[{"_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",6169220,"mediaKeyId","5404878-c52962ac0fa65a5738e6d84db421e5c5","parentId",5404878,"title","Commission conditionally approves large industrial final development plan; developer to fund major road and utility improvements","audioSeconds",1445,"startMs",4155000,"endMs",5600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5404878-c52962ac0fa65a5738e6d84db421e5c5&start=4155&end=5600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5404878-c52962ac0fa65a5738e6d84db421e5c5/thumbnail_4155000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6169220/Ohio/Commission-conditionally-approves-large-industrial-final-development-plan-developer-to-fund-major-road-and-utility-improvements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6169220-88c0c4498b1386b777fba8e9432135bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439277&Signature=VBUIPlNC3q9SQt9MdXfVEFBNsB9y4dr-UAUAMQt3rFgvWW1zibKG35xswdmdD4qsqZ50cazQIeLBi1ljo8~lZ-2f1ruwkAQ6nBVFwRygn71gbfVxWpNEGxMwkBshHkBaW~O48HFXatqDkb15JjbcA3lmAeVxtcl2Hm7x7JVQ4XHI0LcK43pRWOU8VC-zXyFj-ApunORED1z8wEgORwBo~jEUHY9RqyoHUkTWkKE3rFvcP0x4JV~T8i3VrWP9mQ5aN2wDi1zrJPP484sPpjOkeT4Mo8gSP6F~4KOjN0HSlQ-ytEVOMeZYEj3uwcrHb1B0yIb06epCPT7z2bxOTGYlRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Canal Winchester, OH ","date","2025-07-15T13:35:17Z","article","The Canal Winchester Planning & Zoning Commission on July 14 conditionally approved a final development plan (FDP25001) for three speculative industrial buildings proposed by Opus Development on approximately 704 acres at the southwest corner of Bixby Road and Rega Road, subject to multiple roadway, utility and landscaping conditions spelled out in the previously adopted planned industrial district ordinance.
The approved plan shows three buildings totaling about 896,665 square feet (Building A ~398,700 sq ft; Building B ~296,660 sq ft; Building C ~201,295 sq ft). The development text established in Ordinance 22‑016 governs the project and requires off‑site improvements, right‑of‑way dedication and design standards; staff concluded the final plan is consistent with the preliminary plan and does not increase overall site density from earlier approvals.
Key infrastructure and developer commitments reviewed by staff and reiterated at the meeting include: dedication of approximately 7.3 acres of right‑of‑way along Bixby and Rega roads; widening Bixby Road to a three‑lane (36‑foot) section for roughly 3,200 linear feet and widening Rega Road to 26 feet; construction of a 10‑inch water main and a 15‑inch sanitary main to extend service north to Bixby Road; construction of a stormwater outlet main from detention basins to Georges Creek; and contributions required by ordinance toward future county and regional intersection improvements (including a future right‑turn lane at Bixby/Winchester Pike and a $500,000 contribution toward a Winchester Pike/Gender Road project).
City staff and the applicant discussed sequencing and timing: several required road projects are separately funded or under ODOT schedule. The applicant noted it has an 18‑month license allowing the property sellers to remain in residence after closing; the applicant asked the commission to allow the required right‑of‑way dedication to follow closing and construction sequencing. Staff confirmed the standard that roadway improvements specified in Ordinance 22‑016 must be completed prior to final occupancy of any building, and the commission noted some ODOT projects (Rega cul‑de‑sac and an interchange work) are on separate timetables.
Design and screening details in the development text were affirmed: the ordinance limits building height to 50 feet (buildings proposed around 42 feet), requires natural color palettes and architectural breakups for elevations visible from public rights of way, and requires mounding and fencing to screen loading docks (mounds of 8–10 feet and continuous black stockade fencing are shown). Staff also recommended additional deciduous tree screening around a proposed 31‑foot water storage tank at the site’s southwest corner because arborvitae alone were unlikely to fully screen the tank.
Parking under the planned industrial text requires one space per 2,000 square feet; the applicant is providing more than required (Building A requires 200 and provides 310, Building B requires 149 and provides 331, Building C requires 101 and provides 261). Staff recommended conditional approval with five conditions including confirmation of building colors (no blue accents), additional landscape screening for the pump house/tank, completion of roadway improvements required by ordinance prior to final occupancy (with clarifications that some ODOT projects are separately scheduled), construction of Rega Road to public standards before occupancy, dedication of the 7.3 acres of right‑of‑way, and completion of an updated traffic study prior to final occupancy.
