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Kroger wins council approval for sign variances at 60 W. Wilson Bridge Road
Summary
Council approved a development-plan amendment and three sign-code variances for the Kroger at 60 West Wilson Bridge Road to accommodate updated branding, pickup signage and raceway details; the Municipal Planning Commission recommended approval.
Worthington City Council on May 19 adopted Resolution 20-2025 approving an amendment to the development plan for Kroger at 60 West Wilson Bridge Road and granting variances from the city's sign code.
Planning staff explained that Kroger's rebranding (including a new "Fresh Cart" element and updated channel-letter design) required three variances: an increase in allowable sign area for the main wall sign, permission for a fifth wall sign where the code permits one (the store previously had four), and an exception to restrictions on exposed raceways for some new elements. Planning staff said the sign-code update adopted in July of last year uses a rectangular measurement method that enlarges measured sign area compared with older methods.
Rebecca Green, representing Sign Vision and speaking for the applicant, told the council the company is "asking for the to amend the development plan to include these new branding features," adding the updated signage will also support Kroger's expansion of pickup services. Green said the applicant has worked to minimize window and door signage and to reduce exposed raceways where possible.
Why it matters: the changes reflect corporate rebranding and an operational shift toward pickup services; they alter the visual presentation of a site in the old Worthington commercial district. Planning Commission and the Architectural Review Board reviewed the application and recommended approval to council.
Key details: Planning staff said the main sign would exceed the size allowed under the city's sign code as currently written; the applicant sought three variances and Planning Commission recommended approval on April 10. Council members asked about the Fresh Cart logo and the schedule; Green said replacement likely will occur within the next four to six months, noting some manufacturing occurs outside Ohio.
Decision: Council adopted the development-plan amendment and granted the variances as recommended by the Municipal Planning Commission. The resolution passed by voice vote.
