Explanation
BACKGROUND:
During the past year, a city staff team reviewed the parking section of the city's zoning code (CC 3342). The majority of this chapter dates to the mid 1980s and has not benefited from a comprehensive review since that time. The code requires minimum levels of parking based on type and size of land uses. While these requirements may be appropriate for some uses, in many cases they exceed realistic demand. The current code does not consider such things as bicycle parking or limitations on excessive parking. An objective for Columbus is to "right size" its approach to parking. Excess parking provision is a particular issue of interest as it results in underutilization of land, higher development and maintenance costs, and an increase in impervious surface.
In order to develop proposed revisions, staff reviewed parking codes from many other communities, undertook in-field research of parking demand for key uses, and considered BZA case history. This work was critical in guiding the proposed revisions. This ordinance also includes substantive organizational changes including the creation of a general site development standards chapter, consolidating relevant elements such as vision clearance standards from throughout the zoning code. Additionally, the ordinance includes numerous substantive improvements to the parking chapter requested by city staff, and minor related edits to the C-5 and P-2 district chapters. The City's commercial overlay code requirements include a number of provisions that are made redundant by the parking code update. This ordinance eliminates or modifies these sections accordingly.
A public review draft of the proposal was released in May with an open comment period extending through July 1. Two public meetings were held and comments were received from a range of stakeholders. Staff also met with numerous stakeholders to discuss specific issues. This input led to a number of modifications to the public review draft, which are reflected in this ordinance. Endorsements of the proposal have been received from the Columbus Board of Health, Columbus Transportation and Pedestrian Commission, Mayor Coleman's Green Team, Consider Biking, and the Sierra Club. The proposal was considered and endorsed by the Columbus Development Commission on September 24, 2009.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To enact a new Chapter 3312, "Off-Street Parking and Loading" chapter for the Columbus Zoning Code, Title 33, containing new standards and requirements; to repeal the existing Chapter 3342, "Off-Street Parking and Loading", in its entirety; to enact a new Chapter 3321, "General Site Development Standards" containing relocated general site standards from the prior Chapter 3342; and to make other needed changes in various code sections of Title 33 in order to accommodate the new and updated off-street parking and loading standards and requirements.
Body
WHEREAS, as Columbus seeks to grow in an efficient and sustainable manner, it is important to consider the role parking plays relative to land use and development patterns; and
WHEREAS, during the past year city staff reviewed the parking section of the city's zoning code (CC 3342), the majority of which dates to the mid 1980s and which has not benefited from a comprehensive review since that time; and
WHEREAS, one objective of this review was to develop a code update which will "right size" the City's approach to parking; and
WHEREAS, the current code does not consider such things as bicycle parking, headlight screening, or limitations on excessive parking; and
WHEREAS, excess parking is an issue of particular interest as it results in underutilization of land, higher development and maintenance costs, and an increase in impervious surface; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance addresses these issues and includes organizational changes designed to ease application including the creation of a general site development standards chapter, which consolidates relevant elements from throughout the zoning code; and
WHEREAS, in the development of proposed revisions, staff reviewed parking codes from other communities, undertook in-field research of parking demand for key uses, and considered BZA case history; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance also modifies or eliminates provisions of the City's commercial overlay code requirements made redundant by the parking code update; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance introduces shared parking ratios for shopping centers; reduces the minimum numbers of required stacking spaces for uses other than restaurants; reduces the minimum numbers of required parking spaces for several uses; and applies maximum numbers, or caps, on parking; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance establishes changes to zoning regulations in the parking and vision clearance sections that will allow residential parking in driveways in front of setback lines; allow vehicular access to parking lots from alleys even when within 80 feet of residential uses; and broaden vision clearance standards to apply to the intersections of alleys and streets; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance includes changes to the landscaping and screening standards of the parking chapter, as this ordinance creates a new headlight screening standard, removes the limited waiver agreement, imposes minimum sizes for landscape plants, minimum soil areas for trees, and expands the 1 tree per 10 parking spaces ratio to smaller parking lots; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance addresses pedestrian safety in parking lots, as it requires pedestrian paths and crosswalks from buildings to public sidewalks; and allows six-foot wide sidewalks to function as wheel stop devices in parking lots; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance encourages low-impact development strategies in parking lots such as bioretention, native plants, and alternative pavements, as approved by appropriate city departments, and
WHEREAS, a public review and comment period extended from mid May to July 1, 2009, including two public meetings, discussions with stakeholders, and extensive website postings; and
WHEREAS, the input received during the review period led to a number of appropriate modifications to the public review draft which are reflected in this ordinance; and
WHEREAS, endorsements of the proposal have been received from the Columbus Board of Health, Columbus Transportation and Pedestrian Commission, Mayor Coleman's Green Team, Consider Biking, and the Sierra Club; and
WHEREAS, the proposal was considered and endorsed by the Columbus Development Commission on September 24, 2009; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
Section 1. That the existing section 3303.03 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3303.03 Letter C.
"Cabaret" means a nightclub, or restaurant where performers dance, sing, or engage in plays for patrons.
Canopy. See "Awning."
"Call center" means a centralized office used for the purpose of receiving and transmitting a large volume of requests by telephone communications. Such centers may operate with extended hours and typically have a higher density of employees per square foot than traditional office uses
"Carry-out" means a retail business operation, established on an individual tract of land or lot; occupying less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of gross floor area, engaged in the sale of food and beverages which are furnished to customers primarily for consumption or use off the premises.
"Cemetery" means any non-publicly owned parcel of land designed, intended to be used, or used for the burial of deceased persons or animals. For purposes of this code, a burial lot and columbarium shall be included in the definition of cemetery.
"Change of use" means any alteration in the primary use of a lot for zoning purposes which may entail the need for additional parking or loading facilities.
Changeable Copy.
"Automatic changeable copy" means a sign, or portion of a sign on which the copy changes automatically on a lamp bank or through mechanical means, e.g., electrical or electronic time and temperature or message center units.
"Manual changeable copy" means a sign, or portion of a sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, e.g., a reader board with changeable letters.
"Chapter" when used without clarification means a chapter of the Columbus Zoning Code.
"Child day care" means administering to the needs of infants, toddlers, pre-school children, and school children outside of school hours by persons other than their parents or guardians, custodians, or relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption for any part of the twenty-four (24) hour day in a place or residence other than a child's own home.
"Child day care center" means any place in which child day care is provided for seven (7) or more infants, preschool children, or school-age children outside of school hours in average daily attendance, other than the children of the owner or operator of the center, with or without compensation, as all such minors are defined by Ohio Revised Code 5104.01.
"Child day care type B home" means the permanent residence of the owner-operator in which child day care is provided for no more than six (6) children at one time and in which no more than three (3) children may be under two (2) years of age at one time. Amplifications of Revised Code 5104.01 (E) shall apply.
"Circulation area" means all of the area within a parking lot exclusive of driveways or off-street parking or loading spaces, which is provided for vehicular maneuvering, pedestrian movement or other accessory or incidental purposes.
"Civic, fraternal, religious, or other institutional organizations, non-assembly areas" means uses which are secondary to the purpose of the organization and are considered as providing services to members and other individuals. These areas include, but are not limited to, spaces for bookstores, cafeteria, child day care, educational classes, social services, and limited retail sales of organization-related materials.
Civic Sign. See "Sign."
"Clearance" in the context of the Graphics Code means the smallest vertical distance between the grade of the adjacent street; curb or land and the lowest point of any sign, including framework and embellishments, extending over that grade.
"Commercial swimming pool" means any in-ground, on-ground, or above-ground permanently affixed swimming pool, wading pool, lake or pond filled or capable of being filled with water to a depth greater than twelve (12) inches at any point therein and operated on a commercial basis through the charge of a per use, admission, or membership fee. A commercial swimming pool as defined here may be a primary use or accessory structure.
Commercial Use. See "Use, institutional, commercial or manufacturing."
"Commercial vehicle" means any vehicle used or designed to be used for business or commercial purposes which infringes on the residential character of residential districts and includes, but is not necessarily limited to: a bus, cement truck, commercial tree-trimming equipment, construction equipment; dump truck, garbage truck, panel truck, semi-tractor, semi-trailer, stake bed truck, step van, tank truck, tar truck, or other commercial type vehicle licensed by the Ohio State Bureau of Motor Vehicles as a commercial vehicle or truck.
Community Residential Treatment Center. See "Halfway house."
"Compost facility" means a structure or premises designed, intended to be used, or used for the processing, creation, and open air storage of compost for subsequent sale. Compost means the mixture of decaying organic ingredients and conditioners for use as fertilizer. A location containing pre-packaged compost or open air compost for use exclusively on the same parcel shall not be considered a compost facility for purposes of a Special Permit.
Conditional means safeguards established by the development commission or board of zoning adjustment.
Construction Sign. See "Sign."
Co-op Sign. See "Sign."
Copy. See "Sign copy."
"Copy area" means the area of the smallest basic geometric figure, such as a parallelogram, circle, triangle, or combination thereof, which can be described so as to enclose the actual copy of a sign.
"Corner lot" means a lot at the intersection of and abutting on two (2) streets not less than thirty (30) feet in width.
"Court" means an open, uncovered, unoccupied space other than a required yard or area containing off-street parking spaces, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, and located on the same lot with a building or buildings, and either surrounded by the walls of the building or enclosed on two (2) or more sides by such walls.
"Court-type development" means a residential type development in which the area of the court exclusive of all required yards and off-street parking spaces shall be not less than one-half (1/2) of the gross ground floor area of the buildings the court is intended to serve, and the width or diameter of the court area shall be not less than the average height of the building or buildings it is intended to serve.
"Crematory" means a structure designed, intended to be used, or used for the cremation of human or animal remains.
Section 2. That the existing section 3303.05 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3303.05 Letter E.
"Eating and drinking establishment" means a, restaurant, bar, tavern, cabaret, fast-food business, nightclub, pub, dining room, dinner theater, and similar uses.
"Embellishment" means an extension to an approved sign face of a billboard for flexibility of design, primarily for the purpose of accommodating national advertising designs.
Electrical Graphic. See "Graphic."
Entry Feature Sign. See "Sign."
"Erect" means, generally, to construct, build, raise or establish either under, upon or above the ground surface. "Erect" in reference to a graphic means to affix, attach, build, construct, hang, locate, place, suspend, or paint. This term includes and is used interchangeably with the term "install."
"Established grade" means the elevation of the street curb as fixed by the city.
"Establishment" means a lawful entity, incorporated or unincorporated, that owns, rents, or leases space to conduct a commercial or noncommercial activity.
"Extend" means to enlarge or increase an area used or occupied.
"Explosives" means any materials or combination of materials classified as an explosive under C.C. Chapter 2256.
Exterior Graphic. See "Graphic."
Section 3. That the existing section 3303.06 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3303.06 Letter F.
"Facing," in reference to a sign, means the readable copy area visible to traffic proceeding in one (1) direction along a public street.
"Fast-food business" means a retail business operation, established on an individual tract of land or lot, occupying less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of gross floor area, where the products purchased by the customer consist of prepared food and beverages ready for immediate consumption.
"Filling station." See "Retail filling station."
"Fireworks" means any pyrotechnic devices classified as fireworks under C.C. Chapter 2533.
"Firing range" means any non-publicly owned property or premises designed or used for the discharging of a firearm, including air rifles and air pistols. A game or exhibit that includes the use of an air rifle or air pistol exclusively for a period of no more than twenty-one (21) calendar days in a single calendar year shall not be considered a firing range for purposes of this Code.
"Fit to display" means, in the context of a flag or banner, that the entire flag or banner and supporting structure is in good and safe condition, with no holes, and that is not tattered, substantially faded or reduced in readability, or that is in a state of mechanical deterioration.
"Flag" means an ensign, standard, colors, or emblem of a governmental body.
Flashing Graphic. See "Graphic."
"Flood plain development." See Chapter 3385.
"Freeway" means an arterial street with full control of access, and complete grade separation at all crossroads. Freeways accommodate heavy traffic at high speeds (usual fifty-five (55) to sixty-five (65) miles per hour).
"Front line of a building" and "front yard line" mean, respectively, that portion of the building line or yard line adjacent to the street line affording principal access to the building. (See also "Lot front.")
"Frontage," of a building, and of a lot or property:
1. "Building frontage" means the facade of a building most nearly parallel to an abutting public right-of-way which affords principal access.
2. "Lot frontage" or "property frontage" means the length of the property line of any one (1) premises along an abutting public right-of-way.
"Fronting" means bordering, in the sense of affording principal access.
"Fuel sales" means the retail sale of fuel for motor vehicles.
Section 4. That the existing section 3303.12 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3303.12 Letter L.
"Landing field" means any non-publicly owned and operated location either on land or water of such size and nature as to permit the landing or taking off of aircraft, including but not limited to airplanes, helicopters, or any other contrivance used or designed for flight in air, and used for that purpose.
"Landscape" means an expanse of scenery including lawns, plants, trees, and other natural materials, such as rock, stone, wood chips; and decorative features, including fountains, sculptures, walks, and water features.
