PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2010

REGULAR MEETING

7:30 P.M.

1. ROLL CALL. Mr. Blake called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. with roll call as follows: Mr. Hackworth, Mr. Binkley, Mr. Blake, Mr. Nicholas, Mrs. Evans, Mr. Bosch, and Mr. Sauer were present. No members were absent. Others present were: Lance Schultz, Lynda Yartin, Joe Henderson, Mitch Banchefsky, Karen Risher, Susan Crotty, Chris Hartung, Eva Langston, Larry Folk, Bruce Sommerfelt, David Blair, Kevin Becker, and others.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF April 13, 2010, Regular Meeting. Mr. Hackworth moved to approve; Mr. Sauer seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Binkley, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Sauer, Mr. Hackworth, Mr. Blake, Mr. Nicholas, and Mrs. Evans voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.

3. SCHEDULED MATTERS:

A. Review and request for a motion to approve a Conditional Use Permit for the expansion of Athletic Fields and a new Community Center for PYAA’s Sports Complex located within the Wellington Park Subdivision. (TABLED, 4/13/10)

B. Review and request for a motion to approve a Conditional Use Permit for a Storage Shed located at 345 Parkwood Avenue. Mr. Henderson reviewed staff’s report provided to the Commission members and stated the applicant was proposing to build a 12’x16’ storage shed on the rear of his property that would be painted tan to match the house, and would have a 48-square foot porch on the front. Mr. Henderson stated staff supported the Conditional Use Permit for a storage shed that complies with the minimum zoning code requirements.

Mr. Chris Hartung stated he is the applicant and he would be happy to answer any questions the Commission may have.

Mr. Bosch moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for a storage shed located at 345 Parkwood Avenue with staff’s conditions; Mr. Sauer seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Evans, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Blake, Mr. Hackworth, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Binkley, and Mr. Sauer voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.

C. Review and request for a motion to approve a Comprehensive Sign Plan for Ground Signage for Shear Perfection Loft located at 101 Hill Road North. Mr. Henderson reviewed staff’s report provided to the Commission members and stated the owner is proposing to add a ground sign facing Hill Road North for greater visibility of the hair salon. Mr. Henderson stated the sign is the typical size of signs in the old downtown and traditionally businesses located in the old Pickerington Village area, but outside the Olde Downtown Pickerington Village District, have had signs approved that do not have brick columns and/ brick or stone bases. Mr. Henderson stated staff supports the Comprehensive Sign Plan for ground signage that complies with the minimum zoning code requirements and the following condition: That the proposed ground sign shall be constructed as submitted.

Mr. Larry Folk stated he is the architect and is representing the applicant this evening. Mr. Blake clarified Mr. Folk had no questions regarding staff’s recommendations. Mr. Hackworth clarified the sign will be painted a color similar to the house. Mr. Hackworth further questioned if there would be lights shining on it and Mr. Folk stated there would be small ground lights on each side shining up from the ground onto the sign itself. Mr. Henderson stated staff was not aware of the lighting. Mr. Hackworth stated we should make sure that the light is not shooting past the sign. Mr. Blake stated he would recommend a condition be added to this application regarding the lighting. Mr. Schultz stated staff was not aware of the lights and he would recommend a condition stating the lighting shall illuminate the sign only and not disrupt traffic and shall be subject to staff approval. Mr. Nicholas stated he agreed with the additional condition and he wanted to ensure the sign was outside of the site triangle. Mr. Henderson stated the Code requires the sign be outside the site triangle.

Mr. Bosch moved to approve a Conditional Sign Plan for ground signage for Shear Perfection Loft located at 101 Hill Road North that complies with minimum zoning code requirements and the following conditions:

1. That the proposed ground sign shall be constructed as submitted.

2. That the lighting shall illuminate the sign only and not disrupt traffic and shall be subject to staff approval;

Mr. Binkley seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sauer, Mrs. Evans, Mr. Binkley, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Hackworth, and Mr. Blake voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.

D. Review and request for a motion to approve a Comprehensive Sign Plan for Building Signage for Stonecreek Family Practice located at 1310 Hill Road North. Mr. Henderson reviewed staff’s report presented to the Commission members and stated the applicant was proposing a wall sign that identifies the tenants in the medical office building. Mr. Henderson stated staff supports the Comprehensive Sign Plan that complies with the minimum zoning code requirements and the following condition: That the building sign shall be limited to 24-square feet.

