(a) Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). A certificate of appropriateness must be obtained prior to commencing new construction or any exterior remodeling, reconstruction or other exterior building modifications of non-residential structures located within the Olde Reynoldsburg Districts. The Planning and Zoning Administrator shall not issue a zoning certificate prior to the Planning Commission’s review and approval of a certificate of appropriateness in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The Planning and Zoning Administrator shall review all zoning certificate applications for projects within the design review districts exempted from a COA by this section or any other section of this Zoning Code, for compliance with the standards of section design guidelines adopted by the Planning Commission or City Council. If in the professional opinion of the Planning and Zoning Administrator, the proposed project does not meet those standards or design guidelines, a certificate of appropriateness from the Planning Commission shall be required.
(b) Application for COA. All applications and attachments for a COA shall be made to the Planning and Zoning Administrator at least fourteen (14) days prior to a regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission.
(c) Exception to COA. A certificate of appropriateness shall not be required in the case of customary building maintenance activities that do not alter the building material types or exterior colors.
(d) COA Review. The Planning Commission shall review an application for a COA to determine if proposed new construction or alteration to an existing non-residential structure promotes, preserves and enhances the overall architectural character and integrity of the Olde Reynoldsburg Neighborhood District or Olde Reynoldsburg Commercial District, as applicable, and to endeavor to assure that the proposed structure or alteration would not be at variance with existing non-residential structures within such district. In considering the new construction or alteration, the Planning Commission shall evaluate the application based on whether the proposal:
(1) Enhances the attractiveness and desirability of the district;
(2) Encourages the orderly and harmonious development in a manner in keeping with the overall character of the district;
(3) Improves residential amenities in any adjoining residential neighborhood;
(4) Enhances and protects the public and private investment in the value of all land and improvements within the district;
(5) Satisfies the applicable guidelines set forth under Chapter 1103; and
(6) Overall effects of the project or development on the appearance and environment of the district.
(e) Time for Decision on COA. The Planning Commission shall render a decision on all applications within sixty (60) days from the original hearing of the Planning Commission unless additional time is requested by the applicant. Upon approval by the Board, the Planning and Zoning Administrator shall issue a COA to the applicant.
(f) Other Land Use Approvals. An application for a COA in which the design under consideration would require a variance granted by the BZBA or a site plan and design review by the Planning Commission prior to construction shall not be considered until a final determination has been made on all required variances or site plan and design reviews. If during the course of a review, the BZBA or Planning Commission determines that a zoning variance or other approval will be required in order to implement the proposal under consideration, it shall suspend further action on the application until such time as the additional approval has been heard and approved by the BZBA or the application has been amended to eliminate the need for such additional approval.
(g) Appeal of COA. The BZBA shall hear all appeals of individuals who are directly affected by a decision of the Planning Commission when such appeal is properly and timely filed as required by this chapter. An applicant refused such certificate shall appeal in writing to BZBA within thirty (30) days of the date of refusal by the Planning Commission. The BZBA shall set a date for a hearing on the appeal and render a decision on the appeal within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such written request. A resolution stating the decision of BZBA shall be introduced and passed at the next regular meeting following the hearing.
(Ord. 33-2020. Passed 3-23-20; Ord. 103-2021. Passed 7-26-21.)