Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – September 16, 2026

The Green Planning and Zoning Commission met on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The commission considered two signage applications, a conditional use permit, a text amendment to regulate smoke and vape shops, and held a discussion on a proposed data center text amendment. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• None.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke.

Business Items

26-27 Heritage Landscape Supply ID Sign

• Applicant Linda Nichols (Laad Sign and Lighting, Inc.) proposed a monument sign for Heritage Landscape Supply at 4940 Aultman Road. After revisions, the sign met code requirements (19.25 sq ft, 6 ft height). The commission conditionally approved the sign, requiring: verification of a 10-ft setback from the right-of-way (to be staked before digging), white split‑face block columns to match the building, and evergreen plants listed on the landscape plan. Approved unanimously (5–0).

26-32 A&C Naturals ID Sign & Retail Operation (Conditional Use)

• Owner Audrey Maurer requested a conditional use permit for retail sales of natural, non‑toxic products at 4725 Massillon Road (a former house in Greensburg) and approval of an existing ID sign. The business had been operating for two months without proper permits. Staff required a hard‑surface (concrete or asphalt) parking area to meet code, including a handicapped‑accessible space. The commission approved the conditional use certificate and the sign, with the condition that the parking area be paved by June 2027 (to allow time for seasonal contracting). The sign setback was verified at 5 ft, meeting the Greensburg sign district requirement. Approved unanimously (5–0).

26-41 Land Development Code Text Amendment – Smoke/Vape Shops

• The Planning Department proposed definitions and regulations for “smoke shop” and “smoke establishment” (where consumption occurs) to address recently opened vape shops. The commission recommended approval to city council with amendments: (1) revise the definition of “smoke shop” to “vape and/or smoke shop”; (2) keep “smoke establishment” as defined without “vape”; (3) limit conditional use for both to zoning districts B4, B5, and I‑1 only (removing B1, B3, and PD). Existing shops would be grandfathered as non‑conforming. The favorable recommendation passed unanimously (5–0).

Discussion Items

26-40 Data Center Text Amendment (Discussion Only)

• The Planning Department presented a draft amendment to define and regulate data centers, with size tiers: up to 30,000 sq ft (conditional), 30,000–70,000 sq ft (conditional with extra criteria), and over 70,000 sq ft (not permitted). Standards address noise, water use, electrical demand, generators, and decommissioning. Commissioners discussed community perception, job creation, and environmental impacts. No vote was taken; the item is expected to return as an action item in October 2026.

Key Outcomes

• 26-27: Conditionally approved (5–0) for sign with setback verification, split‑face block, and landscaping.
• 26-32: Conditional use certificate and sign approved (5–0), requiring hard‑surface parking by June 2027.
• 26-41: Favorable recommendation to city council with amendments (5–0); public hearing scheduled for October 13, 2026.
• 26-40: Discussion only; will be considered for action at the October 2026 commission meeting.
• Minutes of August 19, 2026: Approved (5–0).
• Director's Report: Upcoming October meeting will include a site plan, a sign, and one or two text amendments.
• Council Liaison Report: Three public hearings on planning/zoning topics (industrial rezoning, vape shop amendment, driveway amendment) are set for October 13, 2026, with votes expected in November.