Mr. Bruce Summerfelt stated he was present representing the applicant and he would be happy to answer any questions the Commission may have. Mr. Blake clarified there will be no illumination at all on this sign. Mr. Sauer clarified the color of the sign would be consistent with the color of the building. Mr. Bosch moved to approve with staff recommendations and the following condition:

1. That the building sign shall be limited to 24-square feet;

Mr. Sauer seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Blake, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Sauer, Mrs. Evans, Mr. Binkley, and Mr. Hackworth voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.

E. Review and request for a motion to approve Nonresidential Design Standards Certificate of Appropriateness for Site Plan for Premier Daycare located at 1229 Hill Road North. Mr. Henderson reviewed staff’s report presented to the Commission members and stated the applicant is proposing to modify the existing site plan of the former Coldwell Banker building to allow for a daycare center. He stated two outside playgrounds are being proposed, one at the southern end of the building and one behind the building in the northwestern corner. Mr. Henderson stated the parking spaces identified on the site plan are 8.5 feet wide and Code requires they be 9 feet wide, and a Board of Zoning Appeals parking space variance would be required as the site appears to be short seven parking spaces. Mr. Henderson stated staff supports the Certificate of Appropriateness for Site Plan that complies with the minimum zoning code requirements and the following condition: That the applicant shall request a parking space variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals to achieve parking space compliance.

Mr. David Blair stated he was present representing the applicant this evening. Mr. Blair stated a variance application has been submitted for the Board of Zoning Appeals pending approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Blair stated to the north side of the plan there will be six spaces and they will have two ADA spaces with a full van accessible space. Mr. Blair stated they are planning on doing a dumpster enclosure as it is a requirement, but if they had some sort of daily trash disposal that is handled through a private service they would not need that dumpster enclosure and they could add another couple of parking spaces there. He stated if that is an option they would be happy to do a letter of agreement for trash removal. Mr. Blake stated we typically request the dumpster enclosure to screen the dumpster and Mr. Schultz stated that would be if they were going to install a dumpster. Mr. Blair stated they would probably not install a dumpster but would go with more of the residential cans and they would still screen them. Mr. Blair stated the cans would be next to the building and screened by bushes or they would put them in the back. He stated they do not actually need a full dumpster and they would like to get it picked up daily. Mr. Schultz stated we do not require a dumpster if you have trash cans, and if you screen them that would be appropriate. Mr. Sauer inquired if there were sprinklers in that building and Mr. Blair stated there were not and that is not a code requirement for a daycare. Mr. Hackworth clarified the number of parking spaces is determined by the square footage or activity area for a daycare. Mr. Blair stated the requirement for daycare is based upon net occupancy not a gross occupancy. Mr. Hackworth questioned if by stating the playgrounds were enclosed, did that mean they would have a roof on them. Mr. Kevin Becker stated the playgrounds would be enclosed by a four foot picket fence. Mr. Schultz clarified the State requires so much play area for kids and it must be enclosed. Mr. Hackworth stated with regard to access, this property shares an access with Taco Bell, and he questioned if there have been discussions with them. Mr. Becker stated they have been speaking with Taco Bell trying to get a parking agreement, however, it is a corporate store and the chance of them actually giving a written parking agreement is very slim. Mr. Hackworth stated if this were approved this evening the applicant would need to go before the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance on the parking and if that is approved and they submit plans that comply with the conditions set forth by this Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals, they would be issued a zoning certificate. He stated the Fire Department is an individual approval by the Fire Department and that is a separate approval process. Mr. Bosch inquired if something for lighting would be coming forward later and Mr. Schultz stated it would not. Mr. Binkley clarified the drive will be increased to 24 feet and Mr. Schultz stated if there is ever a service road that would be developed by the City that is along the soccer facility, they would be able to connect into that. Mr. Blair stated there is essentially a 60 foot lane of parking and they have taken out the parking to the west side where they are putting in the playground. Mr. Binkley inquired if they were providing any type of easement to the City for access, for connectivity in the future, and Mr. Schultz stated we would have that discussion if we ever build that service road, and Mr. Binkley inquired if this was something we would want to put in there. Mr. Binkley further stated the way the parking is placed it would cause the handicapped people to go out into the traffic lanes; there is not a designated access to the building. He further stated he just preferred to see a designated route for those people to get into the building. Mr. Binkley stated if there was a walk at the top, they could cross traffic and that would not be a problem. Mr. Blair stated that was something that they would look at and try to consider because it seemed perfectly viable. Mr. Nicholas clarified there is no requirement for site lighting because safety is a concern for him. Mr. Nicholas inquired if there would be any additional building lighting and Mr. Blair stated there would not. Mr. Nicholas further clarified if this Commission does allow the residential style trash containers the screening would be either a wood fence, landscaping or a combination of the two to screen it from the public. Mr. Nicholas stated he was particularly concerned about the site lighting, especially for this use. Mr. Schultz stated this is difficult because this is the re-use of an existing building. He stated if this were being built, then we could require the lighting, but it is a change of use. Mr. Schultz further stated if the applicant were not adding the outdoor play area and taking parking out, this would not even come before the Commission; it would be a change of use and would be allowed administratively. Mr. Nicholas stated when the connection is made to the west, could we require site lighting to be addressed at that point. Mr. Bosch stated that would mean a lot more traffic and inquired if this was something the owner would be amenable to and Mr. Becker stated he would. Mr. Schultz stated an additional condition could be included that states when the connection is made they would come back for additional site lighting approval. Mr. Nicholas stated he appreciated the owner’s willingness to work with the Commission on the site lighting.