"Landscape plan" means a component of a development and/or site plan on which is shown: (1) proposed landscape species including number, size, spacing, and planting details; (2) proposals for protection of existing vegetation during and after construction; (3) proposed decorative features; grade changes; buffers and screening; and (4) any other information required in order that authorized review bodies can make an informed decision to approve or deny the submission.
"Least dimension" means the shortest lineal dimension of any front, side, or rear yard. If two (2) opposite sides of a yard are not parallel, the "least dimension" is deemed the shorter distance of the two (2) measurements.
"Living quarters" means that portion of a dwelling, apartment house, or other building which is constructed with ceilings and walls finished on the inside in accordance with the Building Code, Titles 41 and 43 of the City Codes.
"Loading space" means a rectangular area accessible from a public way and designed for the purpose of loading to or unloading from motor vehicles., having dimensions of not less than twelve (12) feet in width and fifty (50) feet in length, and with a height clearance of not less than fourteen (14) feet, exclusive of all driveways or other circulation areas.
"Lot front" means that portion of a lot which abuts a public street (or alley if there is no public street frontage) and provides access to the property. If a lot abuts more than one (1) public street, the property owner prior to development may choose which fronting portion shall be the "lot front." If a lot or parcel does not abut a public street then that side or end of the lot or parcel which is nearest to a public street shall be considered to be the "lot front."
Lot Frontage. See "Frontage."
"Lot line" means the line of demarcation between properties either public or private.
Section 5. That the existing section 3303.16 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3303.16 Letter P.
"Panel antenna" means the combination of a rectangular panel not to exceed two (2) feet wide by six (6) feet tall by six (6) inches deep and any associated support structure used to facilitate wireless radio and telecommunication transmissions. This definition excludes lattice, guyed, dish or erector-style antennas.
"Parking space" means a rectangular area of not less than nine (9) feet by eighteen (18) feet, exclusive of any driveway or other circulation area, accessible from a street, alley, or maneuvering area and designed for parking a motor vehicle.
"Parking lot" means any off-street area or facility which meets one (1) of the following conditions:
1. Contains one (1) or more parking, loading or stacking space for commercial, institutional or industrial use; or
2. Contains five (5) or more parking spaces for any residential use.
"Pennant" means a flag or banner that is triangular in shape. (See "Banner," "Flag" and "String of pennants.")
Permanent Sign. See "Sign."
"Person" means, without limitation, a natural person, his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, and also includes a corporation, partnership, an unincorporated society or association, or any other type of business or association, including respective successors or assigns, recognized now or in the future under the laws of the state or the city.
"Personal assistance" means supervision as required and services including help in walking, bathing, dressing, feeding, or getting in and out of bed.
"Pickup unit" means a building or portion thereof that, by design, permits customers to receive goods or services while remaining in a motor vehicle.
"Pitch" means the slope of a roof expressed in feet as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run.
"Pole cover" means a decorative enclosure that covers the structural support of a sign.
Political Sign. See "Sign."
"Porch" means a roofed platform projecting from a building at an entrance and is separated from the building by the walls of the building, and is partially supported by piers, posts or columns. A porch may be open, enclosed or partially enclosed. "Open porch" means a porch which is unenclosed (except possibly for screens) by anything higher than thirty-six (36) inches above the floor except for the roof and roof supports.
"Portable building" means any building or vehicle designed with running gear permanently attached for transportation on the public streets and highways under its own power or towed behind another vehicle, arriving at the site, substantially ready for use, whether for residential, office, commercial or manufacturing use. Removal of packing and baffles; interconnection of two (2) or more buildings or vehicles; and connection of or to utilities shall not be considered in determining whether a portable building is substantially ready for use. The towing hitch, wheels, axles, and other running gear may not be removed from a portable building preventing it from being portable.
Portable Sign. See "Sign."
"Portable storage container" means a non-permanent, non-habitable, self-contained structure of less than one hundred sixty-nine (169) square feet in size and eight (8) feet in height designed for temporary placement on and subsequent removal from a parcel for the purpose of facilitating off-site storage.
"Premises" means land together with the buildings and structures thereon.
"Primary building frontage" means a building frontage that abuts a street listed as a primary street in the applicable overlay areas.
"Principal building" means a building in which the principal use of the property is conducted. All parcels containing at least one building shall be deemed to have a principal building.
"Private access" means driveway as defined and regulated in the parking chapter hereof.
"Private club" means a building and accessory facilities owned and operated by an association, a corporation, or a group of individuals established for the cultural, educational, fraternal, recreational, or social enrichment of its members and not primarily for profit, and whose members pay dues and meet certain prescribed qualifications for membership.
"Private garage" means a building or portion of a building for the housing of motor vehicles as an accessory use permitted in a residential district or an apartment district and in which no service, work, trade, occupation, or business is carried on connected in any way with a motor vehicle as defined by Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.01.
"Private residence" means a place of usual or customary abode.
"Private roadway" means a privately owned and maintained strip of land designed, improved, and intended to be used for vehicular traffic.
Projecting Sign. See "Sign."
Projector Graphic. See "Graphic."
Property Frontage. See "Frontage."
Property Owner. See "Owner."
"Public garage" means any building or portion of a building other than a private garage, for the housing of commercial or noncommercial motor vehicles.
"Public notice" of a hearing or proceedings means ten (10) days notice of the time and place thereof printed (see "printed" in 101.03 Interpretation) in The City Bulletin.
"Public nuisance" means any structure which is permitted to be or remain in any of the following conditions:
(A) In a dilapidated, decayed, unsafe or unsanitary condition detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare, or well being of the surrounding area; or
(B) A fire hazard; or
(C) Any vacant building that is not secured and maintained in compliance with Chapter 4513; or
(D) Land, real estate, houses, buildings, residences, apartments, or premises of any kind which are used in violation of any division of Section 2925.13, Ohio Revised Code.
"Public nuisance" also means any structure or real property which is not in compliance with any building, housing, zoning, fire, safety, air pollution, health or sanitation ordinance of the Columbus City Code or Columbus City Health Code, or any real property upon which its real property taxes have remained unpaid in excess of one (1) year from date of assessment.
"Public police station" means all government police uses including but not limited to police stations and substations; police headquarters; community policing centers; police heliports; police administrative offices; and police academies.
"Public service announcement" means a temporary graphic display for the purpose of informing the public about events or activities involving the arts, or involving community service or not-for-profit organizations.
"Public-private setback zone" means an area between a principal building and a public street utilized for seating, outdoor dining, public art and/or other pedestrian amenities.
Public Sign. See "Public graphic" and "Sign."
"Public way" means an alley, boulevard, bridge, channel, ditch, easement, expressway, freeway, highway, lane, parkway, right-of-way, road, sidewalk, street, subway, tunnel, viaduct, walk or other way in which a public entity has a proprietary right, or which is dedicated whether or not it has been improved.
Section 6. That the existing section 3303.19 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3303.19 Letter S.
"Salvage" means any personal property which is bought, bartered, acquired, possessed, collected, accumulated, dismantled, processed, sorted or stored for reuse or resale such as: any type of used building material, such as, but not limited to, lumber, brick, concrete and masonry, steel beams, girders and columns, trusses, plumbing pipe and fixtures, and any other material formerly used for the construction of a structure, used or salvaged motor vehicles which are primarily used for parts, used steel drums and used containers, used fats, oils and greases, used tires, and similar or related articlesor property.
"Salvage dealer" means any person who buys, exchanges, collects, receives, stores or sells any article defined as junk or salvage.
"Salvage yard" means any place where a person who is a junk dealer or salvage dealer buys, exchanges, collects, receives, stores, accumulates, sells or otherwise transfers junk or salvaged material.
"School" means an educational facility for children whose attendance is required by the laws of the state. a public or parochial primary or grade school, middle or junior high school, or senior high school as those terms are ordinarily used and shall not include a vocational or trade school or any institution other than one for children whose attendance is required by the laws of the state.
"Sculpture" means a three-dimensional construction or form, generally executed for the purposes of decoration or artistic expression; and displayed in any place accessible to the public.
Self-Contained Graphic. See "Graphic."
Self-Propelled Sign. See "Sign."
"Self storage" means use of a site for individual property storage. Self-storage establishments provide secure indoor or outdoor space where clients can store and retrieve their goods.
Break1
"Service station" means a use of property for retail sales of gasoline or other motor vehicle fuels and oils for delivery into automotive vehicles and may include retail sales of lubricants, tires, batteries, and automotive accessories; the rendering of services and the making of adjustments and replacements to motor vehicles; the washing, waxing and polishing of motor vehicles without an independent structure therefor; and the making of light repairs to motor vehicles which does not include or necessitate the dismantling or repair of the motor vehicle outside of the building, or the storage outside of the building of dismantled motor vehicles or any outside storage or assemblage of motor vehicle parts, accessories or components.
"Setback line" means the building line.
"Shall" means mandatory and not mely directory.
"Shared living facility" means a delling unit cooperatively used by six (6) or more individuals, unrelated to each other by blood or marriage, as a single housekeeping unit wherein each of the common areas of the unit such as, but not limited to, the kitchen, living room and dining room, is available to each such individual who participates in the costs and maintenance of the unit.
The term "shared living facility" expressly excludes use as a boarding home, child day care center, clinic, convalescent home, dormitory, hospital, institution, nursery school, nursing home, rooming house, school, or other similar use. For the purpose of licensing and regulating such use, however, the term "shared living facility" is included within the term "rooming house" as defined in C.C. 4501.32 and as used in Title 45, C.C.
The term shall include each "residential care facility" composed of six (6) or more individuals.
"Shopping center" means a structure or building of at least 150,000 square feet of gross floor area (GFA), with common or shared parking facilities, used for retail, office, theater, and eating or drinking establishments. Out parcels shall not be included for GFA and parking requirement calculations.
"Show window display" means a display of goods or advertising materials in a show window as defined in Article 100 of the National Electrical Code, most recent version.
Side Wall Sign. See "Sign."
"Sign" means a name, identification, description, display or illustration which is affixed to or painted upon or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure or piece of land or affixed to the glass on the outside or inside of a window or door, or inside a building within three (3) feet of a window or door so as to be readable from outside the building, and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, business, or the like.
The term "sign" includes any associated sign face, sign structure, pole cover, embellishment, decorative element and source of illumination; but excludes architectural decoration, mural, sculpture, show window display, outline lighting and projector graphic.
"Abandoned sign" means a sign which no longer identifies or advertises the service, product, or activity with which the sign was most recently associated and/or for which the owner cannot be found.
"Civic sign" means a permanent off-premises sign advertising the existence or availability within the local area of civic, fraternal, religious, or other institutional organizations.
"Construction sign" means a temporary sign to denote a future facility, to identify a project under construction on the lot on which the sign is erected, and to indicate project name, logo, address, contractor, subcontractor, architect, bank, or similar information.
"Co-op sign" means an on-premises sign that both identifies and promotes an establishment on the site and promotes a specific product or service that is not the principal product or service available at the site.
"Directional sign" means an on-premises sign conveying only directions or instructions with respect to the premises on which it is located.
"Directory sign" means a sign (usually on-premises) that incorporates a list of names or activities.
"Double-faced sign" means a sign with two (2) sign faces arranged back-to-back parallel to each other and separated by no more than two (2) feet, or arranged back-to-back with the faces separated by an angle of no more than sixty (60) degrees. Where directed to a public street, the sign faces of a double-faced sign shall be perpendicular to that street
"Entry feature sign" means a permanent on-premises sign identifying a vehicular entrance to a residential subdivision, residential complex or institutional use.
"Ground sign" means a freestanding detached sign whose support structure is imbedded in the ground.
"Identification sign" means a sign which primarily displays the name and address of a building, institution, or person and/or the activity or occupation being identified.
"Illegal sign" means a sign which does not meet the requirements of the Graphics Code and which is not a nonconforming sign.
"Illuminated sign" means a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
"Monument sign" means a ground sign, usually low in profile, with a monolithic, base.
"Multi-faced sign" means a sign with more than two (2) sign faces arranged so that some or all of the faces are not parallel to each other, and/or directed to different streets or vantage points.
"Neon sign" means a sign formed in whole or part with neon.
"Nonilluminated sign" means a sign without lighting of any kind as part of the sign installation or structure.
"Off-premises sign" means a sign used to advertise, promote, or provide direction to any person, activity, establishment, product or service available, produced or manufactured at a location other than on the property on which the sign is located; including any display surface, supporting structure, lighting, maintenance walkway and embellishment. The term includes "billboard" as defined in C.C. 3303.02.
"On-premises sign" means a sign which pertains to the use of the premises on which it is located.
"Permanent sign" means a legal sign which is not restricted as to the duration of time it may be displayed.
"Political sign" means a temporary sign, the purpose of which is to inform the public or to support or oppose any candidate or candidates for public office or any ballot question or issues to be voted on in any election.
"Portable sign" means a sign designed or constructed in such a manner that it can be moved or relocated without involving any structural or support changes. The term does not include a self-propelled or trailer sign.
"Private sign" means any sign other than a public sign.
