(a) Residential development in Canal Winchester has a direct effect on the character and livability of the community. Therefore, the City of Canal Winchester has the responsibility to adopt standards that promote desirable residential development that fits the context and character of the existing community. The following findings warrant the need for exterior appearance requirements for residential development:
(1) The adopted community plan recommends promoting high quality standards in building design that is in good scale and harmony with surrounding neighborhoods and buildings, and the natural surroundings.
(2) Providing for compliance with appearance regulations will assist in creating quality development with residential neighborhoods.
(3) Limiting the garage appearance within the front elevation limits the negative visual impact.
(4) A balance of natural and synthetic building materials allows for design creativity and promotes a high quality development.
(5) Trim around windows completes the appearance on every elevation.
(6) Placing windows, doors, porches, and other features on each elevation enhances the visual environment and contributes to the overall architectural diversity of a neighborhood.
(7) The lack of detailing, architectural features, and trim on elevations detracts from a dwelling and reduces the visual quality of a neighborhood.
(b) Residential appearance standards provide design requirements that are applicable to single, two, and three-family dwelling units. For purposes of this section, a single-, two-, and three-family dwelling unit will be defined as a "house." These requirements are designed to increase the quality of neighborhoods, to promote positive architectural appearance within residential areas, to encourage design flexibility and creativity, and to establish an interesting, aesthetically pleasing residential environment. It is also the intent of this section to promote durable, quality materials that will allow residential neighborhoods to endure and mature for future generations in the city. (Ord. 18-047. Passed 1-7-19.)