Commission Tables Design Standard Changes and Approves New Signs Along Polaris
Westerville’s Planning Commission tabled proposed changes to the Polaris Parkway Corridor Design Standards on Wednesday after commissioners questioned what “trademarked” would mean in the new language meant to loosen sign color rules. The panel then unanimously approved two separate requests for high wall signs for Marzetti and Vertiv that deviate from existing planned development sign standards.
The discussion centered on whether and how the city could define and enforce the term. Commissioner Chris Murphy said he wanted clarity on what the term would require and whether it referred to a registered mark or something broader. “If we’re going to leave it in, let’s have it actually mean something,” Murphy said.
Senior Planner Jeff Bueller told the commission the language had been used previously and was often referenced by economic development staff, but he did not have a formal legal definition at hand. He recommended tabling the item so staff could revisit the terminology and consult internally.
The proposed amendment to Chapter 5 of the corridor guidelines was narrowly focused on sign color. As written, wall signs are to be one color, and high wall signs must share the same design, color, and illumination. Staff proposed allowing a logo to appear in multiple colors while keeping the primary lettering in a single color, and revising the language to require the “same basic design” rather than an identical design, color, and illumination. Because the corridor standards are guidelines rather than a binding code, the Planning Commission has final authority over revisions.
Even as commissioners paused the broader guideline change, they approved two individual sign modifications.
The commission approved a revised high wall sign for Marzetti at 380 Polaris Parkway. The new sign introduces dark gray lettering and a green leaf element tied to the company’s recent national rebranding. The addition of the green leaf, a second color element, is what required commission approval, as current corridor standards call for wall signage to be one color.
The commission also approved a new high wall sign for Vertiv at 460 Polaris Parkway. The proposal replaces brushed aluminum lettering with white halo-lit letters mounted within the brick fascia band above the main entrance. Staff described the change as minor and consistent with corporate branding while maintaining appropriate size, placement, and contrast.
Both companies are headquartered in Westerville and are among the largest corporate employers in the city. Marzetti, part of the T. Marzetti Co., produces specialty food products such as salad dressings, dips, and sauces sold under several national brands. Vertiv designs and manufactures infrastructure systems that support data centers, including power management, cooling, and equipment that ensure servers and network operations run reliably worldwide.
As of the most recent market close, Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) was at approximately $262.19 per share, while The Marzetti Co. (NASDAQ: MZTI) closed around $166.69 per share, reflecting ongoing investor interest in both Westerville-based companies amid strong performance in the data center infrastructure and specialty food sectors.
Staff indicated it will return with revised language on the corridor guideline amendment after further review of the trademark terminology.
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