(a) Purpose. Regulation of model homes is intended to preserve the opportunity for potential residents of Plain City to inspect housing available within the Municipality; to provide home builders a forum to demonstrate housing types; to preserve the quality of residential life for nearby residents; and to protect residential areas from uses which are not residential in nature.
(b) Definition. "Residential model home" means a residential structure used by a home builder/developer, real estate worker or realtor to demonstrate construction, display building amenities and color selection charts to prospective home buyers and promote the sale or lease of housing units. The model home may be staffed and furnished.
(c) Permit Process.
(1) A Zoning Permit shall be issued to the owner of the property by the Zoning Inspector or appropriate designee after approval of a Special Permit by the Board of Zoning Appeals for a model home. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall approve, disapprove or approve with conditions, a Special Permit based on its proposed location in the community. In making its decision, the Board shall consider that the proposed model home be:
A. Sited so that it is easily accessible and identifiable;
B. Integrated into the residential character of the neighborhood with external lighting approved on a case-by-case basis. No exterior lighting other than usual and customary residential lighting shall be permitted at the model home after 9:00 p.m.
C. Approved for a limited duration not to exceed two years for model homes in a new subdivision and not to exceed one year in developed or mature neighborhoods. Extension of the duration of model homes may be permitted by application to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Board shall consider the same criteria in approving extensions as is prescribed for initial applications.
D. Identified by no more than one sign in compliance with the sign code;
E. The Special Permit application will describe the use proposed for the model home including:
1. Hours of operation.
2. Number of employees.
3. Maximum number of employees to be on site at any time.
4. Provision for parking for employees and customers.
F. Parking. All model homes shall provide off-street, paved parking for the public. Such off-street, paved parking shall be located as directed by the Board of Zoning Appeals. The number of required parking spaces shall be six (6) per model home. The driveway of the model home may be utilized for not more than two (2) of the required parking spaces.
(d) 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 to establish a model home.
(Ord. 05-08. Passed 2-25-08.)