The City is divided into zones, or zoning districts, as shown on the Official Zoning Map, which is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this Ordinance. The Zoning Administrator shall be responsible for maintaining the Zoning Map with the official records of the City. The Zoning Map may be amended according to the procedures established in the City Code. The approved zoning districts which may be reflected on the Zoning Map include the following:

   RR   Rural Residential District

   CLO   Coon lake Special Overlay District

   SO   Shoreland Overlay District

   FP   General Floodplain District which includes:

   FW   Floodway District

   FF   Flood Fringe District

   MU-L   Mixed Use Low Density District

   MU-M   Mixed Use Medium Density District

   MU-H   Mixed Use High Density District

   CC   Community Commercial District

   GC   General Commercial District

   HC   Highway Commercial District

   HR   Horse Racing District

   GB   General Business District

   LI   Light Industrial District

   C/I   Commercial/Industrial District

   C/I-Light   Commercial/Industrial Light District

Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of districts as shown on the Official Zoning Map or as described in this Chapter, the following rules shall apply:

   A.   Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of thoroughfares or highways, street lines, or highway right-of-way lines, or alleys shall be construed to follow such centerlines.

   B.   Boundaries indicated as approximately following surveyed lines shall be construed as following such lines.

   C.   Boundaries indicated as approximately following City limits shall be construed as following such City limits.

   D.   Boundaries indicated as following railroad lines, shall be construed to be midway between the main tracks.

   E.   Boundaries indicated as following shorelines shall be construed to follow such shorelines; and in the event change in the shoreline shall be construed as moving with the actual shoreline.

   F.   Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of streams, rivers, canals, lakes or other bodies of water shall be construed to follow such centerlines.

   G.   Boundaries indicated as approximately following the flood plain lines shall be construed to follow such contour lines. (In addition to the boundaries shown on the zone maps, the boundary of minor ditches and streams shall be designated as being at least five (5) vertical feet or 100 horizontal feet from the edge of the water, whichever is the greater distance. In this case, a stream, river or creek shall be defined as one which flows at least 180 days of the year. Further, it is advised that the banks which are at least ten (10) feet beyond, be left in as natural state as possible.)

   H.   Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of features indicated in Subsections A through G above shall be so construed. Distances not specifically indicated on the Official Zoning Map shall be determined by the scale of the map.

   I.   Where physical or cultural features existing on the ground are at variance with those shown as the Official Zoning Map, or in other circumstances not covered by Subsections A through F above, the Board of Adjustments and Appeals shall interpret the boundaries.

Articles VI and VII contain the use provisions for each Zoning District. Uses not listed as Permitted, Conditional or Interim Uses shall be considered prohibited. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS affecting all zoning uses are contained in Article VIII. ADULT USE REGULATIONS are contained in Article IX.

For reference, the list of Performance Standards in Article VIII includes the following:

   Section 7A-800   General Provisions

   Section 7A-801   District Lot, Area, Yards and Other Dimensional Criteria

   Section 7A-802   Buildable Area

   Section 7A-803   Minimum Construction Elevations above Known High Water and Driveway Design Requirements

   Section 7A-804   General Provisions for the Rural Residential (RR) District and Public Utility and Public Service Facility Standards

   Section 7A-805   Residential Accessory Buildings

   Section 7A-806   Reserved

   Section 7A-807   Swimming Pools

   Section 7A-808   Churches and Schools

   Section 7A-809   Dog Kennels

   Section 7A-810   Expansion of Existing Antennae Towers

   Section 7A-811   Private Streets Allowed

   Section 7A-812   Off-Street Parking

   Section 7A-813   Miscellaneous Business, Residential, and Institutional Use Performance Standards

   Section 7A-814   General Performance Standards for All Land Uses

   Section 7A-815   Feedlot Performance Standards

   Section 7A-816   Performance Standards for the Locations, Construction and Use of Communications Towers and Antenna

   Section 7A-817   Performance Standards for the Location, Construction and Use of Broadcasting Towers

   Section 7A-818   Performance Standards for Slaughterhouses

   Section 7A-819   Planned Unit Development (PUD)

   Section 7A-820   Performance Standards for Landscaping

   Section 7A-821   Seasonal Outdoor Holiday Exhibition and Assembly

   Section 7A-822   Mineral Extraction

   Section 7A-824   Performance Standards for Contractor Shops with Contractor Yard-Limited

   Section 7A-825 though 7A-899 [Reserved for future use]

The following Zoning Districts are hereby established for the City of Columbus, Minnesota. For the interpretation of this Ordinance, the Zoning Districts have been formulated to realize the general purposes as set forth in the Preamble of this Ordinance. In addition, the specific purpose of each Zoning District shall be stated.

The RR District is established as the primary zoning category in the City of Columbus. The purpose of the RR District is to provide adequate areas and use restrictions for residential development that provide pleasant living environments and protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

The RR District established upon adoption of the City Code and as modified by subsequent ordinance amendment is illustrated on the City of Columbus Official Zoning Map. A maximum gross density of one (1) Dwelling per five (5) acre Lot is permitted in this District.

The following uses shall be permitted in the RR District.

   A.   Single family dwelling units.

   B.   Single family dwelling accessory uses and residential accessory buildings.

   C.   Animals.

   D.   Parks.

   E.   Swimming pools.

   F.   Non-commercial kennels.

   G.   Home occupations.

   H.   Licensed day care facilities as home occupations and according to regulations established in Minn. Stat. § 256H.

   I.   Municipal buildings and facilities.

The following uses shall be conditional within the RR District:

   A.   Public and quasi-public utilities.

   B.   Cemeteries.

   C.   Public safety facilities.

   D.   Churches and schools.

   E.   Alternative subdivision design according to the provisions regulating Planned Unit Development (PUD).

The Interim Uses listed in this Section may be permitted in the RR District with an Interim Use Permit granted by the City Council after a public hearing as required by Minn. Stat. § 462.3597 if the City Council finds that the Interim Use meets the standards set forth in Minn. Stat. § 462.3597, subd. 2. Interim Use Permits shall be valid for a term of up to five (5) years. Interim use permits for communications towers and antenna may be approved for up to an additional twenty (20) years for a total term of up to twenty-five (25) years. The City Council may place such conditions on the Interim Use Permit as are necessary to prevent harmful effects from the Interim Use upon the City and its residents. The City Council may provide as a condition that the Interim Use Permit shall be reviewed if it is the cause of a specified number of substantiated complaints within a specified time period. Compliance with the applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations shall be a condition of all Interim Use Permits. The term of Interim Use Permits granted under this Section shall be a condition of the permit.

   A.   Dog kennels.

   B.   Residential Zone Businesses legally operating as of November 1, 2023, subject to ongoing compliance with their respective IUP conditions of approval, may continue until November 1, 2023 at which time such business shall transition to a Home Occupation or terminate operations within the Rural Residential District.

   C.   Expansion of existing antennae towers.

   D.   Amateur service communications (i.e. ham radios), provided such communications and any equipment associated therewith, comply with all applicable local, State, and federal laws, rules and regulations. In addition, any tower and/or antenna associated with such Amateur service communications shall be limited to a total height of 100 feet above ground level and shall be subject to a setback from all setback Lines (as defined in this Chapter 7A) equal to the total height of the tower and/or antenna above ground level. The City Council may consider a reduced setback requirement if it is provided with a report from a certified structural engineer specifying that the proposed tower and/or antenna are designed to collapse in such a manner that the required setback is not necessary to avoid hazards to adjoining properties.

   E.   Animals on Lots less than five (5) acres provided the housing of any animals shall comply with the standards set forth in this code and any other ordinances applicable to keeping such animals and provided, further, that the keeping of such animals does not threaten the health or safety of the residents of the City or otherwise create a public nuisance pursuant to Chapter 5 of the City Code.

   F.   Communications towers located on government-owned property, subject to the requirements and performance standards for the location, construction and use of communications towers and antenna.

   G.   Seasonal outdoor holiday exhibition and assembly, according to Chapter 4 and Chapter 7A of this Code.

   H.   Temporary family care dwelling unit.

   I.   Mineral extraction.

DEFINED. The CLO District is a special management area within an RR District. The provisions of Chapter 7A related to the RR District shall apply within the CLO District, except as otherwise provided in these provisions. The CLO District is established to address the unique land use characteristics associated with the Coon Lake area while protecting the public health, safety and welfare. The CLO District is intended to (i) address existing properties and improvements that, due to the proximity to Coon Lake, constitute a non-conforming use within the underlying RR District and (ii) limit future development and land use densities within the CLO District to remain consistent with existing development within the district. The CLO District provisions apply to all residentially zoned property within the CLO District. All provisions of the Columbus City Code and other laws and regulations applicable to properties located within the CLO District shall continue to apply.

The CLO District is depicted on the Official Zoning Map and includes the following described property:

Commencing at the northwest corner of Section 30, Township 33, Range 22, thence easterly along north line of Section 30 to the east line of Lot 17, Auditor's Subdivision No. 139, thence southerly to the south line of Lot 17, thence westerly to the east line of Lot 16, thence southerly on the east line of Lot 16 to the ordinary high water line of Coon Lake, thence southerly along the easterly ordinary high water line of Coon Lake to the north line of Lot 34 of Breezy Shore addition, thence easterly to the centerline of Lexington Avenue, thence southerly along the centerline of Lexington Avenue to the centerline of 190th Lane, thence westerly along the centerline of 190th Lane to the west line of Section 30, thence northerly to the point of beginning.

   A.   Detached single family dwellings.

   B.   Non-water oriented, customary residential accessory structures, provided that:

      (1)   The accessory structure(s) is/are not located between the principal building and the lakeshore on riparian lots;

      (2)   Accessory structures on riparian lots must be set back a minimum of thirty (30) feet from the public street access right-of-way line.

      (3)   For lots less than two (2) acres, the aggregate square footage of all detached accessory structure(s) shall not exceed one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet for dwellings with attached garages or one thousand eight hundred (1,800) square feet for Dwellings without an attached garage.

      (4)   For lots of two (2) acres or more, the maximum square footage for all accessory structures shall be governed by the RR District guidelines set forth in this Code.

   C.   Water oriented accessory structures.

   D.   Swimming pools, tennis courts and similar private recreational facilities.

   E.   Domestic pets.

   F.   Home occupations.

   G.   Public parks and public water oriented facilities.

   H.   Essential Services.

The following uses shall be conditional in the CLO District:

   A.   Public service facilities.

   B.   Public safety facilities for the provision of fire, police, and other safety services.

The Shoreland Overlay District provisions are included in Article VII Chapter 7E of the City Code.

The Floodplain Overlay District provisions are included in Article VII Chapter 7F of the City Code.

The purpose of the MU-L District is to establish a placeholder for mixed use live-work opportunities when public utilities become available or if city-approved alternative sewer systems are appropriate for low density residential uses that are clearly accessory to principal business uses. The maximum residential density shall be one unit per acre and any mixed use development shall be reviewed as a planned unit development through the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) procedures. The MU-L District also allows Permitted Uses, Conditional Uses and Interim Uses listed in the Commercial/Industrial (C/I) District. The C/I District Design Standards apply to all uses within the MU-L District. All other relevant performance standards listed in Article VIII of Chapter 7 of the City Code apply to the MU-L District.

The purpose of the Mixed Use Medium Density Residential (MU-M) District is to allow a variety of residential housing styles and opportunities at varying levels of residential densities, interspersed with commercial land uses. Allowing mixed uses requires a conscious effort to minimize land use conflicts by establishing performance standards, including compatible development requirements, cohesive building and landscaping design standards, and complementary pedestrian and traffic circulation requirements. The goal of establishing the MU-M District is to allow flexibility in land use development patterns, controlled through the planned unit development procedures for both residential and commercial land uses, whether projects are individually developed or part of a multiple use development concept. The City may require additional performance standards, such as late-night operating and lighting restrictions, to minimize conflicts between different land uses. Because of the mixed land use concept, all uses in the MU-M District shall meet higher design standards. All uses in the MU-M District require connection to public sewer and water.

The MU-M District, established by amendment to the City Code and as modified by subsequent amendments, is illustrated on the City of Columbus Official Zoning Map.

