Stow planning commission recommends approval of multi‑lot retail split at 4285 Kent Road

The Stow City Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a lot split, conditional uses, site plans and several variances for a multi‑building retail development at 4285 Kent Road, the commission heard during its meeting. The development would create three separate parcels: one for a Sheetz convenience store with fueling canopy, one for a Chick‑fil‑A with dual drive‑through lanes and one containing two smaller retail buildings.

Planning staff told commissioners the subject property is about 8.7 acres and zoned C‑4, with residential R‑3 zoning to the north and west. The applicant presented a lot split that would place Sheetz on Lot A (about 78,000 square feet), Chick‑fil‑A on Lot B (about 70,000 square feet) and two retail buildings on Lot C. The plan includes a primary access drive that aligns with an existing signalized intersection opposite Target Plaza and connects to apartments and a nursing home behind the site.

The nut graf: If advanced by council, the proposal would replace an existing rear building, add two retail buildings and two national tenants, and require several variances from City development standards — principally for lot depth ratios, canopy height and lighting levels — which is why Planning Commission review included site plans, conditional uses and variance requests.

Planning staff outlined specifics for each lot. Lot A would host a 6,100‑square‑foot Sheetz building with about 42 parking spaces, a 12‑position fuel canopy and three access drives; staff noted the applicant requested variances from the 25% minimum landscaped area (proposing 20.3%) and from screening along the residential property line. The canopy height was described as approximately 22 feet, exceeding the 17‑foot code limit; the applicant is also requesting a variance to permit backlit canopy illumination. Photometric plans showed parking and access‑drive light levels higher than the 0.5 foot‑candle maximum at residential property lines, prompting a lighting variance request.

For Lot B, staff said the proposed Chick‑fil‑A building would be about 5,000 square feet with 82 parking spaces and two drive‑through lanes; setbacks were generally met but two small setback variances were requested and a photometric variance was also needed. Lot C would include 13,100 and 15,000‑square‑foot retail buildings with 66 shared parking spaces, higher photometric levels at an access drive and a requested screening variance where the property abuts residential zoning.

Staff reported the city arborist reviewed and approved the landscaping plans, and a traffic study identified off‑site improvements the developer would fund, including restriping, a northbound left/through/right lane configuration and an additional signal head at Kent Road and Fish Creek Road. Staff emphasized that the Planning Commission’s action is a recommendation; the final decision would be made by City Council after review by the Planning Committee.

During the public comment period for this agenda item, staff said three written comments were received: one asking scheduling/detail questions, one concerned about the proximity to existing gas stations, and one expressing broader concerns about development in the area. After questions from commissioners and a brief discussion, a motion to recommend approval of PC‑24‑41 (4285 Kent Road) passed unanimously by roll call vote.

The planning commission’s recommendation sends the application to the planning committee and then to city council for final action. The staff presentation and the applicant’s materials remain part of the official record.