PLANNING
AND ZONING COMMISSION
CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD
TUESDAY,
AUGUST 9, 2005
PUBLIC
HEARING
7:10
P.M.
OPEN DISCUSSION
REGARDING A TEXT AMENDMENT CONCERNING SIGN STANDARDS
Mr. Blake
opened the public hearing at 7:10 P.M., with the following members of the
Planning and Zoning Commission present:
Mr. Fix, Mr. Binkley, Mr. Blake, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Bosch,
and Mr. O’Brien. Others present were:
Lance Schultz, Lynda Yartin, Phil Hartmann, and others.
Mr. Schultz stated the text amendment will modify our sign standards to limit three colors for individual signs and for Comprehensive Sign Plans in the future.
Mr. Kramer clarified that the three colors would include the background color. Mr. Blake stated he would like to clarify what the requirements are for strip centers with multiple tenants. Mr. Schultz stated presently the three colors only apply to sites or buildings that have a Comprehensive Sign Plan, and tenant changes to sites that were constructed before Comprehensive Sign Plans came into effect, approximately 1995, our Code does not restrict the number of colors. Mr. Schultz further clarified that our current Code allows new strip centers with multiple tenants to have three colors per sign. Mr. Fix clarified with the proposed change, any building with a Comprehensive Sign Plan would be limited to three colors for the entire building. Mr. Fix further clarified each tenant within that building would be limited to whatever colors the entire building has. Mr. Schultz stated that was correct. Mr. Blake stated then the developer for the building would set the color scheme for the entire building. Mr. Schultz stated that was correct.
There being no further comments, Mr. Blake declared the public hearing closed at 7:20 P.M., August 9, 2005.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ATTEST:
____________________________ _____________________________
Lynda D. Yartin, Lance A. Schultz,
Municipal Clerk Director, Planning and Zoning
PLANNING
AND ZONING COMMISSION
CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD
TUESDAY,
AUGUST 9, 2005
PUBLIC
HEARING
7:20
P.M.
OPEN DISCUSSION
REGARDING A ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT CONCERNING RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS
Mr. Blake
opened the public hearing at 7:20 P.M., with the following members of the
Planning and Zoning Commission present:
Mr. Binkley, Mr. Bosch, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Fix, Mr. Blake, Mr. Nicholas,
and Mr. Kramer. Others present were:
Judy Gilleland, Lance Schultz, Lynda Yartin, Phil Hartmann, George Parsley,
Brian Wisniewski, Ted Hackworth, Kirk Richards, Jim Hilz, Patti Wigington, and
others.
Ms Gilleland stated staff and members of Council feel that residential design standards are important as they ensure quality and sustainability in our residential structures. She stated our current design standards in residential areas are very informal, and we depend upon builders and developers to create design standards and looks in our neighborhoods. She stated we would like to formalize our design standards and make them enforceable. Ms Gilleland stated this allows community standards to be established, and allows the building industry consistent, known standards by which to operate. She stated one thing we continue to hear from the building industry is they want to know the rules so they know what the game is and they can operate by those rules. Ms Gilleland stated this allows a mechanism to control future property value, focuses on both quality, aesthetics, and long term sustainability. She stated quality is important in order to retain community appearance, our image, and our community heritage. She stated the design standards do allow for diversity of architecture and creativity, but also provide for consistent characteristics. She stated as our community evolves from a rural town to a more complex, populated suburb, it is important to ensure that quality and character. She stated we currently have approximately 1900 lots that have been platted, with no design standards for these homes. She stated our subdivisions used to be rural with larger lots, and now we are getting smaller lots with more dense population. She stated it is time to begin to consider design standards so we can ensure the quality and design, keeping in mind the high volume of homes that could potentially be built in the coming years.
Ms Gilleland presented a power point presentation. (Attachment 1 to these minutes.)
Mr. Jim Hilz, Executive Director of the BIA for Central Ohio, stated a couple of other communities in Central Ohio have design standards and the BIA was involved with both of those communities. He stated he would like to point out that these types of design standards do add to the cost of the homes, there is no question about that. He further stated in today’s housing market if people have a choice as to where they are going to spend their money on their home, they are more likely to spend it on interior features versus exterior features. He stated he appreciated the fact that there would be a delay period so if homes are in contract or moving towards a contract, there is time for the builders and developers to have a clear understanding as to when they will take place. He further stated he had questions on how they would apply to specific projects, and how this would apply to the City’s PUD statute, such as in the instances where there may be a negotiated developer agreement with the builders for specific design standards. And, if there is a conflict, how is that resolved. Mr. Hilz stated in today’s market, the ranch house is coming back into popularity and they would ask for some flexibility regarding the roof pitch.