Because the intent of the MU-M District is to review residential and commercial projects through the Conditional Use Permit and Planned Unit Development procedures, the number of permitted uses is limited. The following uses shall be permitted in the MU-M District:

   A.   Municipal buildings and facilities and parks.

The MU-M District includes a variety of residential uses and commercial uses in areas identified as “Mixed Use — Medium” in the “City of Columbus 2040 Comprehensive Plan.” The residential uses include association managed detached dwellings, association managed attached dwellings (duplexes and other attached dwellings), apartments, condominiums and cooperatives. All uses shall follow the provisions of the MU-M District, the conditional use permit procedures, and the planned unit development provisions outlined in this Ordinance. The following uses shall be conditional in the MU-M District:

   A.   Association managed detached single family dwellings.

   B.   Association managed attached single family dwellings.

   C.   Apartments, condominiums, and cooperatives.

   D.   Gasoline sales, related convenience retail sales and accessory car wash.

   E.   Indoor Sales and storage of retail goods to consumers, such as groceries, alcohol, clothing, household goods, medical, electronics, sporting goods, household, and similar uses, excluding pawn shops.

   F.   Pharmacy and accessory drive thru.

   G.   Licensed childcare.

   H.   Restaurant or coffee shop, including accessory drive thru.

   I.   Catering service.

   J.   Bakeries with primarily direct retail sales to consumers.

   K.   Boutique/gift shop.

   L.   Family movie theaters.

   M.   Indoor commercial recreation.

   N.   Professional offices and financial institutions.

   O.   Medical Clinics.

   P.   Micro distillery/brewery with retail sales and accessory open-air patio.

   Q.   Dry Cleaners, hair salons, photography studio, and other on-premises business services.

   R.   Yoga and small fitness centers, wellness center, dance studios, and similar uses

   S.   Veterinary animal hospital or clinic, including accessory product sales and accessory small animal patient indoor boarding, and grooming.

   T.   Small animal indoor grooming, including accessory product sales and periodic vaccination services.

[Reserved for future use.]

   A.   Residential Developments.

      1.   Association managed detached dwellings. These homes are unattached single-family dwellings managed by a homeowner's association, which governs architectural controls, establishes association fees, provides lawn care, snow plowing, trash and recycling collection, and all common area maintenance and repair within a development.

         a.   Minimum lot area: 5,000 square feet per unit, net of road easements, ponding areas, and wetlands.

         b.   Private streets allowed and public utilities required. Public utilities shall be constructed according to minimum City standards. Private streets with no on-street parking shall be a minimum 24 feet width with curbing. Streets with one-side parking shall be a minimum 30 feet width. All streets shall be paved and shall meet a minimum 7-ton City design standard. Public utility easements shall be dedicated for a minimum width of the private street.

         c.   Front yard setback: Private road: 30 feet from the curb for garage and 20 feet from curb for living space.

         d.   Front yard setback: public road: 30 feet minimum structure setback from right-of-way line.

         e.   Side yard setback: 5 feet, or 30 feet if side yard is adjacent to public road.

         f.   Rear yard setback: 25 feet, or 30 feet if rear yard is adjacent to public road.

         g.   Maximum height: 2-story.

         h.   Unit size: all units shall contain a minimum of two bedrooms and minimum of 960 square feet of living space.

         i.   Attached garage required: 2 stalls, 11' X 24' minimum each stall.

         j.   Surface parking required: minimum 18' X 24' in front of garage.

         k.   Guest parking: ½ stall per unit dispersed conveniently throughout development, unless comparable street parking is available.

         1.   Front building façade: minimum 35% brick, stucco, stone or cultured stone.

         m.   Building variation: No identical front façade shall be located consecutively on the same side of any street. At least 3 different floor plans and 3 different architectural variations for front façade are required in any development with 10 or more homes.

         n.   Landscaping shall include a minimum of two overstory trees per unit and shall meet the minimum planting standards outlined in this Ordinance.

         o.   Sidewalks and trails may be required within any development.

      2.   Attached Dwellings. These individually owned homes include Duplexes; "Row Homes," attached single family homes aligned side-by-side and with garage access on one side of the building; and "Townhomes," attached single family homes aligned side-by-side and back-to-back with garage access on two sides of the building. Attached single family dwellings are managed by a homeowners' association, which governs architectural controls, establishes association fees, provides lawn care, snow plowing, trash and recycling collection, exterior building maintenance and repair, and all common area maintenance and repair within a development.

         a.   Minimum lot area - Duplex: 5,000 square feet per unit, net of road easements, ponding areas, and wetlands.

         b.   Minimum lot area - Row/Townhome: None.

         c.   Maximum Row/Townhome units per building: Eight.

         d.   Private streets allowed and public utilities required. Public utilities shall be constructed according to minimum City standards. Private streets with no on-street parking shall be a minimum 24 feet width with curbing. Streets with one-side parking shall be a minimum 30 feet width. All streets shall be paved and shall meet a minimum 7-ton City design standard. Public utility easements shall be dedicated for the minimum width of the private street.

         e.   Private access drives: driveways providing access to individual units shall be a minimum of 24 feet in width. Private access drives containing public utilities shall include public utility easements.

         f.   Individual utility metering: all units are required to be served with individual private and public utility services and metering, unless otherwise approved by the City.

         g.   Front yard setback: Private road: 30 feet from the curb for garage and 20 feet from curb for living space.

         h.   Front yard setback: public road: 30 feet minimum structure setback from right-of-way line.

         i.   Side yard Setback - Duplex: zero lot line on common wall; 10 feet on opposite side yard, or 30 feet if side yard is adjacent to public road.

         j.   Side yard Setback - Row/Townhome: zero lot line on common walls; 25 feet garage setback to access drive; 20 feet living space setback, or 30 feet if side yard is adjacent to public road.

         k.   Rear Yard setback: 25 feet, or 30 feet if rear yard is adjacent to public road.

         l.   Maximum height: 2-story.

         m.   Unit size: all units shall contain a minimum of two bedrooms and minimum of 960 square feet of living space.

         n.   Attached garage required: 2 stalls, 11' X 24' minimum each stall.

         o.   Surface parking required: minimum 18' X 24' in front of garage.

         p.   Guest parking: ½ stall per unit dispersed conveniently throughout development, unless comparable street parking is available.

         q.   Front building façade - Duplex: minimum 35% brick, stucco, stone or cultured stone.

         r.   Building variation - Duplex: No identical front façade shall be located consecutively on the same side of any street. At least 3 different floor plans and 3 different architectural variations for front façade are required in any development with 10 or more homes.

         s.   Building façade - Row/Townhome: minimum 25% brick, stucco, stone or cultured stone on all sides of building. The percentage of the required exterior materials may be modified by the City when the use of shutters, window grids, gable end returns, and similar architectural enhancements are incorporated in the exterior building design.

         t.   Building variation - Row/Townhome: building architectural design features, including but not limited to roof lines, façade variations, and building footprints, shall be sufficiently different; so that, no building is next to or directly across the street or access drive from an identical appearing building.

         u.   Landscaping shall include a minimum of two overstory trees per unit and shall meet the minimum planting standards outlined in this Ordinance.

         v.   Development plans shall include descriptions of unit sizes, rental or sales price points, indoor common areas and group usable space, building elevations with detailed breakdowns of building materials and colors, floor plans, trash and recycling facilities, site lighting, and outdoor group usable amenities.

         w.   Sidewalk and trails may be required within any development.

      3.   Multiple Family Dwellings. These housing units include apartments, condominiums, and cooperatives that feature common building access to individual units, common security, managed property maintenance and managed utility service provisions, but do not typically include personal or health care service provisions by building management.

         a.   Minimum lot area: 1 acre.

         b.   Maximum density: 16 units per acre.

         c.   Minimum unit size: efficiency/1-bedroom 600 square feet; 2-bedroom 720 square feet; additional bedrooms 120 square feet each.

         d.   Front yard setback: 30 feet.

         e.   Side yard setback: 20 feet, or 30 feet if side yard is adjacent to public road.

         f.   Rear yard setback: 30 feet.

         g.   Maximum height: 3 stories.

         h.   Individual utility metering: all units are required to be served with individual private and public utility services and metering, unless otherwise approved by the City.

         i.   Private streets allowed and public utilities required. Public utilities shall be constructed according to minimum City standards. Private streets with no on-street parking shall be a minimum 24 feet width with curbing. Streets with one-side parking shall be a minimum 30 feet width. All streets shall be paved and shall meet a minimum 7-ton City design standard. Public utility easements shall be dedicated for a minimum width of the private street.

         j.   Private access drives: driveways providing access to buildings shall be a minimum of 24 feet in width. Private access drives containing public utilities shall include public utility easements.

         k.   Garage parking: optional. 1/2 garage space per unit and garage buildings shall be a minimum 12'x24' and compatible with minimum principal structure design standards.

         l.   Surface parking: 2 stalls per unit. The number of surface parking spaces may be offset by the number of garage stalls provided, if the garage stalls are automatically assigned to dwelling units. Parking spaces shall be 10'X20' with 24' driveway aisles.

         m.   Guest parking: 1/4 stall per unit, unless comparable street parking is available.

         n.   Parking areas may occupy 1/3 of the minimum required yard area.

         o.   Building exteriors: The City requires a mix of architectural features, building materials and color schemes to accentuate the appearance of multiple family dwellings. Building materials may include masonry products (brick, stone, stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels), wood, EIFS, composite wood panels and lap siding, composite fiber-cement panels and lap siding, metal panels, composite metal panels, other composite material panels, glass panels, windows and trim.

            1)   25% of the façade on all exteriors shall consist of masonry products. This masonry percentage requirement does not include façade surface area consisting of windows and doors and associated trim. For the purpose of this section, masonry does not include bare cinder block, unadorned prestressed panels, or smooth concrete panels.

            2)   Panels and lap siding shall be used to complement masonry materials and shall be roughly proportionate to each other. Visible joints in all siding materials shall be architecturally integrated into the building design.

            3)   The percentage of the required exterior materials may be modified by the City when the use of staggered unit elevations, balconies and porches, shutters, gable end returns, mantels, corbels, cornices, cupolas, false dormers or windows, and similar combinations of architectural enhancements are incorporated to accentuate the exterior building design.

            4)   Colors shall be earth tone, such as shades of brown and soft neutral colors. Multiple color schemes are permitted, provided they are complementary and compatible with the primarily masonry exterior. The use of contrasting, yet harmonious colors may also be permitted provided they are compatible with the primarily masonry exterior.

            5)   No individual floor of a building may be one color or one siding material, except for the use of masonry products.

            6)   The percentage of the required exterior materials on non-residential facing façades may be modified by the City if the street facing or front façade is correspondingly enhanced.

            7)   In Planned Unit Developments with multiple properties, the character of all buildings shall reflect a common theme with compatible building styles, building materials, color schemes, landscaping, site lighting and pedestrian circulation.

            8)   Development plans shall include descriptions of unit sizes, rental or sales price points, indoor common areas and group usable space, storage space options, building elevations with detailed breakdowns of building materials and colors, floor plans, trash and recycling facilities, site lighting, and outdoor group usable amenities.

         p.   Landscaping shall include a minimum of one overstory tree per unit; however, 25% of the overstory trees may be substitutes with perennial foundation plantings at a ratio of 10 foundation plantings per overstory tree. All landscaping shall meet the minimum planting standards outlined in this Ordinance.

         q.   Sidewalks and trails may be required within any development.

         r.   All mechanical equipment integral to the building function shall be screened from view from adjacent public right of ways, streets, and properties, including equipment located on the rooftop.

            1)   Screening must be architecturally designed and made from materials compatible in design and quality to those of the overall building design.

            2)   A cross section for each elevation may be required for proposed roof top mechanical screenings.

         s.   Pitched roofs that are exposed shall be constructed of commercial grade architectural shingles, wood singles, slate, tile, copper or heavy gage standing seam steel. Flat roofs are not subject to these requirements.

   B.   Commercial Developments.

      1.   Commercial Developments in the Mixed Use Medium Density Residential District.

         a.   Sidewalks and trails may be required in every development.

         b.   CUP applications shall include, but not be limited to, detailed site plans, floor plans, utility plans, building elevations with detailed breakdowns of building materials and colors, trash and recycling facilities, landscaping plans, site lighting plans and pedestrian movement plans.

         c.   Building exteriors: the City requires a mix of architectural features, building materials and color schemes to accentuate the appearance of commercial buildings. Building materials may include masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels) wood, EIFS, composite wood panels and lap siding, composite fiber-cement panels and lap siding, metal panels, composite metal panels, other composite material panels, glass panels, windows and trim. Ribbed or corrugated metal panels are not permitted. Standing seam metal panels are permitted within a planned unit development on up to 20% of the façade.

