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Commission conditions heavy automotive repair at 501 West Madison Avenue on enclosed rear storage and screening
Summary
Findlay City Planning Commission approved a conditional use to allow major automotive repair and outdoor storage at 501 West Madison Avenue, with conditions requiring enclosed rear storage, screening and coordination with fire prevention and HRPC on the fence/screening solution.
The Findlay City Planning Commission on March 13 approved a conditional use permitting major automotive repair and outdoor storage at 501 West Madison Avenue, subject to conditions that limit outdoor parking and storage to a screened rear area, require an approved screening method (an 8-foot fence or other HRPC-approved screening), and that the applicant coordinate details with the fire department and planning staff to ensure emergency access and aesthetic screening.
Staff described the site as C-2 (General Commercial) with nearby residential and mobile-home zoning to the north. The property currently contains a small commercial building with garage doors front and rear; the owner intends to use the space for personal restoration work, including demolition-derby vehicles. Staff recommended that vehicles be parked only in an enclosed rear storage area and that the enclosure be an 8-foot tall solid fence to screen stored vehicles from public view. Fire prevention noted the need for a dedicated drive to the rear of the building for fire-truck access and for required inspections.
Applicant Kevin Maud (the tenant/operator) described the use as personal restorations and recreational vehicles; he said most work occurs inside the building and that the applicants would be willing to cooperate with fencing and screening. Commissioners focused on neighbor impacts — specifically noise and visual screening — and requested a balance that would provide security, screening and fire access. Commissioners and staff agreed to allow flexibility so the final screening could be an HRPC-approved alternative (for example chain link with arborvitae) if that approach provided equivalent screening while allowing necessary fire access.
The commission approved CU-07-2025 with the conditions that non-personal-use vehicles and longer-term outdoor storage be located within a screened enclosure, that details be worked out with the fire department and HRPC staff (including whether an 8-foot solid fence or other HRPC-approved screening is appropriate), and that fire-prevention inspections be completed. The commission cautioned that as a conditional use, the permit could be revoked if the operation became a neighborhood disturbance.
