Some components of the streetscape tend to reinforce an area's attractiveness and help to make it a desirable area to live or do business. The regular setback of building facades provides a consistent, unbroken view along the street. The close placement of buildings without large intervening open spaces can provide sense of continuity and activity. Well-maintained landscaping features impart a sense that property owners and businesses care about the downtown.
(a) Setbacks: New construction should observe the typical or traditional setbacks of surrounding buildings. The setback typical in downtown Zanesville is at the edge of the sidewalk, or a zero setback. It is strongly encouraged that new construction occur on empty lots and close to adjacent buildings in order to fill in some of the blank spots along the streets.
(b) Parking: In order to reduce the negative impact of large parking lots on the streetscape, consider placing parking lots at the rear of the lot and locating the building along the sidewalk. If possible, access to the parking lot should be from a side street or an alley to lessen the number of curb cuts along main streets. Avoid suburban-type development that gives priority to the parking lot and surrounds the building with parked cars.
(Ord. 96-115. Passed 8-26-96.)