[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6177340,"mediaKeyId","5341125-ce3be5b35fefc8bfc65e2d0be703b167","parentId",5341125,"title","Council adopts vape‑shop rules and adult‑use cannabis zoning after amendment on storefront visibility","audioSeconds",388,"startMs",2927000,"endMs",3315000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5341125-ce3be5b35fefc8bfc65e2d0be703b167&start=2927&end=3315","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5341125-ce3be5b35fefc8bfc65e2d0be703b167/thumbnail_2927000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6177340/Ohio/Council-adopts-vapeshop-rules-and-adultuse-cannabis-zoning-after-amendment-on-storefront-visibility","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177340-337a3927fe7d186a122441ec5bc3ef77/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178946&Signature=DMWnNjeyNQ0Dnk~8RfMxehmbqHxAG4eTz0FvU90-6EMfoXgOdigCZsRLeNhnrZDagP7afYLCu~nwiIrJn2KMJgWTxXGalBi14qQ5fGCOJFelEz7KOuAsul1vrFwf~mVhM6hmwOb~KVoXrONDE~218AXy4gyYxwgcdRhuzJGI1PwSQB65ZwzxcmYX8oNCEasSWCVeyMgi2Rs7IFbFfottXaLumYYOjH2cOoLnfHZgciqtkxhNJZPYW5ldBQvo5Kz4aov0K5iNgME1r95-iHuZZnGooRA0WRtOvILX1IHQS6m6J~zwtZB6J6yXufMoLX24pdCz0ugFKCE3cynx4cpgPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Solon, OH ","date","2025-07-08T13:22:58Z","article","Solon City Council on July 7 adopted two zoning ordinances: one adding vape and smoke shop regulations to the zoning code and another creating rules for adult‑use and dual‑use cannabis dispensaries. The votes were taken under suspension of the rules after council approved an amendment banning displays of cannabis‑related merchandise visible from sidewalks, rights‑of‑way or adjacent properties.

Council credited the planning commission and the new planning director for drafting the language. Councilmember Bentley introduced the motion and council adopted an amendment to the proposed visibility rules that substituted “vape shops” language for draft cannabis language and prohibited any merchandise, photos or representations of the products from being displayed in areas visible from public spaces.

Councilmember Trumfuss said the new rules were intended to curtail proliferation of storefronts that the city believes have appeared faster than regulation could keep up with. “We’re a little bit behind the game on this one, and this is the best that we could do with what we got to work with,” he said.

Public commenters at the meeting raised strong objections to the presence of dispensaries in Solon. Several residents urged the city to prohibit dispensaries outright or said the city had failed to follow the voter‑approved mixed‑use ordinance language that they contend prohibited certain businesses in parts of the city. One commenter, Jeff Pedicino of 6964 Elmwood Drive, cited public‑health and public‑safety studies about legalization elsewhere and urged enforcement of what he said were prohibition provisions in Solon’s mixed‑use district.

Members of the public also asked whether the city had forfeited the opportunity to opt out under state law. The law director and the administration responded: the administration did not opt out in late 2023/early 2024 and planning staff accepted zoning permit applications later in 2024; the law director cited Ohio case law (Gibson v. Oberlin, Ohio Supreme Court, 1960, and subsequent authority) that generally bars retroactive zoning amendments that would impede a development that was permitted under the regulations in force when the applicant applied.

Council approved the vape‑shop ordinance (addition of section 12.87.11 to the zoning code and amendments to chapter 12.61) and the adult‑use/dual‑use cannabis ordinance (section 12.87.12) on final passage. The visibility amendment was adopted before final passage. Council asked staff to continue clarifying definitions and enforcement mechanics.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Council - July 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Solon City Council on July 7 enacted new zoning rules for vape and smoke shops and separate regulations for adult‑use and dual‑use cannabis dispensaries, adopting an amendment that bars product displays visible from public sidewalks and rights‑of‑way.","taxTitle","Solon City Council, Solon, Cuyahoga County, Ohio","taxId",71135,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6177344,"Council rescinds earlier action then approves renaming Caesar Field at Russo Ballpark; members ask review of naming-rights policy",783,2131000,2914000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5341125-ce3be5b35fefc8bfc65e2d0be703b167&start=2131&end=2914","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5341125-ce3be5b35fefc8bfc65e2d0be703b167/thumbnail_2131000.jpg","/articles/6177344/Ohio/Council-rescinds-earlier-action-then-approves-renaming-Caesar-Field-at-Russo-Ballpark-members-ask-review-of-naming-rights-policy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177344-13ff3819fb5a4f5cbcc59fa24a3be170/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178946&Signature=kLp-KM0O~9Rl1xMzuYG3QXrmHAaxyTHRN66DLCGFCZXbOpJn5JkfDXBEXK8Ts~37feHqInAIPMjnQSCz4bT~LwfzmnosOZV5vCUzEOM-VG0K8lcs9llMCjrBtauNo7bn-FGhDYKZV88MneD8Dl9E-0e2WqvnzAvW68ijJMfMBMIhUzYURoM4pm6zzJ8agRSHGvfwic7544yaB0alJ24RZKBVs5HNZUMFQVyelCnnZKxk7K3-KAUZ3UZiSwCKOzsZjPqkMecMuqRLgFai4eVB1WbTASX0znxT~XRMQY9oMBkrWN6jSCEuY6yRgexbN9iKbNv~dB-A3yQBo8pwnGQoJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Solon City Council on July 7 rescinded an earlier December ordinance and then approved a new ordinance dedicating Caesar Field as \"Caesar Field at Russo Ballpark\" in recognition of William and Mary Russo.

