The following design standards are provided as: (1) guidelines for consideration by applicants in preparing site plans; and (2) as decision considerations by the Planning Commission in reviewing site plans.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of good site design is to create a functional and attractive development, to minimize adverse environmental and physical impacts, and to ensure a project will be an asset to the City of Westerville. To promote this purpose, the site plan shall conform to the design standards and related goals and objectives of the City of Westerville, which together are designed to result in a well-planned community without adding unnecessarily to development costs.
(b) Site Analysis. An analysis may be required of the environmental and built characteristics of the development site, including, but not limited to, site context, geology and soils, topography, drainage, climate, ecology, vegetation; existing structures, road networks, and access; visual features and urban design; and past and present use of the site.
(c) Site Design.
(1) Design of the development shall take into consideration all existing local plans for the City of Westerville and the Development Standards of the Planning and Zoning Code.
(2) Development of the site shall be based upon the site analysis. To the maximum extent possible, development shall be located to preserve the natural features of the site, to avoid areas of environmental sensitivity, and to minimize negative impacts and alteration of natural features.
(3) The following specific areas shall be preserved to the extent possible as open space:
A. Unique and/or fragile areas, including wetlands;
B. Significant trees or stands of trees;
C. Property within the 100-year floodplain as mapped by the National Flood Insurance Program;
D. Poorly drained soils;
E. Steep slopes in excess of 20 percent as measured over a 10-foot interval unless appropriate engineering measures concerning slope stability, erosion and resident safety are taken;
F. Habitats of endangered wildlife, as identified by the State of Ohio, Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Program;
G. Historically significant structures, as identified by local officials, Ohio Historic Inventory, or National Register of Historic Places/Districts.
(4) The development shall be laid out to avoid adversely affecting groundwater and aquifer recharge; to reduce cut and fill; to prevent flooding; to provide adequate access to lots and sites; and to mitigate adverse effects of shadow, noise, odor, traffic, drainage, and utilities on neighboring properties.
(5) The design treatment of the site and all proposed structures shall ensure compatibility and sensitivity to adjacent properties and structures.
(Ord. 04-53. Passed 12-7-04.)