[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6159192,"mediaKeyId","5456205-c58e1e78c886768ed5544a99410ecc4b","parentId",5456205,"title","Planning commission backs zoning code updates on fences, building design and landscaping","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",4309000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456205-c58e1e78c886768ed5544a99410ecc4b&start=4309&end=4309","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456205-c58e1e78c886768ed5544a99410ecc4b/thumbnail_4309000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6159192/Stow-City/Summit-County/Ohio/Planning-commission-backs-zoning-code-updates-on-fences-building-design-and-landscaping","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6159192-5ca4f59912058a09c4362b186599c073/orig.mp4?Expires=1770929997&Signature=Pve62YDbaTVDTCE99qIjP6fXmJqCIvaozCVAOayqsKK7XVGx5VVlOWIT8gqbbKtjj7nxP6ealVqIj~K3mAMSl-x3cnEKPIGIrSTGf475nrVUSl5yRF-55WvAVv5~mhcg5dvGRgVfbScJ588LNQ48pK5QJf9BdOMnJVEQGoeQHY2exV-sWtECWk6LCdIaWTn-iuIddpvq3bmOzd4TTilBQgwKWq7JIKvun1Oy~i9oGl7YtVVXlF4H2G2C0rwdrUdyigILsff7~HAZ3Gd1R~DyyzAZ5EKkDEgUmRLaYey~~VwbAys4p4QSJRu~jARz95WdD~GUIhxvsCW6yG3gWJq-PQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Stow, OH ","date","2025-07-24T00:40:54.363Z","article","The Planning Commission voted to approve zoning code changes captured in chapters 6, 7 and 8 that add and clarify development standards for fences and screening, building materials and design, and landscape/tree preservation and community open‑space requirements.

Highlights: Chapter 6 (general development standards) tightens rules for fences and walls, clarifies dumpster and mechanical screening, creates vision‑clearance triangles at driveways and corners, and strengthens lighting standards with BUG (backlight‑uplight‑glare) ratings to limit light pollution. The revisions include provisions about garden fences in front yards and a discussion point that led commissioners to prefer requiring garden fences to meet principal building setbacks for lots with large front‑yard depths.

Chapter 7 (building design) introduces tiered materials requirements: higher‑quality \"Tier 1\" materials (brick, manufactured stone, architectural CMU) must cover a minimum percentage of front and street‑side facades on certain nonresidential and multifamily buildings; the draft also sets minimum glazing/window coverage on primary elevations and requires facade articulation and roof articulation for larger buildings. The update also seeks to phase out vinyl siding on nonresidential/commercial buildings.

Chapter 8 (open space, tree preservation and landscape standards) adds a social gathering‑space requirement for larger redevelopment projects, creates a tree‑replacement or fee‑in‑lieu standard for trees 12 inches or greater in diameter (fee proposed at $550 per tree or replacement at a 50% formula), and defines landscape transition zones with screening and buffer standards between differing uses. The updates also include a managed \"natural landscape\" (wildflower/native planting) permit option with limits (up to 50% of lot area under conditions) so such plantings are permitted but maintained and tracked.

Commission discussion touched on front‑yard garden fences and appropriate setbacks. Commissioners suggested larger principal‑building setbacks for front‑yard garden fences on standard city lots (several supported 50–60 feet rather than the 40‑foot setback used elsewhere) so that small city lots would not be able to use a front yard to place tall, opaque garden fencing directly adjacent to the sidewalk. Planning staff said the Urban Forestry Commission reviewed the tree proposals and helped set the fee‑in‑lieu amount and replacement expectations.

Action and outcome: Commissioners moved and seconded resolutions supporting code chapter 6, chapter 7 and chapter 8 updates; each resolution passed on roll call (each recorded as yes by commissioners present). Staff asked commissioners to continue providing redline comments but said the resolutions are nonbinding expressions of support pending formal ordinance adoption by council.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Stow - Planning Commission Meeting - July 22nd, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved resolutions supporting zoning code changes in chapters 6–8, adding standards for fences and screening, tiered building materials and glazing requirements, tree preservation and a new social gathering space requirement for larger developments.","taxTitle","Stow City, Summit County, Ohio","taxId",55000,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6159194,"Commission denies sign variances for Hudson Drive development",297,1036000,1333000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456205-c58e1e78c886768ed5544a99410ecc4b&start=1036&end=1333","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456205-c58e1e78c886768ed5544a99410ecc4b/thumbnail_1036000.jpg","/articles/6159194/Stow-City/Summit-County/Ohio/Commission-denies-sign-variances-for-Hudson-Drive-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6159194-940e33f533b749581643a42c99779b6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770929997&Signature=FkeKN3V4UhPSyMpkLhScFbRRY1Mn5ttvkL-V6k4NBqluPwZzqJ5V-0QKBdjnjMegGBS~PbYXdrIJmPoGcpaRpovfBaO5vqcP8KJs5cjmODSw7QXXwHh-N3shz2BMuf~OXU4SI6NtyZvKddTOsfCS~j95WWNM9~8f6oCL4~33mDwGKx2Pq0IiUEQaeb2EKbDDoyR8v8yODJeQnL5nWV8K7z-e36gKAYDrPSe~cFnD3TJ5s9kASqVNt7sMrzxEBMJzw6zGYR9Scd4rELcORY9lDar2TfTQ66C9RSkPQe~173lOu3kH-mnZvPzicnEajsBErl82XxWGkU7GRLHr8aFdgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission denied variances for two signs proposed along the right of way at a Hudson Drive development, voting down the applicant's request to avoid the city's monument‑sign style requirement and to allow a reduced setback.