The council vote to rescind the prior ordinance and to adopt the new dedication passed on roll call. Two councilmembers — Councilmember Meaney and Councilmember Schimitz — voted no on both the rescission and the renaming; the remaining members voted yes.

The renaming prompted extended discussion about the city’s naming‑rights policy, adopted in December 2022 as ordinance 2022‑220 (referred to in meeting discussion as “ordinance 2022‑220”). Several councilmembers said the policy’s language blurred dedications (honorific namings) and commercial naming rights (time‑limited, fee‑based agreements). Councilmember Zellwein asked the administration to review whether dedications should be handled in a separate policy or be clarified within the existing policy so future dedications have clear timelines and terms.

Councilmembers repeatedly said they wanted consistency: if naming rights typically include an end date, dedications should be treated consistently or clarified so future councils and residents are not “handcuffed” by an indefinite name. Law Director Tom and other staff noted the policy is advisory and allows council to set terms; the policy’s section 6 states council may amend the guidelines with council approval.

Councilmember Zellwein asked that administration consider a separate dedication policy or clearer guidance distinguishing dedications from paid naming rights. The mayor and other councilmembers supported directing staff to draft clarifying language for council review.

The two-step action — rescission followed immediately by a new ordinance authorizing the dedication and declaring an emergency — passed at the meeting under suspension of the rules.","After debate about whether dedications should follow the city’s naming‑rights policy, council rescinded a prior ordinance and approved a dedication renaming Caesar Field to Caesar Field at Russo Ballpark, with several members asking staff to separate dedications from commercial naming rules.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6177348,"Council approves variances for 31140 Miles Road fence after extended debate over shed option",1218,962000,2180000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5341125-ce3be5b35fefc8bfc65e2d0be703b167&start=962&end=2180","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5341125-ce3be5b35fefc8bfc65e2d0be703b167/thumbnail_962000.jpg","/articles/6177348/Ohio/Council-approves-variances-for-31140-Miles-Road-fence-after-extended-debate-over-shed-option","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177348-391cac0882c81d8562837ab9fdeb2ce7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178946&Signature=RResrAIgooYWxJ6~X8LzrSoq3cODbm8e~UslgqZcRwZ5XI0DlMfUHfiVbGrU4TaHKZZ3e-1nazXTtYUoUKtHEx-08ct4ZbmfIrrobbSrtiZI0CIxprgOVZAVSnK2xTO~eOVfRSsnVjBN9qTUHanbRxo8RgV66AggmY0Af9PnUPRHnam6RebrACx0-Z4Ko0kLSstvojvaA1qa-SiXJsbHuLrG7qR390JlnL2dqalm6yXdu9F0xuk0M-zfdAW8R8kIlrFyrGIgoy2YAnZuAJrGC7SrSFM7~NDHLz1ihmlnIWmKv5U-4nRHh3yjX~Pf7sKFYCquKC0zjZqhvrIysNmOzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Solon City Council on July 7 approved three variances that let a homeowner at 31140 Miles Road build a taller, more solid fence and require a smooth finish facing the neighbor, after an extended public hearing and debate over a previously authorized shed.

The variances — a 4-foot fence height variance, a 25% aggregate opening variance and a smooth‑finish‑side variance — were approved by roll call after councilmembers debated whether the applicant should be forced to choose between the fence and a shed previously approved by the planning commission. Council also added a condition that the approvals comply with the engineering memo dated 06/18/2025 and the planning memo dated 06/16/2025 attached to the application.

Applicant Michelle Asher, 31140 Miles Road, said she did not want a 10‑foot fence but wanted privacy: “I don’t really want a 10 foot fence, but I need privacy here… I need the 10 foot high to cover the windows because that’s how tall they are.” She showed photos during the meeting and told council the neighboring new home has elevated windows and a raised deck that she said overlook her bedroom and bathroom.

