Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Summary – August 12, 2026
Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Summary – August 12, 2026
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM, the City of Delaware Board of Zoning Appeals held a meeting in City Hall Council Chambers. The primary matter was a variance request from Kessler Sign Company on behalf of Ohio Health to install a second monument sign at 6 Lexington Boulevard. After discussion and testimony, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the variance with conditions.
Consent Calendar
- The motion summary from the July 8, 2026 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting was approved unanimously without modification.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were offered during the public hearing. The applicant, Mr. Kessler of Kessler Sign Company, presented the case and answered board questions.
Discussion Items
- Variance Request (Case V26-9): Kessler Sign Company sought a variance from Section 1125.09(a)(4) of the zoning code, which limits properties in the C-NX (Commercial Neighborhood Mixed) district to one monument sign. The property at 6 Lexington Boulevard already has a monument sign on Central Avenue; the applicant wished to add a second monument sign on Lexington Boulevard to identify the Ohio Health medical office and reduce patient confusion and safety risks.
- Applicant Testimony (Mr. Kessler): Mr. Kessler explained that the previous monument sign on Lexington Boulevard had been repeatedly damaged and was ultimately removed for safety. Without it, patients often mistake Ohio Health's 12 Lexington Boulevard facility for 6 Lexington Boulevard, leading to wrong turns and unsafe U-turns. The new sign would be 16.5 square feet (3 feet by 5.5 feet), smaller than the code maximum of 25 square feet, and would clearly direct patients to the correct entrance. He emphasized that Ohio Health has 400 similar facilities and knows what is needed for safe wayfinding. He stated, “It’s not about selling more signs; it’s about getting people there in a safe and orderly manner.”
- Staff Presentation (David): Staff described the property’s zoning history: originally in a multifamily district, it was rezoned to C-NX in July 2025 after the sign was removed. Under the current code, only one monument sign is permitted per street frontage unless the lot is wide; the existing Central Avenue sign counts as the property’s one permitted monument sign. Staff noted that alternatives exist, such as moving the Central Avenue sign to Lexington Boulevard or using smaller driveway signs (up to 3 square feet, one per travel direction) with address information. Staff recommended denial, stating there was no demonstrated hardship and the variance could be obviated by other means.
- Board Discussion: Board members questioned the applicant and staff about the feasibility of alternatives, the historic non-conforming status of the removed sign, and the unique characteristics of the lot. Member Rosenthal noted that the curve on Lexington Boulevard makes the entrance hard to spot, especially for elderly or anxious patients. Member Haynes expressed concern over sign pollution but sympathized with the safety need. Member Agarwal questioned why a second monument sign was necessary when a driveway sign might suffice. After debate, the board leaned toward approval given the previous existence of a sign and the safety benefits.
- Vote and Conditions: A motion was made to approve the variance (Resolution V26-9A) with the condition that the new monument sign be no larger than the existing monument sign at 12 Lexington Boulevard. The motion was seconded and clarified: the sign shall not exceed the area of the monument sign at 12 Lexington Boulevard. The board approved 5-0: Messrs. Rosenthal, Agarwal, El Masarani, Haynes, and Chair Dariano in favor.
Key Outcomes
- Vote: 5-0 in favor of granting variance for a second monument sign at 6 Lexington Boulevard, with the condition that the sign’s size does not exceed that of the sign at 12 Lexington Boulevard.
- Next Meeting: The next regular Board of Zoning Appeals meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2026. No applications were pending for that date.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. It is time at 64 on Wednesday, August 12th. I am calling the City of Delaware Board is on appeals meeting to order. Staff, please call the roll. Mr. Rosenthal. Here. Mr. Bonus. Mr. Agarwal. Mr. El Masarani. Mr. Haynes? Here. Vice Chair Lata. Chair Dariano. Here. Thank you, Staff. Do we have a motion to excuse Mr. Bonus and Mr. Latta from the meeting tonight? So moved. Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. All opposed, same sign. Are there any modifications or corrections to the motion summary? If not, is there a motion to approve a motion summary from last month? I move to approve. Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Right. All opposed, same sign. Any applicants, members of the public, or staff wishing to speak on this case, these cases tonight, please stand and raise your right hand. Do you affirm that the testimony you're about to give is the whole truth, the best of your knowledge? Yes. Please be seated. Staff, please introduce case A and read it into the record. A request by Kessler Sign Company for approval of the variance to Section 1125.09A for number of permitted monument signs at six Lexington Boulevard on Property Zoned C and X commercial neighborhood mixed. And this is case number V twenty six-9. Would the applicant please come to the desk? Approach the desk, state your name and address the record, and briefly present your case. Well, as Paul Harvey says, or did say the rest of the story. And facilities from Ohio Health removed it before someone got hurt.
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