Explanation
BACKGROUND: Since 1999, a series of commercial zoning overlays and special graphics control area designations have been applied to areas of Columbus as a means of addressing community planning and design priorities. These designations work in conjunction with underlying zoning districts to provide additional standards for such things as building setback, screening, lighting and graphics. As the City gains experience in the administration of these code sections, a number of areas have been identified for needed revision. A city staff team undertook a comprehensive review of the commercial overlays (Urban, Community and Regional) as well as the Morse Road and Olentangy River Road special graphics control areas. This legislation submits changes to the code resulting from that effort. Many suggested modifications clarify ambiguous language or provide greater consistency of approach among overlays. In other cases, redundant standards or provisions were removed. The legislation eliminates code sections that tie parking reductions to administrative waivers in the Urban and Community Commercial Overlays, and instead uses a standard range of parking reductions. It also proposes greener parking lot standards, and folds the special graphics control area standards into the regional commercial overlay section, thereby eliminating two code sections.
This legislation will have no impact on the boundaries of existing areas. Targeted informational briefings and input sessions, notification of key stakeholders, and four public meetings were among the elements of the public review process, culminating in the Development Commission's recommendation for approval at their March 27, 2008 policy meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To update the provisions of the Urban, Community, and Regional Commercial Overlays; to incorporate the Morse Road and Olentangy River Road special graphics control areas code provisions i...
Click here for full text