"Projecting sign" means a sign that is attached to the facade of a building or to an awning or canopy attached to a building facade; which projects outward from the facade more than twenty-four (24) inches and which is installed with the sign faces between forty-five (45) degrees and ninety (90) degrees relative to said facade or to the street to which the sign is directed.
"Public sign" means a sign required by law or governmental regulations, including but not limited to legal notices and traffic controls or similar regulatory devices.
"Real estate sign" means a sign advertising the sale, rental or lease of all or a portion of the building or land upon which it is displayed.
"Roof sign" means a sign erected upon the roof of a building, any portion of which is above the roof line of the building.
"Self-propelled sign" means an off-premises sign that is mounted on or attached to a self-propelled vehicle.
"Side wall sign" means an on-premises wall sign attached to or displayed on a building facade which is most nearly perpendicular to a public street bordering the subject site.
"Single-faced sign" means a sign with one (1) facing only.
"Temporary sign" means a sign having a specific limitation as to the length of time it may be displayed.
"Trailer sign" means a sign mounted on a trailer chassis with or without wheels and used as an on-premises or off-premises sign.
"Wall sign" means a sign that is mounted on or attached to a building facade or other structure which supports a roof, including any sign which is part of or attached to an awning or canopy; that does not project outward more than twenty-four (24) inches from the surface to which it is attached; and that is less than forty-five (45) degrees from parallel to the plane of the facade to which it is attached.
"Window sign" means a sign applied to a window or door and readable from the outside. (See also "Exterior graphic" and "Interior graphic.")
"Sign copy" means any combination of letters, numerals, words, symbols, pictures, emblems or other characters that constitute a message in either permanent or removable form.
"Sign face" means the surface or plane on which the copy and other individual graphic elements constituting a sign are displayed.
"Sign height" means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign, excluding embellishments, to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is less. (Compare with "Clearance.")
"Sign setback line" means the boundary of an area adjacent to a public right-of-way or other lot line and within which no part of a sign shall be located. "Required sign setback" means the minimum allowable separation between a sign and a property line or right-of-way line.
"Sign structure" means the portion of a sign which supports, has supported or is capable of supporting a sign face and/or copy.
Single-faced sign. See "Sign."
"Single-family dwelling" means a residential building consisting of one (1) dwelling unit and which is arranged, intended or designed for one (1) family. The term shall not include a manufactured home or a mobile home. This definition includes a single unit dwelling.
"Single unit dwelling" means a residential building, other than a manufactured or mobile home, consisting of one dwelling unit.
"Skilled nursing care" means procedures that require technical skills and knowledge beyond those the untrained person possesses and that are commonly employed in providing for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the ill or otherwise incapacitated, including, without limitation, procedures such as:
1. Irrigations, catheterization, application of dressings, and supervision of special diets;
2. Objective observation of changes in the patient's condition as a means of analyzing and determining the nursing care required and the need for further medical diagnosis and treatment;
3. Special procedures contributing to rehabilitation;
4. Administration of medication by any method ordered by a physician such as hypodermically, rectally, or orally;
5. Carrying out other treatments prescribed by the physician that involve a similar level of complexity and skill administration.
"Slaughterhouse" means a use of a building arranged or devoted to the killing of animals other than poultry or game.
Special Event and Approved Special Event.
"Special event" means a preplanned major activity sponsored by an organization, proposed to be held on public property or private property and open to the public, for the purpose(s) of entertainment, celebration, amusement, cultural recognition, arts and crafts displays and/or sales, amateur sports demonstration or competition, or similar activities.
"Approved special event" means a special event for which all permits, licenses or other approvals required by the city, or other governmental body have been obtained.
"Specified anatomical area" means the following:
1. A human anus, buttocks, genitals, or pubic region with less than a complete and opaque covering,
2. A human female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola, but not including a portion of the cleavage of the female breast exhibited by a bathing suit, blouse, dress, leotard, shirt, or other wearing apparel, provided that neither the areola nor nipples are exposed,
3. Human male genitals in a discernibly tumid state, even with a complete and opaque covering, or
4. A covering or device that when worn, simulates human female genitals, human female areola or nipples, or human male genitals in a discernibly tumid state.
"Specified sexual activities" means the following:
1. Actual or simulated sex acts including masturbation, oral copulation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy;
2. Fondling or other erotic touching of a human anus, buttocks, genitals, pubic region, or female breast, whether self-directed or as part of direct contact between two or more persons;
3. Human genitals in a state of sexual arousal, stimulation, or tumescence; or
4. Excretory functions as part of or in connection with an activity listed in numbers 1 through 3 of this definition.
"Stockyard" means an area enclosed by fence or other structural means for the keeping of livestock.
Story and Half Story.
"Story" means that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above. When the ceiling of the lower story of a building can be used for any purpose except service equipment pertaining to the building such lower and or attic story shall be a story for the purpose of this Zoning Code. The first floor level shall mean the floor level at or nearest the grade level at the principal entrance.
"Half story" means a story under a gable, hip or gambrel roof, the wall plates of at least two (2) of the exterior walls being not more than three (3) feet above the floor of such story.
"Storage yard" means an open place where materials other than junk or salvage are stored.
"Street" means any public thoroughfare or public park not less than thirty-five (35) feet in width which has been dedicated or deeded to the city for public uses.
"Street line" means the lot line bordering a street, park or other public way other than an alley.
"String of banners" means a display consisting of four (4) or more banners attached to the same flag pole or to a string, rope, wire or the like.
"String of lights" means four (4) or more electric lamps arranged with individual lampholders supported and powered by electrical conductors which are exposed to view.
"String of pennants" means a display consisting of four (4) or more pennants attached to the same flag pole or to a string, rope, wire or the like.
"Structure" means a combination of materials, including other than a building, to form a construction that is safe and stable including, but not limited to, stadium, gospel or circus tent, reviewing stand, platforms, staging, observation tower, shed, coal bin, or fence in excess of six (6) feet in height. The term "structure" shall be construed as if followed by the words "or parts thereof."
"Studio" means the working room of an artist, painter, sculptor, or by extension, one engaged in any more or less artistic employment such as photography or design.
"Supermarket" means a store which is primarily for the retail sale of food and which has a gross floor area, including all types of storage rooms, restrooms, and other incidental rooms or areas, of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or more.
"Swimming pool, private" means any in-ground, on-ground, or above-ground permanently affixed pool filled or capable of being filled with water to a depth greater than thirty (30) inches at any point therein and maintained solely for use by a property owner and guests as an accessory use and structure to a residence.
"Swimming pool, portable" means any non-permanent on-ground or above-ground swimming or wading pool filled or capable of being filled with a water depth of no more than thirty (30) inches at any point therein. A portable swimming pool is considered a structure under this Code.
Section 7. That the existing section 3305.02 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3305.02 Application for zoning clearance.
An application for a certificate of zoning clearance shall be filed on approved forms and shall contain such information as the director deems reasonably necessary to determine compliance with and to provide for the enforcement of this Zoning Code. For any proposed new use or enlargement of an existing use in any district; for any alteration of any building, structure, or parking lot; or for the grading, excavating, or filling of land; sufficient copies of the application and site plan for a zoning clearance shall be submitted to enable the director to refer such site plans to various other city departments and divisions as appropriate for their review and recommendations. The site plan shall contain information the director deems necessary to determine compliance with city codes. The applicant shall sign the application attesting to the truth and exactness of the information included in the application. Information not required by the director and volunteered by the applicant may be freely amended at any time.
The director shall either approve or disapprove an application for a certificate of zoning clearance as required. Upon approval, a certificate shall be issued forthwith. If disapproved, the reasons for disapproval shall be stated on the application.
Section 8. That the Columbus City Codes, 1959, are hereby supplemented by the enactment of a new Chapter 3312, "Off-Street Parking and Loading", consisting of number 27 sections oddly numbered 3312.01 through 3312.53 and reading as follows:
3312.01 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to regulate land use for parking, loading and maneuvering; to assure the provision of at least the minimum number of off-street parking spaces for each use; to enact standards for parking, stacking, and loading; to assure maintenance of existing parking; and to prohibit inappropriate parking. These standards are designed to provide for the parking and loading needs of occupants, customers, visitors or others involved in the use or occupancy of any building or parking lot; to balance needs associated with different transportation modes, including automobile, pedestrian, transit and bicycle; ensure that off-street parking, loading, stacking and access demands will not adversely affect other nearby land uses and surrounding neighborhoods; require appropriate landscaping and buffering of off-street parking lots for pedestrian safety and traffic separation, visually break up large expanses of pavement, visually screen off-street parking lots, loading and stacking areas; and encourage the incorporation of environmentally sustainable design elements; all to enhance convenience and to protect the public health, safety and general welfare.
This chapter regulates parking, stacking, and loading designed for either principal or accessory uses. The standards in this chapter are those that will be reviewed by the director before issuing a certificate of zoning clearance. Other parking or parking lot requirements may be regulated by the department of Public Service and the department of Public Utilities.
3312.03 Administrative requirements.
A. Each owner of real property shall provide and continue to provide parking in compliance with code provisions in effect at the time such particular use commenced.
B. Any person who initiates a new use, changes the intensity of, or expands an existing use on any lot shall provide off-street parking, stacking, loading and maneuvering in compliance with this chapter. For purposes of this chapter, "existing" means prior to change or expansion and includes "former"; and "new" means subsequent to change or expansion and includes "proposed."
C. The minimum number of parking, stacking and loading spaces required for a particular use is specified in this chapter. Exceptions to these minimum requirements are as follows:
1. Special Parking Areas. A lot which lies within a special parking area shall be subject to specifications for that area.
2. Initiating a New Use, Changing the Intensity of or Expanding an Existing Use. A use of higher intensity requires more parking spaces than does a use of lower intensity. For purposes of comparison, "intensity" means the minimum requirements for parking spaces generated by a particular use. Any person who initiates a new use, or changes the intensity of, or expands an existing use, shall provide the number of parking spaces required by such use, calculated as specified in items (a) through (f).
a. Without expansion of an existing building, a new use of intensity equal to or lower than the existing use shall provide the required parking for the new use or, at the minimum, maintain the existing number of parking spaces; no additional parking spaces shall be required.
Example:
Existing medical office to new law office
Required spaces for existing medical office = 10
Required spaces for new law office = 7
Existing spaces = 5
Total parking spaces required for new use = 5
b. With expansion of an existing building, a new use of intensity equal to or lower than the existing use shall provide the same number of parking spaces as the existing number of parking spaces, plus the additional parking spaces required for the expansion.
Example:
Existing medical office to new law office
Required spaces for existing medical office = 10
Required spaces for new law office = 7
Existing spaces = 5
Spaces required for building expansion = 4
Existing parking spaces = 5
Total required for new use (4 + 5) = 9
c. Without expansion of an existing building, a new use of higher intensity than the existing use shall provide the same number of parking spaces as the existing use, plus additional parking spaces equal to the difference between that required for the higher and lower intensity uses.
Example:
Existing retail store to new restaurant
Required spaces for existing retail store = 8
Required spaces for new restaurant = 27
Existing spaces = 5
Difference between intensities (27 - 8) = 19
Total parking spaces required for new use (5 + 19) = 24
d. With expansion of an existing building where the number of existing parking spaces is less than the number required for the existing use and is also less than that required for the new use, a new use of higher intensity than the existing use shall provide the same number of parking spaces as the existing use, plus additional parking spaces equal to the difference between that required for the higher and lower intensity uses, plus that number required for the expansion.
Example:
Existing retail store to new restaurant
Required spaces for existing retail store = 8
Required spaces for new restaurant = 27
Existing spaces = 5
Spaces required for building expansion =12
Difference between intensities (27 -8) = 19
Total parking spaces required for new use (5 + 12 + 19) = 36
e. With expansion of an existing building where the number of existing parking spaces is less than that required for the existing use but is more than that required for the new use, a new use shall provide the number of parking spaces required for the new use plus that required for the expansion.
Example:
Existing medical office to new law office
Required spaces for existing medical office = 10
Required spaces for new law office = 7
Existing spaces =9
Spaces required for building expansion =4
Total parking spaces required for new use (7 + 4) = 11
f. With expansion of an existing building where the number of existing parking spaces exceeds both that required for the existing use and that required for the new use, a new use shall provide the number of parking spaces required for the new use plus that required for the expansion.
Example:
Existing retail store to new restaurant
Required spaces for existing retail store = 8
Required spaces for new restaurant = 27
Existing spaces = 29
Spaces required for building expansion = 12
Total parking spaces required for new use (27 + 12) = 39
D. Parking spaces shall be provided on the same lot as the use they are intended to serve with the following exceptions: For a commercial, institutional or manufacturing use, the parking may be provided on a lot that is:
1. Located within 750 feet of the use to be served; and
2. Owned or leased by the operator of the commercial, institutional, or manufacturing use and located in an appropriate zoning district with a limited overlay or CPD text having conditions which limit its use to parking reserved for the duration of that use to be served.
E. Revision of an approved parking lot; including, but not limited to reduction, enlargement, restriping or remarking of any parking lot in a manner that differs from the existing site plan; shall require a new site plan and a certificate of zoning clearance prior to such change.
