1141.04 ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS.
   No land or building in any district shall be used or occupied in any manner creating dangerous, injurious, noxious, otherwise objectionable conditions that could adversely affect the surrounding areas or adjoining premises, except that any use permitted by this Ordinance may be undertaken and maintained if acceptable measures and safeguards are taken to reduce dangerous and objectionable conditions to acceptable limits as established by the following requirements.
   (a)   Air Pollution. Air pollution shall be subject to the requirements and regulations established by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
   (b)   Erosion and Drainage.
      (1)   No erosion by either wind or water shall be permitted that will have a noticeable adverse impact on neighboring properties.
      (2)   The Oxford Engineering Division as part of the zoning permit review process shall review plans according to the City of Oxford Storm Water Management Design Manual.
   (c)   Fire and Explosion Hazard. Adequate safety devices shall be provided at any point where there are activities involving burning or storage of flammable or explosive materials. Adequate safety devices against the hazards of fire and explosion and adequate fire fighting and fire suppression equipment and devices, standard in the industry, shall be provided. Otherwise, burning of waste materials in open fire is prohibited.
   (d)   Hazardous Materials and Electrical Disturbance. No activities shall be permitted which utilize hazardous, fissionable or radioactive materials if their use results at any time in the release or emission of any such materials into the atmosphere, the ground, or sewerage systems, and no activities shall be permitted that emit electrical disturbance affecting the operation at any point of any equipment other than that of the creator of such disturbances.
   (e)   Noise. No activity on private property shall emit noise in excess of sound levels that creates a nuisance to surrounding properties or in violation of the noise ordinances.
   (f)   Light and Glare from Exterior Lights.
      (1)   The light source within a light fixture shall not be visible from a neighboring structure. Lights may be shielded or recessed and set on low poles to prevent light from shining onto neighboring properties and distracting drivers.
      (2)   No light used for illuminating a parking area shall shine onto property in a residential district.
      (3)   The intensity and direction of light shall not significantly disrupt the night habitat of any natural area larger than one-half acre, a stream and riparian corridor, or other similar natural areas.
      (4)   The foot-candle measurement at any property line shall not exceed 1.0 lumen.
      (5)   Lighting intensity shall be reduced after closing hours.
   (g)   Exemptions.
      (1)   The following noise levels shall be exempt from the noise provisions during the daytime only: Firearms on authorized ranges, Legal blasting, Temporary construction activity and equipment, Installation of utility equipment, lawn mowers, chainsaws, garden and farming equipment.
      (2)   The following noise sources shall be exempt from the noise provisions at all times: Aircraft, Railroads, Emergency vehicles and equipment, Warning devices operating continuously for not more than five (5) minutes, Bells, chimes or carillons operating continuously for not more than five (5) minutes, The repair of essential utility services. Officially sanctioned parades or other events.
   (h)   Prohibited Outdoor Storage of Inoperative Vehicles, Farm Equipment, Junk, Building Materials, And Trash.
      (1)   Outdoor storage, including, but not limited to junk, trash, salvage, building material, or parts thereof, including used tires, shall be prohibited anywhere within the City of Oxford except in an authorized junk yard or scrap processing facility.
      (2)   The parking of a currently licensed inoperative vehicle for a period of more than one week shall be prohibited, with the exception of those stored in an enclosed garage or other accessory building.
      (3)   Parking of inoperative farm equipment that has not been operative for more than one year shall be prohibited unless stored in an enclosed structure.
      (4)   After receipt of notice of any of the above violations, such violation shall be resolved within ten (10) days or declared a nuisance, with each subsequent period of thirty (30) days during which the violation exists, constituting a separate valuation of this chapter and subject to the Nuisance Prevention provisions for the City of Oxford.
   (i)   Exotic Animals.
      (1)   No person shall own, harbor, keep, breed, sell or import any exotic animals or reptiles. The term "exotic animal or reptiles" shall mean wild animals/reptiles not indigenous to Ohio. Example: lions, tigers, elephants, alligators, crocodiles.
      (2)   Exemptions and special provisions:
         A.   Exotic animals purchased or adopted or housed on the subject property prior to the adoption of this Amendment provided:
            1.   That a bill of sale or notarized statement verifying this date is provided.
            2.   That such exotic animal be confined in a house, building, or other enclosure in such a way that human contact, other than with the owner(s), cannot occur.
         B.   Wild animals held for exhibit or use by research institutions and other governmental agencies having legal authority to process wild animals, publicly supported zoos, circuses, or extensions thereof.
         C.   Any animal which is commonly sold by a bona fide commercial pet shop which does not constitute a hazard to the health or safety of persons or household pets.
