The Stow City Planning Commission voted Nov. 27 to approve application PC25-33 for a drive-through facility at 4420 Kent Road, with a condition requiring a 9-foot bypass lane to address emergency access and circulation.

Staff presented the site as a reutilization of a vacant, existing building of just over 3,800 square feet that formerly housed a Kentucky Fried Chicken and later Sleep Outfitters. The proposal includes 25 parking spaces, removal of some rear parking for landscaping, installation of a screened masonry dumpster enclosure, and canopy work that projects roughly seven feet beyond the building face, prompting a side-setback variance request (the code requires 20 feet on that side).

Applicant Matt Channing explained the canopy protects equipment and customers at the remote service window. He said the site could accommodate a 9-foot bypass lane and the applicant agreed to revise the site plan accordingly if the commission made that a condition. Channing also clarified the proposed service point is an interactive teller machine (ITM) during staffed hours and functions like an ATM after hours, with no attendant at the remote unit.

Commissioners discussed aisle widths and the feasibility of a 9-foot bypass lane and gave staff direction to require that feature on the approved plan. The chair moved to approve PC25-33 with a variance to city code section referenced in the hearing ("section 11 45.15") to allow the reduced setback and to include a 9-foot bypass lane; the motion passed by roll call with Mrs. Clancy, Mr. Wagner, Mrs. Treptow and Mr. Basic recorded as voting Yes.

The approval requires the applicant to submit revised site plans showing the 9-foot bypass lane and any other conditions the commission required before permit issuance.