Stow council adopts ordinance requiring bypass lanes at drive-throughs after family’s campaign

The Stow City Council on Sept. 11 adopted Ordinance 2025-142, adding Section 11.45.15 to the City of Stow zoning code to require bypass lanes at drive-through facilities. The approval followed a public hearing earlier in the evening during which no members of the public spoke; council later advanced the ordinance on its council agenda and voted to adopt it that same night.

The measure grew out of a local family’s campaign after a roadside incident; Nick Kellerman and other family members attended the council meeting. Kellerman told council the change is “common sense,” saying businesses must provide a safe environment for customers and employees and that “corporate greed has gotta end.” Council members across the aisle praised the Kellerman family for their work and supported the ordinance as a straightforward safety change.

Council members and staff said the ordinance will be enforced through the city’s existing permitting and site-review processes for new and modified drive-through facilities. The measure passed by roll call; the mayor indicated he intended to sign it into law immediately.

The action follows a planning commission recommendation and had been presented to council in prior meetings. Council members said the requirement could also improve access for first responders and emergency vehicles in constrained lots.

The ordinance was presented and adopted as emergency legislation; it will take effect according to its terms. The Kellerman family said the adoption is a first step in plans to promote the change regionally and at the state level.

Votes at the meeting show council moved the ordinance from committee to the council agenda and then adopted it on Sept. 11.

Looking ahead, staff will incorporate the new bypass-lane standard into development review checklists and will notify the planning and building community of the change.