There was a private agreement with a number of residents

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 14
that signed off on the easement, with the exception of one property owner. However,
this is a private agreement between the Indian Hill Swim Club and the property owners.
Mr. Madden explains that if a motion is passed to approve this special exception, there
will be a “Finding of Fact” that will include approval of the twelve (12) standards that
were discussed earlier. The Commission will review the items at the next Planning
Commission meeting and vote on those twelve items.
Mr. Ottenjohn made a motion to accept the special exception under the Continuing
Jurisdiction of the Planning Commission subject to the following:
‣ Review and approval of the “Findings of Fact”
‣ A 50' setback for the wading pool
‣ A schedule for construction from Labor Day 2007 to Memorial Day 2008
‣ The Indian Hill Swim Club maintaining communication with the residents on Dot
Avenue concerning construction equipment, traffic, parking areas, and the
entrance and maintenance of Dot Avenue
Mr. Reynolds seconded the motion, and the motion was approved by a unanimous
voice vote.
Mr. Madden notes that there will be a special meeting of the Planning Commission on
May 29, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
Mrs. Koppenhoefer rejoined the Commission.
Item Number 3: Mr. Steve Steinman, of 8905 Shawnee Run Road, is requesting
Planning Commission approval for two variances. The variances requested are for the
location of accessory structures within the front yard setback and a brick wall exceeding
the maximum wall height permitted by the Indian Hill Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Madden asks for anyone planning to speak on behalf of this case, to please stand,
raise their right hand, and be sworn in prior to speaking.
Mr. Steve Smith, with Stephen Smith Associates, comes before the Commission on
behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Steinman. The Steinman’s live at the old schoolhouse at the
corner of Given and Shawnee Run Roads. Previously, the Steinman’s obtained a site
clearance release to construct a swimming pool/spa combination in their backyard. The
swimming pool requires mechanical equipment, and the Steinman’s have also chosen
to purchase a generator due to the extended electric outage last winter.

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 15
Mr. Smith states that the Steinman’s would like to place the equipment within the front
yard setbacks and construct a six foot high wall to conceal their pool equipment and
generator on the west end of the building adjacent to the existing greenhouse.
Mr. Smith comments that the initial thought was to go with some type of wood fence.
However, there is an existing fieldstone masonry wall on the north end of the property
along Shawnee Run. This wall is part of the language of the house, and the Steinman’s
would like to use this same type of detail for the proposed wall.
Mr. Smith distributes photos of the site to Staff and the Commission. He notes that this
type of wall at a height of six (6) feet will provide the needed privacy, screen the
accessory structures, and provide sound attenuation during the operation of the
generator. Due to the existing elevations, a wall less than six (6) feet in height will allow
a clear view into the property. Mr. Smith notes that the proposed wall will conceal the
pool equipment and generator from the view of the public, along with adding privacy and
security for the Steinman’s.
Staff Report: The property is a non-conforming corner lot located in District “A” – five
acre and has a lot area of 3.5 acres. The historic house is also non-conforming being
located 51' from the front right of way line. The original portion of the house was
constructed in 1869 and is known as the Franklin School House. The Steinman’s are
requesting to construct a six (6) foot high wall to conceal pool equipment and a backup
generator from view of the public, along with added privacy and security for the
enjoyment of their property. The brick wall is described as being 60' X 30' X 6' with a
combination of brick and stone to match the existing 9' wall located in the front of the
house.
Section 5. 59.5 of the Indian Hill Zoning Ordinance states “walls constructed at a height
greater than four (4) feet in height are prohibited unless a variance is approved by the
Planning Commission”. Staff finds that the elevation at Shawnee Run facing the house
is at 830. The elevation from the front of the wall is at 824, thus a difference of 6'. With
this elevation difference, the impact of the wall is probably going to be at eye level from
Shawnee Run Road. The applicant suggests that because the existing elevations allow
a clear view into the property, the proposed wall will conceal the accessory structures,
including the greenhouse, spa, portion of the pool, along with the proposed location of
the generator and pool equipment. The landscape architect also noted that ivy would
be planted to cover the wall and would match the ivy that’s on the existing front 9' wall.
Staff asked the architect if he would consider moving the pool equipment and generator
to the rear of the property, but concerns were raised related to noise and sound
attenuation. Staff questioned if the height of the wall could be lowered to meet the
zoning ordinance, but the applicant feels that due to the existing elevations, a six (6)
foot wall would be the minimum height needed to conceal the accessory structures

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 16
along with the pool. Staff does agree that the wall would need to be at a height of 6' in
order to conceal the equipment due to the elevation issues.
Staff finds that the existing accessory structures, along with the proposed accessory
structures will indeed be in clear view of the traffic along Shawnee Run Road and Given
Road, and that the proposed wall would conceal the accessory structures. It is the
intent of the zoning ordinance to keep accessory structures out of the front, but it’s also
the intent of the zoning ordinance to keep those out of view from the Village’s public
roads and right of ways.
Staff finds that this proposed wall will keep the noise from the generator within the
property limits. The Village has received complaints in the past due to noise from
generators that were not designed to keep the noise within the property limits.
Considering the historical value and the character of this property, Staff feels that this
wall will help shield those accessory structures from the view of the public right of way.
In conclusion, due to the unique set of circumstances, Staff recommends that the
variance for the wall height and the variance to the front yard setback for accessory
structures be approved due to the non-conforming corner lot, non-conforming location of
the house, and in preserving the historical character of the home.
Mr. Reynolds asks why these structures cannot be moved to the south or west.
Mr. Couch states that they can be moved, but in moving those structures Staff is very
concerned with the noise from the generator affecting adjacent property owners. Staff
also feels that it’s better to have these accessory structures located in one area and
concealed rather than scattered in order to be placed in a conforming location. Staff
feels that this plan makes sense and is in the best interest of the Village.
Mr. Couch remarks that he did place a call to the Indian Hill Historical Society to get
their thoughts on this proposal. They were in support of the wall in order to help hide
these structures.
Mr. Smith adds that they will be adding trees to soften the view, but this will not solve
the problems that he feels makes a 6' wall necessary.
Mr. Madden requests that when a landscape plan is decided upon, it be reviewed by
Staff prior to the plantings.
Mr. Reynolds notes that he does have major concerns with approving these variances.
He comments that Staff has spent a lot of time reviewing this case, and he will go along
with Staff’s recommendation for approval since they feel this is the best solution for the

Village of Indian Hill
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
May 15, 2007
Page 17
Village. However, if it is approved, Mr. Reynolds states that he would like noted in the
approval the conditions of the site that distinguish it from other cases. He believes if
this case is approved, it warrants a distinct set of findings.
After further review and discussion, the applicant makes a request to table the item until
the May 29, 2007 Planning Commission meeting to allow time for preparation of other
variations and drawings showing the wall at a lesser length than the 60 feet that are
being requested.
Mr. Burns suggests that the architect also place stakes on the property showing the wall
at a length of 55'. This way the Commission can see it on paper and visualize it at the
site.
Mr. Madden adds that it would be nice to see the stakes at 6' high with a string running
along the length of the fence in order to get a concept of the height.
Mrs. Koppenhoefer made a motion to table the item, at the request of the applicant, until
the May 29, 2007 meeting. Mr. Reynolds seconded and the motion was approved by a
unanimous voice vote.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mrs. Koppenhoefer
made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Reynolds seconded, and the motion was approved by a
unanimous voice vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul F. Madden, Chairman
ATTEST:
Michael W. Burns, Secretary