   (j)   Trash/Recycling Collection Facility.
      (1)   Purpose. The purpose of this sub-section is to ensure the provision of facilities, which are compatible with surrounding land uses; for the collection, separation, storage, loading and pickup of trash and recyclable materials.
      (2)   General Standard. Properties shall have adequately sized, conveniently located, accessible, trash and recycling facilities, to accommodate the specific needs of the proposed use(s) on the site.
      (3)   Applicability and Design Regulations. The following regulations shall be applied to all new commercial or multiple-dwelling structures and all existing commercial or multiple-dwelling structures where there is a redevelopment or change of use requiring a zoning permit. Compliance with these regulations shall be demonstrated on plans and exhibits and made part of an application for zoning permit from the Department of Community Development.
         A.   Areas for storage of trash and recyclable materials shall be adequate in capacity, number and distribution to serve the development, whether commercial, multi-dwelling or a combination thereof.
         B.   The amount of space provided for the collection and storage of recyclable materials shall be designed to accommodate collection and storage containers that are appropriate for the recyclable materials generated. Recyclable materials storage areas shall be clearly marked and shall be located abutting refuse collection and storage areas.
         C.   Where possible, each trash and recycling enclosure shall be designed to allow walk-in access without having to open main enclosure service gates. This is intended to reduce main service gates being left open and blocking parking or access.
         D.   Trash and recycling areas must be enclosed so that they are screened from public view. The enclosure shall be constructed of durable materials such as masonry and shall be compatible with the structure to which it is associated. Gates on the enclosures shall be constructed of metal or some other comparable durable materials, shall be painted to match the enclosure and shall be properly maintained.
         E.   Enclosure areas shall be designed to provide adequate, safe and efficient accessibility for service vehicles. The applicant shall consult the service provider prior to the facility placement and design.
         F.   Enclosure areas shall be constructed on a 4000 psi concrete pad at least 4-inches in thickness.
         G.   The storage/enclosure area shall not be in the front yard or the right of way.
         H.   The facility shall be reviewed and approved according to the City of Oxford Trash and Recycling Facilities Design Guidelines.
         I.   This section does not relieve property owners of any requirements in Codified Ordinances Chapter 931, Solid Waste Collection and Disposal; Recycling.
   (k)   Wind Turbines. Wind energy conversion systems shall be allowed in all zoning districts as an accessory structure subject to the following conditions:
      (1)   General.
         A.   Permit is required.
         B.   No system shall be directly or indirectly lit, unless required by the FAA.
         C.   No system shall be used for advertising of any kind.
         D.   No system shall produce a detectable noise at the property lines.
         E.   Turbines are prohibited in the front yard.
         F.   Systems are subject to the Property Maintenance Code and shall be removed within six (6) months of being nonfunctional.
         G.   The height of a wind system shall be measured from grade, base of tower or the lowest adjacent grade of the structure in which the system is attached, to the tip of the rotor blade in a ninety (90) degree position.
      (2)   Requirements:
         A.   For parcels less than one acre, no ground mounted systems are permitted. All systems shall be mounted to the principle or accessory structure and shall not project more than five (5') feet above the roof of the structure and also shall not exceed the height requirement for accessory uses or of the zoning district in which it is located, dependent upon which structure it is attached.
         B.   For parcels one acre or greater, a ground mounted system is permitted and shall not exceed the height requirement of the zoning district in which it is located.
            1.   Ground mounted systems shall be setback from the rear and side property lines equal to the height of the turbine or satisfy the zoning district setback requirements, whichever is greater.
            2.   Any system mounted to the principle or accessory structure shall not project more than five (5') feet above the roof of the structure and also shall not exceed the height requirement for accessory uses or of the zoning district in which it is located, dependent upon which structure it is attached.
   (l)   Solar Panels. Solar panels shall be allowed in all zoning district either attached to a permitted principal use or accessory building or as an accessory structure subject to the following regulations:
      (1)   Freestanding solar panels are prohibited in the front yard.
      (2)   Panels that are freestanding or attached shall satisfy the rear and side yard setback requirements of the zoning district in which they are located.
      (3)   Solar Panels are permitted on the roof of the principal structure or accessory structure, provided that the addition of the panels does not cause the structure to exceed the height requirement for the zoning district in which it is located.
      (4)   Solar panels shall be placed and arranged such that reflected solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto adjacent buildings, properties or roadways.
      (5)   Panel systems are subject to the Property Maintenance Code and shall be removed within six (6) months of being nonfunctional.
      (6)   No panel shall be used for advertising of any kind.
      (7)   Permit is required.
         (Ord. 3610. Passed 1-19-21.)