(A) Definitions.
(1) For the purpose of this section the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(a) BUILDING. A structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, materials, or property of any
kind and when separated by a division wall without openings, each portion of that building shall be deemed a separate BUILDING.
(b) STRUCTURE. Anything constructed or erected, other than signs the use of which requires location on the ground or its being permanently attached to something having a location on the ground; it includes, but is not limited to, swimming pools, signs, barns, and other outbuildings and poles of a height of 15 feet or more and exterior lighting fixtures.
(2) The terms STRUCTURE and BUILDING are meant to be used interchangeably throughout this subchapter and all divisions of this section using one of these terms shall also pertain to the other.
(B) The procedure for obtaining a building permit shall be as follows:
(1) (a) A full set of nonreturnable, detailed plans and specifications for the construction of any building or addition to any existing building or structure or the wrecking, demolition, or removal by any means of the same, shall be submitted to and approved by the City Council, or duly authorized representative, prior to any construction of that structure, addition, remodeling, or demolition.
(b) All plans submitted for approval shall contain a drawing or plat showing the lot plan, the location of the building on the lot, accurate dimensions of the building and lot, and any other information as may be required by the City Council. This plat shall be prepared after the lot has been staked by a competent surveyor. Although staking is permitted, it is to be understood that this action does not assure issuance of a building permit and that work is not to be so construed.
(c) The Mayor, or any person(s) appointed by the Mayor, shall consider those plans to determine whether the proposed building will adversely affect the public safety, health, convenience, comfort, aesthetics and general welfare of the residents of the city and check to see if the plans are in compliance with the restrictions applicable to all property located in the city. The following standards of review shall apply in nonresidential areas in determining whether any proposed building or structure is in compliance with this chapter:
1. Architectural.
a. Brick or stone shall be the principal material for all exterior walls. All buildings within
a development shall be of the same brick or stone. Applicant shall submit samples of brick/stone and mortar to the city for review and approval. All other materials (other than those mentioned above) used as principal materials for exterior walls shall be submitted to the city before approval.
b. Roofs on buildings in outlots and attached multi-tenant retail structures shall all be of the same material and color. The material shall either be shingle or copper color standing seam metal. An applicant shall submit samples to the city for review and approval.
c. Sloped roofs and partial roofs shall have a pitch between 8:12 and 14:12.
d. An applicant shall submit fenestration (window design) samples to the city for review and approval.
e. No exterior lay-in ceilings shall be allowed under canopies, walkways or overhangs.
f. In addition to plans and illustrations requested for Jefferson County zoning approval, the applicant shall submit a color perspective rendering showing all proposed new and renovated structures for review by the city. This rendering shall illustrate architectural, landscape and signage elements. All these elements shown shall be constructed as per the rendering, unless otherwise reviewed and accepted by the city.
2. Site planning.
a. Type, placement and size of area to be landscaped shall be indicated on the plan and rendering supplied by the applicant. The applicant shall submit landscaping plans to the city for review and approval.
b. All walks and plazas shall have a minimum of 20% unit masonry paving.
c. Lighting standards shall be between eight feet and 14 feet in height, with incandescent or metal halide lamps. The applicant will submit product literature with illustrations to the city for review and approval.
d. Entry signature area shall be constructed as per drawing submitted by the applicant with respect to size, material and style.
e. All other architectural landscape screening to match character and material used in
main entry fencing and gates. No wood may be used, except for gates necessary for access which shall have 100% opaqueness. Buffer zones shall be buffered by plantings with a minimum evergreen opaqueness of 50%, minimum six feet height at the time of planting. The applicant will submit a landscape plan, specifying plant types, for these areas to the city for review and approval.
f. All interior planting islands within parking areas shall consist of a continuous concrete curb.
g. An applicant will maintain landscaping as approved by the city at all times.
3. Application for approval by the city. All applications for approval by the city pursuant to this section, shall be filed with the City Clerk, and action on same shall be taken within 60 days after the date of filing. Upon filing of the application, the city shall determine whether the application is in conformance with the standards set forth above and shall approve same only upon said finding, and otherwise reject said application unless a variance is granted upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary to afford relief upon a showing of good and sufficient cause, a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship, and a determination that the granting of a variance will not adversely impact the intent and purposes of this section.
(2) When the detailed plans and specifications are approved by the City Council, or its duly authorized representative, or an Architectural Review Committee appointed by the Council, a preliminary certificate of conformance to city regulations shall be issued.
(3) Upon issuance of the preliminary certificate of conformance, the applicant shall deliver the certificate and a full set of plans and specifications to the County Building Inspector. The county building office will review the plans and specifications and will issue a building permit and conduct the necessary inspections based on the approval by the city and by all other county and state agency approvals as may be required.
(4) Upon issuance of the building permit by the county building office, it shall be presented to the City Council, or its duly authorized representative, and upon payment of necessary fees and the posting of a clean-up deposit the approval of the city shall be granted and recorded. The granting of city approval shall be indicated by suitable stamping of the county building permit. Then, and only then, may construction and such begin. Upon violation of this section, the Police Chief or the duly authorized representative of the City Council shall order all excavating, construction, and such to immediately cease until that time as a permit is properly issued. Violation of this section shall also subject the violator to fine as subsequently outlined.
(Ord. 71-1978, passed 3-15-82; Am. Ord. 205-1990, passed 12-5-90; Am. Ord. 221-1991, passed 12-16-91; Am. Ord. 448-2005, passed 3-31-05)