F. Off-street parking and loading spaces required for any use not specifically listed herein shall be the same as that required for a similar type use as determined by the director.
3312.05 Special parking area.
Special parking areas may be created, which are subjected to different requirements as a means of achieving specific development or traffic objectives. A special parking area may be designated by ordinance of council enacting a new section in this chapter.
3312.07 Downtown special parking area.
Downtown parking shall be as prescribed in the downtown district zoning chapter.
Parking lot design standards.
3312.09 Aisle.
An aisle is that portion of the circulation area within a parking lot, excluding the driveway, which provides accessibility to parking, stacking or loading spaces.
An aisle to serve adjacent loading spaces shall have a minimum width of 15 feet. No part of the loading space may be included in this calculation.
The minimum width permissible for an aisle to serve adjacent parking spaces shall depend on the smallest angle of parking as measured between the centerline of the aisle and the centerline of the adjacent parking space as illustrated in Figure 1 and as set out in the table marked Figure 2:
Figure 1. Angle of a parking space.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.09 Figure 1.)
Figure 2. Table of parking angles.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.09 Figure 2.)
Figure 2a.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.09 Figure 2a.)
Figure 2b.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.09 Figure 2b.)
Figure 2c.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.09 Figure 2c.)
Figure 2d.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.09 Figure 2d.)
Figure 2e.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.09 Figure 2e.)
break2
3312.11 Drive-up stacking area.
Any use having drive-up service shall provide a motor vehicle stacking area on-site to minimize off-site traffic congestion while waiting for service.
For each drive-up unit associated with a use, an owner shall provide stacking spaces, each the size of a regular automobile parking space. The area required for these four to 25 stacking spaces is exclusive of any required parking space, loading space, driveway, aisle or required yard and is dependent on the total number of drive-up units as follows:
Drive up Stacking Space Requirements Table
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.11 Drive up Stacking Space Requirements Table)
Sites with stacking shall include at least one exclusive by-pass lane with a minimum width of ten feet or include an aisle, driveway or other circulation area in the parking lot design to allow vehicles to by-pass the stacking ara.
A drive-up unit may project up to one foot into the stacking area.
3312.13 Driveway.
A driveway is any access corridor leading from a public right-of-way to a parking lot, aisle, parking circulation area, garage, off-street parking space, or loading space. The Department of Public Service shall limit points of driveway access from residentially zoned lots abutting both an improved alley and street.
Each driveway shall be located and designed in a manner that provides for the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
A. A driveway serving a residential parking area containing one to eight parking spaces shall have a minimum width of ten feet and a maximum width of 20 feet measured at the street right-of-way line.
B. All other driveways shall have a minimum width of 20 feet and a maximum width of 35 feet measured at the street right-of-way line.
C. The minimum and maximum driveway widths as described in 3312.13A and 3312.13B may be varied with the consent of the Administrator of the Department of Public Service, Division of Planning and Operations or designee, in consultation with the Division of Fire.
3312.15 Dumpster area.
Dumpsters shall comply with the provisions of general site development standards chapter.
3312.17 Parking lot signs.
Signs in a parking lot, including ingress/egress signs, shall comply with the provisions of the Graphics Code.
3312.19 Lighting.
Lighting shall comply with the provisions of the general site development standards chapter.
3312.21 Landscaping and screening.
Landscaping and screening may be combined with storm water control measures as approved by the Director of Public Utilities, providing the requirements of this section are fulfilled. The applicant should consider the use of low-impact development strategies for managing storm water runoff and alternative pavements for reducing glare and mitigating the heat island effect from parking lot surfaces. Appropriate native plant species are recommended for landscaping and screening requirements.
A. Interior landscaping.
The interior of any parking lot containing ten parking spaces or more shall be landscaped. Interior landscaping shall be provided at a minimum ratio of one shade tree for every ten parking spaces or fraction thereof. Interior shade trees shall conform to the following standards:
1. Trees shall be a minimum of two inches in caliper at the time of planting;
2. Trees shall be planted in landscaped islands or peninsulas containing a minimum soil area of 145 square feet per tree, allowing for flexible arrangement but designed in such a way that each tree is surrounded by a minimum radius of four feet of soil area. All trees shall be planted in a suitable soil volume, in a normal surface planting environment free from construction debris, with average soil depths greater than or equal to three feet. Islands and peninsulas shall be curbed and covered with live vegetation, decorative gravel, or mulch. Curbs on landscaped islands or peninsulas may contain openings to receive storm water runoff if islands or peninsulas are part of bioretention or other storm water control measure approved by the Director of Public Utilities.
3. Space devoted to interior landscaping shall be in addition to any required front, side or rear yard or any required screening area. Landscaped islands and peninsulas do not need to be uniformly spaced, but shall be contained within and dispersed throughout the interior of the parking lot;
4. Planting beds for parking lot shade trees shall be arranged and constructed with suitable curbing materials so as to minimize damage to tree trunks and roots from vehicles, pedestrians and parking lot maintenance;
B. Parking setback and perimeter landscaping.
Landscaping in the parking setback area shall be required to buffer automobile and pedestrian areas and uses; to provide headlight screenn; to provide adequate visibility and safety; and to avod the illegal use of said area for parking. Landscaping in the perimeter shall be required to visually buffer residentially-zoned property from parking lots.
1. The lot area between the right-of-way and the parking setback line shall be landscaped with plant material and shall not be paved except for approved walkways, bikeways, driveways, graphics, and other approved amenities and site elements. Vision clearance at driveways shall be maintained.
2. Plant species shall be installed and maintained per the following standards: Shade trees shall be a minimum of two inches in caliper at the time of planting, ornamental trees shall be a minimum of one and one-half inches in caliper at the time of planting, shrubs shall be a minimum of twenty-four inches in height at the time of planting.
3. Perimeter parking lot screening required. Any portion of a parking lot located within 80 feet of residentially zoned property shall be screened, as hereinafter set forth, on the perimeter affecting same. For purposes of this section, "affected residential owner" shall mean any owner of residentially zoned property whose boundary lies within 80 feet of the perimeter of a parking lot; and "parking lot" shall include any parking driveway thereto. Screening is not required for those portions of parking lots abutting public alleys used for vehicular access and required vision clearance.
4. In addition, any portion of a parking lot abutting any public street shall be screened for headlights on the perimeter adjacent to the public street.
C. Screening indicated on site plan. Setback and perimeter screening required by this section shall be indicated on the original site plan filed to obtain a certificate of zoning clearance for any parking lot. Parking lot screening shall be provided to reduce headlight glare and to visually screen a parking lot from residentially zoned property within 80 feet thereof. Such parking lot screening shall be installed in accordance with the site plan and this section.
D. Parking lot screening shall conform to the following standards:
1. For headlight screening, screening shall be provided in a landscaped area at least four feet in width and shall consist of a fence (except a chain link fence), landscaped earth mound of 3:1 (horizontal: vertical) slope, wall, planting or combination thereof installed, repaired, replaced and maintained to a total height of no less than three feet above the parking lot grade and to an opacity of not less than 75 percent. For screening with plantings, the opacity shall be determined when plants are in leaf. For buffering residentially zoned property, screening shall be provided in a landscaped area at least four feet in width and shall consist of a fence (except a chain link fence), landscaped earth mound of 3:1 (horizontal: vertical) slope, wall, planting or combination thereof installed, repaired, replaced and maintained to a total height of no less than five feet above the parking lot grade and to a year-round opacity of not less than 75 percent.
2. Screening shall be installed and maintained in a neat and orderly manner.
3. Screening shall be reasonably uniform in height and opacity along its entire length, provided, however, that screening is not required within one foot of the ground.
4. The percentage of opacity shall be determined by measurement of any square foot of the vertical surface of the screening from a point perpendicular thereto. Permissibly open area shall not be included in the opacity determination.
5. When screening consisting of live plants is installed, alone or in combination with other materials, the plants shall:
a. Be selected for dense branching or foliage adequate to shade residences and adjacent rights-of-way from headlight glare;
b. Be selected to achieve the height and density specified in D(1) above within three years of installation;
c. Be matured to a minimum height of two feet at the time of installation; and
d. Be maintained in a healthy, live state and replaced as needed to comply with the original site plan and the specifications and standards herein set forth.
e. Exemptions. No screening shall be required for a parking lot effectively screened to this section's standards and specifications by a densely planted planting strip of at least 75% opacity; or existing natural or artificial barriers; providing the existing barrier has opacity of not less than 75 percent, as measured above. A parking lot need not be screened from the use it serves.
E. All plants shall be maintained in a healthy, live state and replaced as needed to comply with the original site plan and the specifications and standards herein set forth. Dead plants shall be replaced within the next growing season.
3312.23 Maintenance
The owner or operator of property used for parking, circulation and loading shall maintain such area in good condition so that it is safe, clean, dust-free, and free of any hazard, nuisance or other unsafe condition. Striping for parking spaces shall be maintained in good condition.
3312.25 Maneuvering
Every parking and loading space shall have sufficient access and maneuvering area. The maneuvering area for a parking space may occur anywhere on a lot except in the area between the street right-of-way line and the parking setback line.
Exceptions: The maneuvering area may include an aisle, circulation area, or improved alley. In single-family or two family residential districts or in town house developments, the maneuvering area may include a driveway, street, or parking space.
The Director of Public Service may waive the requirement for maneuvering area only for a parking lot which has and continues to have an operator on duty during all hours of operation.
A parking setback line establishes how close parking, loading or maneuvering may be located to a street right-of-way line. This line shall be located a minimum distance from a street right-of-way line and be related to a building line as follows:
1. On unimproved frontage the parking setback line shall coincide with the required building setback line.
2. Where a required building setback line is 25 feet or greater, the parking setback line shall be 25 feet from the street right-of-way line.
3. Where a required building setback line is less than 25 feet, the parking setback line shall follow the building setback line or the established parking setback, whichever is less, but in no case shall the parking setback line be less than ten feet from the street right-of-way line.
4. In C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4 and C-5 Commercial Districts and for commercial uses located in M-Manufacturing Districts the parking setback line shall be established ten feet from the street right-of-way line without respect to the building line.
5. Exception: Where a parking setback line is specifically established by Council ordinance, zoning district, overlay, or subdivision plat, the parking setback line shall conform to that requirement.
3312.29 Parking space.
A. A parking space shall be a rectangular area of not less than 9 feet by 18 feet, exclusive of any driveway or other circulation area; shall be accessible from a street, alley, or maneuvering area; and shall be designed for parking a motor vehicle. Exception: For single-family and two-family dwellings, and multi-family units with individual garage/driveway arrangements, one vehicle may be stacked behind each required off-street parking space and be located between the parking setback line and the street right-of-way line. For such dwellings, stacked parking shall be located in a driveway, and not in any other part of a required yard. These stacked parking spaces may not be counted as required parking spaces for units not served directly by the driveway/garage. Required vision clearance shall be maintained.
3312.31 Parking space for ADA compliance.
A. Parking spaces for ADA compliance shall meet the requirements of the Ohio Building Code. Each such space may be included in the computation of required space as specified in this chapter.
3312.33 Parking space for a small car.
A. Excess parking over and above the minimum required by this chapter may be designed to accommodate small cars. The design and placement of each space shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Public Service prior to approval by this department.
3312.35 Prohibited parking.
A. In residential districts, no required off-street parking space, no parking space in front of the setback line, and no required front, side or rear yard area or unimproved surface shall be used for the parking or storage of a boat, trailer, camping trailer or other recreational vehicle.
B. No commercial vehicle shall be stored or parked on a residentially zoned lot. However, infrequent, short-term parking of a commercial or commercial-type vehicle for conveying tools and materials to premises where labor using such tools and materials is being performed, delivering goods to a residence, or moving furniture to or from a residence, all only during the time such parking is actually necessary, is hereby excepted from this section.
For purposes of this section, "commercial vehicle" includes, but is not necessarily limited to: a bus, cement truck, commercial tree-trimming equipment, construction equipment, dump truck, garbage truck, panel truck, semi-tractor, semi-trailer, stake bed truck, step van, tank truck, tar truck, or other commercial-type vehicle licensed by the Ohio State Bureau of Motor Vehicles as a commercial vehicle or truck.
3312.37 Parking or keeping inoperable motor vehicle.
No person shall use any premises in any residential, apartment, or institutional use district, private or public parking district, or C-1, C-2, C-3 or C-4 commercial use district for the purpose of parking or keeping an inoperable motor vehicle except when ancillary to a specifically permitted use in a C-4 Commercial District. As used in this section, "keeping an inoperable motor vehicle" means and includes storing, maintaining, collecting, depositing, reserving, allowing to stand, or permitting to remain, one or more inoperable motor vehicles at any place other than in an enclosed garage.
For purposes of this section, a motor vehicle shall be deemed inoperable when any of the following conditions exist: one or more wheels are missing; one or more tires are missing; two or more tires are flat; one or more windows are missing or broken; the windshield is shattered or missing; parts necessary for the operation of the vehicle are missing; or a license with a distinctive number and valid for the current year is not displayed thereon.
