Planning commission tables conditional-use request for car-repair shop at 318 S. Blanchard
July 10, 2026 | Findlay City, Hancock County , Ohio
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The City of Findlay Planning Commission on July 9 tabled a conditional-use application (CU-12-2026) from Michael Searls to continue operating a car-repair business at 318 S. Blanchard St. The decision followed staff concerns about outdoor vehicle storage, parking configuration, and floodplain constraints.
CPC staff presented the site history and recommended approval with conditions: no additional signage beyond permitted wall signs; opaque fencing on the northern parcel to screen outdoor vehicle storage; a hard, dust-free surface for the southern parking area; a parking striping plan approved by the city engineer ensuring at least a 5-foot setback from South Blanchard Street and a 30-foot front-yard setback along West Main Cross Street; and that inoperable vehicles be stored only in an enclosed northern lot.
The applicant, Michael Searls, described his operation as a tire and repair shop with a steady turnover of vehicles. "None of these cars sit more than 5, 10 days," Searls said, adding he uses a removable storage trailer and has worked to clean up the lot. He also said he could fence an outlot to hold vehicles that remain longer.
Commissioners raised zoning and floodplain concerns, including an on-site semi trailer used for storage that staff said is not permitted. Staff and the applicant discussed enclosing the northern lot, relocating inoperable vehicles to an enclosed area, and producing a parking-striping plan to address pedestrian and circulation impacts.
Given the absence of the zoning/floodplain administrator at the meeting and the outstanding questions, staff recommended a follow-up meeting with the applicant. The commission voted to table the application so staff and the applicant can meet and return with options and any required documentation.
Next steps: staff will contact the applicant to schedule a site meeting to produce the required parking plan, identify acceptable screening for outdoor storage and confirm floodplain constraints before the commission considers CU-12-2026 again.
CPC staff presented the site history and recommended approval with conditions: no additional signage beyond permitted wall signs; opaque fencing on the northern parcel to screen outdoor vehicle storage; a hard, dust-free surface for the southern parking area; a parking striping plan approved by the city engineer ensuring at least a 5-foot setback from South Blanchard Street and a 30-foot front-yard setback along West Main Cross Street; and that inoperable vehicles be stored only in an enclosed northern lot.
The applicant, Michael Searls, described his operation as a tire and repair shop with a steady turnover of vehicles. "None of these cars sit more than 5, 10 days," Searls said, adding he uses a removable storage trailer and has worked to clean up the lot. He also said he could fence an outlot to hold vehicles that remain longer.
Commissioners raised zoning and floodplain concerns, including an on-site semi trailer used for storage that staff said is not permitted. Staff and the applicant discussed enclosing the northern lot, relocating inoperable vehicles to an enclosed area, and producing a parking-striping plan to address pedestrian and circulation impacts.
Given the absence of the zoning/floodplain administrator at the meeting and the outstanding questions, staff recommended a follow-up meeting with the applicant. The commission voted to table the application so staff and the applicant can meet and return with options and any required documentation.
Next steps: staff will contact the applicant to schedule a site meeting to produce the required parking plan, identify acceptable screening for outdoor storage and confirm floodplain constraints before the commission considers CU-12-2026 again.
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