(a) Purpose. Regulation of portable structures such as temporary construction trailers, temporary use trailers and portable classrooms is intended to provide for unusual circumstances or the short term needs of the residents of the Village of Plain City, to preserve the quality of life in residential areas and to provide a review process that maximizes the safety and aesthetic appeal of the portable structures and temporary uses and minimizes the duration and intrusion of such structures.
(b) Definitions.
(1) "Portable non-residential structure(s)" means a building(s) or similar structure(s) designed for occupation which is not placed on a permanent foundation. The definition shall include construction trailers, portable classrooms, tents, storage sheds, trailers and any other uses which may be proposed for such structures.
(2) "Construction trailer" means a temporary building or structure used as a construction office for a project located on the same site during its construction.
(3) "Portable classroom" means a manufactured structure not permanently attached to the ground, used on a temporary basis in conjunction with a permanent structure to provide educational services.
(c) Permit Process.
(1) A Zoning Permit shall be issued to the owner of the property by the Zoning Inspector or designee after approval of a Special Permit by the Board of Zoning Appeals for any portable non-residential structure, through the procedure described in Section 1138.07
. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall approve, disapprove or approve with conditions a Special Permit, based on a site plan and a narrative outlining the scope of use to be submitted by the applicant and owner of record of the property according to the rules of the Board of Zoning Appeals. In making its decision, upon the Special Permit application, the Board shall consider that the proposed structure be:
A. Permitted in any zoning district provided the use of the structure is a permitted use in the zoning district or an accessory use as provided in Section 1183.05
;
B. Located on the site so as to provide safe access to the structure and be served by adequate parking;
C. Screened from view and sensitively located and to show adherence to the standards of the community;
D. Detailed in a dimensioned site plan to include a complete structure elevation, landscape plan and site lighting;
E. Proposed for a limited period of time not to exceed one year. The duration of the proposed Special Permit shall be specified by the applicant and approved by the Board. Extension of the Special Permit for an additional limited period of time may be permitted by reapplication to the Board when reasonable progress toward a permanent structure is demonstrated. The Board shall base its decision on any extension request on the same criteria as the initial Special Permit.
F. Detailed in a narrative noting the specific use proposed and the scope of the intended use; and
G. Proposed in compliance with development standards with respect to parking and landscaping.
(d) Exemptions.
(1) Construction trailers are not subject to a Special Permit review by the Board of Zoning Appeals and are permitted in non-residential zoning districts provided:
A. The location and footprint of the construction trailer is noted on the construction plans submitted and approved for the Certificate of Zoning Compliance for the project,
B. The construction trailer is used in conjunction with an approved construction project only during actual construction work; and
C. The construction trailer is removed from the construction site upon completion of actual construction work or when construction has been discontinued for a period of thirty days or more.
(2) Construction trailers are not subject to a Special Permit review by the Board of Zoning Appeals and are permitted in residential zoning districts provided:
A. A site plan approval is issued by the Zoning Inspector to show agreement between the Municipality and residential developer as to the location of the construction trailer, and the installation of landscape screening in order to improve the visual appearance of the site if the trailer is not screened by existing natural vegetation.
(3) Tents are not subject to a Special Permit review by the Board of Zoning Appeals and are permitted in non-residential zoning districts and non- residential planned districts provided:
A. A site plan approval is issued by the Zoning Inspector;
B. The use for which the tent is proposed is a temporary accessory use to a permitted principal use on the same site; and
C. The tent is approved by the Pleasant Valley Fire Department.
(4) Tents are not subject to a Special Permit review by the Board of Zoning Appeals and are permitted in Residential Zoning Districts and Planned Residential Districts provided:
A. The tent is used as an accessory use to the residential use of the premises or the tent is an accessory to a special event sanctioned or permitted by the Village; and
B. In the case of tents having a floor area greater than 100 square feet, the tent is approved by the Fire Department.
(e) Fee. A fee in such amount as may be established by the Council acting by ordinance or resolution shall be paid to the Municipality for each application for a Special Permit for Portable Structures and Temporary Uses.
(Ord. 05-08. Passed 2-25-08.)