Gahanna Planning Commission Meeting – October 22, 2025

The Gahanna Planning Commission met on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Chair Sarah Pollyea presided. The meeting covered four variance applications, approval of previous minutes, and official reports. The meeting adjourned at 7:56 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the September 24, 2025, meeting (motion by Tamarkin, second by Greenberg; 6-0 vote, with Shapaka absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• V-0024-2025 (675 Parkedge Drive): Applicant Larry Champlin spoke, confirming the addition details. Four neighbors submitted statements of support, including the neighbor to the north who would be most impacted. No other public comments.
• V-0025-2025 (722 Buckles Court): Jim McFarland, representing Ohio Gastro Group, spoke in favor of the sign variance, noting the need for tenant identification. No public opposition.
• V-0026-2025 (559 Wickham Way): Applicant Angela Austin explained the shed relocation and the need for the variance. Neighbor Lynn Talarico (561 Wickham Way) stated she had no objection. No other comments.
• V-0027-2025 (817 North Hamilton Road): Applicant Brent Allen, Operations Director of One Church, requested approval to continue using the gravel lot during construction. No public opposition.

Discussion Items

V-0024-2025: Variance for Side Yard Setback – 675 Parkedge Drive

City Planner Maddie Capka presented: the property is zoned R-1 Large Lot Residential. The applicant seeks a variance to allow a 280 sq. ft. addition within a side yard setback (10 ft. instead of required 15 ft.). The lot is narrow with a floodplain to the rear, limiting buildable area. The addition materials match the existing home. Staff recommended approval. Commission members asked about easements, materials, and the planned garage door (for mower access). The applicant stated that without the variance, the addition would lose about 16 sq. ft. and have an unsightly angled corner. The motion to approve passed unanimously (6-0).

V-0025-2025: Variance for Sign Standards – 722 Buckles Court

Ms. Capka presented: the property is zoned General Commercial and has three frontages (I-270, Tech Center Drive, Buckles Court). The applicant requests two variances: one to allow two wall signs on the west elevation (total 85.25 sq. ft., exceeding the 50 sq. ft. limit per frontage) and one for a second sign on that elevation (code allows one per frontage). Total signage on site (including an existing monument sign) is under the maximum 150 sq. ft. of wall signage. Staff had no objection. Commission discussed similarities to a prior Orthopedic One sign variance and the possibility of future tenants requiring a master sign plan. The motion to approve passed unanimously (6-0).

V-0026-2025: Variance for Accessory Structure Setback – 559 Wickham Way

Ms. Capka presented: the property is R-1. An existing shed (8x10 ft.) was moved to a new location, now 5 ft. from the north property line instead of the required 10 ft. The previous location met setbacks. The applicant stated the lot is small (approx. 10,000 sq. ft.) with sloping terrain. The neighbor to the north supports the variance. Staff recommended approval. Commission questions covered the shed’s age, use, and potential impact on future neighbors. The variance applies for the life of the property. The motion to approve passed unanimously (6-0).

V-0027-2025: Variance for Parking Surface – 817 North Hamilton Road (One Church)

Ms. Capka provided extensive history: a gravel lot installed without approval in 2023; previous variances expired; a revised development plan for an auditorium and new parking was approved in May 2025. This variance seeks to keep the gravel lot (approx. 23,000 sq. ft., 70 vehicles) as a staging area during construction. Staff recommended approval with a condition that the variance expires October 31, 2027, and no extensions. The applicant stated construction would begin as soon as permits are issued (possibly November 2025) and expected completion well before the deadline. Commission discussed security measures, shuttle parking (Ohio State medical facility across Hamilton Road), and environmental permits. The motion to approve with the expiration condition passed 5-0-1 (Vice Chair Suriano abstained).

Key Outcomes

• V-0024-2025: Approved (6-0). Variance for side yard setback at 675 Parkedge Drive.
• V-0025-2025: Approved (6-0). Variance for wall sign standards at 722 Buckles Court.
• V-0026-2025: Approved (6-0). Variance for shed setback at 559 Wickham Way.
• V-0027-2025: Approved (5-0-1) with condition that the variance expires October 31, 2027, and no further extensions. Variance for gravel parking lot at 817 North Hamilton Road.

Official Reports

• Assistant City Attorney: Reported that the Board of Zoning & Building Appeals (BZBA) rejected an appeal for a pool cabana at 400 Braemer Court (height non-compliance). The applicant may appeal to Franklin County courts.
• Director of Planning: Reminded that meeting schedule shifts to first and third Wednesdays in November and December (next meeting November 5). Discussed a Dispatch article about Genoa Township legal actions, cautioning the Commission to base decisions on laws rather than neighbor input.
• Council Liaison: Announced the 2025 budget presentation (October 23), second reading of the Creekside Development Agreement (November 17), and adoption of the city’s Strategic Plan (November 3).