            1)   At least 50% of the façade on all exteriors of all buildings shall consist of masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels). This masonry percentage requirement does not include façade surface area consisting of windows and doors and associated trim. For the purpose of this section, masonry does not include bare cinder block, unadorned pre-stressed panels, or smooth concrete panels.

            2)   The remaining combination of accent materials may not detract from the overall appearance of the primarily masonry building design and accent materials must be used to create a harmonized design that is apparent on each building façade that is visible to the public via public right of way and adjacent property.

            3)   Accent materials shall be consistent in grade and quality of the primary building materials. For each wall exceeding 200 feet in length there shall be an architectural feature or accent feature every 1/3rd of the wall length.

            4)   Visible joints in all siding materials shall be architecturally integrated into the building design.

            5)   Colors shall be softer, neutral colors. Brilliant colors, neon colors and other distracting colors shall be prohibited. Multiple color schemes are permitted, provided they are complementary and compatible.

            6)   A visually distinct front entrance must be present and obvious from the street, while remaining harmonious with the overall finish of the building.

            7)   The percentage of the required exterior materials may be modified by the City when the use of staggered elevations, staggered parapets, mantels, corbels, cornices, and similar combinations of architectural enhancements are incorporated to accentuate the exterior building design.

            8)   The percentage of the required exterior materials on non-residential facing and non-street facing façades may be modified by the City if the street facing or front façade is correspondingly enhanced. Enhancements may include, but are not limited to, the increase in architectural enhancements, and complementary horizontal or vertical design features.

            9)   In Planned Unit Developments with multiple properties, the character of all buildings shall reflect a common theme with compatible building styles, building materials, color schemes, landscaping, site lighting and pedestrian circulation.

         d.   Pitched roofs that are exposed shall be constructed of commercial grade architectural shingles, wood shingles, slate, tile, copper or heavy gage standing seam steel. Flat roofs are not subject to these requirements.

         e.   All mechanical equipment integral to the building function shall be screened from view from adjacent public right of ways, streets, and properties, including equipment located on the rooftop.

            1)   Screening must be architecturally designed and made from materials compatible in design and quality to those of the overall building design.

            2)   a cross section for each elevation may be required for proposed roof top mechanical screenings.

         f.   No display of merchandise shall be permitted on any roof.

         g.   On properties greater than or equal to one acre, the minimum square footage of any building(s) shall be at least seven percent (7%) of the property acreage, net of wetlands, stormwater ponds and other easement encumbrances.

The purpose of the Mixed Use High Density Residential District is to allow a variety of residential housing styles and opportunities at higher levels of residential density, interspersed with commercial land uses. Allowing mixed uses requires a conscious effort to minimize land use conflicts by establishing performance standards, including compatible development requirements, cohesive building and landscaping design standards, and complementary pedestrian and traffic circulation requirements. The MU-H District may include standalone residential and commercial uses, adjacent to each other, or residential uses located on separate floor(s) above commercial uses. The goal of establishing the MU-H District is to allow flexibility in land use development patterns, controlled through Planned Unit Development procedures for both residential and commercial land uses, whether projects are individually developed or part of a multiple use development concept. The City may require additional performance standards, such as late-night operating and lighting restrictions, to minimize conflicts between different land uses. The high visibility and accessibility of this district will support the highest building and site design standards in the I-35 Freeway Corridor, with no intention to serve extensive land users or uses with prominent outdoor display. All uses in the MU-H District require connection to public sewer and water.

The MU-H District, established by amendment to the City Code and as modified by subsequent amendments, is illustrated on the City of Columbus Official Zoning Map.

Because the intent of the MU-H District is to review residential and commercial projects through the Planned Unit Development process, the number of permitted uses is limited. The following uses shall be permitted in the MU-H District:

   A.   Municipal Buildings and Facilities and parks.

The MU-H District includes a variety of residential uses and commercial uses in areas identified as "Mixed Use — High" in the "City of Columbus 2040 Comprehensive Plan." The residential uses include association managed senior citizen detached dwellings and apartments, condominiums and cooperatives. All uses shall follow the provisions of the MU-H District, the conditional use permit procedures and the planned unit development provisions outlined in this Ordinance. The following uses shall be conditional in the MU-H District:

   A.   Association managed senior citizen detached single family dwellings, in existence in the district on the date of adoption of this ordinance.

   B.   Apartments, condominiums cooperatives and attached dwellings.

   C.   Gasoline sales and related convenience retail sales and accessory carwash.

   D.   Indoor sales and storage of retail goods to consumers, such as groceries, alcohol, clothing, household goods, medical, electronics, sporting goods, and similar uses, excluding pawn shops.

   E.   Bakeries with primarily direct retail sales to consumers.

   F.   Indoor commercial recreation.

   G.   Hotel/motel.

   H.   Licensed childcare.

   I.   Restaurant or coffee shop, including accessory drive thru.

   J.   Professional offices.

   K.   Boutique/gift shop.

   L.   Family movie theaters.

   M.   Dry cleaners, hair salons, photography studio, and other on-premises business services.

   N.   Yoga and small fitness centers, wellness center, dance studios, and similar uses.

   O.   Micro distillery/brewery with retail sales and accessory open-airo patio.

   P.   Pharmacy and accessory drive thru.

   Q.   Veterinary animal hospital or clinic, including accessory product sales and accessory small animal patient indoor boarding and grooming.

   R.   Small animal indoor grooming, including accessory product sales and periodic vaccination services.

[Reserved for future use.]

   A.   Residential Developments

      1.   Association managed detached dwellings. These homes are unattached single-family dwellings managed by a homeowner's association, which governs architectural controls, establishes association fees, provides lawn care, snow plowing, trash and recycling collection, and all common area maintenance and repair within a development. Senior citizen housing shall be restricted to residents fifty-five (55) years or older for eighty (80) percent or more of the dwelling units.

         a.   Minimum lot area: 5,000 square feet per unit, net of road easements, ponding areas, and wetlands.

         b.   Private streets allowed and public utilities required. Public utilities shall be constructed according to minimum City standards. Private streets with no on-street parking shall be a minimum 24 feet width with curbing. Streets with one-side parking shall be a minimum 30 feet width. All streets shall be paved and shall meet a minimum 7-ton City design standard. Public utility easements shall be dedicated for a minimum width of the private street.

         c.   Front yard setback: Private road: 30 feet from the curb for garage and 20 feet from curb for living space.

         d.   Front yard setback: public road: 30 feet minimum structure setback from right-of-way line.

         e.   Side yard setback: 5 feet, or 30 feet if side yard is adjacent to public road.

         f.   Rear yard setback: 25 feet, or 30 feet if rear yard is adjacent to public road.

         g.   Maximum height: 2-story.

         h.   Unit size: all units shall contain a minimum of two bedrooms and minimum of 960 square feet of living space.

         i.   Attached garage required: 2 stalls, 11' X 24' minimum each stall.

         j.   Surface parking required: minimum 18' X 24' in front of garage.

         k.   Guest parking: 1/2 stall per unit dispersed conveniently throughout development, unless comparable street parking is available.

         l.   Front building façade: minimum 35% brick, stucco, stone or cultured stone.

         m.   Building variation: No identical front façade shall be located consecutively on the same side of any street. At least 3 different floor plans and 3 different architectural variations for front façade are required in any development with 10 or more homes.

         n.   Landscaping shall include a minimum of two overstory trees per unit and shall meet the minimum planting standards outlined in this Ordinance.

         o.   Sidewalks and trails may be required within any development.

      2.   Apartments, condominiums and cooperatives. Apartments, condominiums, and cooperatives feature common building access to individual units, common security, managed property maintenance and managed utility service provisions, but do not include personal or health care service provisions by building management.

         a.   Maximum density: 30 units per acre.

         b.   Maximum height: 5 stories.

         c.   Minimum unit size: efficiency/1-bedroom 600 square feet; 2-bedroom 720 square feet; additional bedrooms 120 square feet each.

         d.   Front yard setback: 30 feet.

         e.   Side yard setback: 20 feet, or 30 feet if side yard is adjacent to public road.

         f.   Rear yard setback: 30 feet.

         g.   Private access drives: driveways providing access to buildings shall be a minimum of 24 feet in width. Private access drives containing public utilities shall include public utility easements.

         h.   Garage parking required: 1/2 Garage Space per unit, underground or at-grade parking (within the footprint of the building) shall be required. Parking spaces shall be 10’X20’ with 24’ driveway aisles.

         i.   Surface parking: 2 stalls per unit. The number of surface parking spaces may be offset by the number of garage stalls provided, if the garage stalls are automatically assigned to dwelling units. Parking spaces shall be 10’X20’ with 24’ driveway aisles.

         j.   Guest parking: ¼ stall per unit, unless comparable street parking is available.

         k.   Parking areas may occupy 1/3 of the minimum required yard area.

         l.   Individual utility metering: all units are required to be served with individual private and public utility services and metering, unless otherwise approved by the City.

         m.   Building exteriors: The City requires a mix of architectural features, building materials and color schemes to accentuate the appearance of multiple family dwellings. Building materials may include masonry products (brick, stone, stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels), wood, EIFS, composite wood panels and lap siding, composite fiber-cement panels and lap siding, metal panels, composite metal panels, other composite material panels, glass panels, windows and trim.

            1)   35% of the façade on all exteriors shall consist of masonry products. This masonry percentage requirement does not include façade surface area consisting of windows and doors and associated trim. For the purpose of this section, masonry does not include bare cinder block, unadorned prestressed panels, or smooth concrete panels.

            2)   Panels and lap siding shall be used to complement masonry materials and shall be roughly proportionate to each other. Visible joints in all siding materials shall be architecturally integrated into the building design.

            3)   The percentage of the required exterior materials may be modified by the City when the use of staggered unit elevations, balconies and porches, shutters, gable end returns, mantels, corbels, cornices, cupolas, false dormers or windows, and similar combinations of architectural enhancements are incorporated to accentuate the exterior building design.

            4)   Colors shall be earth tone, such as shades of brown and soft neutral colors. Multiple color schemes are permitted, provided they are complementary and compatible with the primarily masonry exterior. The use of contrasting, yet harmonious colors may also be permitted provided they are compatible with the primarily masonry exterior.

            5)   No individual floor of a building may be one color or one siding material, except for the use of masonry products.

            6)   The percentage of the required exterior materials on non-residential facing façades may be modified by the City if the street facing or front façade is correspondingly enhanced.

            7)   In Planned Unit Developments with multiple properties, the character of all buildings shall reflect a common theme with compatible building styles, building materials, color schemes, landscaping, site lighting and pedestrian circulation.

            8)   Development plans shall include descriptions of unit sizes, rental or sales price points, indoor common areas and group usable space, storage space options, building elevations with detailed breakdowns of building materials and colors, floor plans, trash and recycling facilities, site lighting, and outdoor group usable amenities.

         n.   Landscaping shall include a minimum of one overstory tree per unit; however, 25% of the overstory trees may be substituted with perennial foundation plantings at a ratio of 10 foundation plantings per overstory tree. All landscaping shall meet the minimum planting standards outlined in this Ordinance.

         o.   Sidewalks and trails may be required within any development.

         p.   All mechanical equipment integral to the building function shall be screened from view from adjacent public right of ways, streets, and properties, including equipment located on the rooftop.

            1)   Screening must be architecturally designed and made from materials compatible in design and quality to those of the overall building design.

            2)   A cross section for each elevation may be required for proposed roof top mechanical screenings.

         q.   Pitched roofs that are exposed shall be constructed of commercial grade architectural shingles, wood singles, slate, tile, copper or heavy gage standing seam steel. Flat roofs are not subject to these requirements.