3312.39 Striping and marking.
A. Parking space striping is required and shall be maintained in good condition. Each parking space and aisle shall be clearly designated and marked to assure approved utilization of the space, direction of traffic flow and general safety. When a parking space is designated for handicapped or small car use, it shall be clearly marked.
B. Staff shall approve a plan for restriping an existing parking lot in a manner that differs from the existing site plan, without the approval of the Board of Zoning Adjustment, even though fewer parking spaces are provided than this chapter requires only if: (1) such lot is being restriped solely to add handicapped parking spaces required by the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines; and (2) the owner and applicant affirm by sworn affidavit that no additional undeveloped land is available by ownership or lease upon which to meet this chapter's requirements.
3312.41 Access and circulation.
Access and circulation standards are as follows:
A. A pedestrian walkway shall be provided along the front of a commercial building that contains multiple tenants.
B. Pedestrian sidewalks or striped crosswalks shall be provided from buildings to public sidewalk systems.
3312.43 Required surface for parking.
The surface of any parking area; including but not limited to a parking, loading or stacking space; circulation area; aisle or driveway shall be designed to control storm water runoff and be improved with Portland cement, asphaltic concrete or other approved hard surface other than gravel or loose fill. Applicants are encouraged to consider use of permeable surfaces as a means of reducing storm water runoff. Applicants may also consider lighter color finishes for surface materials, which reflect solar energy and minimize heat islands. Hard surface materials other than concrete and asphalt may be permitted and are subject to additional review and prior approval by relevant departments and divisions. This section is intended to apply to any parking, loading, stacking or maneuvering area regardless of whether such area is required.
Exception: The director may waive the hard surface requirement for a use located in a manufacturing district when the proposed parking space is located at least 400 feet from any residential district.
3312.45 Wheel stop device.
Whenever a parking lot extends to a property line, sidewalk, planter strip or building; a wheel stop device consisting of blocks, a permanent curb, expanded sidewalk or other suitable restraint shall be installed to prevent any part of a parked motor vehicle from extending beyond the property line, overhanging a pedestrian circulation way or sidewalk, or damaging any structure or landscaping.
The minimum height of a wheel stop device shall be five inches and the minimum distance from a wheel stop device to a property line or protected area shall be two and one-half feet. An internal, non-public raised sidewalk may function as a wheel stop device if the sidewalk is at least six feet wide.
3312.47 Calculation methods.
Whenever there is more than one type of use on a lot or parcel, the area allocated for each specific use shall be clearly shown on the site plan.
Each separate use shall meet its own specific requirements as set forth in this chapter.
The total number of parking spaces required shall be the sum of all the requirements for each separate primary and accessory use on the premises, except for shopping centers and commercial centers as required by this chapter. See the parking requirements table.
Whenever the total sum computed for required off-street parking or loading spaces includes a fraction, the nearest higher whole number shall be required.
For purposes of off-street parking, stacking and loading requirements "gross floor area" shall include all of the area on each floor whether or not such area is enclosed by walls, exclusive of interior areas used for off-street parking, stacking or loading facilities.
3312.49 Minimum numbers of parking spaces required.
The number of off-street parking spaces required for various uses shall be no less than as set forth in the parking requirements tables.
Bicycles.
A. Bicycle parking design standards. The Director of Public Service shall review and approve required bicycle parking as part of overall site plan review. Specification requirements will be maintained by the Department of Public Service.
Bicycle Parking Design and Location Requirements
1. Bicycle parking shall be located in highly visible areas near the intended use.
2. Bicycle parking racks shall be positioned out of walkway clear zones and not pose a tripping hazard for visually impaired pedestrians.
3. Bicycle parking racks shall be located to avoid potential conflict with parking and circulation of motor vehicles.
4. Bicycle parking racks shall be of the inverted "U" type design, unless an alternative design has been approved by the Public Service Department. See Figure 3.
5. Bicycle parking racks shall support a bicycle upright in two places.
6. Bicycle parking racks shall enable the bicycle frame and one or both wheels to be secured through use of a "U" type lock.
7. Bicycle parking racks shall be securely anchored to an approved hard surface.
8. A two foot by six foot space is required to accommodate two bicycles.
9. Parallel bike racks shall be a minimum on-center spacing of 30". Spacing of 48" is optimal.
Additional guidance and requirements as necessary will be maintained by the Public Service Department.
Figure 3.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.49 Figure 3.)
B. Bicycle parking shall be provided as required in Tables 1-4, or as approved by the Director of Public Service. A minimum of two bicycle spaces shall be provided for the uses noted "Yes" in Tables 1-4. Additional bicycle parking is required for uses with over 20 vehicle parking spaces at a rate of one bicycle parking space per 20 vehicle parking spaces up to a maximum of 20 bicycle parking spaces. For purposes of this provision, vehicle parking spaces are determined based on the total required by code for a use, not the amount available or provided.
C. Parking requirements tables.
NOTE: sf = square feet of gross floor area
Table 1. Parking requirements for residential uses
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.49 Table 1.)
Table 2. Parking Requirements for Retail and Other Commercial Uses
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.49 Table 2.)
Table 3. Parking requirements for institutional, educational and athletic uses
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.49 Table 3.)
Table 4. Parking requirements for industrial and manufacturing uses
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3312.49 Table 4.)
3312.51 Loading space.
A loading space shall consist of a rectangular area adequate for loading and unloading and be accessible from a maneuvering area.
1. Location. All loading spaces and maneuvering areas shall be located on the same lot as the use they are intended to serve.
2. Size. A required loading space shall have a clearance height of not less than 15 feet and shall have minimum dimensions of not less than 12 feet in width and 50 feet in length, exclusive of any driveway, aisle, or other circulation area.
3312.53 Minimum number of loading spaces required.
The number of off-street loading spaces required for various types of uses shall be no less than as set forth in the following:
A. Each use of a business, institutional, personal or professional service nature including but not limited to a business office, hotel, motel, recreational or entertainment type shall provide loading spaces based on gross floor area as follows:
1.50,000 square feet or more; one space.
2.Over 250,000 square feet; one space for each 250,000 square feet or portion thereof.
B. Each commercial or industrial type use involving the retail or wholesale exchange, sale, storage, processing, or manufacturing of merchandise or personal property of any type, including eating and drinking establishments, which is permitted in any commercial or manufacturing district, shall provide loading spaces based on gross floor area as follows:
1 Under 10,000 square feet; none.
2.10,000 square feet or more but less than 75,000 square feet; one space.
3.75,000 square feet or more but less than 150,000 square feet; two spaces.
4.150,000 square feet or more but less than 300,000 square feet; three spaces
5.Over 300,000 square feet; one space for each 100,000 square feet or portion thereof.
The loading space requirements for buildings with multiple uses or tenants shall be determined based on the aggregate total of gross floor area of all uses or tenants.
Section 9. That the existing section 3357.01 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
A. Because of the peculiar operational characteristics and traffic congestion connected with automobile service stations, carry-outs, car washes, drive-ins, and fast-food business, the C-5 commercial district is established primarily for the location of such uses. Once such a district has been established, the only uses permitted on the property shall be as follows:
1. Retail fuel sales, filling stations and automobile Automobile service stations;
2. Carry-outs;
3. Car washes;
4. Drive-ins;
5. Establishments serving food or beverages to customers in their automobiles;
6. Fast-food business;
7. Billboards, subject to the provisions of Chapter 3378, C.C.
1. First obtain a rezoning of the property to the C-5 commercial district. Such rezoning shall be applied for and processed in the same manner as any other rezoning; and
2. Obtain a zoning clearance and building permit in the same manner as for any other use.
C. For any permitted use in a C-5 commercial district, except fuel sales, filling stations and automobile service stations that are governed by the provisions contained in C.C. Sections 3357.121 through 3357.18, the following physical characteristics of the property shall be applicable:
1. The minimum lot area shall be not less than fifteen thousand (15,000) 15,000 square feet.
2. The minimum lot width at the front building line shall be not less than one hundred and 120 twenty (120) feet.
D. For any permitted use in a C-5 commercial district, except fuel sales, filling stations and automobile service stations that are governed by the provisions contained in C.C. Sections 3357.121 through 3357.18, the yard line and building line requirements in C.C.3357.04 shall be applicable with the following additional provisions:
1. Whenever any portion of the property abuts property used or zoned for any type of residential use then there shall be a landscaped yard of not less than ten (10) feet in width provided along that portion of the property line abutting the property used or zoned for any type of residential purposes.
2. No portion of any building or structure shall be located or extend closer than 25twenty-five (25) feet to either a front or street side property line.
E. For any permitted uses in a C-5 commercial district, except fuel sales, filling stations, and automobile service stations that are governed by the provisions contained in C.C. Sections 3357.11 through 3357.18, the height of any building or structure shall not exceed twenty-five (25)25 feet.
F. In any C-5 commercial district, provisions shall be made for access, and off-street parking and loading facilities as required by C.C. Sections 3357.08 through 3357.10the Off-street Parking and Loading chapter and the General Site Development Standards of this code.
G. For any proposed new use or enlargement of an existing one in a C-5 commercial district, sufficient copies of the site plan for a zoning clearance shall be submitted to enable the division to refer such site plans to various other city departments and divisions as appropriate for their review and recommendations.
H. In addition to all other development standards specified elsewhere in this Zoning Code or in other city codes, the following requirements shall be applicable:
1. The location of all curb cuts and traffic flow patterns shall require the approval and a permit from the division of transportation prior to any curb being cut or any driveway being installed.
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2. Any use, such as a car wash, that could cause a drainage problem, shall require the approval of the division of sewerage and drainage, and such uses may be required to install storm sewers as required to alleviate the problem.
3. Any use, such as a fast-food business, that could cause a traffic congestion problem shall require approval of the division of transportation, and such uses may be required to install frontage roads as required to alleviate the problem.
4. Any use, such as a fast-food business, that could create an excessive litter problem, may be required to install fences as determined by the department, and trash receptacles as may be required by the division of health and division of refuse collection, to alleviate the problem.
5. Other city departments and divisions whose operations or area of jurisdiction may be affected by the proposed use may recommend to the department of development additional requirements necessary to comply with various city codes applicable to the use and to protect and preserve the public health, safety, and welfare.
6. If, at the time of public hearings on the application for a rezoning to the C-5 commercial district, council has imposed any specific development standards or other requirements, then the site plans submitted for the zoning clearance shall show full compliance with all such standards and requirements.
Section 10. That the existing section 3357.12 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3357.12 Filling stations. Development standards: Distance requirements
No fuel sales establishment, service station, or filling station shall be erected or established which shall have any part of its proposed building structure located within one hundred100 feet of the building structure of a public or parochial school, church, playground, public library, hospital, orphanage, or children's home now existing or for which building permit has been issued or is in effect, except as follows:
A. (a) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit any such institution now located in any district zoned for business, by acquiring premises therein or erecting additional buildings thereon to shorten the one hundred100 foot limit between such institutional structure heretofore erected, and such proposed filling station structure as defined by this Zoning Code;
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the erection or maintenance of automobile sales or display rooms or buildings with automobile service stations connected thereto. Such automobile service stations connected to buildings, or automobile sales or display rooms, shall have no vehicle entrance located upon the same street with and within one hundred fifty150 feet of any part of the building structure of any publi or parochial school, playground, public library, church, hospital, orphanage or children's home heretofore erected. Distance shall be measured along and parallel with street or alley lines, and when such lines extend across a street the same shall be considered as crossing the same at right angles;
(c) It is further provided, however, that in the event the governing body of such public or parochial school, church, playground, public library, hospital, orphanage or children's home, files its consent in writing with the Director or his authorized representative, a fuel sales establishment or filling station may be erected or established nearer than one hundred100 feet, but not nearer than fifty50 feet from the building structure of any such institution.
Section 11. That the existing section 3357.13 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3357.13 Service stations site standards.Development standards: Lot area, waste storage, and residential buffer.
(a) Minimum lot area, width and depth.
(1) For fuel sales establishments and filling stations without service bays: minimum lot area of 15,000 square feet, minimum lot width at the right-of-way line of 150 feet, and a minimum lot depth of 100 feet.
(2) For a service station with service bay: minimum lot area of 20,000 square feet, minimum lot width at the right-of-way line of 150 feet, and a minimum depth of 120 feet.
(b) Pump island and building location.
No portion of any building, canopy, structure, or vehicles service area, pump or pump island, shall be located within, project into, or overhang any required minimum front yard or street side yard, as specified in C.C. 3357.04.
(c) Storage of commercial waste.
Commercial waste shall be stored within a bulk waste container situated within a permanent screen wall located in such a manner as to be screened from the view of those outside the property and in such a manner as to be accessible to bulk waste container pick-up vehicle. This facility shall be maintained in a sanitary and healthful manner as not to be harmful or offensive to those on or outside the property.
(d) Residential buffer.
