Council OKs site‑plan for Panda Express at 4185 Kent Road with variances and landscaping requirements

The Stowe City Council on April 24 approved a conditional zoning certificate and site plan for a proposed Panda Express at 4185 Kent Road, a 4.5‑acre parcel on the west side of the Meyer gas station.

Planning Director Mr. Cowan told the Planning Committee and council the project calls for a 2,700‑square‑foot building with 36 parking spaces, two access drives and the removal of an existing single‑family house and accessory structures. "This will be a 2,700 square foot building with 36 parking spaces on the property," he said on the record.

The site requires multiple variances: reduced front and side building setbacks (the plan shows the building at about 59 feet from the front where 80 feet is required and 34 feet from the west property line where 40 are required), and reduced parking setbacks on the front and east/west sides. Staff also reported the developer will remove 58 trees, preserve 11 and install 98 new trees plus about 120 shrubs; the plan shows interior parking‑lot landscaping meeting the 5% minimum and screening between the parking area and the right of way.

Councilmember Kyle Herman asked whether sidewalks were present along Kent Road; Mr. Cowan confirmed an existing sidewalk and a pedestrian walkway to the proposed building.

The Planning Committee voted to put the site plan on the full council agenda. Council later adopted Resolution 20‑25‑111 approving the conditional zoning certificate, variances and associated conditions by roll call vote.

The Planning Department was directed to finalize the paperwork and file the approved site plan with city records.