(A) The Planning Commission shall review the site plan based on the purpose, objectives and requirements of this chapter and on the standards provided by this section. As a part of its review, the Planning Commission may distribute copies of the plan to other governmental departments or officials. Their review and comment would be on matters related to the plan that would fall under their jurisdiction or involve the discharge of their duties.
(B) In reviewing the site plan, the Planning Commission shall specifically consider the following standards, as applicable.
(1) Dimensional requirements. The dimensional arrangement of buildings and structures shall conform to the required yards, setbacks and height restrictions of this chapter.
(2) Building arrangement. The proposed buildings and structures shall have a harmonious relationship to the site terrain, landscaping, open space and other buildings and structures, existing and proposed. The bulk, location and height of proposed buildings and structures, as well as the general character of the development, shall minimize any adverse effect on other uses of property in the surrounding area and shall not place demands on public services or facilities in excess of township capacity.
(3) Drainage of surface water. Proper site surface drainage shall be provided so that the removal of surface waters will not adversely affect neighboring properties or the public storm drainage system. If practical, storm water shall be removed from all roof areas, canopies and paved areas and carried away in an underground drainage system. The peak rate of storm water runoff from the site shall not increase as a result of the proposed development and temporary on-site storage to reduce peak runoff from the site is encouraged. Surface water in all paved areas shall be collected at intervals so that it will not create ponding.
(4) Public access and parking. The location, availability and compatibility of sewer, water and storm drainage facilities shall be considered to determine whether the use will be adequately served by necessary improvements. Utility distribution lines or associated utility installations shall be located so as to avoid adverse impacts both to neighboring properties and to the site.
(5) Vehicular access and parking. The provisions for vehicular loading and unloading and parking and for vehicular and pedestrian circulation on the site and onto adjacent public streets and ways shall not create hazards to safety and shall not place demands on public services or facilities on excess of township capacity. All buildings and structures shall be accessible by emergency vehicles.
(6) Exterior lighting. All lighting shall be installed and maintained in such a manner as to confine the illumination source or divert glare to the property upon which the use is located and to prevent glare or illumination from adversely affecting the safety or welfare of adjacent property or streets.
(7) Signs. The size, location, design and lighting of signs shall be considered in relation to signs on adjacent sites, glare, traffic safety and compatibility with adjoining properties, consistent with all applicable sign regulations. Signs shall be located and designed to avoid creating distraction or clutter.
(8) Special features. Storage areas, mechanical areas, service areas, truck loading areas, utility buildings and structures and similar features shall be located, buffered and/or screened so as to be unobtrusive; so as not to detract from the visual impression of the site. Trash containers shall be enclosed on at least three sides by a structure aesthetically compatible with the development and surrounding property. Waste storage areas shall be maintained free from litter and in sanitary condition.
(9) Landscaping. The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar as practical, by minimizing tree and soil removal. Grade changes made shall be in keeping with the general appearance of neighboring developed areas. Plant materials shall be used to enhance the appearance of the site; to screen unsightly or harsh elements and to provide visual relief from large monotonous features, such as parking lots.
(10) External effects (general). Noise, odor, light, dust, dirt, smoke or other external effects from any aspect of the proposed use shall not adversely affect adjacent and neighboring properties or uses.
(11) Compliance with all applicable laws. The Planning Commission shall not approve a site plan that violates or that is inconsistent with local, state or federal laws or regulations.
(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12D.11) (Ord. 2001-1, passed 7-17-2001)