There being no further comments, Mr. Blake declared the public hearing closed at 7:45 P.M., August 9, 2005.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ATTEST:
____________________________ _____________________________
Lynda D. Yartin, Lance A. Schultz,
Municipal Clerk Director, Planning and Zoning
CITY OF PICKERINGTON
PLANNING
AND ZONING COMMISSION
CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD
TUESDAY,
AUGUST 9, 2005
7:30
P.M.
1. ROLL CALL. Mr. Blake called the meeting to order at 7:45 P.M., with roll call as follows: Mr. Bosch, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Fix, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Binkley, and Mr. Blake. No members were absent. Others present were: Judy Gilleland, Lance Schultz, Lynda Yartin, Phil Hartmann, Brian Wisniewski, Ted Hackworth, Kirk Richards, Patti Wigington, Ralph Eubanks, Ruth Eubanks, Linda Scott, Jim Hilz, Steve Eversole, Jennifer Robinson, Steve Hermiller, Scott Blackwell, Brenda Hunt, Mary Miller, Gary Berkley, and others.
2. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2005, Public Hearing regarding 30 West Columbus Street. Mr. Kramer moved to approve; Mr. Bosch seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Nicholas abstaining, and Mr. Kramer, Mr. Blake, Mr. Fix, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Binkley, and Mr. O’Brien voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF July 12, 2005, Public Hearing regarding Community Bulletin Board at Gazebo Park. Mr. Bosch moved to approve; Mr. Kramer seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Nicholas abstaining, and Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Binkley, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Fix, and Mr. Blake voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF July 12, 2005, Public Hearing regarding rezoning for Violet Township Administration Building and Road Maintenance facility. Mr. Bosch moved to approve; Mr. Kramer seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Nicholas abstaining, and Mr. Blake, Mr. Bosch, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Binkley, and Mr. Fix voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF July 12, 2005, Public Hearing regarding rezoning at 145 West Columbus Street. Mr. Bosch moved to approve; Mr. Binkley seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Nicholas abstaining, and Mr. Kramer, Mr. Fix, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Blake, Mr. Bosch, and Mr. Binkley voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF July 12, 2005, Regular Meeting. Mr. Bosch moved to approve; Mr. Kramer seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Binkley, Mr. Fix, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Blake, Mr. Bosch, and Mr. Kramer voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.
Mr. Blake stated Mr. Fix had requested the opportunity to read a statement into the record at this time. (Attachment 1 to these minutes.)
3. SCHEDULED MATTERS:
A. Review and request for motion to approve Final Plats for Section 2 – Phases 3 and 4 of the Spring Creek Subdivision (Dominion Homes). (TABLED, 06/14/05). Mr. Blake stated this would remain on the Table.
B. Review and request for motion to approve a draft ordinance adopting Residential Development Design Criteria (Section 1276.32) and amending Section 1276.22 of the Pickerington Codified Ordinances. Mr. Blake stated he felt this would be a lengthy discussion and if there were no objections, he would request this be moved to the end of the agenda. Mr. Fix moved to amend the agenda to move Item 3.B. to the last item under Scheduled Matters; Mr. Bosch seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Binkley, Mr. Bosch, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Fix, Mr. Blake, Mr. Nicholas, and Mr. Kramer voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.
