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. Blake, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. England, Mr. Bosch, and Mr. Maxey were present. No members were absent. Others present were: Mayor Postage, Joyce Bushman, Bill Wright, Lance Schultz, Lynda Yartin, Bob Mapes, Russ Henestofel, Daryl Cherney, Jennifer Wray, Mike Maurer, Vicki DeMayo, Steve DeMayo, Manraj Bath, Bill Lewis, Jason Fenton, Jeff Kraus, and others.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF September 9, 2003, Regular Meeting. Mr. Smith moved to approve; Mr. Bosch seconded the motion. Mr. Smith, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Pruden, Mr. Blake, Mr. Nicholas, and Mr. England voted “Aye.” Motion carried, 7-0.

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 Olde Pickerington Village Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness for signage for Farmers Insurance Group at 107 West Columbus Street (former Café Java). Mr. Schultz stated the existing sign was approved in December of 2000 for Café Java and the new owner is simply replacing that sign with his sign. Mr. Schultz stated the sign would have a total of 10.5 square feet and would be white, orange, and blue. He further stated the sign material would be one inch polychrome PVC, it would be rectangular in shape with a sign area of approximately 12 square feet. He stated a metal bracket would project the sign from the building. Mr. Schultz stated staff supports the Certificate of Appropriateness for signage. Mr. Maxey moved to approve; Mr. Bosch seconded the motion. Mr. Bosch stated he did not have a problem with the proposed sign, and ascertained there would be no problem with vertical clearance as it would not be hanging over the walkway. Roll call was taken with Mr. Bosch, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Pruden, Mr. England, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Blake voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.

E. Review and request for motion to approve Comprehensive Sign Plan for Creek Bend Business Park, Lots 1 & 2 (The Shoppes on the Parkway). Mr. Schultz stated this Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a ground sign in July of this year. He stated the owner is now proposing building signs for the tenants on Lots 1 and 2. Mr. Schultz stated each building is similar in style and would have the same location and areas for signage, and the only signage proposed on the buildings will face S.R. 256. Mr. Schultz stated the signs would be divided into gable signs and wall signs. There are two gables on each building and each gable sign would be 4.0 by 12.66 feet for a total of approximately 51 square feet. The sign would have a green background with white lettering and a burgundy border and external lights would be located on the building above the signs for illumination. He continued each building would have four wall signs for the tenants. Each wall sign would be 4 x 8 feet for a total area of 32 square feet. These signs would also have a green background with white lettering and a burgundy border, and external lights would be located on the building to illuminate the signs. Mr. Schultz stated staff supported the Comprehensive Sign Plan conditioned upon the signs being located as submitted on the plans and that the sign colors be limited to white letters, green background, and a burgundy border. He stated a sign permit is required for each tenant sign. Mr. Nicholas moved to approve with the conditions noted by Mr. Schultz; Mr. Pruden seconded the motion. Mr. Bosch stated from the elevation drawings that were provided to the Commission it appeared the signs took up the whole space from the windows up to the soffit line of the building and questioned if that were not to large. Mr. Schultz stated the size of these signs are similar to what has been approved in the past, however, this Commission could approve with the stipulation the size of the lettering be reduced. Mr. Smith stated his concern was that this Commission be consistent with the signage they approve from one project to the next. Mr. Schultz stated there will be a monument sign, but it will be for the Center only, it will not be for the tenants. Mr. Fenton stated he represented the owner of the Center and they want to make it look as nice as possible. He stated the actual lettering on the signs will not be that large, and as the landlord they will approve the signage before the tenant even comes in for a permit. He stated the lettering will be three to four inches from the border on the sign so it will not be that large. Roll call was taken with Mr. England, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Blake, Mr. Pruden, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.

