Macedonia Planning Commission Navigates Development, Zoning Challenges

The Macedonia Planning Commission Monday tackled a range of development and zoning issues affecting the growing Summit County community, from corporate signage standards to residential construction requirements.

The commission demonstrated regional flexibility in addressing Fifth Third Bank’s sign replacement project at their Alexandria Square location. The bank sought to replace existing neon signs with LED versions using trimless drop-in lettering, which conflicted with local standards requiring metal trim caps.

John Benedict from Brilliant Electric Signs explained the trimless design represents Fifth Third’s corporate branding standard used across their regional footprint. Rather than forcing costly redesigns, the commission created a new approval pathway requesting Alexandria Square ownership amend their sign criteria to accommodate corporate standards while maintaining local design control.

In a significant development decision, the commission gave final approval for Phase 1 of the Valley Reserve subdivision, advancing 36 home lots toward construction. Developer Chris Coblentz of Coblentz Homes successfully addressed utility infrastructure concerns, with engineer Dan Barc clarifying Summit County’s utility separation requirements that mandate 25-foot spacing between water and sanitary systems.

The meeting’s most spirited debate centered on proposed residential driveway standards that would require hard surface construction for new homes and paved access to rear buildings designed for vehicle storage. The discussion highlighted tensions between urban-style regulations and rural property rights common across Northeast Ohio’s developing communities.

Commissioner Cox voiced concerns about rural property impacts: “If you have four acres and you want to put that thing all the way in back and just drive on the grass, at what point are we overreaching?”

Building Commissioner Monaco cited maintenance problems with gravel driveways that expand beyond intended boundaries and create debris on public roads – issues affecting communities throughout the region as agricultural areas transition to residential development.

After extensive discussion, legal counsel Kevin Copeland recommended the commission request City Council postpone the ordinance, allowing time for comprehensive study of how other Northeast Ohio communities balance development standards with property rights.

The commission also addressed ongoing challenges with accessory building regulations, as a Del Road property owner faces requirements to remove existing structures to accommodate a new large garage. The situation reflects broader regional tensions over rural property development as communities update decades-old zoning codes.

These planning decisions come as Macedonia and surrounding Summit County communities experience continued residential growth pressure, requiring careful balance between development standards and property owner flexibility.