In any area where a service stationfuel sales use (including filling stations and service stations) is contiguous to or abuts property located in a Residential or Apartment Residential District, or abuts property used for residential purposes, there shall be provided along that portion of the perimeter of the service stationfuel sales property which abuts such residentially zoned or used property, a buffer strip consisting of either a ten foot wide landscaping area with a four foot high masonry or wood wall and planting material of sufficient height to provide an effective screen, or a 20twenty (20) foot wide landscaped earth mound with a minimum height of four (4) feet.
Section 12. That the existing section 3357.14 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3357.14 Permitted service station accessory uses. Accessory rental and storage of vehicles and trailers.
Accessory uses to service stations shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, trailer rental, vehicle rental, and storage of vehicles or trailers. These accessory uses will be permitted if in conformance with the following standards:
(a) Shall not be permitted on a service station site where within two hundred fifty (250) 250 feet of the exterior boundaries of the service station property there is any residential use or residential or apartment residential districts.
(b) Shall not occupy or cover more than ten (10) percent of the lot area.
(c) Shall not be located in any required front yard or street side yard.
(d) Shall not be located in any residential buffer area.
(e) Shall not be located within 25 twenty-five (25) feet of any pump island.
Section 13.That the existing section 3357.16 of the Columbus Ciy Codes, 1959, is hereby repealed in its entirety.
3357.16 Service station building design and material.
The service station building design and building materials shall be in harmony and compatible with the surrounding existing buildings or in the case of undeveloped land in harmony and compatible with comparable buildings which are commonly found in the zoning districts of the surrounding properties.
Section 14. That the existing section 3357.18 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3357.18 Abandoned fuel sales establishments service stations.
An "abandoned service station" is defined as a service station which An abandoned service station, filling station, or fuel sales establishment is one which has ceased operations or is closed to the public for at least six (6) months in any 12twelve (12) month period.
The owner or lessee of the abandoned service station, filling station, or fuel sales establishment or related structures shall, within, seven (7) days of the beginning of the closure period referred to herein:
(a) Install wheel blocks, firmly attached, across the driveway entrance to the service station to prohibit unauthorized vehicle parking or abandonment of motor vehicles;
(b) Shall remove all signs and pumps;
(c) Shall board up all windows, garage doors and entrances to prevent the breakage of glass and the unauthorized entrance therein;
(d) Take appropriate action as required by the city of Columbus Fire Code to treat abandoned underground tanks and;
(e) Shall during the closure period cut all grass, remove all rubbish and weeds and continue such maintenance as may be necessary to prevent the building or structure from deteriorating into a state of disrepair.
Section 15. That the existing section 3357.21 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3357.21 Service stations, and filling stations and fuel sales establishments.
Within the city, no buildings or premises shall be used and no buildings shall be erected which are arranged, intended or designed to be used as an automobile service station,or filling station, or fuel sales establishment, except upon the issuance of a conditional permit as provided herein, subject to all the development standards in C.C. Sections 3357.11 through 3357.18.
The gasoline storage facilities of such uses shall conform to the rules and regulations of the Fire Prevention Code. Underground storage in separate unit tanks not to exceed 20,000 gallons each, the location thereof to be under the direction and supervision of the fire department: Liquid fuels, petroleum products.
Section 16. That the existing section 3373.01 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3373.01 P-2 Public Parking District.
Within a P-2 Public Parking Area District the following conditions shall apply:
(a) A charge for the use of the parking facilities may be made;
(b) The P-2 Parking Area shall be located on property dedicated for public use, private use, or purchased by a subdivision of government for such use;
(c) No business involving repairs or services to vehicles, or sale or display thereof, shall be conducted from or upon such premises;
(d) No buildings, other than those for shelter of attendants, shall be erected on the premises, and there shall be not more than two such buildings in any one area and each building shall be not more than fifty square feet in area nor shall exceed fifteen feet in height;
(e) Graphics may be erected only in accordance with the provisions of Article Fifteen;
(f) The provisions regarding building lines shall be followed as set forth in C.C. Sections 3373.02 and 3373.03, inclusive, and in any P-1P-2 District entirely or over sixty percent enclosed by a Residential or Apartment Residential District the requirements for building lines in Residential and Apartment Residential Districts shall apply;
(g) (1)Where the parking area faces or is across the street from a Residential or Apartment Residential District a landscaped buffer strip containing a wall, fence, hedge and/or other plant material shall be provided along the building line as referred to in subsection (e) above(i) below;
(h) Where a P-1 P-2 District is contiguous to a Residential or Apartment Residential District a landscaped buffer strip at least five feet wide shall be provided containing a wall, fence, hedge and/or other plant material along the side and/or rear boundaries of the lot abutting the side or rear lot lines contiguous to said Residential or Apartment Residential Districts;
(i) Such a buffer strip shall consist of a neat, orderly and healthy screen of evergreen or other suitable plant material not less than three two feet in height at time of installation with an expected normal growth of at least five feet in height within three years, protected by a galvanized wire link fence, at least five feet in height; or a wooden fence, or a masonry wall, a landscaped mound or other landscaping may be substituted for the screening and wire link fence. Screening shall be reasonably uniform in height and opacity along its entire length, provided, however, that screening is not required within one foot of the ground
(j) Means shall be provided to prevent vehicle projection beyond the setback requirements described in subsection (e)(f) and the buffer strip described in subsection (f)(i).
(k) The parking area shall be provided with a permanent, hard surface pavement and shall be graded and drained to dispose of all surface water.
(1)(l) The parking area shall be provided with adequate means of ingress and egress in such arrangements as to cause no traffic hazard and no congestion of traffic on major thoroughfares.
(m) If the parking area is to be used at times other than daylight hours, it shall be illuminated with approved lighting. Such lighting facilities shall be shaded or controlled so as not to cause any glare upon any adjacent residential area.
(n) Plans for the parking area shall be submitted to the Development Commission for approval prior to construction. The plans shall comply with the regulations contained in this section.
Section 17. That the existing section 3373.07 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3373.07 Additional spaces.
Whenever an existing parking lot of any type is enlarged in any way, the parking and loading spaces located on the enlarged portion of the parking lot shall be located and improved in such a manner that they will comply with all of the general requirements contained in Section 3373.05 of this the off-street parking and loading chapter of this zoning code.
Section 18. That the title of Article III of the Columbus Zoning Code, Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Article III. Special Districts General Standards
Section 19. That the Columbus City Codes, 1959, are hereby supplemented by the enactment of a new Chapter 3321, "General Site Development Standards", consisting of three sections oddly numbered 3321.01 through 3321.05 and reading as follows:
3321.01 Dumpster area.
A. A dumpster, when provided, shall be in a designated area that does not interfere with any aisle, driveway, parking space, loading space or other circulation area.
The location of a dumpster, if any, shall be shown on the site plan with proper loading and maneuvering space; and for the purpose of location, shall be treated as a structure. A dumpster shall be screened from view on all sides. Such area shall not be located in any required yard or setback and shall be maintained according to the requirements of the board of health.
B. Recycling dumpsters, when provided for, by, or on the behalf of a solid waste authority pursuant to a comprehensive recycling program and operated by said solid waste authority, shall be excluded from the requirements contained in this Zoning Code, except that such dumpsters and dumpster areas shall be maintained according to the requirements of the board of health and shall not interfere with any aisle, driveway, loading space or other circulation area or be located in any required parking spot. The solid waste authority shall notify the Director of the location of each recycling dumpster and the materials to be collected as part of the comprehensive recycling program.
C. Any development that receives City of Columbus dumpster service shall provide a concrete pad, screening, approach apron, and maneuvering space as determined by the Director of Public Service.
3321.03 Lighting.
To establish standards for exterior lighting in Commercial Planned Development, Planned Unit Development, and limited overlay zoning districts.
A. Single-family residential districts
1. Street lighting shall meet the requirements of the Department of Public Utilities Division of Electricity.
B. Multi-family residential districts
1. Light standards shall not exceed 18 feet in height.
2. Lights shall have fully shielded, recessed lamps directed away from abutting properties and directed downward to prevent glare and shine above the horizontal plane.
3. For aesthetic compatibility, lights shall be from the same or similar type and color.
C. Commercial districts
1. Light standards shall not exceed 28 feet in height except lights located:
Within 100 feet of a residentially used or zoned property, or on a lot or premise of two (2) acres or less, shall not exceed 18 feet in height.
Within 25 feet of a residentially used or zoned property shall not exceed 14 feet in height.
2. Lights shall have fully shielded, recessed lamps directed away from abutting properties and
directed downward to prevent glare and shine above the horizontal plane.
3. For aesthetic compatibility, lights shall be from the same or similar type and color.
4. Canopy lighting shall be recessed within a canopy or use an opaque shield around the sides of the light.
5. Globe style fixtures shall be shielded to prevent upward lighting and shall not exceed 14 feet.
6. In parking lots, lights shall be placed in parking lot islands or on a solid base to protect both lights and vehicles from possible damage.
D. Manufacturing districts
1. Light standards shall not exceed 28 feet in height except lights located within 100 feet of a residentially used or zoned property shall not exceed 18 feet in height.
2. Lights shall have fully shielded, recessed lamps directed away from abutting properties and directed downward to prevent glare and shine above the horizontal plane.
3. For aesthetic compatibility, lights shall be from the same or similar type and color.
3321.05 Vision clearance.
A. Minimum acceptable vision clearance standards for motorist and pedestrian safety at vehicular access points along streets are hereby established by restricting the placement, opacity, height and configuration of any fence, wall, planting or other obstruction in a required yard. Any person establishing a parking space that uses a driveway leading to a public street shall maintain vision clearance at the intersection of such driveway and street right-of-way line.
1. Clear vision for driveways to parking lots. An owner shall maintain unobstructed vision clearance between the elevations of two and one-half to ten feet above the driveway grade within "clear vision triangles", which are two ten-foot, right-angle triangles formed by the intersection of a driveway pavement edge and street right-of-way line. See Figure 1.
Figure 1.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3321.05 Figure 1.)
2. Clear vision for other driveways. An owner shall maintain vision clearance on each residential lot abutting a street and having access thereto or abutting such access. No portion of a fence or wall exceeding two and one-half feet in height above the finished lot grade shall exceed 25 percent opacity when located in a required yard having vehicular access to a street or abutting such access. Mature plantings with foliage between two and one-half and six feet above the finished lot grade shall extend no closer than 12 feet to the street right-of-way line. The percentage of opacity shall be determined by measurement of any typical square foot of the vertical surface of the fence or wall from a point perpendicular thereto. See Figures 2 and 3. A motor vehicle parked in a driveway shall extend no closer than ten feet to the street right-of-way line.
Figure 2.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3321.05 Figure 2.)
Figure 3.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3321.05 Figure 3.)
B. Minimum acceptable vision clearance standards for motorist and pedestrian safety at intersections are hereby established by restricting the placement, opacity, height and configuration of any fence, wall, planting, structure, or other obstruction.
1. Vision clearance at intersections of streets and alleys. Property owners shall maintain unobstructed vision clearance at the intersections of streets and alleys. An owner shall maintain unobstructed vision clearance between the elevations of two and one-half to ten feet above the alley grade within "clear vision triangles", which are two ten-foot, right-angle triangles formed by the intersection of an alley right-of-way line and street right-of-way line. See Figure 4.
Figure 4.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3321.05 Figure 4.)
2. Clear Vision at Intersections. A clear vision triangle shall be maintained on each residential lot, including but not limited to, 1-, 2-, or 3-unit; apartment; planned unit development; or planned community development district lot adjacent to a street intersection. Within the clear vision triangle no fence, wall, planting or other obstruction shall exceed two and one-half (2-1/2) feet in height above the centerline grade of the intersecting streets. A "clear vision triangle" is that area of a corner lot bounded on two sides by the intersecting street lines (property lines) and on the third side by a line connecting two points, one located on each street line 30 feet from the point of intersection. See Figure 5.
Figure 5.
(See Attachment ORD1537-2009 3321.05 Figure 5.)
Section 20. That the existing section 3376.01 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3376.01 General provisions for on-premises signs in residential districts.
On-premises signs are permitted in residentially zoned districts established in Chapter 3309, C.C. Development in the AR-0, apartment office district, is treated by this Graphics Code as an office/institutional use subject to the provisions of Chapter 3377, C.C.
The following general provisions shall apply to on-premises signs in residential districts:
A. A permanent on-premises sign may be displayed on a lot in a residentially zoned district primarily for the purposes of identification and orientation pertaining to the established use, and shall be consistent with the development standards contained in the Zoning Code. A permanent on-premises sign shall be displayed only by a residentially zoned use specified in this chapter.
B. A temporary on-premises sign may be displayed on a lot in a residentially zoned district for such purposes as announcement of projects under construction; the marketing of property and new development projects; and the sale, leasing or renting of individual units. In addition, provision is made for temporary signs displayed in conjunction with a temporary use allowed by Chapter 3390, C.C. of the Zoning Code.
C. A certificate of zoning clearance and installation permit shall be required for the installation or refacing of any nonilluminated permanent sign over ten (10) square feet in graphic area and for any illuminated permanent sign, regardless of size. A temporary permit shall be required for the installation of any temporary sign with a graphic area larger than sixteen (16) square feet.
