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Findlay planners deny Dedicated Trucking LLC conditional-use request for outdoor storage at West Lima Avenue
Summary
The Planning Commission voted to deny Dedicated Trucking LLC’s request to formalize extensive outdoor storage at 1725 West Lima Ave, citing prolonged noncompliance, fire-access problems and the risk of institutionalizing a junkyard-like use.
The City of Findlay Planning Commission voted unanimously to deny a conditional-use request from Dedicated Trucking LLC that would have recognized and formalized a substantial outdoor storage operation at 1725 West Lima Avenue.
CPC staff urged denial, saying photographic and site observations show the property has accumulated semi tractors, trailers and miscellaneous equipment in a pattern more like a salvage yard than a conventional trucking facility. The law department advised the commission it could not legally “grandfather” undocumented historical uses, and staff concluded approval would set a precedent inconsistent with zoning and enforcement standards.
Mayor Christina Mearn, who chaired the meeting, said the city had repeatedly tried to work with the property owner and remained unconvinced the site would be properly maintained if approved. “We have been more than generous with the time and working to put plans in place,” Mearn said, adding that the property’s condition was “unfair to the neighborhood” and inconsistent with code.
Marty Holmes, appearing for the owner, asked the commission what specific steps would satisfy staff and commissioners and said his client wanted to avoid litigation if possible. “I’m here because I wanted to find out what could satisfy you all that was not on the last application,” Holmes said.
Commissioners also noted practical concerns flagged by fire prevention staff, including limited apparatus access and multiple emergency responses the department has had to stage from the public street because crews could not reach the site. The commission referenced pending municipal-court cases related to junk and storage violations as part of the enforcement history considered in the decision.
The motion to deny CUDash08Dash2025 carried on the roll call vote, with commissioners voting to deny the request. The denial does not preclude the owner from returning with a substantially revised proposal that addresses cleanup, circulation, screening and safety access requirements.
What’s next: The owner may choose to pursue cleanup and a new conditional-use application that meets the screening, circulation and safety standards staff outlined.
