Explanation
BACKGROUND: The first commercial overlays were adopted in Columbus in 1999. The overlays work in conjunction with existing zoning to improve the character of commercial corridors, facilitate streetscape continuity, and encourage pedestrian-friendly development. They have facilitated redevelopment through reinforcing the traditional building pattern of older neighborhoods and recognizing the need for flexibility in parking requirements.
Overlay provisions have been updated periodically as the city gains experience in their use. During the recent process to establish overlays on West Broad Street, a question was raised regarding the applicability of overlay parking provision on existing uses/structures. The code modification proposed in this legislation would clarify that the overlay requirement that "parking, stacking, and circulation are not permitted between the principal building and a street right-of-way line" does not apply to existing buildings unless they are expanded by 50% or more in gross floor area. The UCO and CCO parking provisions allowing for parking reductions under certain circumstances would remain applicable to existing buildings and uses.
The proposed code changes were considered and approved by the Development Commission on June 9, 2011.
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval
CITY DEPARTMENTS RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To amend various sections of Chapter 3372 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, in order to update and clarify the parking and circulation requirements of Urban and Community Commercial Overlays.
Body
WHEREAS, commercial overlays work in conjunction with existing zoning to improve the character of commercial corridors, facilitate redevelopment, reinforce streetscape continuity, and encourage pedestrian-friendly development; and
WHEREAS, overlay provisions have been updated periodically since their initial adoption in 1999 as the city gains experience in their use, including careful review of code language and boundary descriptions; and
WHEREAS, further clarification is needed regarding the applicability of the parking and circulation sections of the Urban and Community Commercial Overlays; and
WHEREAS, the proposed code changes were considered and approved by the Development Commission on June 9, 2011; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That 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.
A. Parking, stacking and circulation aisles are not permitted between the principal building and a street right-of-way line. This standard does not apply to existing buildings unless they are expanded by 50% or more in gross floor area.
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, other than an eating or drinking establishment smaller than 5,000 square feet with a pickup unit, are permitted a 25 percent reduction of the required parking in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter.
2. Retail uses, (not including eating and drinking establishments, private clubs, places of assembly, and medical offices) that are 10,000 square feet or less, are permitted an additional 25 percent reduction (for a total reduction of 50 percent) of the required parking in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter.
Section 2. That 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.
A. Parking, stacking and circulation aisles are not permitted between the principal building and a street right-of-way line. This standard does not apply to existing buildings unless they are expanded by 50% or more in gross floor area.
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, other than an eating or drinking establishment smaller than 5,000 square feet with a pickup unit, are permitted a 25 percent reduction of the required parking in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter.
2. Retail uses, (not including eating and drinking establishments, private clubs, places of assembly, and medical offices) that are 10,000 square feet or less, are permitted an additional 25 percent reduction (for a total reduction of 50 percent) of the required parking in the Off-Street Parking and Loading Chapter.
3. For this provision, area is based on total size of use including any additions.
Section 3. That prior existing sections 3372.609 and 3372.709 are hereby repealed.
Section 4. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period provided by law.