Planning commission recommends rezoning at 5440 Centennial Road for 'flex space' development

The Sylvania Municipal Planning Commission on Sept. 10 recommended that City Council approve Zoning Amendment ZA1-2025 to rezone 5440 Centennial Road to B-2 to permit a flex-space development. The recommendation was unanimous during the commission meeting.

Applicant representatives described a proposal of five buildings, each roughly 12,000 square feet, divided into approximately 3,000-square-foot units intended for small businesses such as plumbers, electricians and similar light commercial users. The development would include a stormwater detention area at the east end of the property and preserve a tree line along the former railroad corridor. The applicants and their engineer said the project is sited to avoid basements and deep foundations because bedrock is present about 3 to 4 feet below grade in the area.

Commissioners asked about buffering to adjacent residential property, sign plans along Centennial Road and the likelihood of future owners converting space to storage uses. Tim Burns explained that storage units require a separate special-use application, and that permitted uses under a B-2 zone would determine allowable businesses. The commission voted to recommend the rezoning and advised the applicant that building design and final site plans would return for later administrative or board review as required.

Outcome: Recommendation to City Council to approve ZA1-2025 (rezoning to B-2). Next steps: council reading, public hearing and subsequent vote; applicants were advised to attend the public hearing.