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Planning commission approves Dunkin' on Wheatley Road, conditions remain on design and stormwater
Summary
The Richfield Planning & Zoning Commission on June 9 approved final plans and a conditional zoning certificate for a 1,735‑sq‑ft Dunkin' with a drive‑thru at 3974 Wheatley Road, subject to the applicant addressing architectural, stormwater and fire-safety technical comments from consultants and staff.
The Village of Richfield Planning & Zoning Commission voted June 9 to approve final plans for a new Dunkin' restaurant and a related conditional zoning certificate allowing a drive‑thru at 3974 Wheatley Road.
Director of Planning and Zoning Brian Frantz told commissioners the development is substantially consistent with previously approved preliminary plans and that the Village has executed purchase and sale and development agreements with Inspire Brands and Development Management Group. The proposed building is approximately 1,735 square feet with a single drive‑thru lane; construction of a new access road related to the project was described as beginning the following day.
Consultants and staff identified several outstanding, technical items the developer must address before building permits are issued. The Village engineer (memorandum dated June 3, 2026) said stormwater detention calculations and signed engineering documentation are missing and noted Summit County stormwater requirements may apply. The Village architect raised concerns about the proportions of the front entry tower and requested photometric adjustments and color/material samples for the building record. The Fire Chief asked for a complete set of building and fire suppression plans when submitted.
Ken Knuckles, vice president of Development Management Group, said the design team is responding to consultant comments and that typical Dunkin' operating hours are early morning through evening — generally opening about 5–6 a.m. and closing 9–10 p.m. Director Frantz recommended approval of the final plan and of the conditional zoning certificate, noting that architecture, landscaping and lighting controls had been incorporated to minimize off‑site impacts.
Residents spoke during public comment. Pat Healey suggested adding a faux window or mural to the elevation facing Wheatley Road; the applicant and staff pointed to herringbone brick patterns, coach lights and decorative railings intended to provide visual interest. Greg Snowden said runoff from the site drains toward his property and asked the Village to “over design” the stormwater system to account for large storms, and he asked that native species be used in landscaping to support pollinators. Director Frantz said the Village has conducted a Wheatley Road traffic study in the area that informed signal and turn‑lane recommendations and that stormwater concerns would be addressed through required engineering submissions.
On motions moved by Dan Holahan and seconded by Sue Ann Philippbar, the Commission voted unanimously to: (a) approve Case No. 14‑2026 final plan for the Dunkin' subject to the applicant continuing to work with Village administration and consultants to resolve outstanding architect/engineer/fire comments administratively, and (b) approve Case No. 20‑2026, the conditional zoning certificate permitting a drive‑thru, as submitted. The minutes record both votes as passing on roll call unanimously.
Next steps: the developer must supply stamped stormwater calculations, photometric adjustments and color/material samples, and submit full building and fire suppression plans to the Fire Department as the application advances to permitting.
