50W looks to change

Below is a case submitted (italics) and heard by the Hamilton County Rural Zoning Commission (RZC) concerning a new canopy over the outside area located on the 50 West campus. All testimony was heard and the RZC approved of the changes to the campus and the recommendation will be passed on to the Hamilton County Commissioners who have the final authority on all cases heard by the RZC.

MAJOR ADJUSTMENT CASE: COLUMBIA 2016-01 50 WEST CANOPY

To allow construction of a permanent canopy structure over the existing outdoor

seating area on the west side of the existing restaurant building with additional

canopy mounted signage

The applicant requests approval for a 6,344-square-foot metal canopy structure

(measuring 78 feet by 81 feet, 4 inches) to cover an existing outdoor seating area

extending westward from the retail/restaurant building. This structure would replace

a long-standing, temporary tent currently on the site. Supported by 12 columns in a

4x3 V-shaped configuration from the concrete footers to the roof, the canopy would

shelter 38 benches alongside an existing bar, pickup window, and soft drink

dispenser. The canopy would remain open on the north, south, and east sides, with

interior building access provided through two existing doors. It would sit flush with

the lower roofline of the main building and slope upward toward the west to a

maximum height of 16 feet. Additionally, the applicant proposes replacing the

existing 68.25-square-foot "Fifty West" sign with a new 117-square-foot sign

featuring identical lettering but an updated typeface, case, and size. Because the

project introduces no new impervious surfaces, the overall site Impervious Surface

Ratio (ISR) would remain at 79%. No changes to lighting or landscaping are

proposed.

Questions submitted, as official record to the RZC, which were presented on Oct. 15th, 2026 @ 1 PM to the staff, owner, commissioners, and general public

1. Where will the larger sign be located on the new canopy?

A. It will be located at the end of the new canopy located by the access road & pedestrian entrance into the sand volleyball courts

2. Was there a reference to sound system or speakers mounted under the canopy? Will that reflect sound to the extent that it is bothersome to our neighborhood?

A. New or existing speakers were NOT presented in the case. All businesses, located in Columbia Township, are monitored, enforced, and govern by the Township by decimal level

3. Could the awning reflect the un-amplified sound of a normal busy night there?

A. Hamilton County staff found the new permanent structure could actually decrease the sound, but unable to validate until construction is completed and measured in the future

4. Will lighting change such that it is reflected out and negatively impact our night sky?

A. The applicant did NOT submit a lighting plan (required) and no new lighting will be installed on the structure. If changes in lighting are desired, a lighting plan must be submitted to Hamilton County Zoning

Useful Background Information

Hamilton County Rural Zoning Commission (RZC) – Columbia Township is part of this commission. It, in conjunction with the Hamilton County Zoning department, hears zoning cases and reviews guidelines and regulations for each represented township, four total, in Hamilton County. RZC provides a recommendation to the Hamilton County Commissioners who ultimately make the decision on individual cases