Gahanna Planning Commission Meeting Summary – July 23, 2026

Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 6:33 p.m. However, the supplied metadata specifies the meeting date as July 23, 2026, at 7:15 p.m. This summary uses the supplied date but notes the discrepancy. The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. (per minutes) and adjourned at 7:43 p.m. All seven commissioners were present.

Consent Calendar

• The Planning Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the June 10, 2026 meeting, with one abstention (Commissioner Tamarkin).

Public Comments & Testimony

Three public hearings were held:

1. Variance V-0011-2026 – 1105 Arcaro Drive (Sunroom Addition)

• Applicant Jon Handler proposed a 144-square-foot all-seasons sunroom that would encroach into the required 15-foot side-yard setback (eight feet from the south property line). City Planner Maddie Capka explained that the lot is substantially smaller than the R-1 minimum of 20,000 square feet (actual size ~7,200 sq ft) and that the existing house already encroaches further (seven feet). A former neighborhood overlay (eliminated in the 2024 zoning rewrite) had allowed a five-foot setback. Staff recommended approval. No public opposition; the neighbor was supportive. The variance was approved unanimously.

2. Variance V-0012-2026 – 718 Mistletoe Street (Garage Addition)

• Applicant Ben Armstrong (homeowner) requested a 312-square-foot attached single-car garage on a corner R-3 lot. The garage would be 12 feet from the rear property line (required 25 feet). Staff noted that a detached garage could meet setbacks (five-foot accessory setback), but the applicant preferred attached due to existing concrete and play area preservation. The rear-yard encroachment and already-converted former garage were discussed. No public comments. The variance was approved unanimously.

3. Conditional Use CU-0001-2026 and Variance V-0013-2026 – 337 Imperial Drive (Accessory Dwelling Unit)

• Applicants Andrew Northern and Amanda Thomas proposed an 804-square-foot detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for multigenerational living (elderly parents and potentially their autistic daughter). The ADU would be 10 feet from the rear property line (required 25 feet). Staff recommended approval of both the conditional use and the variance, noting that the ADU met all other requirements (owner-occupied principal dwelling, size limits, parking). The applicants cited mobility issues and the need for accessible space. Commissioner Shapaka expressed concern about setting a precedent for small lots but ultimately supported both. The conditional use and variance were each approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Director of Planning Report: Director Blackford provided updates on several previously approved projects:
  • Elliott Park (14-acre, 251-unit residential) – construction resumed after years of inactivity.
  • Johnstown Road Apartments (~150 units) – nearing occupancy permits.
  • Crescent Central Park (17,000 sq ft retail) – progressing well; medical office not started.
  • Northwest Bank (former PNC) – preserved walls but less original structure than anticipated; variances remain valid per approved site plan.
  • Biggby Coffee – engineering review nearing completion.
  • Gahanna Logistics Center – site cleared but project stalled after City Council denied incentives; new interest may lead to a fall application.
  • One Church – site cleared; additional application expected to address inconsistencies.
• Council Liaison Report: Commissioner Laser reported that the August 12, 2026 meeting will be the last in the current building. City Council adopted a resolution seeking grant funds for removable flood barriers at Creekside. The Charter Review Commission recommended eliminating the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals and transferring its original jurisdiction to the Planning Commission. Another charter amendment would allow the Planning Commission to set its own attendance rules.
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Shapaka and Mako thanked staff. Commissioner Tamarkin clarified that appeals of Planning Commission decisions would go to court (Chapter 2506), not to the Commission itself.

Key Outcomes

• V-0011-2026 (Arcaro Drive): Variance approved unanimously (7-0).
• V-0012-2026 (Mistletoe Street): Variance approved unanimously (7-0).
• CU-0001-2026 (Imperial Drive ADU): Conditional use approved unanimously (7-0).
• V-0013-2026 (Imperial Drive ADU): Variance approved unanimously (7-0).
• Minutes: Approved with one abstention.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 12, 2026 (final meeting in current City Hall).