North Canton Planning Commission Approves Church Volleyball Courts with Lighting

The North Canton Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit July 9 for First Friends Church to add three exterior sand volleyball courts and four light poles to their property at 5455 Market Avenue.

The church, which operates under parks and institutional zoning, requested the expansion to enhance their sports ministry. Architect Jeff Barber, who designed the project, said the original site plan included six volleyball courts but they’re only building three at this time.

Lighting and Safety Measures

The commission addressed lighting concerns from nearby residents. The LED lights will be mounted on 30-foot poles, approved by the zoning board of appeals to exceed the standard 20-foot height limit. The lighting system will produce only one-tenth of a foot candle at the property line, well below the half foot candle maximum required by zoning.

Tim Zorans, sports director at First Friends Church, told commissioners the courts will operate on a scheduled league basis with lights turned off by 10:30 p.m. or earlier. The courts are located 188 feet from the property line adjacent to the Monosel allotment.

Sound and Visual Screening

The church plans to use excess dirt to create sound mounds between the courts and neighboring properties. Existing pine and deciduous trees along the property edge will provide additional screening.

The volleyball courts will replace a softball field that had persistent drainage issues, according to Barber.

Commission Action

Chairman Eric Dalpiaz recused himself from both agenda items, leaving Vice Chair Thomas Serra to preside over the hearings. The commission first approved the conditional use permit application CUSE-25-4, then approved the development review application DPLN-25-4.

Present for the votes were Serra, Todd LePage, Brian Mihalcin and Bill Reed. City staff recommended approval for both applications, finding them consistent with local ordinances.