Commission approves Target drive‑up graphics plans at two Columbus stores

The commission approved graphics plans for two Target locations to expand on‑site drive‑up stalls and to permit ground and beacon signage to direct customers to pick‑up stalls, staff said.

Applications GC25‑001 (1970 Elliot Road) and GC25‑002 (801 East Broad Street) each requested graphics‑plan approval to permit a set of six double‑sided ground signs and two 12‑foot‑tall beacon signs to identify and direct drivers to on‑site Target Drive Up pick‑up stalls. The Elliot Road site also requested expansion of its drive‑up stalls from six to 12.

City planning staff recommended approval for both graphics plans, noting that area land‑use plans do not specifically regulate on‑lot directional signage for parking lots and that the signs will provide needed identification and circulation assistance for pick‑up customers. Two area commissions—the West Side Area Commission and the Far East Area Commission—recommended approval by unanimous or near‑unanimous votes before the hearing.

During both hearings the applicant, represented by Drew Gilmore for Target, said the drive‑up program, created during the COVID‑19 pandemic, allows customers to order online and retrieve purchases from marked stalls; Gilmore said the signs are directional and intended to improve on‑site circulation. There were no public objections during either case.

Outcome

The commission voted to approve both graphics plans (GC25‑001 and GC25‑002) by roll call; staff advised that approved plans should be implemented consistent with the submitted drawings. The approvals allow the specified ground signs and beacon signs and the Elliot Road expansion of drive‑up stalls to 12.