REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

7:30 P.M.

1. ROLL CALL. Mr. England called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M., with roll call as follows: Mr. Pruden, Mr. Smith, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. England, Mr. Bosch, and Mr. Maxey were present. Mr. Blake was absent. Others present were: Lance Schultz, Lynda Yartin, Bob Mapes, Ed Jones, Jay Stanley, Suzanne Brennon, Mike Allen, David Percy, John Ingwersen, Pat Twomey, Clayton Warren, and others.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF August 12, 2003, Regular Meeting. Mr. Maxey moved to approve; Mr. Smith seconded the motion. Mr. Smith, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Pruden, Mr. Nicholas, and Mr. England voted “Aye.” Motion carried, 6-0.

3. SCHEDULED MATTERS:

A. Review and request for motion to approve the rezoning of 28.548+/- acres from AG (Rural District) to R-4 (Residential District) for a single-family development located north of Long Road and south of the railroad tracks and just west of the proposed Long Estates Subdivision for Rockford Homes (Woodward property). (TABLED, 11-12-02)

B. Review and request for motion to approve Olde Pickerington Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness for signage for Pickerington Heating and Cooling at 22 North Center Street. (TABLED, 11-12-02)

C. Review and request for motion to approve a final development plan for Long Estates Phase II a single-family development on approximately 79.89 acres for William Lane located north of Long Road and south of the railroad tracks (Lane property). (TABLED, 11-12-02)

D. Review and request for motion to approve Comprehensive Sign Plan for Cottman Transmission and future tenants at 860-880 Refugee Road. Mr. Schultz stated in December 2002 this Commission approved a comprehensive sign plan for AutoZone and Below Clearance. He stated the developer is proposing an amended comprehensive sign plan for a multi-tenant building, with the AutoZone ground sign and wall sign remaining, while a new ground sign and wall sign is being proposed. He further stated the existing AutoZone ground sign has a panel for a future tenant. Mr. Schultz continued the proposed new ground sign would be located in front of the Cottman Transmission tenant space, approximately 166 feet east of the existing AutoZone ground sign, it would be 10.5’ x 9.5’, with approximately 53 square feet of sign area. He stated this is approximately three square feet larger than what is typically permitted, and would be divided into three sign panels, with Cottman Transmission occupying the top panel and the remaining two panels for use by future tenants. Mr. Schultz stated there would be approximately three feet of brick from the bottom of the sign area and that is consistent with the AutoZone ground sign. Mr. Schultz stated the building signage would be divided into four panels facing Refugee Road with the AutoZone panel at a maximum of 84 square feet, one future tenant (former Below Clearance) panel at a maximum of 84 square feet, one panel to be shared by two tenants at a maximum of 84 square feet, and one panel for Cottman Transmission at 50 square feet, for a total building sign square footage of 302 square feet. Mr. Schultz stated staff supported the proposed comprehensive sign plan with the conditions that the ground sign shall be located along the property line and outside the site triangle, that the brick on the ground sign match the brick on the building, that all other signage on the site be removed, and that the color of the remaining building and ground signs shall be limited to three colors or less. He further stated sign permits are required for all ground and building signs and the ground sign requires a footer inspection by the Building Department. The applicant stated he concurred with the staff recommendations. Mr. Bosch stated typically there is only one ground sign, and he had a concern that we might be setting a precedence with separate signs. Mr. Schultz stated he would normally agree, however, the AutoZone sign was previously approved and installed, and now that the building has been enlarged they want signage for all the tenants. Mr. Bosch clarified the Cottman Transmission is no longer a stand alone building, but an addition to the existing building. Mr. Nicholas moved to approve the Comprehensive Sign Plan for 860-880 Refugee Road contingent upon meeting the conditions as stated by Mr. Schultz; Mr. Pruden seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. England, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Pruden, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.