Mr. Bosch moved to approve Nonresidential Design Standards Certificate of Appropriateness for Site Plan for Premier Daycare located at 1229 Hill Road North that complies with the minimum zoning code requirements and the following conditions:

1. That the applicant shall request a parking space variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals to achieve parking space compliance.

2. That at the time connection is made to the access road to the west, additional lighting on this site shall be reviewed;

Mr. Nicholas seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Nicholas, Mrs. Evans, Mr. Hackworth, Mr. Sauer, Mr. Blake, Mr. Bosch, and Mr. Binkley voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0.

4. REPORTS

A. Planning and Zoning Director.

(1) BZA Report. Mr. Schultz stated the Board of Zoning Appeals met last month and tabled one item. He stated they will meet this month to consider that item as well as two additional cases.

(2) FCRPC. Mr. Henderson stated MORPC had addressed the shape of our future regional plan and the Commission approved two subdivision activities in Greenfield Township.

6. OTHER BUSINESS:

A. Commission Discussion. Mr. Sauer inquired if we had made any progress on the temporary curtains and Mr. Schultz stated he would like to have our architectural consultant come and discuss this Commission’s expectations and then they would be able to provide some suggestions or recommendations to the Commission. Mr. Blake requested this item be added to the agenda for the next meeting.

Mr. Sauer stated at the last meeting there were some questions regarding snow removal and we do have an ordinance that requires homeowners to address their sidewalks during the winter months if there is snow on it. He stated it comes down to an enforcement issue and at Safety Committee Mr. Drobina stated towards the fall he plans on sending a reminder with water bills or putting a reminder in the quarterly magazine on the homeowners responsibility for the sidewalks. Mr. Sauer further stated with regard to the possible parking problem on Mackenzie Drive with the disc golf course, that is an item on the next Safety Committee agenda.

B. Refugee Road Corridor Study. Mr. Schultz stated he is at the point where he would like to schedule a meeting to discuss the existing conditions and key issues. He stated he would suggest a meeting be scheduled one hour prior to the next Planning and Zoning Commission or he could schedule a separate date for the meeting. Mr. Schultz stated he would invite Council members, township officials, and the public to attend in addition to the Planning and Zoning Commission members. Mr. Bosch stated he preferred to meet prior to the next meeting and all Commission members concurred.

C. Code Enforcement Discussion. Mr. Bosch stated he would like to know what would be considered “reasonably free from debris and excessive storage.” He stated if Mr. Hopper could provide photos or something to help this Commission know what would be excessive and what is not that would be very helpful.

D. Discussion regarding the Comprehensive Sign Plan for Olde Downtown Pickerington. Mrs. Evans clarified that discussion on the portable signs in the old downtown would be added as an agenda item for the next meeting. Mr. Hackworth stated he would like to have some clarification between what is considered the Old Downtown Area and the Olde Downtown Village District because this could cause some confusion for the business owners. Mr. Schultz stated he would provide more information on this for the next meeting.

Mr. Blake clarified the consensus of this Commission was to schedule a work session to discuss the Refugee Road Corridor Study for 6:30 P.M., on June 8, 2010. Mr. Schultz stated as this involves Council and others, he would clarify this with the City Manager and then notify everyone if it is scheduled.

7. ADJOURNMENT. There being nothing further, Mr. Nicholas moved to adjourn; Mr. Sauer seconded the motion. Mr. Binkley, Mr. Bosch, Mr. Sauer, Mr. Hackworth, Mr. Blake, Mr. Nicholas, and Mrs. Evans voted “Aye.” Motion carried, 7-0. The Planning and Zoning Commission adjourned at 8:34 P.M., May 11, 2010.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

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Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk