Board approves variances and conditional use for drive‑through at 6493 East Main Street with conditions

The Reynoldsburg Planning and Zoning Board on April 3 approved a set of variances and a conditional‑use permit allowing Coughlin Investments Limited to convert the vacant former Crown Sports Pub at 6493 East Main Street into a quick‑service food service use with a drive‑through, subject to conditions recommended by staff.

Planning staff said the subject parcel is 0.94 acres with a 3,536‑square‑foot building; the proposed project would increase the building by 120 square feet. Because the building predates current code, the applicant requested variances to multiple Bridal Main Street District development standards, including maximum front setback (amended by the applicant to 97 feet), minimum open space, minimum building height, parking location and perimeter landscaping requirements. Staff recommended approval of the variances as necessary for adaptive reuse, noting prior variances were granted in 2019 and 2022 but that those approvals lapsed under the zoning code’s time limits (12‑ to 18‑month rules) and a new application was required.

Attorney Laura Komack, speaking for the applicant, said the team had negotiated access and easement issues with adjoining owners and submitted an updated site plan reflecting the maximum building setback at 97 feet. Komack said the team accepts staff’s recommendations. Jason Ginzorick, representing surrounding property owners, told the board his clients remain concerned about the location of a proposed reciprocal access easement and possible conflicts with a utility easement that could increase future redevelopment costs.

Staff noted the conditional use supplement for a drive‑through requires the applicant to demonstrate the peak number of vehicles that will queue on site and an abort lane; the engineer’s report identified a peak of six vehicles and the plan provides 10 drive‑through stacking spaces and an abort lane. Staff recommended approval of the conditional use with conditions: that the applicant provide intended hours of operation, anticipated number of employees and anticipated delivery volumes per section 11‑09‑13; and that all required variances be approved prior to conditional‑use approval. At the board’s request, staff agreed the applicant may provide the hours, staffing and delivery information when the applicant submits a zoning certificate for the new use.

Planning and Zoning Board member Mr. First moved to accept the variance application as submitted with staff recommendations and the amended maximum setback of 97 feet; the motion was seconded by Mr. Brask (listed in the record as second). The motion carried on a roll call (6 yes, 0 no). Later in the meeting the board approved the conditional‑use application for the quick‑service drive‑through, with a motion to accept staff’s conditions (hours/staffing/delivery to be supplied at zoning certificate); that motion was seconded and carried on roll call (6 yes, 0 no).

Staff also reminded the board that Main Street corridor improvements being designed (including possible medians for future bus‑rapid‑transit work) could affect future access configurations; staff said those plans are at a design stage and not finalized. The applicant and staff said they expected the next step to be submission of a zoning certificate for the new use and any building permits required for the adaptive reuse and minor expansion.

The board’s approvals carry conditions the applicant must meet when applying for a zoning certificate, including providing the specific hours of operation, employee counts and delivery activity information as required by the zoning code.