(a) Creation, Purpose and Intent. The Architectural Review Board is hereby created to review applications for new or replacement dwelling structures in all residential zoned districts, and to review applications in all other zoning districts when an increase in building square footage or a substantial exterior change is proposed, to:
(1) Ensure that new development and redevelopment are compatible and harmonious with the existing overall character of the City;
(2) Strengthen, enhance and improve the existing visual and aesthetic character of the City; and
(3) Maintain a high design character of community development, and ensure compatibility of new development.
(b) Powers and Duties. The Architectural Review Board shall review plans for new development and alterations to existing development in the following respects:
(1) The design of the building - use of materials, finish grade lines, dimensions, orientation, fenestration and proportions;
(2) The design of the building in conjunction with site features such as landscaping, parking, and vehicular and pedestrian circulation for all projects to be erected, altered, remodeled or repaired; and
(3) The design and placement of business identification signs when referred by the Building Commissioner.
In undertaking this review, the Architectural Review Board may promulgate design criteria to guide subsequent phases of development.
(c) Membership and Term.
(1) The Architectural Review Board shall consist of five registered architects, the majority of whom shall be registered as architects by the State of Ohio, and who shall be residents of the City of University Heights. If a sufficient number of registered architects are not available, one member may be from another related profession if the person has demonstrated an interest, experience or knowledge in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design or related disciplines. In the event the Building Commissioner is a registered architect, he or she may serve as a voting member of the ARB, even if not a resident of University Heights, provided that the Building Commissioner must be appointed by the Mayor and approved by Council in order to serve in such capacity. The Building Commissioner shall be eligible to participate in discussions whether he or she is a voting member or not.
(2) One other registered architect meeting the criteria of division (c)(1) hereof shall be designated as an alternate to the ARB and shall review any proposal where a member of the ARB has a conflict of interest.
(3) All members shall be appointed by the Mayor and approved by Council.
(4) The term of office shall be for three years, except in the case of appointments made in 2022, in which case the terms shall be staggered so that at least one term expires each year.
(5) If there is a vacancy for any reason, a newly appointed person shall complete the unexpired term.
(6) All members of the Architectural Review Board shall be paid $100.00 per attended meeting. Should one of the members hold a salaried position with the City during his or her appointment, this person shall not be compensated for his or her attendance at these meetings, or for any other related time or service to the ARB.
(d) Action by ARB. The Architectural Review Board shall meet as necessary. Approval of an application submitted to the ARB shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum. A quorum shall be not less than three members. In the event an application is not approved by the ARB, the ARB shall clearly indicate to the applicant the reasons the application was not approved. When proposals before the ARB are also subject to Planning Commission and/or Board of Zoning Appeals action, the ARB decision shall serve as a recommendation. When action is taken on a proposal that is not subject to the Board of Zoning Appeals or Planning Commission, the decision of the ARB will be final. Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the ARB may appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals within ten days of the decision.
(e) Interpretive Illustrations for Design Guidelines. The ARB may prepare from time to time or authorize the preparation of illustrations which demonstrate the development and design guidelines in Section 1262.12
. Such illustrations may include drawings and/or photographs that depict the guidelines. Any such illustrations shall be considered administrative guidelines which assist in the utilization of the development and design guidelines.
(f) Application. Applicants shall complete a form as prescribed by the Building Commissioner and approved by the Law Director. The application fee shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00). Drawings, photographs or samples shall be submitted that will property communicate the applicant's proposal. The Building Commissioner may reject an application if he or she determines the documents are inadequate.
(g) Permits. The Building Commissioner may not issue permits for projects subject to ARB action until approved by the ARB. Conditions of approval shall become part of the permit documents.
(Ord. 2002-24. Passed 8-12-2002; Ord. 2022-22. Passed 4-18-2022; Ord. 2023-11. Passed 2-21-2023.)