Several councilmembers said they were sympathetic to Asher’s privacy concerns but worried about setting a wider precedent for tall, solid fences. Councilmember Schimetz said he has consistently avoided approving entirely solid privacy fences and would prefer a board‑on‑board or an option that allowed some visibility for safety forces. Councilmember Zellwein and others said they had approved a similar 10‑foot privacy fence in the past and were comfortable granting Asher’s request in this instance.

Council and staff also discussed a shed that had been approved earlier by council via a variance. Planning staff explained the shed variance remains available for one year from its approval; the applicant may exercise the shed permit or build the fence. The city attorney and planning director advised that conditioning the new fence approval on rescinding an earlier council action would be legally and procedurally awkward because the shed variance had already been approved.

The council voted on each element separately. After the votes the mayor instructed staff to ensure the approvals include the engineering and planning department memos as conditions. The motion language added that condition before final passage.

The matter drew a public comment from a neighbor who suggested removing windows on the new house could have been a cheaper fix, and from other residents who said they understood both the applicant’s privacy needs and the council’s desire for consistent standards.

Councilmembers did not change the one‑year time frame attached to the earlier shed variance; planning staff explained that is standard procedure and remains valid unless the applicant abandons it.

The approvals allow the applicant to pursue the permitted fence construction, subject to the cited departmental memos and standard permit procedures.","Solon City Council approved three variances allowing a taller, less-open fence and a smooth exterior at 31140 Miles Road after the homeowner and council discussed alternatives including a previously approved shed; council added a condition to follow planning and engineering memos.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6177335,"Council approves engineering, road and bridge contracts, accepts bids for preventative maintenance and bridge replacement",137,3263000,3400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5341125-ce3be5b35fefc8bfc65e2d0be703b167&start=3263&end=3400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5341125-ce3be5b35fefc8bfc65e2d0be703b167/thumbnail_3263000.jpg","/articles/6177335/Ohio/Council-approves-engineering-road-and-bridge-contracts-accepts-bids-for-preventative-maintenance-and-bridge-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177335-0d2124c564f44ae5a7bd379f455ee569/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178946&Signature=ED6eug2nrf0jQS1TDV-F-UOAz2SXtMewCBf6kIPfxuZ5TpI-ep0LaiuntzCDCQJPzXUAO9k1j~wKPCGpxm~kvRSzSR5h5ZKLH2ga4Vm4XKedJQrAekD8OpDBV6NnZ0nKNbw93V2V-nrCWRpwsqiZpkkt76QKT2ZSd0hmt~PB1cXUQww~-vAclD7AusUI3QeTDlPjoy-jEtdsPQksw~IA20KvV54vq0LBpNfnc2JjvqgaKeUJj3UBS0pxR3ND8xcaLiVYhSQ4O30X7Z39xCfSOiykjEuoWvXPvLQRO5~Yt8XRmeiqpFcOmjZoigpTwKEkCma3~WzV5NPEGRedqTdV3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its July 7 meeting Solon City Council approved a set of engineering and construction items on the consent agenda, including authorization to request design fees, award of preventive maintenance work and acceptance of a low bid for a bridge replacement.

Council authorized the engineering department to request a design fee proposal from GPD Group for design and plans to add a dedicated left‑turn lane from southbound Som Center Road to eastbound Cannon Road in accordance with the city’s traffic engineering services contract.

Council accepted the bid from Asphalt Fabrics and Specialties for the 2025 annual preventative maintenance program (contract amount $251,626.65) and accepted the low bid from Katz Construction for the Enterprise Parkway bridge replacement project, PID 119876, in the amount of $1,325,013.86. The city has received $1,187,500 in external funding for the bridge project, the administration said.

Council also approved a final change order with Parham Electric for the 2024 annual traffic signal maintenance program in the amount of $44,117.08, and adopted an ordinance establishing new surcharge rates in the streets, utilities and public services code (section 10.46.04.c).

All consent items passed on a single roll‑call vote under suspension of rules.

Councilmembers noted the Enterprise Parkway bridge project funding gap and acknowledged state or external funds covering much of the project cost; staff did not provide a detailed funding breakdown at the meeting but cited the $1,187,500 figure as project funding received. The engineering department will next collect design proposals for the Som Center left‑turn lane and return to council with cost estimates and a contract award recommendation if a proposal is accepted.

Motions on these items were made by councilmembers on the dais and endorsed by unanimous roll call on the consent agenda.","Council authorized design work for a Som Center/Cannon Road left‑turn lane, accepted bids for the 2025 preventive maintenance program and the Enterprise Parkway bridge replacement, and approved other routine contracts and surcharge updates.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts vape‑shop rules and adult‑use cannabis zoning after amendment on storefront visibility

Council rescinds earlier action then approves renaming Caesar Field at Russo Ballpark; members ask review of naming-rights policy

Council approves variances for 31140 Miles Road fence after extended debate over shed option

Council approves engineering, road and bridge contracts, accepts bids for preventative maintenance and bridge replacement