(a) The Municipal Planning Commission, in deciding whether to recommend the issuance of a zoning permit, shall determine whether the application under consideration promotes, preserves and enhances the distinctive character of the community and whether the improvements are detrimental to the general interest of the Municipality and whether they are in conflict with the provisions of this chapter. In conducting its review, the Planning Commission shall make examination of and give consideration to the elements of the application including but not limited to:
(1) Height, which shall include the requirements of Section 1145.04(a) and (b);
(2) Compatibility of design and materials, which shall include the appropriateness of the use of exterior design details;
(3) Landscape design and planting, which shall include lighting and the use of landscape details to highlight architectural features or screen or soften undesirable views;
(4) Vehicular and pedestrian access, which shall include location, width and type of surface for all points of ingress and egress and consideration of the ability of large vehicles such as refuse trucks, package delivery trucks, school buses and emergency equipment to serve the development;
(5) Signage, which shall include, in addition to requirements of Chapter 1315
of the Building Code, the appropriateness of signage to the building;
(6) Exterior lighting, which shall include location, type, and/or design of lighting and/or lighting fixtures to be used,
(7) The location, material and height of walls and fences,
(8) The location and screening of common refuse containment areas.
(b) In conducting its inquiry and review, the Planning Commission and/or Council may request from the applicant such additional information, sketches and data, as it shall reasonably require. It may call upon experts and specialists for testimony and opinion regarding matters under examination. It may recommend to the applicant changes in the plans it considers desirable and may accept a voluntary amendment to the application to include or reflect such changes. The Planning Commission shall keep a record of its proceedings and shall attach to the application copies of information, sketches and data needed to describe clearly any amendment to it.
(c) Traffic Impact Study. If required by the Ohio Department of Transportation, the City Engineer, Municipal Administrator, Planning Commission or Council, a traffic impact study shall be prepared by a qualified professional engineer at the developer's expense. The study shall investigate the feasibility and benefits of improvements such as signals, turn lanes, driveway movement limitations, etc. to protect the safety and welfare of the traveling public. The traffic impact study shall include the following elements:
(1) A description of the site and study area.
(2) Trip generation and distribution.
(3) Traffic assignment resulting from the development.
(4) An assessment of the impact resulting from driveway alternatives.
(5) Recommendations for site access and transportation improvements needed to maintain traffic flow at an acceptable and safe level of service.
(6) An evaluation of the effects the proposed development will have on the level of service, roadway capacity and general public safety.
(d) When its review is concluded, the Planning Commission will determine by a vote of its members whether the zoning permit shall be recommended to Council for approval or disapproval.
(e) After receiving the recommendation from the Planning Commission, Council shall consider such recommendation and vote on the approval or disapproval of the zoning permit.
(Ord. 01-05. Passed 3-14-05.)