By 1808Delaware
Orange Township residents will have the chance to weigh in on several significant zoning requests during a public hearing hosted by the Board of Zoning Appeals on Thursday, July 17. The meeting, which begins at 6:00 p.m. at Orange Township Hall, will feature a variety of applications ranging from new signage for commercial properties to a proposed place of worship and a residential safety upgrade. The hearing will include opportunities for public input and could influence the future look and function of several key properties in the township.
Place of Worship Proposed for East Orange Road
One of the most notable items on the agenda for the upcoming Orange Township Board of Zoning Appeals meeting is a request from Palachanra Chickadadi Ganesh to establish a place of worship at 350 E. Orange Road. The application seeks a Conditional Use permit and two variances—one to allow the facility on a lot smaller than five acres (as required by zoning code), and another to reduce the required distance from residential property lines.
This proposal is likely to generate significant community interest due to its location and the nature of the variances requested. Residents will have an opportunity to voice support or concerns at the hearing.
Sign Variances Requested for High-Profile Locations
Multiple sign-related applications are also on the docket, two of which involve Nationwide Realty Investors. Continued from the June 12 meeting, Nationwide is seeking approvals for monument signs at 370 and 100 Green Meadows Drive S. These applications include requests for conditional use approval and variances related to sign height and display area limits.
In addition, the Kroger Company—through Sign Vision Co.—is requesting a variance to allow a wall sign that exceeds the 15-foot height restriction at its Lewis Center location at 6417 Columbus Pike. These proposals reflect a growing demand for highly visible branding along key commercial corridors.
Residential Property Seeks Relief for Safety Feature
Also on the agenda is a variance request from Jennifer and Charles Kovach to install an egress window at their home on McAlister Park Drive. The window, designed to provide emergency escape access from a basement, would encroach into the required 12.5-foot side yard setback, prompting the need for a zoning variance. This type of request is common in residential areas where safety upgrades sometimes conflict with setback regulations.
Public Participation Encouraged
The meeting will be held at the Orange Township Hall (1680 East Orange Road, Lewis Center) and begins at 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 17. Community members are encouraged to attend and provide feedback during the public comment period. Full application details are available at the Orange Township Zoning Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
For more information, contact the Zoning Department at (740) 548-5430 or visit the Township offices.
Story compiled from public records provided by Eric Gayetsky, Orange Township Zoning Department.
