Michael Magnotto is not sure when he'll be able to build a gas station he has proposed for along North Buhl Farm Drive, but he has a wish for Santa Claus.

"We would like to sell gas for Christmas," he said.

Hermitage Zoning Hearing Board gave the idea its backing Monday for the second time.

In May, the board approved a special exception, and has now granted two variances from buffer requirements.

Magnotto, who owns Magnotto's Shop N'Save, wants to build A&M Fuel Center on property across Buhl Farm Drive from Theota Street, along a Shop N'Save entrance. The property was a gas station years ago, before the city's setback requirements went into effect.

The city's zoning ordinance requires a 50-foot buffer street containing trees or a 20-foot strip with a 6-foot-high wall and trees, depending on what the property abuts.

To meet the requirements would render the property unusable, said engineer Edward Winslow.

The zoning board approved a 32-foot variance from the north side requirements, and a 16-foot variance from the west side requirements. A 6-foot wall will be built, with trees and bushes within the remaining buffer.

Magnotto representatives said shrinking the amount of space available for customer vehicle and delivery truck traffic would cause customer confusion and reduce safety.

"We think it's important to maximize maneuverability around the pump islands," said Winslow, who has asked the city to abolish the requirements because of the difficulty of properties in the area to meet them.

John Frerick, special projects manager for Duncan Oil Co., Beaver Creek, Ohio, which would build the station and provide the fuel, said reducing the number of gas pumps -- eight on four islands -- would create lines that could drive potential customers away.

He said he expects most customers to come from Shop N'Save, with very few coming off Buhl Farm just for fuel.