Planning commission approves drive‑through reuse at 4420 Kent Road with 9‑foot bypass condition

The Stow City Planning Commission approved a conditional‑use/site‑plan application to reopen a drive‑through at 4420 Kent Road, approving a variance for a canopy that projects into the side setback while requiring a 9‑foot bypass lane as a condition of approval.

Staff described application PC25‑33 for a 1.19‑acre C‑4 parcel previously occupied by a Kentucky Fried Chicken and later Sleep Outfitters. The proposed reuse would repurpose the existing building (about 3,800 square feet) and the former drive‑through lane, add landscaping approved by the city arborist, convert some parking to landscaping and add a screened dumpster.

The applicant requested a variance because a small drive‑through canopy would project roughly 7 feet into the 20‑foot side setback (resulting in an approximately 13‑foot‑3‑inch setback where 20 feet are required). Applicant Matt Channing said the canopy protects equipment and customers and explained the operation would use an interactive teller machine during the day and an ATM after hours. "It's an ITM during the day and then after hours it turns into an ATM," Channing said.

Commissioners and staff discussed whether a bypass lane could be accommodated. Staff told the commission a 9‑foot bypass lane could be added as a condition to the site plan and included in the variance language. The commission motioned to approve PC25‑33 with the added requirement that the variance to section 11.45.15 include a 9‑foot bypass lane; the motion passed on roll call with recorded yes votes from Commissioners Clancy, Wagner, Treptow and Basic.

Staff will require the applicant to revise the site plan to show the 9‑foot bypass lane and any other conditions of approval before building permits are issued. The commission adjourned after completing the agenda.