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property is an unusual lot because it is much larger in size than the typical lot zoned B-1 (over <br />four acres) and has a more traditional configuration of a large parking field up front with the <br />building set back. Tractor Supply Co. will occupy almost 40,000 square feet, which is larger than <br />many lots in the district. The proposed display will be located along the front of the building and <br />to the west of the building. It will not take up any required parking. It is substantially separated <br />from single family properties to the north by the building itself. It is screened with an eight -foot <br />masonry wall from the commercially -zoned condos to the west. Given the size and scale of the <br />property, the effort the applicant has made to screen these areas from neighbors and the <br />challenge of adaptively reusing large retail buildings, Ms. Lieber supported the variance request <br />that will allow this project to proceed. She also suggested including a condition tying the <br />variance to the site plan that was submitted. The applicant was also informed about the noise <br />ordinances so they will need to adjust the delivery times accordingly. <br />Jeff Sturgeon, 3092 West 231 Street, welcomed a project like this in the community but he was <br />concerned about the propane tank protection. He believed Ohio codes require roof cover and <br />fencing to protect the tanks. Mr. Gareau added that the Building and Fire Department review <br />these issues while going through the approval process. <br />Mr. Mackey asked if the outdoor displays would be contained on the walkway in the front of the <br />building, Mr. Cocca said they would be. Ms. Patton asked if the variance should specify where <br />the storage would be permitted and what would be allowed to be displayed. Ms. Lieber <br />suggested making the variance conditioned upon the development plan approved during this <br />process or close to it, which would ensure large changes to be reviewed by the Board again. She <br />suggested not itemizing what could be displayed as a matter of practicality. Mr. Papotto asked if <br />the display area would be used year-round, Mr. Cocca said it would be. The display area shown <br />in the parking lot would be used for customers to pull up to their trailers and hook up to drive. <br />He also asked if other chemicals used by welders would be stored with the propane, Mr. Cocca <br />said it would only be propane. Mr. Papotto asked if pallets of mulch or seasonal items would be <br />displayed in other areas of the parking lot, Mr. Cocca said no but asked the city to let him know <br />if that ever happens. Mr. Allain asked if the amount of outdoor display area proposed would be <br />manageable for enforcement. Ms. Lieber believed it would be since the interior display area was <br />greatly increased and the two proposed areas meet the needs of the applicant while protecting the <br />neighbors. Mr. Gareau thought including a condition for the variance made sense for the <br />proposal. Mr. Mackey believed the other Tractor Supply location in Columbia Station is kept <br />orderly and thought this proposal would enhance the retail section of the city. Mr. Papotto <br />appreciated that the applicant brought more display space inside than initially proposed and <br />thought they showed good faith in their proposal. <br />Mr. Papotto moved, seconded by Mr. Mackey, to approve the following variance for 21- <br />18668; Tractor Supply; 23300 Lorain Road, in accordance with the drawing C-2 Site Plan <br />submitted with the application and dated March 22, 2021: <br />1. A variance for accessory outdoor display; code does not permit retail uses with <br />accessory outdoor display in the B-1 Local Business District; applicant shows outdoor <br />display of merchandise, Table 1139.03-1 <br />Motion passed 5-0. <br />