Board approves variances to bring 3810 Lakeon Road site into compliance for landscape company headquarters
February 20, 2026 | Hilliard, Franklin County, Ohio
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The Hilliard Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously on Feb. 19 to approve a package of variances that will allow the rehabilitation of a blighted site at 3810 Lakeon Road for use as a landscaping company headquarters.
Staff described the property as adjacent to railroad tracks and said the site had never been fully paved; previous applicants had not completed required improvements. The current proposal includes paving the parking area, establishing a defined outdoor storage area, replacing fencing, and landscaping. Staff and the applicant noted a stream corridor on the site; the applicant agreed to conservation measures for that corridor.
The board approved three variances, subject to four staff-recommended conditions: a variance from Hilliard code section 1,127.04 B1 to permit asphalt millings/gravel as an approved surface in the outdoor storage area (rather than full pavement required by code); a variance from Hilliard code section 1,125.06 to reduce the required number of large trees in the landscape buffer from seven to three (the applicant proposes more, smaller trees because of underground utilities and limited planting area); and a variance from Hilliard code section 1,121.02 B7 to increase the permitted size of an accessory building (salt barn) from 900 square feet to 1,344 square feet. Staff said parking and paved areas adjacent to the private street will be paved; the millings will be used in the storage area to reduce dust and pavement damage from heavy equipment.
Applicant representative Chris Winkel of Winkel Civil Engineering and Surveying said the owner intends to clean up and improve the property, cited operational needs for storing trucks and equipment locally, and described the proposed mulch covering and salt barn. Board members asked for and received clarification that the millings would be installed to adequate thickness and graded to allow fire department maneuverability.
A motion to approve the variances, including the conditions recommended by staff, passed by roll call, 7–0.
The approval allows the owner to proceed with the site improvements under the terms set by the board and staff conditions; the board recorded no additional amendments at the meeting.
Staff described the property as adjacent to railroad tracks and said the site had never been fully paved; previous applicants had not completed required improvements. The current proposal includes paving the parking area, establishing a defined outdoor storage area, replacing fencing, and landscaping. Staff and the applicant noted a stream corridor on the site; the applicant agreed to conservation measures for that corridor.
The board approved three variances, subject to four staff-recommended conditions: a variance from Hilliard code section 1,127.04 B1 to permit asphalt millings/gravel as an approved surface in the outdoor storage area (rather than full pavement required by code); a variance from Hilliard code section 1,125.06 to reduce the required number of large trees in the landscape buffer from seven to three (the applicant proposes more, smaller trees because of underground utilities and limited planting area); and a variance from Hilliard code section 1,121.02 B7 to increase the permitted size of an accessory building (salt barn) from 900 square feet to 1,344 square feet. Staff said parking and paved areas adjacent to the private street will be paved; the millings will be used in the storage area to reduce dust and pavement damage from heavy equipment.
Applicant representative Chris Winkel of Winkel Civil Engineering and Surveying said the owner intends to clean up and improve the property, cited operational needs for storing trucks and equipment locally, and described the proposed mulch covering and salt barn. Board members asked for and received clarification that the millings would be installed to adequate thickness and graded to allow fire department maneuverability.
A motion to approve the variances, including the conditions recommended by staff, passed by roll call, 7–0.
The approval allows the owner to proceed with the site improvements under the terms set by the board and staff conditions; the board recorded no additional amendments at the meeting.
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