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Council OKs 42,000‑sq‑ft exhibition center at Franklin County Fairgrounds
Summary
Council approved a conditional use for a 42,000–43,000 square foot exhibition center and associated site improvements at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, including parking, signage, and a security tower; planning commission recommended approval.
HILLIARD, Ohio — The Hilliard City Council on July 14 approved a conditional use permit allowing a new exhibition center and accessory buildings at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
The council approved resolution 25 R 56, which implements the planning commission’s positive recommendation for the 42,000–43,000 square foot exhibition hall, accessory parking, two decorative silo‑style structures (one for security, one for education/exhibits) and additional ground and wall signage.
Planning intern Xander Stoltz presented the application and site plan. He told council the building would sit on the eastern portion of the fairgrounds campus, include a wrap‑around porch to shelter fair participants and incorporate metal siding, metal roofing and a stone wainscot. He said paved parking would be located north and east of the building and that two possible locations for required stormwater retention ponds have been identified; the applicant will select a design meeting the city’s stormwater manual.
Stoltz described the security structure as a tower to provide oversight during large events; council members clarified that the tower would primarily be used by sheriff’s or event security during fair hours but the city would have access for other events. “It is just to be able to see over the whole site during events,” Stoltz said.
The planning commission approved both the level‑B site plan and sign variances on June 12 and forwarded a positive recommendation to council. Planning staff noted that the proposed use aligns with the 2023 community plan recommendation to maximize the fairgrounds’ facilities, landscaping and parking.
Council voted unanimously to approve the conditional use. Staff and the applicant said they will design stormwater controls consistent with the city’s standards and will place any playground or outdoor-use areas outside vehicle use zones as required by the commission’s conditions.
The conditional use allows the fairgrounds to proceed with final engineering and building permits subject to the conditions set by planning and engineering review.
