Planning Commission reviews study for self-storage proposal at 3657 Fish Creek Road

The Stow City Planning Commission on an early-2025 meeting reviewed a study proposal to rezone 3657 Fish Creek Road, a 4.7-acre parcel now zoned C-3 (community retail), to I-2 (industrial) so the owner could place three indoor self-storage buildings at the rear of the property. No formal action or vote was taken; the item was presented for initial feedback.

Planner Zach (city planning staff) told commissioners the parcel contains existing businesses including Balacino's and Primary Pet Care and that a cell tower sits at the back of the lot. The proposal would split the property so the self-storage portion could be on a separate lot and would require rezoning that portion to I-2. Zach reviewed by-right and conditionally permitted uses in both districts and flagged two variances likely needed if the applicant files: (1) reduced or no street frontage depending on how the lot is split (a potential flag lot), and (2) an exception for self-storage exceeding 50% of total floor area, because the supplemental standard in the code assumes mixed uses rather than a standalone storage facility.

Brad Ruth, the property owner, said he has owned the site since 2008 and has been seeking productive uses for the rear portion, which is set back from Fish Creek Road and “there just isn't a lot of use back there.” Ruth said he prefers enclosed storage to outdoor storage for aesthetic reasons and intends to add cameras and would consider fencing if needed to address security and appearance concerns. “I want something that's clean and nice looking,” Ruth said.

Staff and commissioners noted the comprehensive plan land-use map (2017) designates the parcel for retail/service uses, which is consistent with the current C-3 zoning. Planner Zach and a commissioner also warned that rezoning to I-2 would broaden permitted uses long term — for example, I-2 allows machine shops, contractor storage yards and other heavier industrial operations by right — and urged careful consideration of long-term impacts before any formal rezoning application.

Zach said the comments were preliminary and recommended the applicant consult the city attorney and prepare a formal application if they choose to proceed. The commission did not take action; the item remained a study-only presentation and no motions or votes were recorded on the rezoning.

What happens next: staff said a formal rezoning application would trigger a full review and identify additional variances or code amendments needed. Commissioners asked staff to include the 2017 land-use designation and to highlight which variances would be required as part of any formal submission.