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Pataskala Board of Zoning Appeals denies conditional-use request for auto repair at Broad Street property
Summary
The Pataskala City Board of Zoning Appeals voted down a conditional-use request (CU-25-008) for motor vehicle repair at 11183–11185 Broad Street SW after hearing staff findings about code violations and a public presentation from the applicant; the board approved related written findings and facts.
The Pataskala City Board of Zoning Appeals voted on Jan. 13 to deny a conditional-use application (CU-25-008) that would have allowed motor vehicle repair at 11183–11185 Broad Street SW.
Planning staff told the board the property includes two buildings (about 3,200 and 1,600 square feet) currently used for used-vehicle sales and that vehicle service is considered a conditional use in the GB zoning district. Staff reported multiple code violations at the site — including open storage of parts and tires, a deteriorated gravel parking surface that is a nonconforming condition, inadequate screening of a dumpster, and missing permits — and said the first notice was issued in September. Staff recommended approval only if the applicant met several conditions, notably that all operations be conducted within an enclosed building, the applicant address comments from planning staff, the public service department, the city engineer and the fire department, and that required improvements be completed within six months of approval.
The applicant, identified in the transcript as Mr. Abdikari, said he has operated a dealer business at the location for roughly 2½ years, that he buys salvaged vehicles from insurers and repairs them for resale, and that he plans to fence any damaged or nonoperable vehicles so they would not be visible to the public. He told the board he uses a private contractor, OilWorks, to remove used oil stored in five-gallon drums and described a drum-exchange process for disposal.
Board members questioned whether the applicant could meet all required conditions within the six-month window and expressed concern that the business had operated without the required local permits for years. Staff clarified that local zoning compliance is separate from state dealer licensing and that fire department comments and other departmental requirements remained outstanding. The board discussed possible enforcement if conditions were not met, including revocation procedures.
A motion to approve CU-25-008 with conditions (carry out within six months; address planning, engineering and fire comments; operations fully enclosed; no open storage of wrecked or dismantled parts; designated parking; additional conditions per section 12-15-0-5) was moved and seconded. On roll call the motion failed by a majority vote, and the conditional use request was not approved. The chair told the applicant staff would follow up with next steps. Separately, the board approved the written findings and facts related to CU-25-008.
The board also noted that additional permitting and inspections (including a fire inspection and any state or county environmental/containment requirements for used-oil handling) must be completed before the site could come into full compliance.
Next steps: planning staff will contact the applicant about the outstanding violations and administrative remedies; the conditional-use application was not approved and the applicant was advised to work with staff on compliance and any future submittals.
