(a) The Review Board, in deciding whether to issue 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 interests of the Municipality or they are in conflict with the provisions of this chapter. In conducting its review, the Review Board shall make examination of and give consideration to the elements of the application including but not limited to:
(Ord. 34-09. Passed 10-26-09.)
(2) Building mass, which shall include the relationship of the building width to its height and depth, and its relationship to the visual perception;
(3) Exterior detail and relationships, which shall include all projecting and receding elements of the exterior, including but not limited to, porches and overhangs and the horizontal or vertical expression which is conveyed by these elements;
(4) Roof shape, which shall include type, form and materials;
(5) Materials, texture and color, which shall include a consideration of material compatibility among various elements of the structure;
(6) Compatibility of design and materials, which shall include the appropriateness of the use of exterior design details;
(7) Landscape design and plantings, which shall include lighting and the use of landscape details to highlight architectural features or screen or soften undesirable views;
(8) Vehicular and pedestrian access, which shall include location, width and type of surface for all points of ingress and egress;
(9) Signage, which shall include, in addition to requirements of Chapter 1315 of the Building Code, the appropriateness of signage to the building;
(10) Exterior lighting, which shall include location, type, and/or design of lighting and/or lighting fixtures to be used.
(Ord. 15-01. Passed 8-27-01.)
(b) In conducting its inquiry and review, the Review Board 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 Review Board shall keep a record of its proceedings and shall attach to the application copies of information, sketches and data needed to clearly describe any amendment to it.
(Ord. 34-09. Passed 10-26-09.)
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) Anticipated development of adjacent parcels.
(3) Trip generation and distribution.
(4) Traffic assignment resulting from the development.
(5) Projected future traffic volumes.
(6) An assessment of the impact resulting from driveway alternatives.
(7) Recommendations for site access and transportation improvements needed to maintain traffic flow at an acceptable and safe level of service.
(8) An evaluation of the effects the proposed development will have on the level of service and roadway capacity.
(c) When its review is concluded, the Review Board will determine by a vote of its members, whether the zoning permit shall be approved. If approved by three or more of its members, the Review Board shall return the application and all pertinent information to the Municipal Administrator with the instruction that the zoning permit be issued, provided all other requirements for a zoning permit are met. The zoning permit shall be valid for one year from the date of approval. The Review Board may grant an extension of the one-year limitation if sufficient documentation can be provided to warrant such an extension. If not approved, the Review Board shall return a copy of the application for the zoning permit along with the attached information to the applicant with a notice that the zoning permit shall not be issued because the application did not meet the criteria and standards set forth herein.
(Ord. 34-09. Passed 10-26-09.)