D. No person shall install any sign allowed by this chapter within any public right-of-way.
E. A sign required by law shall be no larger than the minimum requirement or, when the size of said sign is not regulated, shall be no larger than necessary to perform the intended function.
F. A ground sign installed in a residentially zoned district shall comply with the vision clearance requirements of Chapters 3332, 3333, 3342, 3345 and 3347, C.C. the general site development standards chapter of this zoning code. Clear vision at street intersections, in front yards, and driveways to parking lots is regulated.
G. A ground sign installed perpendicular to the street to which it is directed may be double-faced. In lieu of two (2) or more allowed ground signs, one (1) double-faced or multi-faced ground sign may be installed at the intersection of two (2) streets abutting a use in a residentially zoned district and arranged so as to be directed to both streets. The allowable graphic area shall not exceed the size permitted for each street.
H. Street Address Requirements. Chapter 907, C.C., requires that the street address of each use or activity shall be displayed so as to be readable from the street fronting the use. Where that requirement is to be met by displaying the house number on a wall sign or ground sign serving a residential use, the following size standards shall be utilized:
1. Where the speed limit of the fronting street is greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour, the numeral size shall be no less than six (6) inches.
2. Where the speed limit of the fronting street is thirty-five (35) miles per hour or less, the numeral size shall be no less than four (4) inches.
Section 21. That the existing section 3377.17 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3377.17 Setback regulations for permanent on-premises ground signs.
No portion of a permanent on-premises ground sign, including supporting structure and decorative elements, shall be located within a required sign setback, or in conflict with the vision clearance provisions of C.C. 3342.25 the general site development standards chapter of this zoning code except an ingress/egress sign in compliance with C.C. 3377.14.
A. Setback from Abutting Street Required. The required sign setback line shall apply to each street which abuts the property. Except as otherwise provided by this Graphics Code, a permanent ground sign shall be set back no less than fifteen (15) feet from any street right-of-way line.
B. Side Yard Setback Required. In addition, a side yard setback of ten (10) feet shall be required from the side lot line of a residentially zoned district; a side yard setback of five (5) feet shall be required from the side lot line of an institutional, commercial or manufacturing district.
C. Special Area Setback Exceptions. Exceptions to the required sign setback line, as determined by the Tables of Elements, shall be as follows:
1. Where the sign setback line is determined by the adopted standards and/or guidelines of an area of special graphics control or architectural review commission area.
2. Where the sign setback line is determined by the provisions of a special zoning district, such as but not limited to a planned-district or limited-district.
3. Where the sign setback line is determined by the provisions of an approved graphics plan.
D. Visual Obstruction by Existing Building or Structure. Where a building or structure that constitutes a visual obstruction, other than another on-premises sign, precedes the subject property in the direction of traffic flow and lies within one hundred sixty (160) feet of the mid-point of the street frontage of the subject property and is less than twenty (20) feet behind the public right-of-way line, an on-premises ground sign may be erected with the trailing edge at the setback of the obstruction. Such ground sign may encroach upon the public right-of-way, subject to the provisions of C.C. 3377.09, Right-of-way encroachments.
E. Visual Obstruction by Existing Vegetation. In a location where the existing vegetation would prevent a conforming ground sign or projecting sign from being read by passing motorists, a ground sign may be located in advance of the required fifteen (15) foot setback, subject to the following conditions:
1. Maximum sign height shall be four (4) feet measured from the established grade of the public right-of-way adjacent to the sign location.
2. Minimum sign setback shall be five (5) feet from the fronting street right-of-way line.
F. Removal of Obstruction. Setback reductions allowed herein shall be temporary. The owner of any sign erected at reduced setback due to visual obstruction shall move said sign to a conforming location when the obstruction is removed.
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Section 22. That the existing section 3372.607 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.607 Landscaping and screening.
Landscaping and Screening shall meet the standards of this zoning code, including the standards contained in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter and those contained herein.
Landscaping and screening standards are as follows:
Surface parking lots shall be screened from all abutting public streets. In architectural review commission districts, required parking lot screening shall will be the screening approved by the architectural review district commissions. In all other areas, parking lot screening shall consist of:
1. A four (4) foot high solid masonry or stone wall, or
2. A four (4) foot high metal tube or solid metal bar fence located at the street right-of-way line (property line), with or without masonry pier supports, with a minimum three (3) foot wide landscaped area along either side of the fence. The landscaped area shall be planted with three (3) evergreen shrubs and one deciduous shade tree per thirty (30) feet of frontage. In the case where the landscaping is provided on the street side of the fence, the fence may be set back three feet from the right-of-way line to allow for the required landscaping.
B. Interior landscaping. In all surface parking areas in which more than ten (10) parking spaces are required:
1. A landscaped island or peninsula of at least one hundred sixty-two (162) square feet at least nine (9) feet in width left unpaved, but concrete curbed, filled with suitable topsoil and covered with either grass, groundcover, or mulch shall be provided for every ten (10) parking spaces, or portion thereof;
2. No less than one (1) shade tree of two and one-half (2- 1/2) inches or more in caliper shall be provided in each landscaped island or peninsula;
3. Every parking aisle that is bounded at an end by a traffic lane shall be terminated at such traffic lanes by such a landscaped island or peninsula;
4. Landscaped islands or peninsulas do not need to be uniformly spaced, but must be contained within and dispersed throughout the interior of a parking lot.
5. Space devoted to interior landscaping shall be in addition to any required front, side or rear yard or any required screening area.
6. If part of a bioretention or other storm water control measure approved by the director of public utilities, curbs on landscaped islands or peninsulas may contain openings to allow for drainage. The required tree for an island or peninsula designed for bioretention shall be flood tolerant.
C. Fences, with or without masonry piers, shall be constructed of metal tubes or solid metal bars. Fences shall not exceed a height of four (4) feet. Chain-link fences are prohibited. Walls shall not exceed a height of four (4) feet. Masonry or stone walls are recommended for screening, sitting, or for use as independent architectural elements.
C. D. In addition to the provisions regulating dumpsters in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter Chapter 3342, dumpsters shall be located behind the principal building and be screened from public view to the height of the dumpster.
D. E. Ground-mounted mechanical equipment shall be located behind the principal building and be screened from public view to the height of the equipment.
E. F. Plant species shall be installed and maintained as follows:
1. Shade trees shall be a minimum of two and one-half (2 1/2) inches in caliper.
2. Ornamental trees shall be a minimum of two (2) inches in caliper.
3. Hedges and shrubs may be deciduous or evergreen but shall be a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches in height at time of planting.
G. Native species as recommended in the Stormwater Drainage Manual are recommended for all landscaping requirements.
H. All plants and landscaped areas shall be maintained in a neat and healthy condition. Replacement plants shall be planted no later than the next planting season; and shall also meet the size requirements herein.
Section 23. That the existing section 3372.707 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.707 Landscaping and screening.
Landscaping and Screening shall meet the standards of this zoning code, including the standards contained in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter and those contained herein.
Landscaping and screening standards are as follows:
B. In lieu of the tree planting requirement of Section 3372.707(A), the setback area referenced in Section 3372.704(E) shall be landscaped and planted with at least one (1) shade tree and three (3) evergreen shrubs per thirty (30) lineal feet, or fraction thereof.
C. At the time of planting a new shade tree shall have a minimum two and one-half (2 1/2) inch caliper trunk and new shrubs for screening shall have a minimum height of twenty-four (24) inches.
D. All plants and landscaped areas shall be maintained in a neat and healthy condition. Replacement plants shall be planted no later than the next planting season; and shall also meet the size requirements herein.
E. Native species as recommended in the Stormwater Drainage Manual are recommended for all landscaping requirements.
F. Screening shall be provided along a lot line that borders (regardless of the presence of an alley disregarding alleys) a residentially-zoned or used property. A screen, such as a fence or evergreen plants, shall maintain minimum seventy-five (75) percent opacity and permanently obstruct the view to a height of six (6) feet.
E. G. A surface parking lot or vehicular circulation area shall be screened from all abutting public streets with a wall or fence (excluding chain link), or a continuous row of shrubs to a minimum height of three (3) foot [two (2) feet at time of planting] and a maximum height of five (5) feet. Screening shall be maintained to provide opacity of not less than seventy-five (75) percent when in is leaf.
H. Interior Landscaping. In all surface parking areas in which more than ten (10) parking spaces are required:
1. A landscaped island or peninsula of at least one hundred sixty-two (162) square feet at least nine (9) feet in width left unpaved, but concrete curbed, filled with suitable topsoil and covered with either grass, groundcover, or mulch shall be provided for every ten (10) parking spaces, or portion thereof;
2. No less than one (1) shade tree of two and one-half (2- 1/2) inches or more in caliper shall be provided in each landscaped island or peninsula;
3. Every parking aisle that is bounded at an end by a traffic lane shall be terminated at such traffic lanes by such a landscaped island or peninsula;
4. Landscaped islands or peninsulas do not need to be uniformly spaced, but must be contained within and dispersed throughout the interior of a parking lot.
5. Space devoted to interior landscaping shall be in addition to any required front, side or rear yard or any required screening area.
6. If part of a bioretention or other storm water control measure approved by the director of public utilities, curbs on landscaped islands or peninsulas may contain openings to allow for drainage. The required tree for an island designed for bioretention shall be flood tolerant.
I. In addition to the provisions regulating dumpsters in Chapter 3342, dumpsters shall be located behind the principal building and be screened from public view to the height of the dumpster.
I. J. Ground-mounted mechanical equipment shall be located behind the principal building and be screened from public view to the height of the equipment.
Section 24. That the existing section 3372.807 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.807 Landscaping and screening.
Landscaping and Screening shall meet the standards of this zoning code, including the standards contained in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter and those contained herein.
Landscaping and screening standards are as follows:
The intent of the requirements contained below is to provide adequate screening of parking lots, to create a defined "edge" along streets within the overlay boundaries, and to provide interior parking lot landscaping.
1. A different species of shrub;
2. A masonry pier with a minimum height of forty-eight (48) inches. Limestone or limestone veneer, horizontally coursed with flush raked mortar joints (any caps on walls or piers should be continuous natural stone caps) shall be used as the masonry material;
3. A three-foot masonry wall. Limestone or limestone veneer, horizontally coursed with flush raked mortar joints (any caps on walls or piers should be continuous natural stone caps) shall be used as the masonry material; or
4. Access drive that drive, that is compliant with all standards herein.
B. Interior landscaping.
In all surface parking areas in which more than ten (10) parking spaces are required:
1. A landscaped island or peninsula of at least one hundred sixty-two (162) square feet at least nine (9) feet in width left unpaved, but concrete curbed, filled with suitable topsoil and covered with either grass, groundcover, or mulch shall be provided for every ten (10) parking spaces, or portion thereof;
2. No less than one (1) shade tree of two and one-half (2- 1/2) inches or more in caliper shall be provided in each landscaped island or peninsula;
3. Every parking aisle that is bounded at an end by a traffic lane shall be terminated at such traffic lanes by such a landscaped island or peninsula;
4. Landscaped islands or peninsulas do not need to be uniformly spaced, but must be contained within and dispersed throughout the interior of a parking lot.
5. Space devoted to interior landscaping shall be in addition to any required front, side or rear yard or any required screening area.
6. If part of a bioretention or other storm water control measure approved by the director of public utilities, curbs on landscaped islands or peninsulas may contain openings to allow for drainage. The required tree for an island or peninsula designed for bioretention shall be flood tolerant.
C. Native species as recommended in the Stormwater Drainage Manual are recommended for all landscaping requirements.
D. Plant species shall be installed and maintained as follows:
1. Shade trees shall be a minimum of two and one-half (2 1/2) inches in caliper;
2. Ornamental trees shall be a minimum of two (2) inches in caliper;
3. Hedges and shrubs may be deciduous or evergreen but shall be a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches in height at time of planting;
4. All plants and landscaped areas shall be maintained in a neat and healthy condition. Replacement plants shall be planted no later than the next planting season; and shall also meet the size requirements herein.
E. Motor vehicle sales and boat dealerships are not required to landscape, plant trees, or otherwise screen areas used solely for new and used automobile display and inventory areas, but shall maintain perennial plantings or a minimum twenty-four (24) inch high continuous hedge or shrub on any perimeter, which faces or abuts a public street.
1. Employee and customer parking shall be landscaped, planted and screened to the standards of this section.
2. Areas used for the storage of cars awaiting repair shall be screened to the standards of this section if they abut a public street.
3. All display, inventory, parking, and storage areas shall be clearly delineated on a site plan.
D. F. Loading areas that are visible from a public right-of-way shall be fully screened by structures and/or landscaped to a minimum height of six (6) feet and to a minimum of ninety (90) percent opacity when in leaf.
E. G. In addition to the provisions regulating dumpsters in Chapter 3342, dumpsters shall be located behind the principal building and be screened from public view to the height of the dumpster.
Section 25. That the existing section 3372.608 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.608 Lighting.
Lighting Standards shall meet the standards of this zoning code, including the standards contained in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter and those contained herein.
