Lebanon planners press CRG and DENSO on design variances for proposed distribution center
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Summary
Planning staff opposed the majority of variance requests for a CRG-proposed DENSO build-to-suit, citing self-imposed hardships and code conflicts; CRG said DENSO will own and operate the facility and targets second-quarter operation next year.
Planning staff on Thursday urged the Lebanon Planning Commission to require a redesign of a proposed DENSO distribution center, arguing several requested variances are “self-imposed” and avoidable.
Staff presented a site plan by CRG for a build-to-suit facility for DENSO on about 43.62 acres at 1532 Sparta Pike and catalogued nine variance requests. Planning staff opposed variances for building articulation, minimum facade transparency, foundation plantings on the north side, loading-area screening, parapet walls for flat roofs, cross access to adjacent properties and trash compactor screening while supporting a street-tree variance and some building-structure variances.
"Staff opposes this request because it is a self imposed hardship," Planning staff said, noting the code can be met by redesigning the building rather than granting exceptions. The staff presentation also noted prior approvals and the expectation that the property should be redesigned to avoid dock doors facing public streets.
Kevin Scott, with CRG, said the project is a long-term, build-to-suit investment for DENSO International and that DENSO will enter a construction contract, own and operate the facility and hire employees. "They will be long term owners," Scott said, and the company is "targeting second quarter of next year" for operations. He added the design reflects DENSO's operational needs and a new prototype for materials handling.
Mike Moran, the project's architect with LJC and part of the Clayco enterprise, described why the building's layout places office and parking toward the west street and docks toward the park road. He said the team proposes a chain-link fence with slats and foundation plantings along the fence to block visibility into operations and that the building program guides the composition of windows and openings.
Commissioners asked whether rotating the building would reduce the number of requested variances. Staff replied that two road frontages and the corner-lot geometry mean rotating the structure would still leave dock doors facing at least one road and would not resolve all conflicts. Staff repeatedly recommended building redesign as an alternative to multiple variances.
The commission took the presentation under advisement and scheduled DENSO representatives for the next hearing so commissioners can question them directly about operations and screening details. No formal variances were approved during the session.