Commissioners discussed phasing and sequencing — specifically concerns that roadwork and ODOT schedules could overlap with building occupancy if multiple buildings were constructed and leased rapidly. The applicant said its intent is to complete required off‑site work before final occupancy; staff noted temporary occupancy allowances exist for finishing internal tenant work while exterior items are completed. The motion to approve the final development plan with staff conditions was made by Steve Paulsgrove and seconded by Eileen Gooden; roll call votes were Yes from Joe Donahue, Deborah McDonald, Eileen Gooden, Steve Paulsgrove and Joe Waldenthaler.
Next steps: staff will finalize technical plan corrections with the applicant and the applicant will coordinate development agreement details with the city council to document timing and financial contributions for off‑site improvements and right‑of‑way dedications prior to final occupancy.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 14, 2025 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning & Zoning Commission conditionally approved a final development plan by Opus Development for three speculative industrial buildings totaling roughly 896,665 square feet at Bixby and Rega roads, with required road widenings, right‑of‑way dedication, utility extensions and agreed contributions toward off‑site intersection projects.","taxTitle","Canal Winchester City Council, Canal Winchester, Franklin County, Ohio","taxId",72201,"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},6169225,"Planning commission approves Walmart pickup addition; staff seeks stronger no‑truck‑parking enforcement",868,2527000,3395000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5404878-c52962ac0fa65a5738e6d84db421e5c5&start=2527&end=3395","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5404878-c52962ac0fa65a5738e6d84db421e5c5/thumbnail_2527000.jpg","/articles/6169225/Ohio/Planning-commission-approves-Walmart-pickup-addition-staff-seeks-stronger-notruckparking-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6169225-2d7fce609cadf0316ed841ecebeafe95/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439277&Signature=fDGHW~XSRIEdasUnyV5cIFq9A-de7rdXuyk~WGQih785Mb1EMLVXfpkweEfnUbRCVrHj-xL19f3cTe-J5PSFE4RiE1fAGG~QPN-RgTxtOAAoXrp6PaaqYwK-qWR6C6a9EB-ztjxyCvS-XiuawXY2J0dpxooOwsQ2-O16cRiU7wJCQnoJXKfq4bVnRolaMStqZEdawnhwUuaed9Q5KzfqUawkYOjO~VEafWo9yRq40br353nBNMl6Gac9AqzVktQLLXYJyVLyYLY-lY51QcflKpelChfcfNtYHsxb-HEtraY3c8VCJNnvUeVJpIZIkfHQ2xlKgy3cIKKsBXJ~ERvb~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Canal Winchester’s Planning & Zoning Commission approved July 14 a site development plan to add a 3,458‑square‑foot pickup addition at the Walmart on Winchester Boulevard West and to refresh the store exterior and parking layout, while staff asked the applicant to develop a stronger no‑truck‑parking signage and enforcement plan.
The applicant’s proposal relocates the store’s pickup program to a new east‑side addition between the garden center and the auto service center, creating 33 dedicated pickup stalls and converting eight existing signed pickup stalls back to regular parking. The project includes updated exterior paint, reworked circulation to one‑way traffic in the new aisle, new wayfinding signage (4‑foot maximum), repainting of pickup stalls in blue pavement paint and 10 Norway spruce trees along the eastern property boundary to meet tree planting requirements.
Planning staff described operational concerns observed on the site: long, uninterrupted runs of parking stalls have allowed semi‑trailers and box trucks to repeatedly park across multiple stalls. Staff said a single staff‑level administrative lighting change had previously been permitted and that the current refresh will correct improperly installed pickup signage. Staff recommended conditional approval of SDP25‑006 with the requirement that the applicant submit a no‑truck‑parking signage package and a store‑managed enforcement policy for staff review prior to final acceptance.
Chrissy Hostetler of Dubery Engineers, speaking for the applicant, confirmed 10 stalls will be reserved for the auto care center and described circulation so that delivery and truck traffic remain on the west side of the building; she and staff indicated the reconfigured drive aisle should not disrupt existing truck routes serving the loading docks at the west side of the store. The applicant also said pavement striping will be refreshed; staff indicated striping will be repainted and noted any full overlay or resurfacing is managed separately by Walmart’s facilities group.
Commissioners discussed truck parking and how enforcement and signage should be improved; one commissioner noted overnight parking wording can be ambiguous for daytime truck staging. The commission’s motion to approve SDP25‑006 included staff’s recommended condition requiring the no‑truck‑parking signage and a store‑managed enforcement policy. The motion was made by Deborah McDonald and seconded by Steve Paulsgrove. Roll call votes were: Joe Donahue yes, Deborah McDonald yes, Eileen Gooden yes, Steve Paulsgrove yes, Joe Waldenthaler yes; SDP25‑006 was approved.