      3.   Attached Dwellings. These individually owned homes include "Row Homes," attached single family homes aligned side-by-side and with garage access on one side of the building and "Townhomes," attached single family homes aligned side-by-side and back-to-back with garage access on two sides of the building. Attached single family dwellings are managed by a homeowners' association, which governs architectural controls, establishes association fees, provides lawn care, snow plowing, trash and recycling collection, exterior building maintenance and repair, and all common area maintenance and repair within a development.

         a.   Minimum lot area: none.

         b.   Maximum density: 30 units per acre.

         c.   Maximum units per building: none.

         d.   Private streets allowed and public utilities required. Public utilities shall be constructed according to minimum City standards. Private streets with no on-street parking shall be a minimum 24 feet width with curbing. Streets with one-side parking shall be a minimum 30 feet width. All streets shall be paved and shall meet a minimum 7-ton City design standard. Public utility easements shall be dedicated for the minimum width of the private street.

         e.   Private access drives: driveways providing access to individual units shall be a minimum of 24 feet in width. Private access drives containing public utilities shall include public utility easements.

         f.   Individual utility metering: all units are required to be served with individual private and public utility services and metering, unless otherwise approved by the City.

         g.   Front yard setback: Private road: 30 feet from the curb for garage and 20 feet from curb for living space.

         h.   Front yard setback: Public road: 30 feet minimum structure setback from right-of-way line.

         i.   Side yard Setback: zero lot line on common walls; 25 feet garage setback to private road curb; 20 feet living space setback from private road curb, or 30 feet building setback if side yard is adjacent to public road.

         j.   Rear Yard setback: 25 feet from private road curb, or 30 feet if rear yard is adjacent to public road or private property.

         k.   Maximum height: 3-story.

         l.   Unit size: all units shall contain a minimum of two bedrooms and minimum of 960 square feet of living space.

         m.   Attached garage required: 2 stalls, 11’ X 24’ minimum each stall.

         n.   Surface parking required: minimum 18’ X 24’ in front of garage.

         o.   Guest parking: 1/2 stall per unit dispersed conveniently throughout development, unless comparable street parking is available.

         p.   Building exteriors: The City requires a mix of architectural features, building materials and color schemes to accentuate the appearance of multiple family dwellings. Building materials may include masonry products (brick, stone, stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels), wood, EIFS, composite wood panels and lap siding, composite fiber-cement panels and lap siding, metal panels, composite metal panels, other composite material panels, glass panels, windows and trim.

            1)   35% of the façade on all exteriors shall consist of masonry products. This masonry percentage requirement does not include façade surface area consisting of windows and doors and associated trim. For the purpose of this section, masonry does not include bare cinder block, unadorned pre-stressed panels, or smooth concrete panels.

            2)   Panels and lap siding shall be used to complement masonry materials and shall be roughly proportionate to each other. Visible joints in all siding materials shall be architecturally integrated into the building design.

            3)   The percentage of the required exterior materials may be modified by the City when the use of staggered unit elevations, balconies and porches, shutters, gable end returns, mantels, corbels, cornices, cupolas, false dormers or windows, and similar combinations of architectural enhancements are incorporated to accentuate the exterior building design.

            4)   Colors shall be earth tone, such as shades of brown and soft neutral colors. Multiple color schemes are permitted, provided they are complementary and compatible with the primarily masonry exterior. The use of contrasting, yet harmonious colors may also be permitted provided they are compatible with the primarily masonry exterior.

            5)   No individual floor of a building may be one color or one siding material, except for the use of masonry products.

            6)   The percentage of the required exterior materials on non-residential facing façades may be modified by the City if the street facing or front façade is correspondingly enhanced.

            7)   In Planned Unit Developments with multiple properties, the character of all buildings shall reflect a common theme with compatible building styles, building materials, color schemes, landscaping, site lighting and pedestrian circulation.

            8)   Development plans shall include descriptions of unit sizes, rental or sales price points, indoor common areas and group usable space, storage space options, building elevations with detailed breakdowns of building materials and colors, floor plans, trash and recycling facilities, site lighting, and outdoor group usable amenities.

         q.   Landscaping shall include a minimum of one overstory tree per unit; however, 25% of the overstory trees may be substituted with perennial foundation plantings at a ratio of 10 foundation plantings per overstory tree. All landscaping shall meet the minimum planting standards outlined in this Ordinance.

         r.   Sidewalks and trails may be required within any development.

         s.   All mechanical equipment integral to the building function shall be screened from view from adjacent public right of ways, streets, and properties, including equipment located on the rooftop.

            1)   Screening must be architecturally designed and made from materials compatible in design and quality to those of the overall building design.

            2)   A cross section for each elevation may be required for proposed roof top mechanical screenings.

         t.   Pitched roofs that are exposed shall be constructed of commercial grade architectural shingles, wood singles, slate, tile, copper or heavy gage standing seam steel. Flat roofs are not subject to these requirements.

      4.   Assisted-living multiple family dwellings. These housing units typically include apartments that directly or indirectly provide tenants who are less independent with a variety of services such as meals, housekeeping, personal care, and health care.

         a.   Maximum density: 30 units per acre.

         b.   Minimum unit size: efficiency 250 square feet; 1-bedroom 350 square feet.

         c.   Front yard setback: 30 feet.

         d.   Side yard setback: 20 feet, or 30 feet if side yard is adjacent to public road.

         e.   Rear yard setback: 30 feet.

         f.   Maximum height: 5 stories.

         g.    Private access drives: driveways providing access to buildings shall be a minimum of 24 feet in width. Private access drives containing public utilities shall include public utility easements.

         h.   Surface parking: 1 stall per unit; or 1 stall per maximum employee and contracted staff plus 1/2 stall per unit guest parking. "Proof of parking" provisions required in this Ordinance are applicable.

         i.   Parking areas may occupy 1/3 of the minimum required yard area.

         j.   Building exteriors: The City requires a mix of architectural features, building materials and color schemes to accentuate the appearance of multiple family dwellings. Building materials may include masonry products (brick, stone, stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels), wood, EIFS, composite wood panels and lap siding, composite fiber-cement panels and lap siding, metal panels, composite metal panels, other composite material panels, glass panels, windows and trim.

            1)   35% of the façade on all exteriors shall consist of masonry products. This masonry percentage requirement does not include façade surface area consisting of windows and doors and associated trim. For the purpose of this section, masonry does not include bare cinder block, unadorned pre-stressed panels, or smooth concrete panels.

            2)   Panels and lap siding shall be used to complement masonry materials and shall be roughly proportionate to each other. Visible joints in all siding materials shall be architecturally integrated into the building design.

            3)   The percentage of the required exterior materials may be modified by the City when the use of staggered unit elevations, balconies and porches, shutters, gable end returns, mantels, corbels, cornices, cupolas, false dormers or windows, and similar combinations of architectural enhancements are incorporated to accentuate the exterior building design.

            4)   Colors shall be earth tone, such as shades of brown and soft neutral colors. Multiple color schemes are permitted, provided they are complementary and compatible with the primarily masonry exterior. The use of contrasting, yet harmonious colors may also be permitted provided they are compatible with the primarily masonry exterior.

            5)   No individual floor of a building may be one color or one siding material, except for the use of masonry products.

            6)   The percentage of the required exterior materials on non-residential facing façades may be modified by the City if the street facing or front façade is correspondingly enhanced.

            7)   In Planned Unit Developments with multiple properties, the character of all buildings shall reflect a common theme with compatible building styles, building materials, color schemes, landscaping, site lighting and pedestrian circulation.

            8)   Development plans shall include descriptions of unit sizes, rental or sales price points, indoor common areas and group usable space, storage space options, building elevations with detailed breakdowns of building materials and colors, floor plans, trash and recycling facilities, site lighting, and outdoor group usable amenities.

         k.   Landscaping shall include a minimum of one overstory tree per unit; however, 25% of the overstory trees may be substituted with perennial foundation plantings at a ratio of 10 foundation plantings per overstory tree. All landscaping shall meet the minimum planting standards outlined in this Ordinance.

         l.   Sidewalks and trails may be required within any development.

         m.   All mechanical equipment integral to the building function shall be screened from view from adjacent public right of ways, streets, and properties, including equipment located on the rooftop.

            1)   Screening must be architecturally designed and made from materials compatible in design and quality to those of the overall building design.

            2)   A cross section for each elevation may be required for proposed roof top mechanical screenings.

         n.   Pitched roofs that are exposed shall be constructed of commercial grade architectural shingles, wood singles, slate, tile, copper or heavy gage standing seam steel. Flat roofs are not subject to these requirements.

         a.   Sidewalks and trails may be required in every development.

         b.   CUP applications shall include, but not be limited to, detailed site plans, floor plans, utility plans, building elevations with detailed breakdowns of building materials and colors, trash and recycling facilities, landscaping plans, site lighting plans and pedestrian movement plans.

         c.   Building exteriors: The City requires a mix of architectural features, building materials and color schemes to accentuate the appearance of commercial buildings. Building materials may include masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels) wood, EIFS, composite wood panels and lap siding, composite fiber-cement panels and lap siding, metal panels, composite metal panels, other composite material panels, glass panels, windows and trim. Ribbed or corrugated metal panels are not permitted. Standing seam metal panels are permitted within a planned unit development on up to 20% of the façade.

            1)   At least 50% of the façade on all exteriors of all buildings shall consist of masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels). This masonry percentage requirement does not include façade surface area consisting of windows and doors and associated trim. For the purpose of this section, masonry does not include bare cinder block, unadorned pre-stressed panels, or smooth concrete panels.

            2)   The remaining combination of accent materials may not detract from the overall appearance of the primarily masonry building design and accent materials must be used to create a harmonized design that is apparent on each building façade that is visible to the public via public right of way and adjacent property.

            3)   Accent materials shall be consistent in grade and quality of the primary building materials. For each wall exceeding 200 feet in length there shall be an architectural feature or accent feature every 1/3rd of the wall length.

            4)   Visible joints in all siding materials shall be architecturally integrated into the building design.

            5)   Colors shall be softer, neutral colors. Brilliant colors, neon colors and other distracting colors shall be prohibited. Multiple color schemes are permitted, provided they are complementary and compatible with the primarily masonry exterior.

            6)   A visually distinct front entrance must be present and obvious from the street, while remaining harmonious with the overall finish of the building.

            7)   The percentage of the required exterior materials may be modified by the City when the use of staggered elevations, staggered parapets, mantels, corbels, cornices, and similar combinations of architectural enhancements are incorporated to accentuate the exterior building design.

            8)   The percentage of the required exterior materials on non-residential facing and non-street facing façades may be modified by the City if the street facing or front façade is correspondingly enhanced. Enhancements may include, but are not limited to, the increase in architectural enhancements, and complementary horizontal or vertical design features.

            9)   In Planned Unit Developments with multiple properties, the character of all buildings shall reflect a common theme with compatible building styles, building materials, color schemes, landscaping, site lighting and pedestrian circulation.

         d.   Pitched roofs that are exposed shall be constructed of commercial grade architectural shingles, wood shingles, slate, tile, copper or heavy gage standing seam steel. Flat roofs are not subject to these requirements.

         e.   All mechanical equipment integral to the building function shall be screened from view from adjacent public right of ways, streets, and properties, including equipment located on the rooftop.

            1)   Screening must be architecturally designed and made from materials compatible in design and quality to those of the overall building design.

            2)   A cross section for each elevation may be required for proposed roof top mechanical screenings.

         f.   No display of merchandise shall be permitted on any roof.

         g.   On properties greater than or equal to one acre, the minimum square footage of any building(s) shall be at least seven percent (7%) of the property acreage, net of wetlands, stormwater ponds and other easement encumbrances.

The purpose of the CC District is to provide space for high intensity retail sales, entertainment, and convenience with low intensity onsite services and office space that serve local and regional population bases. The high visibility and accessibility of this district will support the highest building and site design standards in the I-35 Freeway Corridor, with no intention to serve extensive land users or uses with limited opportunities for outdoor display of retail goods and no outdoor storage. All uses in the CC District require connection to public sewer and water.

The CC District, established by amendment to the City Code and as modified by subsequent amendments, is illustrated on the City of Columbus Official Zoning Map.

The following uses shall be permitted in the CC District:

Municipal buildings and facilities and parks.

The following uses shall be conditional, according to the provisions Section 7A-540 throu 7A-547:

   A.   Gasoline sales and related convenience retail sales and accessory car wash.

   B.   Indoor sales and storage of retail goods to consumers, such as groceries, alcohol, clothing, household goods, medical, electronics, sporting goods, and similar uses, excluding pawn shops.

   C.   Bakeries with primarily direct retail sales to consumers.

   D.   Indoor commercial recreation.

   E.   Hotel/motel.

   F.   Licensed childcare.

   G.   Restaurant or coffee shop, including accessory drive thru.

   H.   Professional offices.

   I.   Boutique/gift shop.

   J.   Family movie theaters.

   K.   Dry cleaners, hair salons, photography studio, and other on-premises business services.

   L.   Yoga and small fitness centers, wellness center, dance studios, and similar uses.

   M.   Micro distillery/brewery with retail sales and accessory open-air patio.

   N.   Pharmacy and accessory drive thru.

   O.   Veterinary animal hospital or clinic, including accessory product sales and accessory small animal patient indoor boarding, and grooming.

   P.   Small animal indoor grooming, including accessory product sales and periodic vaccination services.

   Q.   Small animal indoor boarding, grooming or day care facility, lawfully permitted in the District prior to January 1, 2023.

