Stow · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Developer attendance at council meetings
Two developer items were tabled partly because the applicants didn't show up. Riehl called it a 'bad habit'; staff admitted a notification error on one item. Developers asking for city approval may now face more pressure to appear in person.
Indoor sports training facility on Hudson Drive
A vacant industrial space would become a 13,680-square-foot soccer and goalkeeping training center. The old 500-foot separation rule from heavy industrial uses turns out to be unenforceable since the code no longer defines heavy industrial — a text amendment is coming.
Native landscaping ordinance revisions
The city may cut the required setback for native plantings from 15 feet to 5 feet, relax the 50% lawn-conversion limit, and eventually waive the $50 permit fee. That means residents could convert more of their yards to native plants with fewer hoops — though enforcement stays complaint-driven.
Removal of Minor Planned Development provision from zoning code
Council Member Kelly Coffey wants to strip the minor planned development tool from the code, arguing developers shouldn't be able to sidestep standard rules. Staff defended it as a way to cluster homes and preserve green space. No vote was taken.
Swimming pool enclosure rule change stalls
Councilman Feldman sponsored a change to the pool 'private' enclosure rules at a resident's request, but three colleagues sided with the Planning Commission's safety concerns. It got only a first reading — and Feldman is now asking whether he can withdraw it.
Sign variance for Pretty Nails of Stow
Consigner's Collection can put up a larger, more visible monument sign 3 feet closer to the road than code allows, joining plenty of other signs up Route 91 that already don't meet the setback.
Proposed Dutch Bros drive-through at 4249 Kent Road
Developers want to split off part of the Stow Glen nursing home parcel and rezone it commercial for a Dutch Bros coffee drive-through. Commissioners generally liked the rezone but questioned whether the area can support another coffee shop near Starbucks and 7 Brew.
Multi-family density cap on main roads
The city's six-units-per-acre cap forces variances for almost every apartment project, including this one at 7.4 units per acre. Staff plans to come back with an amendment to raise or remove the cap so the code matches what's actually built.
Endorsement letter for new zoning code
The commission wants to send a letter backing the new zoning code it discussed last month, but the member who volunteered to write it didn't show. If he doesn't come through by email, the chair will write it herself.
Minor Planned Development Overlay standards (Ordinance 2026-096)
This restores rules requiring developers to give the city something — LEED buildings, affordable or accessible units — in exchange for zoning flexibility on 3-10 acre projects. Without them, the city has a weaker legal footing to say no to developer requests.
Multi-family density cap removal (Ordinance 2026-095)
Two ordinances meant to fix inconsistencies in Stow's multifamily zoning rules were tabled unanimously after debate over whether higher-density housing could reach neighborhood corridors like Fishcreek Road. Residents near Bayside Estates raised fears of three-story apartment buildings on assembled lots.
New zoning code cleanup amendments
A resident pushed council to restore the density cap structure and minor plan development overlay standards removed from the zoning rewrite, arguing the $100,000-plus code was tailored to Stow and its conditional use criteria already protect neighborhoods. The public hearing on related ordinances was pushed off May 28 to allow more community input.
Zoning code update — sustainable design option
The updated zoning code would let developers earn project flexibility by including sustainable design (LEED certification), affordability, or accessibility features. The commission backed keeping it in.
Rustic Diamond cabin setback variance
After four years of hearings, state appeals, and a land swap, the Cheatwoods just wanted to leave their cabin where it is — even though it sits on the property line. The neighboring landowner signed an easement and nobody objected, so the commission voted 4-1 to recommend approval.
Self-storage use variance on Fishcreek Road
The city's first use variance under the new code would allow about 16,000 square feet of self-storage behind Bellacino's, capped at 18,000 square feet, after earlier rezoning plans were rejected over spot-zoning fears.
Sign setback variance at 3781 Darrow Road
Consignor's Collection wants to replace its sign with a monument sign closer to the road than code allows. Council will make the final call after the committee's unanimous endorsement.
Basketball training facility on Hudson Drive
A 5,800-square-foot indoor basketball training facility is proposed in an industrial building. It meets the required 500-foot separation from heavy industry.
Self-storage use variance at Fishcreek Road
First use variance under the new code allows self-storage on a C-2 commercial parcel where it isn't permitted; site plan review and possible variances (like outdoor access) come later.
Adult day care proposed at 3885 Darrow Road
A new adult day care serving about 20 clients with 7 employees would fill a vacant storefront next to residential property. Neighbors asked about property values, screening and bus traffic; commissioners want the applicant present before deciding.
Defending municipal Home Rule authority
Council discussed how state government has been chipping away at charter cities' Home Rule powers — from policing rules to income tax preemption and cuts to local government funds. Members leaned toward standing with other Ohio cities, though no resolution was adopted.
Marsh Road rezoning to limited retail
Two properties at 3605 and 3625 Marsh Road could shift from residential to limited retail zoning. A public hearing is set for February 12, so neighbors will get a chance to weigh in.
ReWorks sign variance at 1201 Graham Road
The ReWorks recycling facility's buildings sit far back from Graham Road, so a taller 4.5-foot directional sign is proposed so visitors — and emergency responders — can find the entrance. Snow buildup and an elevation drop from the road are why the standard 3-foot cap doesn't work here.
Marsh Road rezoning for former assisted-living buildings
A proposal to rezone two Marsh Road parcels from residential to limited retail is moving forward — second reading done, public hearing February 12 at 5 p.m. Residents will get their say then.