Sycamore Twp. man fixes zombie nativity housing issue

Sheila A. Vilvens svilvens@communitypress.com

Zoning codes apply to everyone, even zombies.

The creator of a zombie nativity set in Sycamore Township, Jasen Dixon, was officially cited Dec. 3 for his accessory structure on the front lawn of his home at 8555 Vorhees Lane in Rossmoyne, according to township zoning administrator Harry Holbert. The roof of the structure was removed Dec. 4, bringing it into compliance with zoning regulations.

As a result of his Dec. 3 zoning code violation, however, Dixon is required to appear in the Hamilton County Municipal Court Dec. 22. From there it is up to the judge and the prosecutor’s office how to proceed, Holbert said. Since he removed the roof from the structure bringing it into compliance with zoning regulations (it no longer fits the definition of an accessory structure) he was cited for just one day, he said.

Some social media comments have accused the trustees of being anti-zombie. The trustees have said the reason Dixon’s nativity fell under scrutiny is not because of the zombies, but because of the zoning violations presented by the accessory structure.

Dixon first presented his zombie nativity scene last December and received notification from the township for two zoning violations – one for the accessory structure in which the zombie nativity figures were displayed and the second for debris in front of the garage.

Looking to avoid a similar situation this year, in early November Dixon began exchanging emails with Holbert. After moving forward with erecting his accessory structure and setting up his zombie figurines, Dixon submitted an application to build an accessory structure in his front yard. The application was denied Dec. 2. The township’s zoning resolution prohibits accessory structures in the front or side yard, Holbert said.