   A.   Seasonal or temporary outdoor displays of retail goods and rental products, exceeding 72-hour periods, subject to the restrictions of this Code applicable to outdoor display.

   B.   Cannabis microbusiness, cannabis retail business and cannabis temporary event.

   A.   Sidewalks and trails may be required in every development.

   B.   CUP applications shall include, but not be limited to, detailed site plans, floor plans, utility plans, building elevations with detailed breakdowns of building materials and colors, trash and recycling facilities, landscaping plans, site lighting plans and pedestrian movement plans.

   C.   Building exteriors: the City requires a mix of architectural features, building materials and color schemes to accentuate the appearance of commercial buildings. Building materials may include masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels) wood, EIFS, composite wood panels and lap siding, composite fiber-cement panels and lap siding, metal panels, composite metal panels, other composite material panels, glass panels, windows and trim. Ribbed or corrugated metal panels are not permitted. Standing seam metal panels are permitted within a planned unit development on up to 20% of the façade.

      1)   At least 50% of the façade on all exteriors of all buildings shall consist of masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels). This masonry percentage requirement does not include façade surface area consisting of windows and doors and associated trim. For the purpose of this section, masonry does not include bare cinder block, unadorned pre-stressed panels, or smooth concrete panels.

      2)   The remaining combination of accent materials may not detract from the overall appearance of the primarily masonry building design and accent materials must be used to create a harmonized design that is apparent on each building façade that is visible to the public via public right of way and adjacent property.

      3)   Accent materials shall be consistent in grade and quality of the primary building materials. For each wall exceeding 200 feet in length there shall be an architectural feature or accent feature every 1/3rd of the wall length.

      4)   Visible joints in all siding materials shall be architecturally integrated into the building design.

      5)   Colors shall be softer, neutral colors. Brilliant colors, neon colors and other distracting colors shall be prohibited. Multiple color schemes are permitted, provided they are complementary and compatible.

      6)   A visually distinct front entrance must be present and obvious from the street, while remaining harmonious with the overall finish of the building.

      7)   The percentage of the required exterior materials may be modified by the City when the use of staggered elevations, staggered parapets, mantels, corbels, cornices, and similar combinations of architectural enhancements are incorporated to accentuate the exterior building design.

      8)   The percentage of the required exterior materials on non-residential facing and non-street facing façades may be modified by the City if the street facing or front façade is correspondingly enhanced. Enhancements may include, but are not limited to, the increase in architectural enhancements, and complementary horizontal or vertical design features.

      9)   In Planned Unit Developments with multiple properties, the character of all buildings shall reflect a common theme with compatible building styles, building materials, color schemes, landscaping, site lighting and pedestrian circulation.

   D.   Pitched roofs that are exposed shall be constructed of commercial grade architectural shingles, wood shingles, slate, tile, copper or heavy gage standing seam steel. Flat roofs are not subject to these requirements.

   E.   All mechanical equipment integral to the building function shall be screened from view from adjacent public right of ways, streets, and properties, including equipment located on the rooftop.

      1)   Screening must be architecturally designed and made from materials compatible in design and quality to those of the overall building design.

      2)   A cross section for each elevation may be required for proposed roof top mechanical screenings.

   F.   No display of merchandise shall be permitted on any roof.

   G.   On properties greater than or equal to one acre, the minimum square footage of any building(s) shall be at least seven percent (7%) of the property acreage, net of wetlands, stormwater ponds and other easement encumbrances.

The purpose of the GC District is to provide a quality environment for a mix of entertainment, retail and service business uses, professional offices, financial institutions, and medical facilities, with higher design standards, outdoor displays of retail goods, limited to 15% of the gross square feet of the combined building floor area and no other outdoor storage. All uses in the GC District require connection to public sewer and water.

The GC District, established by amendment to the City Code and as modified by subsequent amendments, is illustrated on the City of Columbus Official Zoning Map.

The following uses shall be permitted in the GC District:

   A.   Municipal buildings and facilities and parks.

The following uses shall be conditional:

   A.   Gasoline sales and related convenience retail sales and accessory car wash.

   B.   Vehicle Travel Center and indoor vehicle repair.

   C.   Indoor RV and truck wash facility.

   D.   Indoor Sales and storage of retail goods to consumers, such as groceries, alcohol, clothing, household goods, medical, electronics, sporting goods, and similar uses, excluding pawn shops.

   E.   Pharmacy and accessory drive thru.

   F.   Licensed childcare.

   G.   Restaurant or coffee shop, including accessory drive thru.

   H.   Catering service.

   I.   Bakeries with primarily direct retail sales to consumers.

   J.   Boutique/gift shop.

   K.   Family movie theaters.

   L.   Indoor commercial recreation.

   M.   Hotel/motel.

   N.   Event center.

   O.   Professional offices and financial institutions.

   P.   Corporate campus/professional office campus

   Q.   Medical clinics, hospitals and support facilities.

   R.   Beer production with on-site sales.

   S.   Alcohol distillery with on-site sales.

   T.   Dry cleaners, hair salons, photography studio, and other on-premises business services.

   U.   Yoga and small fitness centers, wellness center, dance studios, and similar uses.

   V.   Indoor shooting range, sales, and service.

   W.   Indoor scooter, motorcycle, 4-wheeler and similar personal recreational vehicle sales and accessory service.

   A.   Seasonal or temporary outdoor displays of retail goods and rental products subject to the restrictions of this Code applicable to outdoor display.

   B.   Cannabis microbusiness, cannabis retail business and cannabis temporary event.

   A.   Sidewalks and trails may be required in every development.

   B.   CUP applications shall include, but not limited to, detailed site plans, floor plans, utility plans, building elevations with detailed breakdowns of building materials and colors, trash and recycling facilities, landscaping plans, site lighting plans and pedestrian movement plans.

   C.   Building exteriors: The City requires a mix of architectural features, building materials and color schemes to accentuate the appearance of commercial buildings. Building materials may include masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels) wood, EIFS, composite wood panels and lap siding, composite fiber-cement panels and lap siding, metal panels, composite metal panels, other composite material panels, glass panels, windows and trim. Ribbed or corrugated metal panels are not permitted. Standing seam metal panels are permitted within a planned unit development on up to 20% of the façade.

      1)   At least 50 % of the façade on all exteriors of all buildings shall consist of masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels). This masonry percentage requirement does not include façade surface area consisting of windows and doors and associated trim. For the purpose of this section, masonry does not include bare cinder block, unadorned pre-stressed panels, or smooth concrete panels.

      2)   The remaining combination of accent materials may not detract from the overall appearance of the primarily masonry building design and accent materials must be used to create a harmonized design that is apparent on each building façade that is visible the public via public right of way and adjacent property.

      3)   Accent materials shall be consistent in grade and quality of the primary building materials. For each wall exceeding 200 feet in length there shall be an architectural feature or accent feature every 1/3rd of the wall length.

      4)   Visible joints in all siding materials shall be architecturally integrated into the building design.

      5)   Colors shall be softer, neutral colors. Brilliant colors, neon colors and other distracting colors shall be prohibited. Multiple color schemes are permitted, provided they are complementary and compatible.

      6)   A visually distinct front entrance must be present and obvious from the street, while remaining harmonious with the overall finish of the building.

      7)   The percentage of the required exterior materials may be modified by the City when the use of staggered elevations, staggered parapets, mantels, corbels, cornices, and similar combinations of architectural enhancements are incorporated to accentuate the exterior building design.

      8)   The percentage of the required exterior materials on non-residential facing and non-street facing façades may be modified by the City if the street facing or front façade is correspondingly enhanced. Enhancements may include, but are not limited to, the increase in architectural enhancements, and complementary horizontal or vertical design features.

      9)   In Planned Unit Developments with multiple properties, the character of all buildings shall reflect a common theme with compatible building styles, building materials, color schemes, landscaping, site lighting and pedestrian circulation.

   D.   Pitched roofs that are exposed shall be constructed of commercial grade architectural shingles, wood shingles, slate, tile, copper or heavy gage standing seam steel. Flat roofs are not subject to these requirements.

   E.   All mechanical equipment integral to the building function shall be screened from view from adjacent public right of ways, streets, and properties, including equipment located on the rooftop.

      1.   Screening must be architecturally designed and made from materials compatible in design and quality to those of the overall building design.

      2.   A cross section for each elevation may be required for proposed rooftop mechanical screenings.

   F.   No display of merchandise shall be permitted on any roof.

   G.   On properties greater than or equal to one acre, the minimum square footage of any building(s) shall be at least seven percent (7%) of the property acreage, net of wetlands, stormwater ponds and other easement encumbrances.

   A.   Outdoor displays of approved finished product for direct retail sale or lease must be accessory to an approved primary building and are not subject to screening requirements. All proposed outdoor display shall be reviewed and approved through the planning and zoning application process.

   B.   No other outside storage is permitted.

The purpose of the HC District is to provide retail, entertainment, medical facilities, assisted living, professional offices, and service businesses that serve highway users and the entire regional community and allow outdoor storage of retail goods, vehicles, and equipment not exceeding 50% of the gross square feet of the combined building floor area. These areas will have higher site design standards due to the proximity to the freeway. All uses in the HC District require connection to public sewer and water.

The HC District, established by amendment to the City Code and as modified by subsequent amendments, is illustrated on the City of Columbus Official Zoning Map.

The following uses shall be permitted in the HC District:

   A.   Municipal buildings and facilities and parks.

The following uses shall be conditional:

   A.   Gasoline sales and related convenience retail sales and accessory car wash.

   B.   Vehicle travel center and indoor vehicle repair.

   C.   Indoor RV and truck wash facility.

   D.   Indoor sales and storage of retail goods to consumers, such as groceries, alcohol, clothing, household goods, medical, electronics, sporting goods, auto supplies, building supplies and similar uses, excluding pawn shops.

   E.   UPS/FedEx drop off/retail store.

   F.   Commercial bakeries.

   G.   Hotel/motel.

   H.   Licensed childcare.

   I.   Restaurant or coffee shop, including accessory drive thru.

   J.   Full-service fitness center.

   K.   Financial institutions

   L.   Medical clinics, hospitals and support facilities.

   M.   Funeral home.

   N.   Assisted living facilities, subject to the provisions in this code.

   O.   Commercial beer production and alcohol distilling with accessory retail sales.

   P.   Family movie theaters.

   Q.   Dry cleaners, hair salons, dance studios, photofinishing, and other on-premises business services.

   R.   Indoor vehicle service and repair.

   S.   Indoor RV service and repair.

   T.   Utility trailers, boats and recreational vehicle sales and service that were in existence in the former Community Retail and Commercial/Showroom districts at the adoption of this ordinance.

   U.   Indoor new construction equipment sales, service, and rental.

   V.   Enclosed self-storage warehouse with accessory outdoor storage.

   W.   Indoor commercial recreation.

   X.   Indoor shooting range, sales, and service.

   Y.   Indoor building supply center.

   Z.   Indoor scooter, motorcycle, 4-wheeler and similar personal recreational vehicle sales and accessory service.

   AA.    Internet commerce with accessory indoor retail storage and sales.

   BB.   Veterinary animal hospital or clinic, including accessory product sales and accessory small animal patient indoor boarding and grooming.

   A.   Crop agriculture.

   B.   Off-Premises signs or highway billboards, subject to the restrictions of this Code applicable to signs.

   C.   Seasonal or temporary outdoor displays of retail goods and rental products, subject to the restrictions of this Code applicable to outdoor display.

   D.   Cannabis microbusiness, cannabis retail business and cannabis temporary event.

   A.   Sidewalks and trails may be required in every development.

   B.   CUP applications shall include, but not be limited to, detailed site plans, floor plans, utility plans, building elevations with detailed breakdowns of building materials and colors, trash and recycling facilities, landscaping plans, site lighting plans and pedestrian movement plans.

   C.   Building exteriors: The City requires a mix of architectural features, building materials and color schemes to accentuate the appearance of commercial buildings. Building materials may include masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels) wood, EIFS, composite wood panels and lap siding, composite fiber-cement panels and lap siding, metal panels, composite metal panels, other composite material panels, glass panels, windows and trim. Ribbed or corrugated metal panels are not permitted. Standing seam metal panels are permitted within a planned unit development on up to 20% of the façade.

      1.   At least 50% of the façade on all exteriors of all buildings shall consist of masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels). This masonry percentage requirement does not include façade surface area consisting of windows and doors and associated trim. For the purpose of this section, masonry does not include bare cinder block, unadorned pre-stressed panels, or smooth concrete panels.

