Rome ZBA approves side-yard variance for Gedicks’ Brickmeyer Road addition

The City of Rome Zoning Board of Appeals on Aug. 6 approved an area variance for Gregory and Brandy Gedick to build a three-car garage and an addition that will reduce the side-yard setback to 7 feet at 7193 Brickmeyer Road.

Brandy Gedick, a co-owner, told the board the project will remove an existing breezeway and two-stall garage, extend the garage to align with the front porch to accommodate three vehicles, and place living space (kitchen, dining and living areas) behind the garage. She said the existing kitchen will be converted to an office and the new breezeway will be fully heated and open between the old and new structures.

The property is in the agricultural district, where the Rome zoning code (table 80-5-1 dimensional standards) requires a 30-foot side-yard setback; the Gedicks asked for a 7-foot setback, a 23-foot encroachment. Gedick told the board the applicants evaluated locating the garage on the opposite side of the house but could not because utility lines enter on that side; they also said the backyard contained a septic tank and a dry well that limited placement behind the house.

The Oneida County Department of Planning returned “no recommendation as to final action” in a memo dated July 8, 2025, signed by James J. Genovese. The public portion produced no comments.

After board questions and the applicants’ explanation, the ZBA voted 5‑0 to approve the area variance. Chair Raymond Tucker reminded the applicants to obtain a building permit through the codes office and to consult with Mark Domenico before beginning work.

The board did not record any conditions or amendments to the approval in the meeting minutes; permits and building inspections will follow the codes office process.