(a) This chapter is intended to implement the Eastern Edge Corridor Plan for East National Road adopted by the Springfield City Commission in Resolution 143-08. The Eastern Edge Corridor Plan creates a cohesive and interjurisdictional comprehensive land use plan for the East National Road Corridor that aims to grow contextually and geographically advantageous development, respect the history and character of the area, provide best management for transportation safety and demand by maintaining independent, through interlocking development segments from the corridor's urban core to the rural edge. The Eastern Edge Corridor Plan recommends a uniform development standard approach to land use and zoning regulation. Land uses are guided by a future land use map and physical site and building layout is determined by transect-based zoning standards. The Plan requires that all new large-scale developments along the Eastern Edge Corridor be zoned and planned as planned developments. Small-scale developments in the Corridor Plan area may be developed according to the standardized zoning.
(b) This chapter includes both required and recommended development standards. All required zoning regulations shall be complied with. Landowners are specifically encouraged to comply with recommended district uses, design standards, and economic development objectives. Provisions of this are activated by "shall" when required; "should" when recommended; and "may" when optional. Section 1142.02 contains regulatory language that is integral to this Code. Those terms not defined in section 1142.02 shall be accorded their commonly accepted meanings. Where in conflict, numerical metrics shall take precedence over graphic metrics.
(c) The policy objectives intended to be achieved by the imposition of the Eastern Edge Overlay District are to:
(1) Provide a tool to encourage and restrict development in a manner that is consistent with Future Land Use, Corridor Plan Goals, and infrastructure capacity
(2) Be general enough to allow some flexibility, but strong enough to influence development patterns
(3) Maintain independent, interdependent, interlocking development segments from the corridor's urban core to the rural edge
(4) Consider all affected jurisdictions' needs and visions
(5) Guide and encourage contextually and geographically advantageous new development by creating intended growth sectors and providing guidance for development in each sector
(6) Encourage and support successful development types in districts with business expansion and retention
(7) Respect the areas' historic and natural character
(8) Provide best management for transportation safety and demand
(9) Develop incentives for the reuse or redevelopment of properties
(10) Conform physical design proposals to community goals and social and economic policies
(d) GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE: The Geographic Scope of this Chapter is the East National Road Corridor from Spring Street in Springfield to Titus Road in Springfield Township. This Overlay divides the East National Road Corridor into four unique transect zones as outlined in Table 1: Transect Zone Geographic Description.
(e) This chapter is intended to further and protect the public health, safety, moral, convenience, comfort, prosperity, and general welfare of the Springfield community. This chapter is further intended to enhance and protect property values in downtown Springfield and prevent impairment and destruction of property values.