Planning commission recommends C-2 zoning for annexed Sheetz site near North Main and County Road 99

The City of Findlay Planning Commission on Monday recommended assigning C-2 General Commercial zoning to a parcel being annexed from Allen Township at the northeast corner of North Main Street and County Road 99, the commission heard.

Jake (speaker S5), reading the planning staff report, said the site — developed as a Sheetz gas station after receiving Wood County permits while in unzoned Allen Township — sits adjacent to C-2 commercial inside the city and is not within the 100‑year floodplain. Staff recommended C-2 to align with surrounding commercial uses and noted the commission’s previous conditions (drainage, signage and access) were addressed before construction began. “Staff considers the C-2 General Commercial District to be an appropriate fit,” S5 said.

Commissioners raised concerns about buffering between future east‑side development and nearby residences. The chair (speaker S1) requested that planning staff flag the east side for additional screening when a site plan returns. Planning staff reminded the commission that while rezoning cannot carry site‑specific conditions, site‑plan review can require screening, and the city’s code requires level‑2 or level‑3 screening between commercial/industrial uses and residential areas.

The commission recorded a unanimous voice vote of members present to recommend approval to City Council. The recommendation is advisory; the final decision rests with City Council at a later legislative meeting.

The commission did not receive substantive public opposition during the planning‑commission review. The matter will move to the legislative process at City Council, where it will undergo the council’s formal consideration and readings.