C. Review and request for motion to approve a draft ordinance to amend Chapter 1292 and Section VII of the Commercial Design Guidelines (Appendix IV of the Pickerington Codified Ordinances) to promulgate revised sign standards. Mr. Schultz stated the proposed revision would require three colors for each individual sign, and for multiple signs on a single building through a Comprehensive Sign Plan. Mr. Schultz stated presently the Code restricts a Comprehensive Sign Plan to three colors, however, for tenant or panel changes there are no restrictions. He stated this amendment would restrict all signs to three colors, and on Comprehensive Sign Plans, the entire building to three colors. Mr. O’Brien stated over the last several months there have been cases brought before this Commission for Comprehensive Sign Plans or sign approvals, and on those occasions our decisions have been questioned as to their adherence to our Design Guidelines. He continued it has been suggested that the wording of the zoning code is not specific enough to substantiate the decisions, and these challenges culminated in a lengthy discussion at last month’s meeting. He stated in response to this, he was bringing this legislation to the Commission tonight to amend Chapter 1292 and Section VII of the Commercial Design Guidelines to revise the sign standards and, hopefully, end this contention once and for all. He stated if passed by this Commission he would see this legislation through Service Committee and Council. Mr. Fix stated he would like to commend Mr. O’Brien for bringing this to a point so future debate will not be necessary. Mr. Fix stated he agreed that three colors per sign made sense, however, he disagreed that three colors for an entire building with multiple tenants and uses made sense. He stated he felt that was a detriment to businesses and he did not know that it added greatly to our community to hold an entire set of businesses to one set of colors determined by the developer long before the tenants get into the building. Mr. Fix stated along S.R. 256 today there are many strip centers and all but two have multiple different colored signs, each tenant has their own logo, their own brand image that they are portraying to the community. He stated he did not know that our community would be a better place to live if all those signs were whatever three colors the developer chose. He stated he felt Pickerington needs to be a business friendly community and that anything we do to hinder that will hurt our community. He stated he felt that anything we do that will enhance our standing with individual business owners would help our community, and he felt it was a mistake to limit the way that business owners can portray their brand to the public for nothing better than that’s the way we want to see it. Mr. Kramer stated while he did not disagree with Mr. Fix, he felt it was important to point out that in the time he has been on this Commission several developers have proposed signs and we have requested they abide by a certain number of color standards, some of the developers have been prepared for those standards, and have used a different design with a color limitation in the past. He stated further, developers have heard about our color standards and they have not had an issue with it. Mr. Kramer stated he concurred businesses should be allowed to use their name, their sign, their logo, however, he felt we have to decide where we are going to place some type of control. Mr. Kramer stated he felt people would go to the business because they wanted to go there, not because of the sign. Mr. Schultz stated a public hearing will be held before City Council for this issue on August 16th. Mr. Blake clarified this is basically what we have been requiring of the developers and the commercial properties coming into the City for the past year or so. Mr. Nicholas stated he would like to clarify that black and white are considered colors and perhaps that should be included in the legislation. Mr. Bosch stated that issue has come up and he felt it should be included in the legislation so there is no mistake that they are considered as colors in signage. Mr. O’Brien clarified the City Manager has not heard that Pickerington is not business friendly, and that Mr. Schultz has had no indication that any businesses have withdrawn their applications because of the limitation of three colors. Mr. O’Brien moved to approve this draft ordinance with the addition of the language that black and white are considered colors and forward it to Service Committee; Mr. Kramer seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Fix voting “Nay,” and Mr. Bosch, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Binkley, and Mr. Blake voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-1.
D. Review and request for motion to approve Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of appropriateness for Building Materials for Barnyard Primitive Store located on Windmiller Drive across the street from World Gym (TABLED) Mr. Bosch moved to remove from the Table; Mr. Nicholas seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Kramer, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Blake, Mr. Fix, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Binkley, and Mr. O’Brien voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0. Mr. Schultz stated the site plan was approved at the last meeting, with the building materials being tabled. He stated the applicant has submitted revised elevations with the front elevation being constructed of hardie plank siding overlapped with a horizontal orientation, and the color would the a taupe color. He stated a three foot synthetic stone water table would extend around the elevation and the main entrance would have a gabled covered porch with two doors and two windows and the area above the entrance feature would be enclosed. Mr. Schultz stated staff supports the Certificate of Appropriateness request for building materials with the following seven conditions:
(1) That the siding shall be hardie plank installed in a horizontal orientation and overlapped.
(2) That the water table shall be synthetic stone.
(3) That the shingles shall be dimensional and nickel gray.
(4) That the front elevation shall be level with a maximum four foot high water table extending the length of the elevation.
(5) That the columns supporting the entrance feature shall be a minimum of ten inches in width.
(6) That the architectural features and details of the covered porch shall be appropriate and proportional in scale.
(7) That a Board of Zoning Appeals would need to approve a variance for any portion of the structure over 35 feet in height.
