Preble County board approves rezoning to allow truck service at Monroe Township filling station

The Preble County Rural Zoning Commission on July 7 approved Case 1646, a request to consolidate three parcels and reclassify roughly 5.124 acres at the northeast corner of US 40 (National Road) and US 127 in Monroe Township from Planned Highway Service and Agricultural to Highway Service. The board voted 4-0 to send the rezoning to the County Commissioners for a hearing on July 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Steve Fox, representing Burkhardt Engineering and the applicant, told the commission the change is sought so the filling station can expand paved areas and serve commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers. "ODOT will definitely have a voice in it, we’ve already talked to ODOT, they’ve- they’re aware of what’s happening, they’re gonna require improvements along 40, it sounds like," Fox said, describing expected frontage improvements and a traffic study. The application notes about 696 feet of frontage and that existing residential structures on the properties will be demolished.

Commissioners and staff focused discussion on whether the roughly 5.124-acre site can safely accommodate larger trucks and on access design. Wm. Clark Brown, a board member, pressed the point: "So, now you’ve got like 5 ½ acres, and you’re gonna have 18-wheelers tryin’ to turn around," noting maneuverability concerns and potential diesel traffic. Fox said the applicant has run truck-maneuver simulations and will refine layouts — including possible relocation or rotation of pump canopies — but that final design depends on the rezoning decision and subsequent engineering reviews.

Zoning Director Brad Kramer recommended removing the "Planned" designation to simplify the engineering approval process: consolidating the parcels into a single zoning district would allow the lots to be combined and avoid the more complex preliminary/final plan steps associated with Planned districts. Kramer and staff noted that, beyond zoning, engineering plans will be reviewed by the County Engineer's Office and ODOT's Design Office.

The commission's approval was motioned by Board member John Toschlog and seconded by Wm. Clark Brown. Roll-call votes were recorded as John Toschlog Yes; Wm. Clark Brown Yes; Dan Hays Yes (reluctantly); Mike Besecker Yes. The board recorded the motion as "approved 4 to 0" and scheduled the companion hearing before the County Commissioners on July 29 at 9:30 a.m.