Development News for Westlake, Ohio

Concord Reserve Rezoned to Health Campus to Facilitate Senior Living Expansion

The Planning Commission recommended approval for Ordinance 2026-61, which rezones two parcels at 2116 and 2154 Dover Center Road from RMF 24 multifamily to 'health campus' zoning for Concord Reserve. This rezoning is necessary for Concord Reserve to expand its senior living services, including more independent living units, a new central kitchen, auditorium, and building renovations, which are not permitted under current RMF 24 zoning regulations without rezoning. While the current RMF 24 zoning would allow for a denser multifamily development, the proposed health campus zoning, though broader in potential uses, is intended to serve the community's growing senior healthcare needs. Concerns were raised by Commissioner Del Regno about the broad potential uses within the 'health campus' zone (e.g., a full-fledged hospital) and the long-term implications if the senior living business were to change. He also noted the significant construction disruption to nearby residents, given a recent large project completed in 2021. Applicants and staff highlighted that the proposed development's density is less than what could be achieved under current RMF 24 zoning and that the 'health campus' zoning aligns with the guide plan's vision for senior services. A resident, representing the Campbell Vale Homeowners Association, expressed concerns about increased traffic, noise, lighting, drainage, and the scale of development impacting neighborhood character. The applicant stated their intent to minimize impacts and engage in responsible development. The commission recommended approval with the understanding that future development plans would be thoroughly reviewed.

Westwood Road Property Rezoned to General Business to Accommodate New Commercial Uses

The Planning Commission reviewed a rezoning request for 26943 Westwood Road, a 1.524-acre property currently zoned office building, to general business. The property, which includes vacant land and a portion of an existing building, was originally an office warehouse, with current uses including Life Bridge Care and Hair Therapy. The rezoning aims to align with surrounding commercial uses and provide more flexibility, as the office market has seen limited interest. The adjacent property (27059 Center Ridge Road) is undergoing a similar rezoning. Concerns were raised regarding fence maintenance and safety, as a section of the shared fence has fallen into disrepair, impacting a neighboring property owner's security. The applicant stated that fence repair was addressed during their purchase approximately 15-20 years ago and that the current issue is separate from the zoning discussion. Commissioners supported the rezoning, acknowledging the challenges of the office market and the benefits of revitalization. They also noted that the RMF 24 zoning, which allows for multifamily residential, could potentially lead to higher density and traffic than general business, and that specific uses would be reviewed later. The commission directed staff to follow up on the fence maintenance issue with code enforcement.

Center Ridge Road Rezoning for Multifamily Cluster Housing Heads to Voter Ballot

The Planning Commission considered a rezoning request for 27398, 27408, 27438, and 27450 Center Ridge Road, involving approximately 4.3 acres currently zoned as office building, R1F80 (single-family residential), and RMF 24 (multifamily residential), to RMF 24 multifamily. The applicants intend to develop cluster housing, potentially accommodating seven or fewer cluster homes due to site constraints like setbacks, circulation, and buffering. This rezoning is necessary to maximize unit potential for cluster housing development, as the current RMF 24 zoning would allow for significantly more units (up to 12 cluster homes) but practical limitations restrict this. A significant portion of the property is also affected by an existing easement for an office park behind it. The guide plan anticipates multifamily development in this area, except for the front parcel zoned office. The rezoning requires voter approval via a referendum on the November ballot. Concerns were raised by residents about increased traffic, loss of wooded areas, and the potential for higher density development impacting neighborhood character and privacy. The applicants stated their intent to preserve green cover and use a 'sawtooth' design to mitigate impacts on adjacent properties. Commissioners acknowledged the need for the rezoning to facilitate the proposed cluster housing and expressed a desire to explore future code amendments to better regulate such developments, potentially through a tiered zoning approach, to prevent future higher-density or less desirable uses.

Planning Commission Approves Code Amendments for Fee Schedules and Application Updates

The Planning Commission reviewed Ordinance 2026-44, which pertains to code amendments for fee schedules, notice requirements, and application updates. This ordinance had previously been reviewed by the commission and then moved to City Council for drafting. The ordinance coming back to the commission today contains the same language and changes previously seen, but presented in a formal ordinance format. Staff confirmed that no changes have been made since the last review. The commission acknowledged that this procedural step is necessary and approved the ordinance.