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Commission OKs Country Plaza outdoor dining, allows reduced parking
Summary
The planning commission approved a site plan amendment for Country Plaza that adds an outdoor dining structure, updates landscaping and curb connections, and permits a reduction from 41 required on-site spaces to 36 on-site spaces with shared parking to the south.
The Canton Township Planning Commission approved a site plan amendment for Country Plaza that includes a new outdoor dining area, landscaping updates, revised signage, and cross-access improvements.
Staff reported the shopping center at 6556–6571 North Canton Center Road required 41 parking spaces under the zoning ordinance; the site currently has 40 spaces and the proposed reconfiguration with outdoor dining would leave 36 on-site spaces. The property owner also controls the adjacent lot to the south and identified shared parking there; staff recommended a modification to allow the 36 on-site spaces and the commission approved the modification.
Patrick Sloan, township planning staff, said most architectural and site improvements could be approved administratively but planning commission review was required because the outdoor dining structure does not meet the zoning ordinance’s 50% brick principal-building material standard and because the parking count fell below the minimum. Sloan said the proposed outdoor dining structure would be an aluminum-framed “pergola”-type structure with zip screens and a polycarbonate roof; heaters were shown in the elevations to allow seasonal use.
Michael Mackey, representing the Country Plaza owner, said the intent is to improve drivability and create a community gathering space. He described the outdoor seating as modest—"maybe a few patrons in the morning or in the evening drinking, sipping their coffee"—and said he expects cargo-coffee tenant build-out in coming months.
Commissioners praised the proposed cross-drive connections to reduce trips on main roads and voted unanimously to approve the site plan amendment. The motion (mover: Commissioner Janowski; support: Commissioner Singh) approved the site plan amendment (planning application 033DIR84393), the 36 on-site parking spaces under section 4.01C6, and the outdoor dining materials under section 26.06 of the zoning ordinance, subject to compliance with outdoor dining standards (section 6.02AA) and sign requirements (article 6A). The applicant said the coffee shop tenant’s build-out likely will take a few months.
