Explanation
Rezoning Application Z18-024
APPLICANT: Energy Management LLC; c/o Jackson B. Reynolds III, Atty.; 37 West Broad Street, Suite 460; Columbus, OH 43215.
PROPOSED USE: Fuel sales with convenience retail.
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval (4-0) on June 14, 2018.
GREATER HILLTOP AREA COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
CITY DEPARTMENTS' RECOMMENDATION: Approval. The site is developed with a fuel sales facility in the CPD, Commercial Planned Development District. The applicant proposes a new CPD, Commercial Planned Development District to remove automatic changeable copy signage restrictions and update the text and site plan to depict existing conditions. A Graphics Commission variance would be required to have automatic changeable copy for a fuel sales sign. The CPD text restricts uses on the site to the existing convenience store, restaurant, fuel sales, canopy, and outdoor display areas. Also included are a site plan and development standards addressing setbacks, access, landscaping, building materials and design, lighting, and graphics provisions. The text also stipulates that should complete redevelopment of the site occur, the site shall comply with Urban Commercial Overlay requirements. The site is subject to the Sullivant Avenue / Greater Hilltop Urban Commercial Overlay and is within the planning area of Greater Hilltop Plan Amendment (2010), which recommends “Neighborhood Mixed Uses” at this location. While this development is compatible with the development standards of adjacent commercial uses along the Sullivant Avenue corridor and with Plan recommendations, Planning Division staff is not supportive of the proposed removal of language prohibiting automatic changeable copy signs within the CPD text. Zoning staff considers signage restrictions of this sort inappropriate within zoning texts and considers the Graphics Commission, where GC18-004 has been filed, the appropriate venue for deliberation of signage issues....
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