BZA approves change to office and storage at 5252 Center Street with conditions on trailers and outside storage

The Hilliard Board of Zoning Appeals approved a change to a nonconforming use at 5252 Center Street, allowing the front building to operate primarily as office space and the rear building to remain in storage/warehouse use under four staff-recommended conditions.

Planning staff told the board the site includes two parcels with two buildings; the front building will be “mostly office” (about 63 percent office) and the rear building will continue as storage. Staff said the original automotive service/tire-repair use was lawfully established and that the proposed change is less obtrusive and more consistent with the Old Hilliard residential zoning district.

Staff recommended four conditions, including that the company trailers be parked on an improved surface consistent with code and that no outside storage of product or equipment be allowed except for the four identified trailers. The staff report said there is sufficient existing concrete on site to meet that condition.

A motion to approve a change to another nonconforming use under the provisions of Hilliard code section 11 37.02, with the four staff-recommended conditions, passed on the record. The roll-call votes recorded: Mister Steele — yes; Mister Antle — yes; Mister Mills — yes; Vice President Barfield — yes; Mister McGee — yes; Mister Epling — abstain; President Deisel — yes. The chair announced the motion carried.

No members of the public presented opposing testimony during the hearing. Staff said they will work with the applicant to ensure the trailers are parked on an improved surface and to implement the other conditions before the change of use is finalized.