      2.   The remaining combination of accent materials may not detract from the overall appearance of the primarily masonry building design and accent materials must be used to create a harmonized design that is apparent on each building façade that is visible the public via public right of way and adjacent property.

      3.   Accent materials shall be consistent in grade and quality of the primary building materials. For each wall exceeding 200 feet in length there shall be an architectural feature or accent feature every 1/3rd of the wall length.

      4.   Visible joints in all siding materials shall be architecturally integrated into the building design.

      5.   Colors shall be softer, neutral colors. Brilliant colors, neon colors and other distracting colors shall be prohibited. Multiple color schemes are permitted, provided they are complementary and compatible.

      6.   A visually distinct front entrance must be present and obvious from the street, while remaining harmonious with the overall finish of the building.

      7.   The percentage of the required exterior materials may be modified by the City when the use of staggered elevations, staggered parapets, mantels, corbels, cornices, and similar combinations of architectural enhancements are incorporated to accentuate the exterior building design.

      8.   The percentage of the required exterior materials on non-residential facing and non-street facing façades may be modified by the City if the street facing or front façade is correspondingly enhanced. Enhancements may include, but are not limited to, the increase in architectural enhancements, and complementary horizontal or vertical design features.

      9.   In Planned Unit Developments with multiple properties, the character of all buildings shall reflect a common theme with compatible building styles, building materials, color schemes, landscaping, site lighting and pedestrian circulation.

   D.   Pitched roofs that are exposed shall be constructed of commercial grade architectural shingles, wood shingles, slate, tile, copper or heavy gage standing seam steel. Flat roofs are not subject to these requirements.

   E.   All mechanical equipment integral to the building function shall be screened from view from adjacent public right of ways, streets, and properties, including equipment located on the rooftop.

      1.   Screening must be architecturally designed and made from materials compatible in design and quality to those of the overall building design.

      2.   A cross section for each elevation may be required for proposed roof top mechanical screenings.

   F.   No display of merchandise shall be permitted on any roof.

   G.   On properties greater than or equal to one acre, the minimum square footage of any building(s) shall be at least seven percent (7%) of the property acreage, net of wetlands, stormwater ponds and other easement encumbrances.

   A.   Outdoor displays of approved finished product for direct retail sale or lease must be accessory to a principal use and are not subject to screening requirements. All proposed outdoor display shall be reviewed and approved through the planning and zoning application process. No outdoor display shall be located in the front yard setback area of the property nor allowed to occupy any required parking, driveway or maneuvering areas.

   B.   Outside Storage Limitation and Requirements:

      1.   With the exception of the above display of retail merchandise, all other accessory outdoor storage of finished product not for direct retail sale and company owned vehicles, and equipment (trailers) shall be located behind the principal building, except in the rear yard setback area. On through lots (double frontage lots), outside storage may also be located between the principal building and the side yard setback area. All outdoor storage shall be screened from adjacent properties and public roadways as required by the following standards.

         a.   Required screening shall be at a height to effectively limit public view of outdoor storage area.

         b.   Required screening shall be located entirely within the required setbacks.

         c.   Required screening shall be at least ninety-five (95) percent opaque throughout the year.

         d.   Required screening may be satisfied by one (1) or more of the following:

            1)   A berm.

            2)   A decorative fence with the finished side (side without structural supports) facing out. For the purpose of this section, a chain-link fence with slats or fabric materials is not a decorative fence.

            3)   A decorative masonry wall.

            4)   A hedge or other vegetative plantings that are planted at least three (3) feet in height and grow to the required height within two (2) years of installation.

            5)   Required screening may be reduced by the City if the public view from adjacent property is limited due to wetlands or other permanent natural features.

         e.   The construction of a lean-to or accessory structure for screening is permitted, provided that design standards for the specific zoning district are followed and maintained as required, as well as all other applicable standards in this Code, including structure setback and placement.

         f.   A screening plan must be included in all land use applications that includes proposed outdoor storage.

         g.   No outdoor storage shall occupy any required parking, driveway or maneuvering areas.

         h.   The property owner shall be responsible for the restoration or repair of screening that becomes not in compliance with the approved screening plan. Approved screening must be maintained in a reasonable condition and shall not by reason of age, decay, accident, or otherwise be allowed to become and remain in a state of disrepair or noncompliance with approved screening plan.

   A.   Horse Racing (HR) District Defined. The purpose of the HR District is to establish a zoning district for the development and operation of entertainment facilities related to horse racing. The District is intended to provide a quality environment for commercial entertainment and recreational uses regulated through Minnesota Statutes Chapter 240, Minnesota Racing Commission rules, regulations and permits, and provisions of this Code.

   B.   Horse Racing (HR) District Described. (Refer to Zoning Map).

The following uses shall be regulated within the HR District:

   A.   Permitted Uses.

      1.   Public utilities and public safety facilities.

      2.   Public park and ride and similar transit facilities as accessory uses.

      3.   Municipal buildings and facilities.

   B.   Conditional Uses. The following uses shall be conditional in the HR District:

      1.   Indoor and outdoor Standardbred horseracing facilities, including harness racing track, grandstand, indoor restaurant and beverage services, indoor horse racing novelty sales, tack shop, and existing State-permitted card club, simulcasting, and pari-mutuel betting facilities.

      2.   Fixed or portable vending of food and beverages, and racing venue novelty sales and services, itemized within the Conditional Use Permit, and located within the secured outdoor apron/lawn area attached to the grandstand and buildings.

      3.   Pony rides, face painting, minstrels or non-stage musical acts, juggling and similar family-oriented entertainment, permitted in the Conditional Use Permit, and located within the secured outdoor apron/lawn area attached to the grandstand and buildings.

      4.   Accessory parking, including overnight recreational vehicle parking and related accessory uses and structures.

      5.   Horse care facilities, including ship-in barns, paddock, and veterinary facilities for boarding, grooming, training, showing and racing horses.

      6.   Maintenance buildings and facilities.

      7.   Accessory exterior storage specified in the Conditional Use Permit.

      8.   Indoor stage music and comedy entertainment and seasonal outdoor stage music entertainment, located within the secured racetrack and outdoor entertainment areas.

      9.   Water feature, Rainbow Trout fishing within a secure perimeter fence.

      10.   Seasonal outdoor miniature golf and volleyball facilities, located within the secured racetrack and outdoor entertainment areas.

      11.   Hotels, motels, banquet and convention facilities as part of a planned unit development (PUD) subject to the provisions of this Ordinance.

   C.   Interim Uses. The following uses shall be interim uses in the HR District.

      1.   Periodic portable vending of food, beverages, and racing venue novelty sales and services, itemized in the Interim Use Permit, and located outside of buildings or secured areas within the horse racing facility.

      2.   Periodic entertainment activities, such as pony rides, face painting, non-stage musical acts, juggling, and similar actives, itemized in the Interim Use Permit, and located outside of buildings or secured areas within the horse racing facility.

      3.   Periodic non-horse racing, commercial or charitable events, such as arts and crafts shows, flea markets, car and boat shows, animal shows, fundraising events, and similar activities, itemized in the Interim Use Permit, and located outside of buildings or secured areas within the horse racing facility.

      4.   Periodic fireworks displays, itemized in the Interim Use Permit.

      5.   Alcoholic beverages, served outside of buildings or secured areas within the horse racing facility as itemized in the Interim Use Permit, provided exclusively through the horse racing facility liquor license.

      6.   Cannabis microbusiness, cannabis retail business and cannabis temporary event.

   D.   Special Interim Use Permit Procedures. A Special Interim Use Permit may be applied for in the HR District to include a number of interim uses which may occur within a particular year. A Special Interim Use Permit may be applied for according to the public hearing and procedural requirements of Sections 7A-530 through 7A-532 of this Code. A Special Interim Use Permit shall be valid for five years, subject to annual administrative review and renewal. Upon issuance of a Special Interim Use Permit, the City Council may at its discretion allow flexibility in the specific dates for which proposed events may occur, provided proper notice is given to the City. For example, a permit may be authorized for certain activities to occur a certain number of times, but without specified dates, during the annual renewal period. Upon proper notification, the City Administrator may approve authorized activities on specific dates without amending the Special Interim Use Permit or without conducting additional public hearings. Similarly, the City Council may at its discretion expand the types of activities or uses allowed in the Interim Use Permit, provided the City Council finds the proposed additional uses or activities are consistent with the uses identified in subsection C, above.

   E.   Special Interim Use Permit Criteria. The Special Interim Use Permit applicant shall execute a Special Interim Use Permit Agreement detailing the proposed annual events, including but not limited to, requirements for:

      1.   Site plans for each event subject to City Administrator approval.

      2.   Notification requirements and procedures for individual special events.

      3.   Sufficient security, parking and traffic control.

      4.   Plans for Site restoration and surrounding Site cleanup to be completed within 36 hours of the conclusion of each event.

      5.   Food Service is provided in accordance with permits and requirements under City, County and State regulations.

      6.   City Building Inspection of tents and temporary structures, as necessary, for each event.

      7.   Necessary limits on any amplified music regarding both level of noise and time of day.

      8.   Compliance with City and State laws on alcoholic beverage licenses and permits.

   A.   Principal structure exteriors must be primarily brick, stucco, textured concrete block, pre-manufactured masonry panels, glass panels, wood, and similar appearances, with combinations of other materials not listed above that do not detract from the overall appearance of the structures. Accessory structure exteriors shall be complimentary with principal structure styles and colors.

   B.   Landscaping and screening must include a combination of overstory shade trees, ornamental trees, conifers, and foundation plantings.

   C.   Foundation plantings may include shrubs, hedges, and perennial flowers.

   D.   Shade trees are preferred along property lines and parking areas to establish a canopy effect at maturity.

   E.   Conifers are encouraged to be planted in combination with screening for authorized storage areas.

   F.   Ornamentals and foundation plantings are encouraged to be designed and planted in groupings to accent public exposures of the site.

   G.   Landscaping quantities and planting standards shall be consistent with the provisions of this Code.

The purpose of the GB District is to serve as a transitional area between commercial and industrial zones. This area provides for professional and commercial offices, low impact services, retail businesses, small building trades shops, machine shops, welding shops, and warehousing. This district requires design and development standards that are compatible with typical commercial and industrial uses. Outside storage displays of retail goods, vehicles and equipment are limited to 150% of the gross square feet of the combined building floor area and screening that minimizes the impacts of extensive land uses and outdoor storage. All uses in the GB District require connection to public sewer and water.

The GB District, established by amendment to the City Code and as Modified by subsequent amendments, is illustrated on the City of Columbus Official Zoning Map.

The following uses shall be permitted in the GB District:

Municipal buildings and facilities and parks.

The following uses shall be conditional:

   A.   Medical clinics and support facilities.

   B.   Assisted living facilities.

   C.   Professional offices.

   D.   Licensed childcare.

   E.   Family movie theaters.

   F.   Corporate campus/professional office campus

   G.   Dry cleaners, hair salons, and other on-premises business services.

   H.   Funeral home.

   I.   Commercial bakeries and catering services.

   J.   Small building trade shop, cabinet making, welding, machine shops and auto glass repair.

   K.   Commercial beer production and alcohol distilling with accessory retail sales.

   L.   Indoor vehicle service and repair.

   M.   Indoor RV service and repair.

   N.   Indoor building supply center.

   O.   Indoor RV and truck wash facility.

   P.   Indoor new/used construction equipment sales, service, and rental.

   Q.   Internet commerce with accessory indoor retail storage and sales.

   R.   Enclosed self-storage warehouse with accessory outdoor storage.

   S.   Warehousing, distribution and datacenters.

   T.   Veterinary animal hospital or clinic, including accessory product sales and accessory small animal patient indoor boarding, and grooming.

   U.   Small animal indoor grooming, including accessory product sales and periodic vaccination services.

   V.   Indoor commercial recreation.

   W.   Laboratories, excluding animal testing.

   X.   Indoor shooting range, sales, and service.

   Y.   Cannabis cultivator, cannabis delivery service, cannabis manufacturer, cannabis mezzobusiness, cannabis testing facility, cannabis transporter, cannabis wholesaler, medical cannabis combination business and lower-potency hemp edible manufacturer.

   A.   Crop agriculture.

   B.   Off-Premises signs or highway billboards, subject to the restrictions of this Code applicable to signs.

   C.   Seasonal or temporary outdoor displays of retail goods and rental products, subject to the restrictions of this Code applicable to outdoor display.