Mr. Eversole clarified that the recommendation for hardie plank siding was not for a specific brand and he would like to have it in the record that the cement board siding would be acceptable. Mr. Schultz clarified this siding has the same texture. Ms Robinson stated she would like to clarify what type of stone would be used, and with regard to the shingles she has been unable to find any that are nickel gray. Ms Robinson stated for the stone, the limestone was their preference. Mr. Nicholas stated with regard to the stone, he would prefer the Ohio limestone as well. He stated further the side elevations do not show an overhang, and Mr. Eversole stated that was a graphic error, there is an overhang all around the building. Mr. Nicholas stated he needed more information on the entrance features as far as details on the columns and trusses. Mr. Blake stated perhaps that could be handled by staff. Mr. Bosch stated Mr. Eversole stated he felt everyone was on agreement with the 10x10 columns and the overhang, and the only question was some of the front details. He stated they could do an exploded view of that and work with staff on it. Mr. Nicholas clarified Mr. Schultz would work with the applicant on these issues. Mr. Schultz stated of the sample shingles provided, the estate gray or the chapel gray and either would be acceptable. Mr. Bosch moved to approve the Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness for building materials for Barnyard Primitive Store contingent upon the seven conditions listed by staff, with the modifications that the hardie plank requirement may be turned into a wood grain concrete plank, the water table may be of synthetic Ohio Vintage Limestone, that the columns and the architectural details with the ten inch width shall be submitted and approved by staff, and the shingle color may be the estate or chapel gray; Mr. O’Brien seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Binkley, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Fix, and Mr. Blake voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.
E. Review and request for a motion to approve a Final Plat for Windmiller Square Commercial Subdivision (property south of Kroger). Mr. Schultz stated this is the third step in a three-step process, and the preliminary plat was approved by this Commission at the last meeting. He stated if approved this evening, the final plat will be reviewed by Service Committee at their next meeting and be forwarded to Council. Mr. Schultz stated the developer is proposing to subdivide the approximate nine acre parcel into four commercial out lots, and an existing private drive that is located at the Kroger entrance will be extended south to the T&M property line, then from that property line south to Diley Road will be a public street. Mr. Schultz stated there would be one curb cut for each lot with no curb cuts out onto S.R. 256. Mr. Schultz stated the curb cut adjacent to lot 13 has been reduced from 80 feet to 48 feet and that will allow for delivery trucks to go in and out of the site. He stated the parking and building set backs have been established and the buffering requirements have been identified. Mr. Schultz stated staff supported the final plat with the following six conditions:
(1) That the proposed plan shall be revised to meet the traffic access plan, building/parking setback requirements, and buffering requirements in the staff report.
(2) That the proposed development shall meet all other City development requirements.
(3) That the construction drawings shall be approved by the city prior to approval of the final plat.
(4) That the existing and proposed private road issues on the Regency Center Corporation property shall be addressed to satisfy City requirements.
(5) That the entire length of the public
road shall be constructed at the same time to the Diley Road right-of-way.
(6) That the subject property owner shall extend the sidewalk as necessary along S.R. 256 from the Kroger access road to the Diley Road right-of-way.
Mr. Hermiller stated he was present to answer any questions the Commission may have. Mr. Blake clarified the applicant had no problems with the six conditions listed by Mr. Schultz. Mr. Kramer clarified the questions from the Fire Inspector have been addressed, however, there is the possibility that these out lots can open for business without the connection to Old Diley Road. Mr. Bosch clarified provisions can be set up to use that as an emergency fire access, and Mr. Schultz stated that provision can be put in if it is not connected. Mr. O’Brien moved to approve the Final Plat for Windmiller Square Commercial Subdivision with the conditions stated by staff and the provisions regarding emergency access; Mr. Blake seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Blake, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Binkley, and Mr. Fix voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.
F. Review and request for motion to approve a Preliminary Plat for Ashton Crossing just west of Freedom Way and north of Holiday Inn Express. Mr. Schultz stated this Commission approved the preliminary plan last month and the owner proposes to develop the 13-acre parcel into seven out lots ranging from one to three acres in size. He stated the access would be from Freedom Way and the access to the seven lots would be a private drive that would extend towards S.R. 256, but not connect to S.R. 256. Mr. Schultz stated staff supports the preliminary plan with the following four conditions:
(1) That the stream mitigation plan, conservation easement, and five-year monitoring plan shall be approved by the EPA and the City.
(2) That the proposed plan shall be revised to meet the traffic access plan, building/parking setback requirements, and buffering requirements.
(3) That the construction drawings shall be approved by the City prior to approval of the final plat.
(4) That the proposed development shall meet all other City development requirements.
