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Hilliard board allows gravel/asphalt millings for outdoor storage after owner pledges maintenance; one member recused
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Summary
The board approved a variance permitting gravel or asphalt millings for outdoor storage and some emergency‑access drive aisles at 3700 Lacan Road, with Norwich Township Fire Department sign‑off and a maintenance plan; one member recused because of an IRG affiliation.
HILLIARD — The Hilliard Board of Zoning Appeals on April 16 approved a variance allowing gravel and asphalt millings to remain as the surface for outdoor storage areas and certain drive aisles at 3700 Lacan Road, subject to conditions including approval from Norwich Township Fire Department and a city‑approved maintenance plan.
Planning staff described the 18.86‑acre site as rezoned into the IFE (I‑270 Corridor) district in mid‑2025 and said the property’s new owner had applied to retain existing gravel and asphalt millings rather than fully pave emergency drive aisles and outdoor storage surfaces. Staff noted that Planning & Zoning had recommended conditional approval and that Norwich Township Fire Department must sign off on maneuverability and that the applicant must submit a maintenance plan for approval by the planning director.
Chris Salata, a principal in the property ownership group, said the owners have invested about $13,000,000 in improvements and expect to announce a major tenant soon. "We should be able to share with the city and the residents of Hilliard our first tenant shortly," Salata said, adding that the team will secure fire‑department approvals and a maintenance plan.
One board member identified an affiliation with IRG and stepped aside from the discussion to avoid a conflict. The roll call and subsequent vote showed the motion passed 6‑0 with one recusal.
Conditions attached to the approval require adherence to Planning & Zoning’s conditions, Norwich Township Fire Department approval that the surface can sustain a 75,000‑pound vehicle load and turning radii for emergency services, and a maintenance plan that the planning director can enforce.
The applicant said some paving work has already been completed and that tenant‑specific storage layouts and screening will be refined as leases proceed. The board’s action applies only to the zoning variance to allow the surface materials; final tenant uses and lease details will be subject to separate zoning‑compliance certificates for each tenant.