Planning staff described the proposed signs as each 16.6 square feet in area and not complying with the city's monument sign standard, which requires at least 50 percent of the bottom of the sign to be in contact with the ground or a supporting structure. The applicant sought a variance to install a suspended or projected sign rather than a monument sign and also sought relief from a setback requirement.

The applicant's representative, Ben Weinerman, said the sign design is part of the project's branding package and had been used in other communities. \"The variances we're applying for, 2 very simple variances. The main being that these signs are not traditional,\" Weinerman said, adding that the signs have been used successfully in other jurisdictions.

Action and outcome: A motion to approve PC25‑20 was moved and seconded but failed on roll call; commissioners recorded all \"no\" votes (Clancy: No; Wagner: No; Trepto: No; Basic: No; Deculiak: No). The denial means the applicant must either redesign signs to meet monument and setback requirements or seek a variance again with revised proposals.

What happens next: The applicant may revise the design to meet the monument‑style standard or pursue a future variance application. Staff noted the sign base and setback rules are intended to promote durable, high‑quality signage and to prevent long‑term installation of temporary or stake‑style signs.","A request for two signage variances—sign style (non‑monument) and setback—for a Hudson Drive development was denied after commissioners voted no; the applicant said the designs are used in other communities.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6159195,"Planning commission OKs four‑lot subdivision at former community pool; neighbors press drainage and traffic concerns",2437,1283000,3720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456205-c58e1e78c886768ed5544a99410ecc4b&start=1283&end=3720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456205-c58e1e78c886768ed5544a99410ecc4b/thumbnail_1283000.jpg","/articles/6159195/Stow-City/Summit-County/Ohio/Planning-commission-OKs-fourlot-subdivision-at-former-community-pool-neighbors-press-drainage-and-traffic-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6159195-60b8d904972bcea731cef7f4560c085d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770929997&Signature=MWOr0fDlS1oIJxv9jCkt4-wM13l-Ac2OX9SNqyDOWh~BchcOO~GOtp7WBJQSM1cNpbzSFDqAQkN13~2sddb~-I-wtosDmc85Q7V9RZUA~dZevHd8nq1v0cQ60SKvRzk-~OaaMrLzCV5Rk3BRfMNfZZbrWtulzpMcYrQVYRtKUjV6N5BRDgyc2iAWfYSIsOzXpHYVvAOlYVVOLdxRVczd0F93~WF3ozF0-Shrk69YH1jIGCCl3TKRzMXRTjIFpqYi7bMQ4nlWQgVdpYyDzpw0pOrdmXLVqqCLF6V3BAXG1Z4cjsUPF150ZerOWdoxzB7~FuWk3UW4mcILNxw7Q7jaSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission approved a minor subdivision and associated variances to split 4386 Maple Park Road into four parcels, a proposal that generated multiple public comments about drainage, a prior sinkhole and street parking safety.

Planning staff explained the proposal is a minor subdivision of the former community pool property into four lots, with Lot 1 requiring lot‑width and lot‑depth variances because of its narrow frontage and longer depth. Staff noted the site is zoned R‑3, which requires 12,000 square feet of lot area and a 35‑foot width at the right of way; the applicants asked variances for specific dimensional standards on Lot 1 and Lot 2 to enable the four‑lot layout.

Several nearby residents spoke during public comment. Mary Appleby, who lives across from the former pool, asked when construction could begin and whether the filled pool area had been compacted. She said parts of the former pool area are wet and asked how drainage would be handled. Sharon Martino, an adjacent property owner, said a 16‑foot sinkhole formed on her property last year and asked whether county or utility agencies had addressed the storm and sewer infrastructure. \"I had a 16 foot sinkhole that the city of Stowe maintenance had to come in and fill due to washout back there,\" Martino said, and she asked what rights adjacent property owners have to request resurveying or drainage work.