Mr. Scott Blackwell stated he was present to answer any questions the Commission may have. Mr. Blackwell inquired if staff had a recommendation as to which side the sidewalks should be on, and Mr. Schultz stated the south side would make the most sense. Mr. O’Brien moved to approve the preliminary plat for Ashton Crossing with the conditions listed by staff; Mr. Nicholas seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Bosch and Mr. Binkley abstaining, and Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Fix, Mr. O’Brien, and Mr. Blake voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
G. Review and request for motion to approve a Comprehensive Sign Plan for a Ground Sign for Remax Office Building at 10400 Blacklick Eastern Road. Mr. Schultz stated this Commission approved a Comprehensive Sign Plan in January and the applicant is simply requesting the sign be widened from 10 feet wide to 12.8 feet wide. He stated apparently in their drawing the 10 foot dimension was not to scale and was an error. Mr. Schultz stated staff supports the request with the following four conditions:
(1) That the sign panel lettering and graphics shall have a matte finish.
(2) That the colors on the sign shall be limited to three colors (red and blue letters and a white background).
(3) That the ground sign shall be located five feet from the property line and outside the site triangle.
(4) That the height of the ground sign should not exceed 10 feet above the elevation of the parking lot adjacent to the sign, which is 872 feet.
Mr. Schultz stated these conditions are consistent with the conditions on the approval in January. Mr. Fix moved to approve the amended Comprehensive Sign Plan with staff conditions; Mr. Kramer seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Binkley, Mr. Fix, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Blake, Mr. Bosch, and Mr. Kramer voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.
H. Review and request for a motion to approve a Comprehensive Sign Plan for building signage for Lot Three of the Creek Bend Business Park. Mr. Schultz stated the owner is proposing to add signage to the awning over the drive thru for Swan Cleaners, and staff approved the awning administratively. Mr. Schultz stated this would be consistent with signage approved in the past. Mr. Schultz stated staff supports the Comprehensive Sign Plan with the following condition:
(1) That the sign colors on the awning shall match the color of the building and ground signage (white letters and blue background.)
Ms Mary Miller stated she was present to address any questions the Commission may have and the applicant was just asking to put their name on the drive thru, and the concurred with staff recommendation. Mr. Nicholas moved to approve with staff recommendations; Mr. O’Brien seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Fix, Mr. Binkley, Mr. Blake, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Bosch, and Mr. O’Brien voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.
I. Review and request for motion to approve Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness for building materials and signage for Marcus Cinemas at 1776 Hill Road North. Mr. Schultz stated the applicant is proposing to renovate the color scheme and signage of the marquee and signage to be compatible with other Marcus Cinemas. He stated on the main marquee the Marcus Cinema letters would go from black to white, the towers would go from a red to an orange color, the main area would go from blue to green, and below the letters would go from white to a rust color. He stated there would be green trim above the doors instead of blue, and the cornice would go from a blue to a green trim. Mr. Schultz stated staff supports the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions:
(1) That the marquee design and colors shall be installed as proposed on the submitted plans.
(2) That the colors on the movie identification signs shall be limited to three colors.
(3) That the lettering on the movie identification signs shall have a matte finish.
Mr. Gary Berkley clarified that Mr. Schultz had received the revised color scheme, and the lettering that is currently on the boards is a changeable lettering and they plan to continue to use that lettering. Mr. Berkley stated he would answer any questions the Commission may have. Mr. Berkley stated they were trying to create an art deco era look for their theaters. Mr. Nicholas clarified a change to the monument sign in front would have to come through this Commission, and is not included in this application. Mr. Blake moved to approve the Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness with staff recommendations with the modification that the removable lettering for the “Now Showing” signage will stay as is; Mr. Fix seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Binkley, Mr. Bosch, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Fix, Mr. Blake, Mr. Nicholas, and Mr. Kramer voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.
J. Review and request for motion to approve a Comprehensive Sign Plan for ground and building signage for Huntington Bank at 125 Postage Drive. Mr. Schultz stated the applicant is proposing a sign approximately 12 feet high and 12 feet wide, with a four foot open area between the sign base and the sign area, and it is recommended the sign be directly located on the base to reduce the size of the sign. Mr. Schultz stated staff supports the Comprehensive Sign Plan with the following conditions:
(1) That the ground sign shall be located five feet from the property line and outside the site triangle.
(2) That the height of the ground sign should not exceed eight feet above the elevation of the parking lot grade adjacent to the sign. The parking lot in this area has an elevation of 853 feet.
(3) That all the sign panel lettering and graphics shall have a matte finish.
Mr. Bosch moved to approve the Comprehensive Sign Plan for ground and building signage for Huntington Bank allowing the sign and mounding to be moved to allow for appropriate visibility based upon landscaping and staff approval and with the three conditions stated by Mr. Schultz; Mr. Kramer seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Bosch, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Fix, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Binkley, and Mr. Blake voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.