Next steps: the applicant will submit the required no‑truck‑parking signage and enforcement plan to staff during civil engineering review; staff will verify compliance with signage and paving/striping commitments during construction plan review and before final acceptance of site work.
","The commission approved a site development plan for a 3,458‑square‑foot pickup addition and site refresh at the Walmart in Waterlake Crossing, with a staff condition requiring a no‑truck‑parking signage and store enforcement policy after staff documented repeated semi‑trailer parking that reduced customer spaces.",{"_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},6169229,"Historical Society sign variance approved for Elevate 18 28 event venue",415,2078000,2493000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5404878-c52962ac0fa65a5738e6d84db421e5c5&start=2078&end=2493","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5404878-c52962ac0fa65a5738e6d84db421e5c5/thumbnail_2078000.jpg","/articles/6169229/Ohio/Historical-Society-sign-variance-approved-for-Elevate-18-28-event-venue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6169229-16cab661ee45dbc8e3512a50e9ca2360/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439277&Signature=h~I9JiZbYK1MVBqmTbkETHM3wk9PHvC51H80kPGcpmDVaVjGVP4NjfXC7E95c2dbYvkXzlAElHutpYB28L6nk4VG8zvzYATRvHHlVm0fhGsTK3WKaU3XUWwO7dzfw3kRhQDT2M86MCQNuOlOyU5YCcqLVkFU3JLEb3LPc5~M~IwMQA7KLgycTDV2M5FJkNy2KThPRerRJyrjGdW2oWXkzaIAqrKY4qJebeFf05RQosxm5IAFB4KXZrVMRzHCBLHkmJVacUhrV9925x5IeaSoidq7BA-J8Z~fewNwGxOP5tOg36mstRznkMpXHeKRQ8kh3TlKosvw20FScTriAfaCtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Canal Winchester Planning & Zoning Commission approved a variance July 14 allowing the Canal Winchester Historical Society to install a larger ground sign to identify a private event venue operating in the OP Cheney grain elevator at 10 West Oak Street.
The variance (VA25‑003) permits a single‑sided ground sign approximately 9 feet wide by 2.5 feet tall set on a 1.5‑foot stone base; the applicant proposed individual illuminated aluminum standoff letters and site placement well back from the public right of way. Staff and the Landmark Commission recommended approval; the Landmark Commission asked that the stone base match a stone patio being constructed at the rear of the building.
Planning staff noted the property contains multiple historic structures — the OP Cheney grain elevator, the Hocking Valley Railroad Depot and the Prentice Schoolhouse — and that identifying the private event venue \"is critical for the operator and the clientele that will be visiting the facility.\" The Landmark Commission reviewed the sign design in May 2025 and recommended approval of the design and the variance.
No members of the public spoke at the public hearing. The motion to close the public hearing was made by Deborah McDonald and seconded by Eileen Gooden. The motion to approve the variance was made by Steve Paulsgrove and seconded by Eileen Gooden. Joe Donahue and one commissioner abstained from the votes to close the hearing and the variance motion; the remaining commissioners — Deborah McDonald, Eileen Gooden, Steve Paulsgrove and Joe Waldenthaler — voted yes, and the variance was approved.
The approved sign is single‑sided and located behind the parking stalls, set back from the right of way (staff noted the proposed setback exceeds the Old Town District standard of 5 feet). Staff found the requested size was proportional to the large site and would not confer a prohibited additional use.
Next steps: the applicant will finalize materials so the stone base matches the patio, and staff will administratively review sign installation details for compliance with the Landmark Commission recommendation and the variance conditions.