Applicant response: Matthew Neff, speaking for the owner/developer, said the lots are planned as \"for‑sale homes\" rather than rentals and that future building permits and site plans for each lot would include engineered drainage solutions. Neff said the former pool was filled and compacted \"in 6 inch lifts\" and that if any localized settlement occurs it should be minor and addressed when building. He said detailed site plans and engineered drainage measures will be reviewed before any building permits are issued.

Action and outcome: The commission moved and seconded approval of PC2025‑5201 (minor subdivision and variances for 4386 Maple Park Road). Roll call was unanimous in favor (Clancy: yes; Wagner: yes; Trepto: yes; Basic: yes; Deculiak: yes) and the motion carried. Staff reminded the public that no building is proposed now; the approval covers the subdivision and associated variances only.

What residents should expect next: The applicant must submit site plans for each lot before building; those plans will trigger engineering review for drainage, utilities and erosion control and will be reviewed by the city and relevant county utilities for sewer/stormwater adequacy.","Commission approved a minor subdivision to split 4386 Maple Park Road into four parcels; nearby residents raised questions about drainage, sinkholes and on‑street parking; applicant said lots will be marketed as for‑sale and site plans will address drainage.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6159196,"Planning commission rejects Taco Bell site plan near Norton Road plaza",1001,60000,1061000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456205-c58e1e78c886768ed5544a99410ecc4b&start=60&end=1061","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456205-c58e1e78c886768ed5544a99410ecc4b/thumbnail_60000.jpg","/articles/6159196/Stow-City/Summit-County/Ohio/Planning-commission-rejects-Taco-Bell-site-plan-near-Norton-Road-plaza","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6159196-830ea9e3872ef28859a6eaac16d5ad43/orig.mp4?Expires=1770929997&Signature=IHAplsStQDoFGzDRaO7ISxa1eVhd300LHcFneF-5fxhVcVG4DsXSph9PZ~PEWvuBpcHxWbcQ-W91rFnM0ZBnMgRQoF-ba6muKhLy82dlDsuAaUJ-megCF0kTUazh3KW1AZoHltgESWJ5Wv-ILGFudGAndJUA75gHKKdKTffVZFGbRmokukYfMEnHKfRIAqW0IWBCAxcg61c14KMgFMPeM68eSk2xsehuNEoYCT-RpYSHttLtyyKPU1VA6FgvUdNK-gpPi6TJQC4pSSb6Krc0Rmc3MkmEkdew~mykWabC7dW0L0onUbNXZGRp2doj9c-LpxM~SidK~JLJsOd3GSHhiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission declined to approve a site plan and conditional use application for a proposed Taco Bell at 1590 Norton Road, near a planned plaza and amphitheater. The motion to approve application PC2025‑19 failed on roll call.

Why it matters: residents and several commissioners described the proposed use as inconsistent with the plaza and amphitheater vision for sit‑down restaurants and a walkable dining area at the north end of the city. \"I thought we're trying to upgrade and make this area nicer and put an amphitheater in that would enable us to do that, and I don't think that's doing it,\" a commissioner said during public comment. Multiple residents said they understood the plaza vision to emphasize sit‑down restaurants rather than fast‑food drive‑throughs.

Applicant presentation and response: Alex Wall, speaking for the engineering firm, said Taco Bell had identified the site for market reasons and noted adjacent drive‑through facilities to the west and a private drive separating properties. \"We do see here ... multiple drive through drive through facilities immediately to the west of us,\" Wall said, and described design efforts to \"increase pedestrian friendliness and kinda site flowage between the two sites.\" Planning staff noted the city is negotiating a broader development agreement with the plaza owners to encourage sit‑down restaurants and other plaza improvements and said the Taco Bell discussions predated or ran alongside that process.

Action and outcome: A motion to approve PC2025‑19 was moved and seconded; roll call recorded all commissioners voting \"no\" (Clancy: No; Wagner: No; Trepto: No; Basic: No; Deculiak: No). The motion failed.

