The following advisory guidelines are intended to assist the applicant in the preparation of site and building plans and to assist the township in reviews.
(A) Relation of proposed buildings to the surrounding environment. Relate proposed structure(s) harmoniously to the terrain. Seek compatibility and logical transitions between existing and proposed uses, create focal points with respect to avenues of approach, and relate open space between all existing and proposed buildings.
(B) Drive, parking and circulation. For vehicular and pedestrian circulation (including walkways, interior drives, and parking) give special attention to the location and number of access points to public streets, width of interior drives and access points, general interior circulation, stacking capacity at drive-through facilities, separation of main pedestrian crossings from the more heavily traveled vehicular routes.
(C) Surface water drainage. Comply with the township stormwater management regulations to minimize flooding on other properties. Consider methods to allow stormwater to infiltrate into the ground, as opposed to running off the ground. Separate possible contaminates from stormwater runoff routes. Make sure that vehicle routes can properly function during heavy rains.
(D) Utility service. Place cable, electric service and telephone lines underground, wherever possible. Locate above-ground utility structures to minimize their visibility and use earth-tone colors and landscaping around them when feasible.
(E) Signs. Avoid excessively bright or garish signage and avoid use of day glow colors. Minimize the height of signs and add landscaping around the base of larger signs.
(F) Special features. Provide needed setbacks, screen plantings and other screening methods for exposed storage areas, exposed machinery installations, service areas, truck loading areas, utility buildings and structures, and similar accessory areas and structures to help make them compatible with the existing or contemplated site design and with neighboring properties.
(G) Preservation of landscape. Preserve the landscape in its natural state by minimizing tree and soil removal. Ensure the grade changes are compatible with the general appearance of the neighboring developed areas. Strive to protect the serenity of the surroundings and restore the trees and soil to their condition before development.
(H) Solar energy use. Consider the desirability and feasibility of active and passive solar energy use. Orient proposed buildings and provide structures to provide for solar energy use and to preserve solar access of adjoining properties.
(Ord. 126, passed 3-18-2010)