   D.   Cannabis temporary event.

   A.   Sidewalks and trails may be required in every development.

   B.   CUP applications shall include, but not be limited to, detailed site plans, floor plans, utility plans, building elevations with detailed breakdowns of building materials and colors, trash and recycling facilities, landscaping plans, site lighting plans and pedestrian movement plans.

   C.   Building exteriors: The City requires a mix of architectural features , building materials and color schemes to accentuate the appearance of commercial buildings. Building materials may include masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels) wood, EIFS, composite wood panels and lap siding, composite fiber-cement panels and lap siding, metal panels, composite metal panels, other composite material panels, glass panels, windows and trim. Ribbed or corrugated metal panels are not permitted. Standing seam metal panels are permitted within a planned unit development on up to 20% of the façade.

      1.   At least 50% of the façade on all exteriors of all buildings shall consist of masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels). This masonry percentage requirement does not include façade surface area consisting of windows and doors and associated trim. For the purpose of this section, masonry does not include bare cinder block, unadorned pre-stressed panels, or smooth concrete panels.

      2.   The remaining combination of materials may not detract from the overall appearance of the primarily masonry building design.

      3.   Visible joints in all siding materials shall be architecturally integrated into the building design.

      4.   Colors shall be softer, neutral colors. Brilliant colors, neon colors and other distracting colors shall be prohibited. Multiple color schemes are permitted, provided they are complementary and compatible.

      5.   A visually distinct front entrance must be present and obvious from the street, while remaining harmonious with the overall finish of the building.

      6.   The percentage of the required exterior materials may be modified by the City when the use of staggered elevations, staggered parapets, mantels, corbels, cornices, and similar combinations of architectural enhancements are incorporated to accentuate the exterior building design.

      7.   The percentage of the required exterior materials on non-residential facing and non-street facing façades may be modified by the City if the street facing or front façade is correspondingly enhanced. Enhancements may include, but are not limited to, the increase in architectural enhancements, and complementary horizontal or vertical design features.

      8.   In Planned Unit Developments with multiple properties, the character of all buildings shall reflect a common theme with compatible building styles, building materials, color schemes, landscaping, site lighting and pedestrian circulation.

   D.   Pitched roofs that are exposed shall be constructed of commercial grade architectural shingles, wood shingles, slate, tile, copper or heavy gage standing seam steel. Flat roofs are not subject to these requirements.

   E.   All mechanical equipment integral to the building function shall be screened from view from adjacent public right of ways, streets, and properties, including equipment located on the rooftop.

      1.   Screening must be architecturally designed and made from materials compatible in design and quality to those of the overall building design.

      2.   A cross section for each elevation may be required for proposed roof top mechanical screenings.

   F.   No display of merchandise shall be permitted on any roof.

   G.   On properties greater than or equal to one acre, the minimum square footage of any building(s) shall be at least seven percent (7%) of the property acreage, net of wetlands, stormwater ponds and other easement encumbrances.

   A.   Outdoor displays of approved finished product for direct retail sale or lease must be accessory to a principal use and are not subject to screening requirements. All proposed outdoor display shall be reviewed and approved through the planning and zoning application process. No outdoor display shall be located in the front yard setback area of the property nor allowed to occupy any required parking, driveway or maneuvering areas.

   B.   Outside Storage Limitation and Requirements:

      1.   With the exception to the above display of retail merchandise, all other accessory outdoor storage of finished product not for direct retail sale and company owned vehicles and equipment (trailers) shall be located behind the principal building, except in the rear yard setback area. On through lots (double frontage lots), outside storage may also be located between the principal building and the side yard setback area. All outdoor storage shall be screened from adjacent properties and public roadways as required by the following standards:

         a.   Required screening shall be at a height to effectively limit public view of outdoor storage area.

         b.   Required screening shall be located entirely within the required setbacks.

         c.   Required screening shall be at least ninety-five (95) percent opaque throughout the year.

         d.   Required screening may be satisfied by one (1) or more of the following:

            1)   A berm.

            2)   A decorative fence with the finished side (side without structural supports) facing out. For the purpose of this section, a chain-link fence with slats or fabric materials is not a decorative fence.

            3)   A decorative masonry wall.

            4)   A hedge or other vegetative plantings that are planted at least three (3) feet in height and grow to the required height within two (2) years of installation.

         e.   Required screening may be reduced by the City if the public view from adjacent property is limited due to wetlands or other permanent natural features.

         f.   The construction of a lean-to or accessory structure for screening is permitted, provided that design standards for the specific zoning district are followed and maintained as required, as well as all other applicable standards in this Code, including structure setback and placement.

         g.   A screening plan must be included in all land use applications that includes proposed outdoor storage.

         h.   No outdoor storage shall occupy any required parking, driveway or maneuvering areas.

         i.   The property owner shall be responsible for the restoration or repair of screening that becomes not in compliance with the approved screening plan. Approved screening must be maintained in a reasonable condition and shall not by reason of age, decay, accident, or otherwise be allowed to become and remain in a state of disrepair or noncompliance with approved screening plan.

The purpose of the LI District is to provide locations and opportunities for businesses that require more extensive land uses, enclosed outside storage areas for non-retail goods, and facilities for production, assembly, repair, and distribution. District uses require design and development standards that are compatible with typical uses and screening that minimizes the impacts of extensive land uses. Outdoor storage of retail goods, vehicles, equipment and products are limited to 200% the gross square feet of the combined building floor area. All uses in the LI District require connection to public sewer and water.

The LI Districted established by amendment to the City Code and as modified by subsequent amendments, is illustrated on the City of Columbus Official Zoning Map.

The following uses shall be permitted in the LI District:

   A.   Municipal buildings and facilities and parks.

The following uses shall be conditional:

   A.   Gasoline sales and related convenience retail sales and car wash.

   B.   Indoor automobile service and repair.

   C.   Indoor RV and truck wash facility.

   D.   Professional offices.

   E.   Indoor building supply center.

   F.   Commercial alcohol distillery/beer production with accessory retail sales.

   G.   Small building trades shop, cabinet making, welding, machine shops and auto glass repair.

   H.   On-premises business service.

   I.   Internet commerce with accessory indoor retail storage and sales.

   J.   Enclosed self-storage warehouse with accessory outdoor storage.

   K.   New/used construction equipment sales and service with accessory outdoor storage.

   L.   Veterinary animal hospital or clinic, including accessory product sales and accessory small animal patient indoor boarding, and grooming.

   M.   Small animal indoor grooming, including accessory product sales and periodic vaccination services.

   N.   Laboratories, excluding animal testing.

   O.   Indoor commercial recreation.

   P.   Light industry, warehousing, production and assembly.

   Q.   Wholesale distribution, truck terminals and data centers.

   R.   Asphalt production facility in existence in the LI District at the adoption of this Ordinance.

   S.   Indoor shooting range, sales, and service.

   T.   Cannabis cultivator, cannabis delivery service, cannabis manufacturer, cannabis mezzobusiness, cannabis testing facility, cannabis transporter, cannabis wholesaler, medical cannabis combination business and lower-potency hemp edible manufacturer.

   A.   Crop agriculture.

   B.   Off-Premise signs or highway billboards, subject to the restrictions of this Code applicable to signs.

   C.   Seasonal or temporary outdoor displays of retail goods and rental products, subject to the restrictions of this Code applicable to outdoor display.

   D.   Cannabis temporary event.

   A.   Sidewalks and trails may be required in every development.

   B.   CUP applications shall include, but not be limited to, detailed site plans, floor plans, utility plans, building elevations with detailed breakdowns of building materials and colors, trash and recycling facilities, landscaping plans, site lighting plans and pedestrian movement plans.

   C.   Building exteriors: The City requires a mix of architectural features, building materials and color schemes to accentuate the appearance of commercial buildings. Building materials may include masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels) wood, EIFS, composite wood panels and lap siding, composite fiber-cement panels and lap siding, metal panels, composite metal panels, other composite material panels, glass panels, windows and trim. Ribbed or corrugated metal panels are not permitted. Standing seam metal panels are permitted within a planned unit development on up to 20% of the façade.

      1.   At least 30% of the façade on all exteriors of all buildings shall consist of masonry products (brick, stone, masonry stucco, decorative block, tile, cast stone, pre-cast textured concrete panels). This masonry percentage requirement does not include façade surface area consisting of windows and doors and associated trim. For the purpose of this section, masonry does not include bare cinder block, unadorned pre-stressed panels, or smooth concrete panels.

      2.   The remaining combination of materials may not detract from the overall appearance of the primarily masonry building design.

      3.   Visible joints in all siding materials shall be architecturally integrated into the building design.

      4.   Colors shall be softer, neutral colors. Brilliant colors, neon colors and other distracting colors shall be prohibited. Multiple color schemes are permitted, provided they are complementary and compatible.

      5.   A visually distinct front entrance must be present and obvious from the street, while remaining harmonious with the overall finish of the building.

      6.   The percentage of the required exterior materials may be modified by the City when the use of staggered elevations, staggered parapets, mantels, corbels, cornices, and similar combinations of architectural enhancements are incorporated to accentuate the exterior building design.

      7.   The percentage of the required exterior materials on non-residential facing and non-street facing façades may be modified by the City if the street facing or front façade is correspondingly enhanced. Enhancements may include, but are not limited to, the increase in architectural enhancements, and complementary horizontal or vertical design features.

      8.   In Planned Unit Developments with multiple properties, the character of all buildings shall reflect a common theme with compatible building styles, building materials, color schemes, landscaping, site lighting and pedestrian circulation.

   D.   Pitched roofs that are exposed shall be constructed of commercial grade architectural shingles, wood shingles, slate, tile, copper or heavy gage standing seam steel. Flat roofs are not subject to these requirements.

   E.   All mechanical equipment integral to the building function shall be screened from view from adjacent public right of ways, streets, and properties, including equipment located on the rooftop.

      1.   Screening must be architecturally designed and made from materials compatible in design and quality to those of the overall building design.

      2.   A cross section for each elevation may be required for proposed roof top mechanical screenings.

   F.   No display of merchandise shall be permitted on any roof.

   G.   On properties greater than or equal to one acre, the minimum square footage of any building(s) shall be at least seven percent (7%) of the property acreage, net of wetlands, stormwater ponds and other easement encumbrances.

No use shall be approved for a property in the LI District without connection to public utilities, except:

   A.   Where public utility connections are not located immediately adjacent to a property, provided the council approves the phasing for such connection to public utilities within a development agreement applicable to the affected property; or

   B.   Interim Uses listed in Section 7A-734, provided:

      1.   The proposed interim use and/or any associated construction activities shall not delay, impede, or interfere with any public utilities proposed in the LI District; and

      2.   The interim use permit shall require that the owner of the property connect with ' such public utilities if the same are implemented by the City; and

      3.   If the interim use constitutes an expansion of an existing use or the development of a new use, the applicant shall deposit with the City an amount equal to the estimated access and/or connection charges that will be imposed and against the subject property for such public utilities, if implemented. Such deposit shall be separately accounted for by the City and used to offset any future access and/or connection charges for public utilities imposed against the property.

   A.   Outdoor displays of approved finished product for direct retail sale or lease must be accessory to a principal use and are not subject to screening requirements. All proposed outdoor display shall be reviewed and approved through the planning and zoning application process. No outdoor display shall be located in the front yard setback area of the property nor allowed to occupy any required parking, driveway or maneuvering areas.

   B.   Outdoor storage limitations and requirements:

      1.   With the exception to the above display of retail merchandise, all other accessory outdoor storage of finished product not for direct retail sale and company owned vehicles and equipment (trailers), and raw materials shall be located behind the principal building, except in the rear yard setback area. On through lots (double frontage lots), outside storage may also be located between the principal building and the side yard setback area. All outdoor storage shall be screened from adjacent properties and public roadways as required by the following standards:

         a.   Required screening shall be at be at a height to effectively limit public view of outdoor storage area.

         b.   Required screening shall be located entirely within the required setbacks.

         c.   Required screening shall be at least ninety-five (95) percent opaque throughout the year.

         d.   Required screening may be satisfied by one (1) or more of the following:

            1)   A berm.

            2)   A decorative fence with the finished side (side without structural supports) facing out. For the purpose of this section, a chain-link fence with slats or fabric materials is not a decorative fence.

            3)   A decorative masonry wall.