K. Review and request for motion to approve Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness for Lighting for Huntington Bank at 125 Postage Drive. Mr. Schultz stated the applicant is proposing to install seven light poles throughout the parking lot that are 20 feet in height. He stated the light fixtures have been identified as GranVille Series Luminare which should match the light fixtures at Sky Bank and Fairfield Federal Bank. Mr. Schultz stated staff supports the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions:
(1) That the light poles shall be a maximum of 20 feet in height.
(2) That the light fixtures shall be GranVille Series Luminaire with three inch decorative finial, leaf style lighting, to match the lamps at Sky bank and Fairfield Federal Bank.
Mr. David Dorfman stated he was present representing the applicant and he would answer any questions. Mr. Blake stated he would like to clarify if the 20 foot maximum height was from grade or from base. Mr. Schultz stated it appeared they were 20 foot poles, with a 2 foot base. Mr. Blake then clarified staff’s recommendation was a maximum 20 foot height for the pole. Mr. Binkley stated it is in our code that we require high pressure sodium, and these are metal halide, that he thought most developers were going to now. He stated perhaps it was time we take a look at our code and address that. Mr. Bosch stated that has been brought up in the past and he felt that staff was looking at that issue and we need to take care of it. Mr. Hartmann stated this Commission can approve these types of lights, however, it would be a good idea to clean up the code to allow them. Mr. Bosch stated he would also like to clean up the language regarding the height of poles that we can allow. Mr. Schultz stated our code states the light poles cannot exceed 37 feet, and in this case 20 feet would be acceptable. Mr. O’Brien moved to approve the Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness for lighting with staff conditions; Mr. Blake seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Kramer, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Blake, Mr. Fix, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Binkley, and Mr. O’Brien voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.
Mr. O’Brien stated at the last Council meeting an overwhelming number of residents from the Shadow Oaks subdivision attended regarding a request for information about establishing a Group Home in a residential neighborhood. Mr. O’Brien stated there are several interchangeable terms that were used; Group Home, Half-Way House, etc. Mr. O’Brien stated before the Council meeting that request was withdrawn, however, it made Council aware of a very grey area in the zoning code as far as what is permissible for these types of homes. Mr. O’Brien stated he had requested Planning and Zoning have the opportunity to review this issue and make some recommendations that will clarify this issue in our Code. Mr. Hartmann stated he will have a report and some recommendations, along with examples of what other municipalities do, for the next Planning and Zoning meeting.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recessed at 9:35 P.M., and reconvened in open session at 9:40 P.M.
L. Review and request for a motion to approve a draft ordinance adopting Residential Development Criteria (Section 1276.32) and amending Section 1276.22 of the Pickerington Codified Ordinances. Ms Gilleland stated the design standards were developed by staff with the assistance of the building industry. She stated the standards had been researched, however, it is extremely important that Council, Service Committee, and Planning and Zoning Commission members, as community representatives, are comfortable with the standards. She stated it is important that these standards reflect the look, feel, and quality that you envision for our community. She stated this was a working document, however, it was being brought forward for input from the members. Mr. Fix stated as he understood it, this would not affect the homes that have been platted, but have not been built as yet. Ms Gilleland stated it is not the intention to impose these standards on any contract or existing building permit that has been issued. She stated if there is a contract for the home, the price has been set, and the construction standards have been set, then that is fine.
After lengthy discussion and recommendations by the Planning and Zoning Commission, Mr. Blake stated he would continue this issue on the agenda for the next meeting. Ms Gilleland stated a new copy with the revisions discussed tonight would be provided for that meeting.
4. REPORTS:
(1) BZA Report. Mr. Schultz stated there were two cases approved in July for deck variances and this month the Barnyard Primitive Height Variance is on their agenda.
B. FCRPC - Lance Schultz. Mr. Schultz stated he was not able to attend the last meeting.
5. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Tree Commission. No report.
Mr. Nicholas stated he would request Mr. Schultz check on the neon signs that are in use as they are not permitted. Mr. Schultz stated he would look into this issue.
6. ADJOURNMENT. There being nothing further, Mr. Fix moved to adjourn; Mr. Nicholas seconded the motion. Mr. Blake, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Binkley, and Mr. Fix voted “Aye.” Motion carried, 7-0. The Planning and Zoning Commission adjourned at 11:46 P.M., August 9, 2005.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
___________________________ ___________________________
Lynda D. Yartin Lance A. Schultz
Municipal Clerk Director, Planning and Zoning