City planning director and staff briefed the Gahanna Planning Commission Aug. 13 on departmental operations, permitting software implementation, code-enforcement activity and a range of ongoing development projects.

Director Blackford said the planning department is a 10-person team with deep local experience and that the recent OpenGov permitting software implementation has improved transparency and scheduling for permits and inspections. He reported that code enforcement handled roughly 1,296 cases (with multiple inspections per case) and highlighted a new warrant tool used against chronic violators; staff said that enforcement has in some cases led to property compliance after other administrative avenues failed.

Blackford reviewed several major projects in the development pipeline: Crescent at Central Park (retail, medical and apartments), Loop Road infrastructure tied to retail/medical parcels, Crescentwood Apartments (under construction), the 825 Tech Center municipal complex (anticipated move-in in Q1 2026), Morse Road Apartments (land-prep under way) and Johnstown Road Apartments (site cleared, permits advancing). He also described the Gahanna Commerce Center project and noted the applicant may not proceed after city council denied an incentive request.

Staff discussed floodplain administration as a growing workload driver that requires third-party consultants and increases review costs; they noted a possible modest land-use-plan refresh could be requested in the 2026 budget. Blackford also said the city expects to move into a new municipal complex in 2026 and that planning staff will participate in associated preparations.

Commissioners asked procedural questions about permit expirations and enforcement. Staff said building-permit expirations vary (commonly six months to a year depending on permit type) and that planning approvals also include start-construction triggers. On the topic of work without permit, staff described the standard remedy: a citation that proceeds to mayor’s court; courts do not waive code requirements and follow-up enforcement remains possible even after payment of fines. Staff confirmed double fees are assessed for work without permits as a penalty per code.

Council matters discussed during the meeting included a recent City Council denial, on Aug. 4, of a tax-abatement incentive connected to the Gahanna Commerce Center; staff said the applicant told the city it may not proceed. The commission was also told that the Creekside area will see community engagement and potential capital work tied to necessary flood-mitigation repairs to the Creekside garage; city leaders said those repairs create an opportunity to rethink plaza uses, with an initial community event scheduled Aug. 26 to display concepts.

Blackford closed by listing department priorities for continuous process improvement, zoning-code implementation and floodplain administration; staff said they will return when specific budget requests (e.g., for a land-use-plan refresh or floodplain studies) are finalized.