Next steps: Because the application was denied by the commission, the applicant may revise the proposal or choose other administrative or appeal options allowed under the city's land‑use regulations. Planning staff indicated the larger plaza redevelopment and development agreement process will continue separate from this application.","The commission voted down a site plan and conditional use application for a Taco Bell at 1590 Norton Road after public comment raising concerns the fast‑food use conflicts with the plaza and amphitheater vision.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6159198,"Planning commission approves Norton Road amphitheater with parking variance",2058,2225000,4283000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456205-c58e1e78c886768ed5544a99410ecc4b&start=2225&end=4283","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456205-c58e1e78c886768ed5544a99410ecc4b/thumbnail_2225000.jpg","/articles/6159198/Stow-City/Summit-County/Ohio/Planning-commission-approves-Norton-Road-amphitheater-with-parking-variance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6159198-19515865013995efa9d831cc972cd28b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770929997&Signature=VnGvatUoEskSZDUSHMZgHDe-36la1NrSvp5sJbYu-OUWSaSPQLL~0SQ1PBAJxj-0Is6~~~xokyqH96PXSLvJcknQEzrvsmT3x7zevtt0P0yMWYfYckM8Ue4vQ5Qb7dJKPDiUO1KKvSFT2QVtzX2-X441PBNcKw7xq2dby9zef0ydcmhbUdOlqZubQ--Yx0NhbH2gwn2b~MbWORCrDPzBEeIIkYbGbhebwY51Dba2MwNXzVTm8bzkcNvx5gxdkT8MBKLP3O81J-l8LGpPGt9PoC3LHupDp7I8ofl8UjxY2Dx0Z1JdzEJWwL-5HuR81bwhglLL0lba6CESXxJ6UyAoug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission on a unanimous roll call approved a site plan, conditional use and several variances for an amphitheater on Norton Road that the city and property owners say is intended to anchor a larger plaza redevelopment. Planning Department staff said the facility would include a stage, green room and restroom/concession buildings and be intended for roughly 2,500 people at major events.

The project, presented as a public‑private redevelopment of the plaza, will place the amphitheater in the northeast corner of the parcel and orient the stage toward the plaza building so diners at future outdoor restaurants can view performances. \"This is the site plan for the amphitheater,\" Planning Department staff said, adding, \"This is intended to hold approximately 2,500 people.\" The amphitheater design includes a roughly 2,700‑square‑foot stage, a 600‑square‑foot green room, an 835‑square‑foot restroom building and a 287‑square‑foot concession building, staff said.

Why it matters: planning staff told commissioners the city has no precise parking standard for an outdoor lawn amphitheater; using the city's comparable standards produces a requirement of roughly 367 spaces for the 22,000 square feet of lawn the applicant identified. The applicant requested a variance to avoid meeting that on‑site requirement and to rely on shared parking in the adjacent plaza, supplemental overflow parking and temporary measures for large ticketed events such as shuttle service and portable restroom trailers.

During the presentation staff explained the parking calculation and options: apply a most‑similar indoor assembly standard, accept shared parking up to the code's allowance, or grant a variance to not meet the minimum number of required spaces. \"If we were to use that area, that'd require 367 parking spaces,\" Planning Department staff said. Staff also noted the plaza has approximately 650 vehicle spaces across the site and that the team is negotiating a development agreement to formalize shared parking for events.

Developers and owners described event programming and operations. Justin Gantz, a representative for the property team, said the development team modeled operations on other local suburban amphitheaters and expects about 10 ticketed events a year and additional smaller programming. \"We're here to answer any questions you guys might have,\" Gantz said at the meeting. City officials and the applicant said larger ticketed events would be controlled with wristbands or similar entry control and supplemented by temporary restroom trailers when attendance exceeds what the permanent restrooms can reasonably serve.

Noise and neighborhood impacts were discussed. Staff and the development team said speakers will face south toward the plaza and that they have consulted audio engineers experienced with similar developments to minimize off‑site sound. The team also presented a detailed landscaping plan, fire pits, a small gathering space for acoustic events and a proposed spur to a nearby bike‑and‑hike trail pending approval from Metro Parks.

Action and outcome: Commissioner motion to approve application PC25‑22 with a variance \"to not meet the number of required parking spaces\" carried on a unanimous roll call (Clancy: yes; Wagner: yes; Trepto: yes; Basic: yes; Deculiak: yes). The approval included the conditional use, site plan, and the parking variance the applicant requested. Staff noted additional permits and event‑specific logistics (traffic plans, temporary restroom plans, and formalized shared‑parking agreements) will be required before first use.

What happens next: This approval authorizes the site plan and conditional use subject to the conditions and permits the city will require at building‑permit and event‑operation stages. The project team will continue negotiations with plaza property owners and Metro Parks on the trail spur, and the city will review event management, accessibility and other operational details through subsequent reviews.","The Planning Commission approved a site plan, conditional use and variances for a 2,500‑capacity amphitheater on Norton Road, including a variance to reduce on‑site parking requirements and rely on shared/overflow parking arrangements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission backs zoning code updates on fences, building design and landscaping

Commission denies sign variances for Hudson Drive development

Planning commission OKs four‑lot subdivision at former community pool; neighbors press drainage and traffic concerns

Planning commission rejects Taco Bell site plan near Norton Road plaza

Planning commission approves Norton Road amphitheater with parking variance