A. The height of any parking lot light pole/fixture shall not exceed eighteen (18) feet above grade.
B. When located within twenty-five (25) feet of a residential district the height of a light fixture shall not exceed fourteen (14) feet above grade.
Lighting standards are as follows:
A. Exterior lighting shall be designed, located, constructed, and maintained to minimize light trespass and spill over off the subject property.
B. The average horizontal illumination level on the ground shall not exceed two (2) footcandles. The light level along a property line adjacent to a residentially-zoned or used property shall not exceed an average intensity of one-half ( 1/2) footcandle.
C. The height of any parking lot light pole/fixture shall not exceed eighteen (18) feet above grade.
D. Lights greater than fourteen (14) feet shall have fully shielded, recessed lamps directed downward to prevent glare and shine above the horizontal plane.
E. Non-shielded exterior lighting shall not exceed fourteen (14) feet above grade and shall not be more intense than four thousand (4,000) lumens per fixture.
F. Exterior building illumination shall be fully shielded. The maximum illumination of any vertical surface or angular roof surface shall not exceed four (4) footcandles.
G. Canopy lighting shall be recessed within a canopy and use an opaque shield around the sides of a light.
H. All external outdoor lighting fixtures, which are being used for the same purpose, within a given development, shall be from the same or similar manufacturer's type to insure aesthetic compatibility.
3372.708 Lighting.
Lighting Standards shall meet the standards of this zoning code, including the standards contained in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter and those contained herein.
A. The height of any parking lot light pole/fixture shall not exceed eighteen (18) feet above grade.
B. When located within twenty-five (25) feet of a residential district the height of a light fixture shall not exceed fourteen (14) feet above grade.
Lighting standards are as follows:
A. Exterior lighting shall be designed located, constructed and maintained to minimize light and reflected light trespass and spill over off the subject property.
B. The height of any source of exterior lighting shall not exceed eighteen (18) feet above grade.
C. Lights greater than fourteen (14) feet shall have fully shielded, recessed lamps directed downward to prevent glare and shine above the horizontal plane.
D. Non-shielded exterior lighting shall not exceed fourteen (14) feet above grade and the level shall not be more intense than four thousand (4,000) lumens per fixture.
E. All external outdoor lighting fixtures, which are being used for the same purpose, within a given development shall be from the same or similar manufacturer's type to insure aesthetic compatibility.
F. Canopy lighting shall be recessed within a canopy and use an opaque shield around the sides of a light. Exterior building illumination shall be fully shielded. The maximum illumination of any vertical surface or angular roof surface shall not exceed four (4) footcandles.
G. The average horizontal illumination level on the ground shall not exceed two (2) footcandles.
H. The light level along a property line adjacent to a residentially-zoned or used property shall not exceed an average intensity of one-half ( 1/2) footcandle.
Section 27. That the existing section 3372.808 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.808 Lighting.
Lighting Standards shall meet the standards of this zoning code, including the standards contained in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter.
Lighting standards are as follows:
A. Exterior lighting shall be designed, located, constructed, and maintained to minimize light trespass and spill over off the subject property.
B. Lights shall have fully shielded, recessed lamps directed downward to prevent glare and shine above the horizontal plane.
C. Non-shielded exterior lighting shall not exceed fourteen (14) feet above grade and the level shall not be more intense than four thousand (4,000) lumens per fixture.
D. All external outdoor lighting fixtures, which are being used for the same purpose, within a given development shall be from the same or similar manufacturer's type to insure aesthetic compatibility.
E. Parking lot lighting shall be in accordance with the following standards:
1. Light fixtures shall not exceed twenty (20) feet above grade when located on a lot or premise of two (2) acres or less:
2. Light fixtures shall not exceed twenty-eight (28) feet above grade when located on a lot or premise of more than two (2) acres:
3. When located within twenty-five (25) feet of a residential district the height of a light fixture shall not exceed fourteen (14) feet above grade: and
4. In parking lots, lights shall be placed in parking lot islands or on a solid base to protect both lights and vehicles from possible damage.
F. Canopy lighting shall be recessed within a canopy and use an opaque shield around the sides of a light.
G. The average horizontal illumination level on the ground shall not exceed two (2) footcandles.
H. The light level along a property line adjacent to a residentially-zoned or used property shall not exceed an average intensity of one-half ( 1/2) footcandle.
I. Exterior building illumination shall be fully shielded. The maximum illumination of any vertical surface or angular roof surface shall not exceed four (4) footcandles.
Section 28. That the existing section 3372.609 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.609 Parking and circulation.
In addition to the standards found in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter, the following standards shall also apply. Parking, access and vehicular circulation standards are as follows:
A. Parking, stacking and circulation aisles are not permitted between the principal building and a street right-of-way line.
B. In recognition of the development pattern associated with this overlay, the required number of off-street parking spaces for non-residential uses shall be reduced in the following manner:
1. All uses, regardless of size other than an eating or drinking establishment smaller than 5,000 square feet with a pickup unit, are permitted a twenty-five percent (25%) reduction of the required parking in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter Chapter 3342.
2. Retail uses All uses, other than (not including eating and drinking establishments bars, cabarets, restaurants, night clubs, private clubs, places of assembly, and medical offices), that are ten thousand (10,000) square feet or less, are permitted an additional twenty-five percent (25%) reduction (for a total reduction of fifty percent (50%)) of the required parking in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter Chapter 3342.
3. Provided parking shall not exceed the standard provided for in Chapter 3342.
4. For this provision, area is based on total size of use including any additions.
Section 29. That the existing section 3372.709 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.709 Parking and circulation.
In addition to the standards found in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter, the following standards shall also apply. Parking, access and vehicular circulation standards are as follows:
A. Parking, stacking and circulation aisles are not permitted between the principal building and a street right-of-way line.
B. In recognition of the development pattern associated with this overlay, the required number of off-street parking spaces for non-residential uses shall be reduced in the following manner:
1. All uses, regardless of size other than an eating or drinking establishment smaller than 5,000 square feet with a pickup unit, are permitted a twenty-five percent (25%) reduction of the required parking in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter Chapter 3342.
2. Retail uses All uses, other than (not including eating and drinking establishments bars, cabarets, restaurants, night clubs, private clubs, places of assembly, and medical offices), that are ten thousand (10,000) square feet or less, are permitted an additional twenty-five percent (25%) reduction (for a total reduction of fifty percent (50%)) of the required parking in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter Chapter 3342.
3. Provided parking shall not exceed the standard provided for in Chapter 3342.
4. For this provision, area is based on total size of use including any additions.
Section 30. That the existing section 3372.809 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.809 Parking and circulation.
In addition to the standards found in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter, the following standards shall also apply. Parking, access and vehicular circulation standards are as follows:
A. The number of parking spaces provided shall be within a range of plus or minus five percent (± 5%) of the minimum required in Chapter 3342.
B. A pedestrian walkway shall be provided along the front of a building that contains multiple tenants.
C. A pedestrian circulation system shall be created so that a pedestrian using a public sidewalk or shared-use path along a public street can access adjacent buildings on paths delineated with markings, crosswalks, and/or different materials, directing foot traffic and separating it from primary access drives.
D. 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 principle building. The remaining parking shall be located behind the principle building's front building façade.
E. A lot or premises of more than two (2) acres shall be designed and organized to clearly define pedestrian circulation. Parking adjacent to a primary street shall be minimized 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 31. That the Columbus City Codes, 1959, are hereby supplemented by the enactment of a new section 3372.806 reading as follows:
3372.806 Graphics.
Graphics standards are as follows:
A. Sign information shall contain only the name, address, logo of the establishment and a secondary message, such as a businesses primary function.
B. All signs are limited to four (4) colors (black and white are considered colors). Registered corporate logos will not be limited in terms of color.
C. In addition to signs prohibited in Section 3375.13, the following types of signs are prohibited: off-premise signs, billboards, signs with flashing lights or bare bulbs, co-op signs, rotating signs, pole signs, automatic changeable copy signs, bench signs, projecting signs and roof-mounted signs.
D. Pickup unit menu boards are permitted in addition to a use's primary sign but shall not be visible from the public right-of-way or from adjacent residentially zoned property.
E. Standards for ground signs for commercially zoned parcels less than five (5) acres, the following standards shall apply:
The minimum sign setback shall be six feet from the right-of-way. Signs located between the minimum setback and (10) feet from the right-of-way shall not exceed (6) six feet in height, have a maximum overall sign area of sixty (60) square feet, with the graphic area not exceeding forty (40) square feet. Signs set back greater than ten (10) feet from the right-of-way shall not exceed eight feet in height, have a maximum overall sign area not exceeding eighty (80) square feet, with the graphic area not exceeding fifty (50) square feet.
F. Standards for ground signs for commercially zoned parcels equal to or greater than five (5) acres, the following standards shall apply:
1. Single-tenant buildings.
(a) The sign shall be set back a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the right-of-way.
(b) The sign height shall not exceed twenty (20) feet.
(c) The overall sign area shall not exceed one hundred sixty (160) square feet with the graphic area not to exceed eighty (80) square feet.
2. Multi-tenant buildings.
(a) The sign shall be set back a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the right-of-way.
(b) The sign height shall not exceed thirty (30) feet.
(c) The overall sign area shall not exceed three hundred twenty (320) square feet with the graphic area not to exceed one hundred sixty (160) square feet.
G. General Standards for all Ground Signs
1. The business address, or address range, shall be clearly displayed on the sign. Minimum letter/number height is six (6) inches.
2. The sign base shall be between eighteen (18) inches to thirty six (36) inches in height and as long and wide as the sign structure itself.
3. The sign base shall be landscaped with either low shrubs or perennial plantings for a minimum two (2) feet perimeter around the sign base.
4. The sign base shall be constructed of limestone or limestone veneer, horizontally coursed with flush raked mortar joints. Any caps on walls or piers should be continuous natural stone caps) shall be incorporated into the sign design. The stone shall be used as the sign base, but is not limited to this part of the sign.
H. Cemetery Signs. In lieu of a monument sign, a lot that is used specifically for a cemetery is permitted to incorporate a sign into an entrance gate or fence adjacent to the corridor.
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Section 32. That the existing section 3372.407 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.407 Parking and circulation.
Parking and circulation requirements for all commercially used or zoned property are as follows:
A. Parking, stacking and circulation aisles are not permitted between a public street right-of-way line and a principal building.
B. Additional curb cuts along streets identified in the Columbus Thoroughfare Plan will not be permitted unless the department of public service staff determines that a new curb cut is the only means available to provide vehicular access to the site and that the new location of the curb cut meets the requirements of the department of public service.
C. The required number of off-street parking spaces may be reduced by up to fifty (50) percent by the chief zoning official or designee in consultation with the department of public service staff. Factors to be considered include, but are not limited to: the availability of on-street, public, permit or shared parking; available transit service; pedestrian traffic and accessibility; elimination of arterial curb cuts; hours of operation and existing/proposed land use. The required number of loading spaces may be eliminated at the discretion of the chief zoning official or designee, with due consideration given to: frequency and time of deliveries; size and nature of vehicles accommodated by the loading spaces; the character of the neighborhood; and impact upon adjoining streets or alleys.
Section 33. That the existing Section 3311.23 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3311.23 Approval.
Where the director of development has approved the application for a use permit, then a use permit shall be as provided in C.C. 3311.26. Furthermore, where an application is for a permit or for a use or equipment or its enlargement, and complies with the restrictions and qualifications of C.C. 3311.28(a) and/or (b), then the director may follow the procedure specified in C.C. 3311.28, and approve the application without requiring a resolution of approval by the director.
Section 34. That the existing Section 4705.01 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4705.01 - Board makeup.
A. The safe neighborhood review board shall be composed of nine (9) members as follows:
1. The director, or his or her representative;
2. The administrator of the code enforcement development division of the department, or his or her representative;
3. The chief of the division of police, or his or her representative;
4. The chief of the bureau of fire prevention of the division of fire, or his or her representative;
5. The chief of the environmental health division of the department of public health, or his or her representative;
6. The chief building official, or his or her representative;
7. A public member appointed by the director who represents the historical preservation community;
8. A public member appointed by the director who is a member of an area commission;
9. A public member appointed by the director.
B. The terms of appointment of all public members appointed by the director shall be three (3) years each, and they shall serve until a successor is appointed.
C. The director shall serve as secretary of the board.
D. The board shall adopt those rules necessary to conduct its affairs.
Section 35. That the title of Article XIII of the Columbus Zoning Code, Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Article XIII. Parking Parking Districts and Overlays
Section 36. That prior existing sections 3303.03, 3303.05, 3303.06, 3303.12, 3303.16, 3303.19, 3305.02, 3357.01, 3357.12, 3357.13, 3357.14, 3357.18, 3357.21, 3373.01, 3373.07, 3376.01, 3377.17, 3372.607, 3372.707, 3372.807, 3372.608, 3372.708, 3372.808, 3372.609, 3372.709, 3372.809, 3372.806, 3372.407, 3311.23, and 4705.01 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, are hereby repealed.
Section 37. That Chapter 3342 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby repealed.
Section 38. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period provided by law.