(A) Commercial districts. It has been recognized that the establishment of adequate commercial districts is vital to the economic welfare of the community. It is also recognized that the uncontrolled location and construction of heterogeneous business establishments, especially along highways entering a city, with varying types of architecture and uses of land around buildings, is detrimental both to the community and to the individual businesses. Many of the larger cities of the country suffer from deplorable entrances. Improvements in the appearance of central business districts and other business uses can be brought about by concerted action on the part of property owners. The individual property owner can improve his store front or the site of his business in the small local business areas. But through the adoption of reasonable requirements, the zoning ordinance may be instrumental in preventing the development of undesirable conditions along highway entrances. It is the consultant's opinion that there should be three types of business districts established in the proposed zoning ordinance.
(B) "GB" General Business District. The boundaries of this district correspond generally to those established in the present zoning ordinance. The modifications in boundaries are minor and were determined during the block by block reconnaissance. All types of business including industry conducted entirely within buildings would be permitted in the district.
(C) "LB" Local Business District. These smaller business locations correspond very closely to those now established. Local business would require buildings to be set back 25 feet from the property lines of bordering streets. Nearly all types of retail business would be permitted but no industry would be allowed.
(D) "RB" Roadside Business District. This type of district is not included in the present zoning ordinance. Its use has become more and more desirable during the last decade. Within this district all types of business would be permitted as well as enclosed industrial uses. The character of the district would be controlled primarily by requirement of a deep setback and planned development. This setback should be not less than 75 feet from the proposed property line of the street upon which the business fronts. The ordinance also restricts the front yard of the buildings against storage of materials or products or general cluttering of the front lawns, but would permit entrance drives, parking area and accessory uses such as filling station pumps.
(E) Neighborhood convenience centers and shopping centers. The proposed zoning ordinance provides for the location of neighborhood convenience centers on tracts of four acres, or more, and community shopping centers on tracts of 20 acres or more, as special exceptions. Standards are established in the zoning ordinance, relative to site design, driveway treatment, establishment of parking and lawn areas, buffer strips and screen planting, and other landscape architectural treatment. These centers would be permitted by the Board of Zoning Appeals anywhere, if they conform to the standards of planning and design, and after public hearings to determine their desirability.
(Ord. 85-22, passed 1-27-86)