Gahanna Planning Commission Meeting Summary – March 11, 2026

The Gahanna Planning Commission met on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included public hearings on three variance applications, a major development plan, and a recommendation on proposed zoning code changes. The Commission approved a sign variance for Crescent Woods, a variance and development plan for Academy Park, and recommended the code changes to City Council. A frontage variance for Carpenter Road was denied.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (February 11, 2026): Approved unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carpenter Road Variance (V-0005-2026): Four neighbors spoke in opposition. Mike Welty (350 Carpenter Rd) stated the variance would reduce privacy and property values. Larry Rumsey (340 Carpenter Rd) cited concerns about privacy, stormwater drainage, and rural character. Craig Wales (332 Carpenter Rd) and Russ Funk (352 Carpenter Rd) also opposed, citing loss of privacy and rural feel. The applicant’s representative, Martha Hunley, argued the lot could accommodate a second home while maintaining setbacks and character, and that a shared driveway was the only practical access.
• Crescent Woods Sign Variance (V-0006-2026): No public comments; the applicant, Don Haight (Morrison Sign Company), was available for questions.
• Academy Park Variance & Development Plan (V-0007-2026 & DP-0001-2026): No public comments; the applicant, Catherine Eichel (City Parks Capital Projects Manager), answered questions.
• Code Changes (CC-0001-2026): No public comments.

Discussion Items

• Carpenter Road – Frontage Variance: Staff presented a request to allow creation of a 0.5‑acre parcel with zero frontage on a right‑of‑way (required 100 feet). The existing flag lot has 27.5 feet of frontage. The Commission discussed access, fire department review, emergency vehicle access, and the fact that the new parcel would not return for Commission review. Concerns about precedent and neighborhood character led to a failed motion.
• Crescent Woods – Sign Setback Variance: Staff requested a variance to place a monument sign 8 feet 1 inch from the I-270 on-ramp right‑of‑way (required 15 feet) due to water line and retaining wall constraints. The sign meets area and height (per prior variance). The Commission discussed sightlines, rotating the sign, and the need for freeway visibility. The motion to approve passed.
• Academy Park – Variance & Development Plan: The project includes repaving the parking lot, adding 47 parking spaces (including 4 EV charging and 5 bike spaces), new playground, and a 1,500‑sq‑ft restroom/storage building (21.25 ft tall). Three variances were requested: 0% window transparency (building function), no screening along right‑of‑way (existing vegetation suffices), and dumpster location (front of building due to site constraints). The building uses a green fiber‑cement board (not on approved color list) covering 30% of the building (threshold 25%). Staff supported all variances. The Commission approved both the variance and the development plan, praising the overdue improvements.
• Code Changes (CC-0001-2026): Director of Planning Michael Blackford presented proposed amendments to multiple zoning chapters. Key changes include: reinstating continuous screening for B‑buffer, restoring 0.5 foot‑candle lighting standard adjacent to residential, prohibiting attention‑getting devices (e.g., inflatables), reducing R‑1 accessory structure setback from 10 to 5 feet, adding funeral homes as permitted uses, clarifying EV charging requirements (EV‑ready vs. EVSE), and introducing a “deviation” process for the Creekside Mixed Use district that allows flexibility based on land use and strategic plan goals. Commission discussion focused on the setback reduction, EV charging practicality, and the new evaluation criteria. The motion to recommend approval to City Council passed.

Key Outcomes

• Carpenter Road Variance (V-0005-2026): Motion to approve failed (2‑3; Pollyea and Tamarkin yes; Suriano, Shapaka, Laser no).
• Crescent Woods Sign Variance (V-0006-2026): Approved (5‑0).
• Academy Park Variance (V-0007-2026): Approved (5‑0).
• Academy Park Development Plan (DP-0001-2026): Approved (5‑0).
• Code Changes (CC-0001-2026): Motion to recommend approval to City Council carried (5‑0).