","The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a variance allowing the Canal Winchester Historical Society to install a ground sign larger than the usual 10‑square‑foot limit at the historic OP Cheney property to identify the private event venue called Elevate 18 28; the Landmark Commission had recommended approval with stone‑base matching conditions.",{"_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},6169234,"Canal Winchester approves New Life Church site plan; parking‑screening requirement remains",1208,108000,1316000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5404878-c52962ac0fa65a5738e6d84db421e5c5&start=108&end=1316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5404878-c52962ac0fa65a5738e6d84db421e5c5/thumbnail_108000.jpg","/articles/6169234/Ohio/Canal-Winchester-approves-New-Life-Church-site-plan-parkingscreening-requirement-remains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6169234-d366a96021f66a700641acc798da6830/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439277&Signature=MZeisNMxj~SxL7scQpJcEPzCtPCFQyULROyX4-5TSn8WZI9h-nud4socYhir4yxQcwbSBdMAHv-3oeLlK3BUEG4WXKZvXUM2wXkAcSoim-oG3kQhWmyP1CkKf-HaMSG9VCizu2rUZQOjXQzr4V8H6eWUW9rLON1FwTyXEXL42oxzIp8URN-8vG-FOeUw-ssstqYnTz3dBea4vkQSXz4kga5JGQtuQ3PGoby-bm8k08HkJT0prz0~Sfev1fvWkvaMPaSx3kghcRuYyrB2RF1Zj5bE5Tl9hXMDjidfD6s54o0LKgUEr2iIzSOndi~xTf7Ib4OWdzTnU7aNgiw~MWFnVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Canal Winchester Planning and Zoning Commission approved a site development plan July 14 for a New Life Church project on a 6.09‑acre parcel on Groveport Road, but the commission did not reverse the zoning administrator’s interpretation that parking areas abutting residentially zoned parcels must include vegetative screening.
The decision allows construction of an 8,162‑square‑foot church with a roughly 74‑space parking lot and a 238‑seat sanctuary to proceed subject to staff conditions, including parking‑lot screening per Chapter 11.91 of the zoning code and additional requirements for lighting, HVAC screening and utility review.
The site development plan was presented by Diego, a summer planning intern for the city, and by applicant Greg Hesterman, who identified himself as a pastor at New Life Church and a realtor. Hesterman told the commission the church has limited funds and said the property already has substantial vegetation along its east and west lot lines. \"As a small or medium sized church, our funds are limited,\" Hesterman said, adding that existing vegetation along the east (Columbus Metropolitan Library) and west (a vacant parcel owned by the Feasel family) sides “would not change things really as far as the impact to our neighbors.”
Diego reviewed the plans and staff recommendations, noting the application proposes an 8,162‑square‑foot church, a single 18‑foot driveway off Groveport Road, a 74‑space parking lot on the east side of the building, 35 proposed trees and seven parking‑lot light poles. Staff recommended as conditions of approval that parking‑lot screening be provided per Chapter 11.91, that parking lights have anti‑glare shields, that HVAC and electrical equipment be screened, that the private force main alignment be reviewed in civil engineering review, and that the two parcels be combined prior to final occupancy.
Commissioners asked applicants about distances between the parking edge and the tree line; Hesterman estimated the distance to the Columbus Metropolitan Library vegetation at “in excess of 150 feet.” The city’s law department reviewed the zoning administrator’s interpretation and told the commission it agrees with the administrator that the code language applies where off‑street parking for more than five vehicles “abuts a residential zone district,” and that the applicant may apply for a variance if relief is needed. The law department representative said the city’s interpretation of the code was consistent with the written standard.
Rather than overturn the administrator’s interpretation on an appeal, the commission voted to approve the site development plan with staff’s five conditions. The motion to approve SDP25005 was made by Eileen Gooden and seconded by Steve Paulsgrove; the roll call vote was Yes from Joe Donahue, Deborah McDonald, Eileen Gooden, Steve Paulsgrove and Joe Waldenthaler, and the motion carried.
Commissioners and staff noted the lot’s flag‑lot configuration and the existence of dense vegetation on neighboring parcels as relevant context. Several commissioners said they would likely support a variance for the side bordering the library because of the existing dense tree line and the distance to the proposed parking, but they stopped short of overturning staff’s interpretation. Staff and the applicant agreed the applicant could pursue a variance and still have the site plan move forward, with screening remaining a condition to satisfy prior to final approval or to be addressed by a future variance request.
What happens next: the applicant will work with staff during civil engineering review to finalize utility alignments, lighting shields and HVAC screening; the two parcels must be combined prior to final occupancy; and the applicant may separately file for a landscape‑screening variance if it believes the existing vegetation and setbacks meet the intent of the code.
","The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a site development plan for New Life Church on Groveport Road but declined to overturn the zoning administrator’s interpretation that parking areas abutting a residential zone require screening. Staff and commissioners advised the applicant to seek a formal variance if they cannot meet the screening rule.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission conditionally approves large industrial final development plan; developer to fund major road and utility improvements

Planning commission approves Walmart pickup addition; staff seeks stronger no‑truck‑parking enforcement

Historical Society sign variance approved for Elevate 18 28 event venue

Canal Winchester approves New Life Church site plan; parking‑screening requirement remains