F. Review and request for motion to approve amendment to Comprehensive Sign Plan in the Cross Creeks Office Building Complex for the Manor House Professional Building (1575-1581 Cross Creeks Boulevard). Mr. Schultz stated there are four tenant spaces proposed for the Manor House professional building. He stated on the south elevation a wall sign would be located facing Cross Creeks Boulevard and would be constructed of a green marble background from the existing building’s fireplace. The lettering would be beige and the sign would be no larger than 10 square feet, and would identify the doctor’s office. He continued on the east elevation a wall sign 8 x 5 feet (40 square feet) would be located on the gable. This sign would also be green with beige lettering and the green color and lettering should match the color of Dr. Schone’s ground sign for consistency. This sign would identify all four tenants. On the southeast elevation a wall or ground sign would be located in front of the garage unit tenant space and would be a maximum of 10 square feet. Mr. Schultz continued the owner is proposing a directional sign at a location to be determined. One potential location is at the end of the cul-de-sac next to Dr. Conner’s sign. Mr. Schultz stated the proposed sign should be consistent with the other directional signs in the development and the property owner where the sign is to be located would have to allow the sign. Mr. Schultz stated the applicant is also requesting two signs on the chimney, one on the southeast chimney which would say “Manor House” in black letters, with a green backlight, and would face S.R. 256. He stated the capital “M” and “H” would be 18 inches in height with the remaining letters being 6 inches in height. This sign would encompass approximately 6 square feet. Mr. Schultz stated on the northeast chimney “MH” in black letters with a green backlight would face S.R. 256 and the letters would be 22 x 25 inches. Mr. Schultz stated staff has a concern that the proposed signage on the chimneys could set a precedent for signage on structures of that height, such as church steeples, towers, cupolas, etc. He stated this should be taken into consideration before making a decision on this sign. Mr. Schultz stated staff supported the amended comprehensive sign plan conditioned on the colors of the building sign located on the east elevation matching Dr. Schone’s ground sign, and that the directional sign be consistent with the other directional signs in the development. He stated further a sign permit will be required for each sign. Dr. Bath stated on the north elevation it shows there is access to the upstairs units and he would like to add secondary signage that hangs down to identify the units. He stated he was trying to get some visibility for everyone on that side of the building. Mr. Bosch stated he was concerned that the 8 x 5 foot sign was very large on the side of the stairs. Dr. Bath stated that sign is more like an encasing of the platform at the top of the stairs and really isn’t as big as it seems. He stated the railing would be four feet high and the sign would hang down one foot below that. Mr. Bosch stated his other concern was the chimney signs. He stated he felt that looked more residential and his fear would be that we would receive requests for this type of signage on other businesses. Dr. Bath stated he was requesting that so the building could be identified as the Manor House from the street, and the purpose of the backlight was so it could be seen at night. Mr. Maxey ascertained that some of the tenants will have business hours at night. Mr. Nicholas clarified with respect to the north elevation, the balcony sign, the platform there is nearly eight feet and the door is the standard three feet wide. He stated with that in mind, he felt the drawing made the sign look smaller than it actually would be. Dr. Bath stated Mr. Nicholas was correct, the drawing was not done to scale. Mr. Nicholas stated with regard to the chimney signs he felt the words “Manor House” on the southwest chimney was to busy for that location, although he was not opposed to the letters on the northeast chimney signage. He stated he did feel that the building does need to be identified from S.R. 256, however, he was not sure about the green backlight, perhaps some low watt white would be better. Mr. Nicholas stated if there is signage at the cul-de-sac, he was not sure the signage on the southwest chimney was necessary. Mr. England stated he concurred with Mr. Nicholas in that he could go along with the letters “MH” but he could not support the words “Manor House.” Mr. Mapes clarified the height from the ground for the sign would not be over 35 feet. He stated we do have a prohibition for any sign over 35 feet as that would be considered highrise. Mr. England stated the “MH” on the chimney that faces S.R. 256 should be adequate. Mr. Bosch he would also support the “MH” on both chimney elevations, but he would not support the wording “Manor House.” Mr. Nicholas moved to approve the amendment to the Comprehensive Sign Plan, with the conditions that the signage on the chimneys are the letters “MH” only, they are backlight with a soft green light, that the letters on the chimney conceal the source of the backlight, and with the other conditions recommended by staff; Mr. Bosch seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Maxey, Mr. England, Mr. Smith, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Pruden, and Mr. Blake voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.