E. Review and request for motion to approve Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness for building materials for America’s Urgent Care of Pickerington (former CVS building in the Shoppes at Turnberry). Mr. Schultz stated the owner is proposing to convert this building into a medical office building and a potential second office. He stated America’s Urgent Care intends to occupy 70 percent of the building and lease the remaining portion, with the existing entrance being utilized by both tenants. Mr. Schultz continued that a standing seam metal canopy that would mimic the existing roof would be installed above the handicap ramp entry to the building on the east elevation and a service door would be included on the west elevation. Mr. Schultz stated the drive thru on the south elevation would be eliminated and replaced with landscaping, and a new access road would be aligned with Winderly Lane to provide signalized access to the Shoppes at Turnberry. The new access road would be located east of the subject building and enter the existing parking lot between the subject building and the main Shoppes at Turnberry building. He further stated the existing access point to this center from S.R. 204 would be eliminated when the new access road is completed. Mr. Schultz stated the site plan appears to meet all the zoning requirements because the existing building is not being enlarged. Mr. Schultz stated staff recommends the pitched roof superstructure located above the roofline of the main entrance be eliminated. He stated this was constructed prior to Commercial Design Guidelines and it does not meet the intent of today’s standards. Mr. Schultz stated the superstructure is also likely to be where a sign would be located and the current sign code does not allow for signs above the rooflines of buildings. Mr. Schultz stated there is opportunity to place signage on the north and east elevations of the building and potentially install a new ground sign. He further stated staff would recommend the blue paint around the windows be painted a neutral color to match the building. Mr. Schultz stated staff did support the Certificate of Appropriateness for building materials with the conditions that the pitched roof superstructure be eliminated and the blue paint be repainted to a neutral color. Mr. Schultz further stated a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage is required. Mr. John Ingwerson and Mr. Pat Twomey stated they were representing the applicant, and they had provided a rendering of what they would like for the building. Mr. Ingwerson stated the intention is to comply with the sign code, and they will eliminate the drive thru window on the west side. He further stated the service door will be a single man door on the back side of the building that will allow access to take trash out to the dumpster. He stated with the current access being eliminated, all the traffic will come in at the signalized intersection at Winderly Lane and around this building. He stated currently America’s Urgent Care of Pickerington is on S.R. 256 and visible for anyone driving by. This will move it off of the roadway and they will have some signage issues, therefore, they propose to leave the entry as it is because that is the only grade entrance to the building, and they would like to retain the extended façade of the existing building and use it for signage. Mr. Nicholas stated he would like to clarify that there is no room in the back on the other side for the dumpster location. Mr. Twomey stated they would like to move the dumpster so it is not at the entry, and the new location is more advantageous as far as keeping it out of sight. Mr. Nicholas further stated it was his understanding that the ramp and entry area needs to be protected from snow and ice. Mr. Ingwerson stated that was correct, however, this is not primarily a handicapped accessibility entrance, it is a squad or service entrance and does not need to be protected. Mr. Twomey stated they do need to discuss some way of making sure the walk is kept clear of snow and ice, but it is more of a service entrance. Mr. Ingwerson stated he felt they could commit to putting a heating element or something there, and they are addressing that. Mr. Nicholas stated regarding the extended façade, he does agree that the existing façade should be removed. Mr. Bosch stated he would like to clarify that the entry with the ramp would have lighting under the canopy. He further stated he concurred with Mr. Nicholas that the existing façade should be removed. He stated he understood the need for signage for this facility, however, he questioned if there was some other detail that could be put on the top corner of the building. Mr. Twomey stated if they were designing the building, they would not put that façade on it, however, one of the reasons they chose this building is because they could get good visibility from the location of the existing sign. He stated the electric, the bulbs, and the frame are already there. Mr. Maxey stated although that structure is not as esthetically pleasing as we would like, this facility does need good signage because people who need the facility need to be able to find it. He stated if it were being built today, it would not be allowed, but it is an existing building. Mr. Maxey moved to approve the Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness for building materials for America’s Urgent Care of Pickerington with the only condition that the blue paint around the entrance windows be painted a neutral color to match the building; Mr. England seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Bosch and Mr. Nicholas voting “Nay,” and Mr. Maxey, Mr. England, Mr. Pruden, and Mr. Smith voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 4-2.

F. Review and request for motion to approve Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness for building materials for ReMax office building on S.R. 204 (Anchor property – just east of Power Shack). Mr. Schultz stated the owner is proposing to construct a two story building for multi-tenants on the western portion of the site. He stated the site would have full access from Yarmouth Drive through a private access road located behind the Power Shack and a right-in/right-out curb cut on S.R. 204. The site plan identifies 131 parking spaces which should be sufficient for the proposed and future office buildings. He further stated stormwater would likely be detained in the parking lot. Mr. Schultz stated the site plan appears to meet all the zoning requirements, and there appears to be sufficient area to accommodate the interior and perimeter landscaping requirements. Mr. Schultz stated the owner is required to locate and identify all trees six inches or larger in caliper on the site, and any trees that are six inches or larger in caliper that are going to be removed need to be replaced on a certain ratio based on the size of the tree. He stated 10 trees that are 12 inches in caliper are going to be removed and must be replaced with 10 new trees; 3 trees that are 6 inches in caliper will be removed and must be replaced with 3 new trees, and an additional 3 trees that are 12 inches in caliper could be removed based on the entrance alignment from S.R. 204. He stated the trees along the eastern property line adjacent to the single family homes will be preserved and an additional tree in the rear of the parking lot would be preserved. Mr. Schultz stated the new trees will need to be identified on the Certificate of Appropriateness for landscaping. Mr. Schultz stated the front elevation would serve as the primary access for the main tenant and would be comprised of red brick with white trim, and six bays of windows with grids and shutters would be on the first floor elevation. Mr. Schultz continued a single larger dormer with a bay of windows with grids would be located above the main entrance to serve as a canopy supported by four 12-inch metal columns, and the dormer would be constructed of white clapboard siding. The second floor elevation would have four small dormers with each having a single bay of windows with grids and the dormers would be of white clapboard siding. The pitched roof would be comprised of charcoal asphalt shingles. He stated the other three elevations would be similar to this one with brick along the first floor and clapboard siding on the dormers that would be on each elevation and there would be bays of windows on each elevation. Mr. Schultz stated staff supported the Certificate of Appropriateness for building materials conditioned upon the development being constructed per the site plan and building materials as submitted, and that the Certificate of Appropriateness for Landscaping plan shall identify the size and types of trees to be removed and the number and location of new trees to be installed. He stated Certificates of Appropriateness for landscaping, lighting, and signage will be required. Mr. Bosch clarified the right-in/right out off of S.R. 204 is the existing access. Mr. Schultz stated the right-in/right-out will not be relocated, but the entrance into the facility may be at a different angle than shown in order save some trees. Mr. Clayton Warren stated they concurred with Mr. Schultz’s recommendations. Mr. Maxey moved to approve with the conditions stated by Mr. Schultz; Mr. Pruden seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Bosch, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Maxey, Mr. England, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Pruden voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.

