Gahanna Planning Commission Meeting – May 19, 2026 (Note: Actual Meeting Date May 13, 2026)

Discrepancy Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript indicate the meeting was held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The instruction for this summary specifies the date as 2026-05-19 20:15:00+00:00. This summary follows the instruction but notes the conflict.

The Gahanna Planning Commission met in regular session on May 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM. All seven members were present. The meeting focused on a single development plan application for an addition to Gahanna Middle School South, which was approved unanimously. Official reports included updates on the Charter Review Commission and upcoming zoning code changes.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (April 8, 2026 workshop and regular meeting): Both sets of minutes were approved by a vote of 6–0–1 (Commissioner Shapaka abstained on both).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period for the development plan application. One speaker slip was submitted but the individual did not wish to speak.

Discussion Items

• DP-0003-2026 – Major Development Plan for Middle School South Addition:
  • City Planner Maddie Capka presented the application for a 6,235-square-foot, 17-foot-tall addition to Gahanna Middle School South at 349 Shady Spring Drive. The addition includes four classrooms and associated hallways, with brick and limestone exterior matching the existing building. All 286 required parking spaces are met (300 provided). Four new trees will be planted. No variances are required. Staff recommended approval.
  • Carrie Smith, Project Manager at Schorr Architects, confirmed the addition will help accommodate student growth over the next 5–10 years. Construction is expected to start summer 2026 (pending civil engineering permits) and be completed for the 2028–2029 school year.
  • Commissioners asked about a proposed 10-foot water line easement (existing line will be moved), compliance with Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) for the bus loop curb cut, and the T-shaped circulation layout. The addition will connect to the existing building.
  • Motion to approve by Commissioner Laser, seconded by Commissioner Shapaka. All commissioners expressed support, noting the straightforward design, zero variances, matching materials, and placement at the rear of the building.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of DP-0003-2026: The motion carried 7–0 (all in favor).
• Official Reports:
  • Assistant City Attorney Matt Roth reported that the Charter Review Commission is considering eliminating the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals (BZBA) due to infrequent meetings and the availability of court appeals. He also noted that the City Attorney’s office faces conflicts when representing both BZBA and Planning Commission.
  • Director of Planning Blackford expressed support for BZBA abolition, noting that some BZBA functions (e.g., appeals of staff interpretations of code) would shift to the Planning Commission. He also reported that proposed zoning code changes are under City Council review, with a vote expected next Monday. An upcoming Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) conditional use application may come before the Commission.
• Next Meeting: Commissioner Tamarkin will be absent from the June 2026 meeting.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.