Canal Winchester approves New Life Church site plan; parking‑screening requirement remains

The Canal Winchester Planning and Zoning Commission approved a site development plan July 14 for a New Life Church project on a 6.09‑acre parcel on Groveport Road, but the commission did not reverse the zoning administrator’s interpretation that parking areas abutting residentially zoned parcels must include vegetative screening. The decision allows construction of an 8,162‑square‑foot church with a roughly 74‑space parking lot and a 238‑seat sanctuary to proceed subject to staff conditions, including parking‑lot screening per Chapter 11.91 of the zoning code and additional requirements for lighting, HVAC screening and utility review. The site development plan was presented by Diego, a summer planning intern for the city, and by applicant Greg Hesterman, who identified himself as a pastor at New Life Church and a realtor. Hesterman told the commission the church has limited funds and said the property already has substantial vegetation along its east and west…