Explanation
BACKGROUND:
In 2002, Columbus City Council adopted the Regional Commercial Overlay (RCO), formally known as the Morse Road Planning Overlay. The purpose of the RCO is to establish additional and specific zoning standards. These standards are designed to: 1) establish consistent and appropriate setbacks to improve the traffic safety and aesthetics of the corridor, 2) reduce the amount and improve the visual quality of surface parking adjacent to the public right-of-way, 3) create safe pedestrian access on and between lots and to the public right-of-way, 4) establish safe access to lots and encourage adequate internal circulation, through shared access and appropriate spacing between entrances, and 5) create a defined "edge" along the public right-of-way through consistent screening of adjacent surface parking lots and to provide landscaping in the interior of parking lots.
In the spirit of the original RCO, a modification is being proposed. This modification deals with the parking layout for sites that are more than two (2) acres in size. The modification is necessary for clarification purposes. In order to facilitate this modification, an amendment to Section 3372.909 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is necessary.
The RCO is currently used in 2 areas of the city.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To amend Section 3372.909 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, in order to modify a standard in the Regional Commercial Overlay that addresses parking lot layout for sites larger than two (2) acres in size.
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council adopted the RCO in 2003 to regulate development in specifically designated areas in order to create a safe, aesthetically pleasing, economically viable, and pedestrian friendly atmosphere along certain regional commercial corridors; and
WHEREAS, in the spirit of the original RCO, a modification to the RCO is being proposed. This modification relates to parking lot layout for sites larger than two (2) acres in size. The modification will enhance the RCO and work to help to clarify the original intent of the overlay; and
WHEREAS, the modification contained in the overlay will apply to all properties currently in the RCO and any future application of the RCO; and
WHEREAS, the provisions contained in the RCO will continue to be reviewed and modified as appropriate and necessary in order to continue to meet the intended goals of the overlay; and
WHEREAS, The modification has been recommended by Columbus Development Commission for adoption by City Council; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That existing section 3372.909 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.909 Setback Requirements.
A. The setback for building or structure along a primary street shall be a minimum of 20 feet when a parking lot is not located in front of the building. The front yard must be live vegetation, but may include pedestrian access and signs.
B. The setback for a parking lot along a primary street shall be a minimum of (10) feet. Parking lot setbacks are measured from abutting service roads when a service road is not part of the street right-of-way.
C. A lot or premises of two (2) acres or less, which has a single use, is limited to two (2) rows of parking spaces and one (1), two (2)-way maneuvering aisle in front of a building. The remaining parking must be located behind the front building façade.
D. A lot or premises of more than two (2) acres must be designed and organized to create shared parking opportunities and clearly define pedestrian circulation. Parking adjacent to a primary street (see "Overlay Areas" subsection for definition) must be minimized must be minimized in front of buildings. This can be achieved by placing at least half of the parking to the side or rear of the building or by reducing the amount of the site's frontage along the primary street by building behind existing or proposed buildings that are adjacent to the primary street.
Section 2. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period provided by law.