G. Review and request for motion to approve Old Pickerington Village Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness for signage for Dr. Lisk at 9 Hill Road North. Mr. Schultz stated the owner is proposing to install a new ground sign that would be 4.16’ x 4.66’ with a sign area of 11 square feet. He continued the sign would be made of wood, the background would be a rocky coast color, the trim and posts would be a Grecian ivory, and the art graphic lettering would be dark brown. He stated the sign would have a 1.41 foot high limestone base to match the building foundation and site retaining wall, and the sign would not be illuminated. Mr. Schultz stated staff supports the Certificate of Appropriateness for signage on the condition that the sign be located five feet from the sidewalk and outside the required sight triangle. He further stated a sign permit is required, and a footer inspection by the Building Department is also required. Mr. Bosch moved to approve the Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness for signage for Dr. Lisk at 9 Hill Road North contingent upon meeting the conditions stated by Mr. Schultz; Mr. Smith seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Nicholas, Mr. England, Mr. Pruden, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Bosch, and Mr. Smith voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.

4. REPORTS:

A. Planning and Zoning Director - Lance Schultz

(1) BZA Report. Mr. Schultz stated the Board heard one case last month for a fence in the front yard on the Castoe property, and that was approved. He stated there are no cases for this month.

B. FCRPC - Lance Schultz. Mr. Schultz stated the Commission approved five subdivision items, 1) Spring Creek, Section 1, Phase II and III, the final plat was extended. 2) Spring Creek, Section 2, modifications to subdivision regulations. 3) Violet Meadows, Section 4, modifications to subdivision regulations. 4) Violet Meadows, Section 3, final plat approved. 5) Wellington Park, Section 1, final plat was approved.

C. Violet Township Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update – Lance Schultz. Mr. Schultz stated at the last meeting the consultant had reviewed strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the area.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

A. Tree Commission. No report.

B. Olde Downtown Pickerington Sign Code. Mr. Schultz stated he had provided a memo to the Commission showing how other communities handle this issue. Several Commission members stated they felt sandwich board type signs would be appropriate in the olde downtown area, however, we should have specific regulations on the types that can be used, the locations for them, and times they can be displayed. The Commission requested Mr. Schultz and Mr. Mapes prepare a draft ordinance amending the code for this Commission to review. Mr. Bosch stated he would also recommend the Olde Downtown Village Business Association be notified the Commission is in the process of reviewing this issue so they will be put on notice that things may be changing. Mr. Schultz stated as this would be a code amendment a public hearing will also be required and they will be notified of that hearing. Mr. Nicholas stated he would suggest when we get to the appropriate point, an open house be scheduled so the business owners will have the opportunity to provide input prior to the public hearing being scheduled and legislation finalized.

C. Group Homes (Family Care Homes). Mr. England stated he felt this issue had been answered and it could be removed from the agenda.

Mr. Schultz stated per last month’s agenda item concerning Lot 2 of the Creek Bend Business Park (Shoppes on the Parkway) he had researched the issue of trips for the drive thru window. He stated per the Trip Generation Manual – 6^th Edition, a fast food drive thru generates 496 trips per day per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. Mr. Schultz stated in discussion with our Engineer, it would be their recommendation that the drive thru shall not exceed 400 trips per day per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. Mr. Schultz stated this would not allow fast food uses at this location. Mr. Bosch moved to restrict the number of trips through the drive thru window at Lot 2 of the Creek Bend Business Park to no more than 400 trips per day per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area; Mr. Nicholas seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Smith, Mr. Pruden, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Bosch, and Mr. England voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.

6. ADJOURNMENT. There being nothing further, Mr. Nicholas moved to adjourn; Mr. Pruden seconded the motion. Mr. Smith, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Pruden, Mr. England, and Mr. Nicholas voted “Aye.” Motion carried, 6-0. The Planning and Zoning Commission adjourned at 8:25 P.M., September 9, 2003.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

___________________________ ___________________________

Lynda D. Yartin Lance A. Schultz

Municipal Clerk Director, Planning and Zoning