G. Review and request for motion to approve Commercial Design Guidelines Certificate of Appropriateness for Kohl’s Department Store located on the former Cover property (just north of Picktown Beverage). Mr. Schultz stated the owner was proposing to construct a 96,077 square foot building with a future expansion potential of an additional 20,000 square feet. He stated the site plan identifies 537 parking spaces while 441 are required. He continued the site would have two access points from S.R. 256 with the primary access at Postage Drive, which is a signalized intersection. He stated the secondary access would be located just north of Picktown Beverage. Mr. Schultz stated the site would have three access points from Postage Drive, the eastern two for patrons, and the westernmost for truck access. He stated the remainder of the site would yield a minimum of three out parcels; two north of Postage Drive and one south of Postage Drive. 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 continued that the proposed Stonecreek connector road would be located just south and parallel to the Kohl’s property, and the city anticipates constructing this connector in 2004. Mr. Schultz stated this would be a signalized intersection on S.R. 256. He further stated the southernmost curb cut (just north of Picktown Beverage) would be a full movement curb cut until the connector is completed, and at that time the Kohl’s curb cut would be eliminated. Mr. Schultz stated staff recommended Kohl’s and the city coordinate the timing of the construction of roads in this area. Mr. Schultz further stated there are no trees of significance on the site that would require preservation. Mr. Schultz stated the east elevation (front elevation along S.R. 256) would serve as the main entrance and would be comprised of red brick with two main entrances and the Kohl’s signature buff entrance features. He stated a buff cornice would run the entire length along the top of the building, and along the bottom of the building a buff brick watermark would run the entire length. There would be three red brick accent bands located along the elevation, there would be no horizontal brick accent panels, and the highest portion of the building would be approximately 34 feet. The north elevation (along Postage Drive) would be comprised of split face block with five red brick accent bands and future expansion would occur along this elevation. The south elevation (side) would be comprised of red brick except for the area behind the truck docks, which would be split face block. A ten foot brick wall would buffer the truck docks and three red brick accent bands would be located along this elevation. For the west elevation (rear) it would be comprised of split face block and the truck dock area would be located on the southern portion of this elevation. Mr. Schultz stated staff supports the certificate of appropriateness for building materials with the following conditions: That the development shall be constructed per the site plan; that the split face block shall match the color of the red bricks; that the access point just north of Picktown Beverage be eliminated when the Stonebridge connector is constructed; that if the land directly to the south of Kohl’s is developed as residential then buffering shall be installed that meets the zoning code requirements; and that there shall be no horizontal accent bands on the building. He stated certificates of appropriateness for landscaping, lighting, and signage will be required. Mr. Bosch stated he felt the left elevation was a huge expanse of brick with nothing to break it up. Mr. Henstofel stated he was representing the applicant, and he felt they could carry one of the vertical bands across. Mr. Bosch stated he would just like something to break up that large expanse. Mr. Pruden clarified the trucks would enter through the second access point north of Picktown Beverage, and they would exit out on Postage Drive. Mr. Pruden stated his concern was the trucks would need to make a wide turn with the sidewalks there. Mr. Henstofel stated that is why they were not going to have the trucks enter there. He stated when they leave the curbs would be protected as they would mostly turn left onto S.R. 256. Mr. Bosch stated he would like to make the city aware that a 50 foot radius should be put at the new intersection when it is constructed if possible, because right now we have a 30 foot radius at the current signalized entrance and that does not accommodate right turn truck traffic without them running into the curb or swinging out into the passing lane. Mr. Nicholas stated on the left side elevation between column lines E and F it shows 12 inch smooth face block called out with the leader pointing down into the main field, and he questioned if that leader location was incorrect. Mr. Henstofel stated that was incorrect. Mr. Nicholas stated he liked the design and he felt it would be a great addition to the city. Mayor Postage stated it was a pleasure to have Kohl’s become a part of Pickerington and we have waited for this for a long time. Mr. Wright stated he would also like to welcome Kohl’s to Pickerington and he felt a commercial entity of this size is something we have been looking forward to and planning toward for many years. Mr. Nicholas moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness with the condition of removing the brick accent bands and replacing them with red running mock brick; Mr. Smith seconded the motion. Mrs. Bushman stated she would like to note that this project is projected to create 200 new jobs for the Pickerington area, it is an $8 million development project, and it will generate new tax dollars for our school district. Roll call was taken with Mr. Blake, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Maxey, Mr. England, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Pruden voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.

4. REPORTS:

A. Planning and Zoning Director - Lance Schultz

(1) BZA Report. Mr. Schultz stated there were no cases in September and none are scheduled for October.

B. FCRPC - Lance Schultz. Mr. Schultz stated the Commission approved a subdivision in Liberty Township.

C. Violet Township Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update – Lance Schultz. Mr. Schultz stated at the last meeting the consultant has reviewed vision statements and provided a presentation of Township powers.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

A. Tree Commission. No report.

B. Olde Downtown Pickerington Sign Code. Mr. Schultz stated he had provided a draft of amendments to the sign code to the Commission for their review. He stated he would suggest an open house be scheduled for next month to allow for discussion with the business owners in the old downtown and in December he would schedule a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Bosch clarified that the ADA required clearance is three feet eight inches. The Commission stated they concurred with Mr. Schultz’ recommendations and requested he schedule the open house for November 11, 2003, at 7:00 P.M.

6. ADJOURNMENT. There being nothing further, Mr. Nicholas moved to adjourn; Mr. Maxey seconded the motion. Mr. Smith, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Pruden, Mr. England, Mr. Blake, and Mr. Nicholas voted “Aye.” Motion carried, 7-0. The Planning and Zoning Commission adjourned at 8:35 P.M., October 14, 2003.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

___________________________ ___________________________

Lynda D. Yartin Lance A. Schultz

Municipal Clerk Director, Planning and Zoning