            4)   A hedge or other vegetative plantings that are planted at least three (3) feet in height and grow to the required height within two (2) years of installation.

         e.   Required screening may be reduced by the City if the public view from adjacent property is limited due to wetlands or other permanent natural features.

         f.   The construction of a lean-to or accessory structure for screening is permitted, provided that design standards for the specific zoning district are followed and maintained as required, as well as all other applicable standards in this Code, including structure setback and placement.

         g.   The outside storage of raw materials cannot exceed the height of the required screening or must be setback far enough that the site line does not allow public view.

         h.   A screening plan must be included in all land use applications that includes proposed outdoor storage.

         i.   No outdoor storage shall occupy any required parking, driveway or maneuvering areas.

         j.   The property owner shall be responsible for the restoration or repair of screening that becomes not in compliance with the approved screening plan. Approved screening must be maintained in a reasonable condition and shall not by reason of age, decay, accident, or otherwise be allowed to become and remain in a state of disrepair or noncompliance with approved screening plan.

The purpose of the Commercial/Industrial District is to encourage the establishment of areas for general commerce and business, retail sales, wholesale sales, and light Manufacturing. Activities would include retail outlets, service stations, eating and drinking establishments, and Manufacturing activities commonly located in an serving the local market. The overall character of the District is intended to be transitional in nature, thus industrial uses allowed in this district shall be limited to those which can compatibly exist adjacent to commercial and lower density activities. Due to the high volumes of traffic which usually accompany these business activities, it is absolutely necessary that C/I Districts be located on a collector or arterial as specified by the City of Columbus Comprehensive Plan.

The C/I District established upon adoption of the City Code and as modified by subsequent ordinance amendments is illustrated on the City of Columbus Official Zoning Map.

The following uses shall be permitted in the C/I District:

   A.   Agricultural uses, except animal feedlots.

   B.   Licensed day-care facilities and licensed pre-schools, accessory to a business or retail use and intended to serve the employees of the principal use.

   C.   Parking structures as an accessory to the use for which they provide parking.

   D.   Public pedestrian trails, but not public parks.

   E.   Storage buildings. If the accessory building is secondary to the principal use, the accessory building shall be roofed and painted to be harmonious with the principal building.

   F.   Accessory structures for single-family detached homes in existence in the C/I District on May 1, 2003.

   G.   Municipal buildings and facilities.

As evidenced by the Comprehensive Plan, most lands in the City of Columbus are limited in their• capacity to be developed because of poor soil conditions, relatively high water table, lack of municipal water supply, lack of municipal sanitary sewer, and lack of municipal storm sewer. Until these municipal facilities become available, it will be necessary for nearly all C/I uses to be administered as Conditional Uses. The principal conditions employed to address these concerns are environmental and include such things as (i.) non-contamination of the groundwater system through utilization of containment systems for off-site waste disposal and lawful on-site sewage disposal systems; (ii.) installation of lawful wells for on-site water supply; and, (iii.) installation of on-site or acquisition and installation of off-site surface water retention areas to nullify the impact of construction of impervious surfaces on the site. Environmental conditions are not the only conditions which may be placed upon a C/I use. Other conditions, intended to make the C/I use as harmonious as possible with it surrounding lawful uses, may be imposed by the City Council. The following uses shall be conditional in the C/I District:

   A.   Artisan Shops.

   B.   Brewery, Craft/Micro.

   C.   Contractor Shops with accessory Contractor Yard-Limited.

   D.   Contractor Shop with accessory Contractor Yard operating pursuant to an approved Conditional Use Permit in the C/I District on or before December 28, 2022.

   E.   Catering Business.

   F.   Communication towers and broadcast towers.

   G.   Licensed day care facilities.

   H.   Equipment Sales, Rental, and Repair.

   I.   Lumber yards and sales.

   J.   Gasoline sales and related convenience retail sales and car wash.

   K.   Greenhouses, nurseries and retail sales of materials raised on the premises (and packaged seeds, soils, soil amendments, gardening tools and hard accessories).

   L.   Implement and recreational vehicle sales and service.

   M.   Machine shops, welding shops, and similar service establishments.

   N.   Mortuaries, without crematoriums.

   O.   Limited Production/Processing.

   P.   Low Impact, High Technology Manufacturing.

   Q.   Machinery and Equipment Repair, Heavy.

   R.   Manufacturing, Light.

   S.   Office.

   T.   Restaurants and cafes.

   U.   Retail stores and shops.

   V.   Recreation Facility, Commercial.

   W.   Vehicle service and repair businesses, and body shops, but not salvage operations or junkyards.

   X.   Automotive, Travel Trailer, Farm Implement, and Construction Machinery Sales.

   Y.   Veterinary animal hospital or clinic, including accessory product sales and small animal patient indoor boarding and grooming.

   Z.   Warehousing and storage facilities.

   AA.    Wholesale Establishment.

   BB.   Expansion of nonconforming uses, subject to the standards in Section 7A-481.

   CC.   Adult Uses, subject to the standards in Section 7A-900.

   DD.   Cannabis delivery service, cannabis transporter and cannabis wholesaler.

   A.   Pawn shop and secondhand goods dealers.

   B.   Residential dog kennels associated with owner occupied residences in existence in the C/I District on May 1, 2003.

   C.   Mineral Extraction.

   D.   Cannabis temporary event.

   1.   Principal structures and authorized accessory structures within the Commercial/Industrial District must be compatible with the predominant building appearance and style within the District.

   2.   Building exteriors must consist of finished steel panels, glass panels, textured concrete block, pre-manufactured masonry panels, brick, stucco, and similar appearances.

   3.   Building exposures facing public streets and dissimilar zoning districts must include a combination of approved materials that include no more than 50% metal exteriors.

   4.   Landscaping must include a combination of overstory shade trees, ornamental tree, conifers, and foundation plantings.

   5.   Foundation plantings may include shrubs, hedges, and perennial flowers.

   6.   Shade trees are preferred along property lines and parking areas to establish a canopy effect at maturity.

   7.   Conifers are encouraged to be planted in combination with screening for authorized storage areas.

   8.   Ornamentals and foundation plantings are encouraged to be designed and planted in groupings to accent public exposures of the site.

   9.   Landscaping quantities and planting standards shall be consistent with the provisions of this Code.

The purpose of the Commercial/Industrial-Light District is to encourage a range of low intensity industrial, commercial, restaurant, and retail uses compatible with nearby residential neighborhoods. The district excludes more intensive industrial uses while allowing light manufacturing uses such as research and development, low impact, high technology manufacturing, biotechnology, small-scale distribution, alongside commercial, office, institutional and business services. Access must be provided to collector or arterial roadways as specified by the City of Columbus Comprehensive Plan.

The C/I-Light District as established upon adoption of the City Code and as modified by subsequent ordinance amendments is illustrated on the City of Columbus Official Zoning Map.

   A.   Agricultural uses, except animal feedlots.

   B.   Licensed day-care facilities and licensed pre-schools, accessory to a business or retail use and intended to serve the employees of the principal use.

   C.   Parking and structures as an accessory to the use for which they provide parking.

   D.   Public pedestrian trails, but not public parks.

   E.   Storage buildings. If the accessory building is secondary to the principal use, the accessory building shall be roofed and painted to be harmonious with the principal building.

   F.   Accessory structures for single-family detached homes in existence in the C/I District on May 1, 2003.

   G.   Municipal buildings and facilities.

Most uses in the C/I-Light District are established as conditional uses due to physical conditions unique to the area which limit development capacity, including poor soil conditions, high water table, lack of municipal water supply, lack of municipal sanitary sewer, and lack of municipal storm sewer. In establishing new uses, the Planning Commission and City Council may consider the following factors to address environmental concerns, including: (i) non-contamination of the groundwater system through utilization of containment systems for off-site waste disposal and on-site sewage disposal systems; (ii) installation of wells for on-site water supply; and, (iii) installation of local or regional stormwater management facilities, including stormwater ponding and infiltration, to mitigate and manage the impact of construction of impervious surfaces within the district. In addition, the City Council may adopt other reasonable conditions intended to protect the public health, safety and welfare, and to ensure the compatibility of land uses within the C/I-Light District and adjacent to the C/I-Light District. The following uses shall be conditional in the C/I-Light District:

   A.   Artisan Shops.

   B.   Automotive, Travel Trailer, Farm Implement, and Construction Machinery Sales, but not Salvage Operations or junkyards.

   C.   Brewery, Craft/Micro.

   D.   Contractor’s Shops with accessory Contractor Yard-Limited.

   E.   Communication towners and broadcast towers.

   F.   Catering Business.

   G.   Gasoline sales and related convenience retail sales and car wash.

   H.   Greenhouses, nurseries and retail sales of materials raised on the premises (and packaged seeds, soils, soil amendments, gardening tools and hard accessories).

   I.   Low Impact, High Technology Manufacturing.

   J.   Licensed day care facilities.

   K.   Machinery and Equipment Repair, Heavy operating pursuant to an approved Conditional Use Permit in the C/I District on or before December 28, 2022.

   L.   Manufacturing-Light.

   M.   Medical Uses.

   N.   Mortuaries, without crematoriums.

   O.   Offices.

   P.   Office Showrooms.

   Q.   Recreation Facility, commercial.

   R.   Restaurants and cafes.

   S.   Retail stores and shops.

   T.   Residential conversions to commercial, retail, or office uses.

   U.   Vehicle service and repair businesses, and body shops, but not Salvage Operations or junkyards.

   V.   Veterinary animal hospital or clinic, including accessory product sales and accessory small animal patient indoor boarding and grooming.

   W.   Warehousing and storage facilities.

   X.   Wholesale establishment.

   Y.   Expansion of nonconforming uses, subject to the standards in Section 7A.481.

   Z.   Cannabis delivery service, cannabis transporter and cannabis wholesaler.

   A.   Residential dog kennels associated with owner occupied residences in existence in the C/I District on May 1, 2003.

   B.   Cannabis temporary event.

   A.   Principal structures and authorized accessory structures withing the C/I-Light must be compatible with the predominant building appearance and style within the District.

   B.   Building exteriors must consist of finished steel panels, glass panels, textured concrete block, pre-manufactured masonry panels, brick, stucco, and similar appearances.

   C.   Building exposures facing public streets and residential zoning districts must include a combination of approved materials that include no more than 50% metal exteriors.

   D.   All mechanical equipment integral to the building function shall be screened from view from adjacent public right of ways, streets, and properties, including equipment located on the rooftop. Screening must be architecturally designed and made from materials compatible in design and quality to those of the overall building design.

   E.   Landscaping must include a combination of overstory shade trees, ornamental tree, conifers, and foundation plantings.

   F.   Foundation plantings may include shrubs, hedges, and perennial flowers.

   G.   Shade trees are preferred along property lines and parking areas to establish a canopy effect at maturity.

   H.   Ornamentals and foundation plantings are encouraged to be designed and planted in groupings to accent public exposures of the site.

   I.   Landscaping quantities and plating standards shall be consistent with the provisions of this Code.

   A.   Outdoor displays of approved finished product for direct retail sale or lease must be accessory to a principal use and are not subject to screening requirements. All proposed outdoor displays shall be reviewed and approved through the planning and zoning application process.

   B.   Outdoor storage limitations and requirements:

      1.   Outdoor storage must have a direct relationship to the primary use of the site.

      2.   No outdoor storage shall occupy any required driveway or maneuvering areas.

      3.   Except as approved by conditional use permit, outdoor storage may not exceed 50% of the site excluding retail products sold outdoors and fleet vehicles.

   C.   Outdoor storage screening standards:

      1.   All accessory outdoor storage of finished product not for direct retail sale and company owned vehicles and equipment (trailers), and loose materials shall be screened from adjacent residential properties and public roadways as required by the following standards:

         a.   Required screening shall be at a height to effectively limit public view of outdoor storage area.

         b.   Required screening shall be located entirely within the required setbacks.

         c.   Required screening shall be at lease ninety-five (95) percent opaque throughout the year.

         d.   Required screening may be satisfied by one (1) or more of the following:

            1)   A berm.

            2)   A decorative fence with the finished side (side without structural supports) facing out. For the purpose of this section, a chain-link fence with slats or fabric materials is not a decorative fence.

            3)   A decorative masonry wall.

            4)   A hedge or other vegetative plantings that are planted at least three (3) feet in height and grow to the required height withing two (2) years of installation.

         e.   Required screening may be reduced by the City Council if applicant can demonstrate that the public view from adjacent residential property is limited due to wetlands or other permanent natural features.

         f.   The construction of a lean-to or accessory structure for screening is permitted, provided that design standards for the specific zoning district are followed and maintained as required, as well as all other applicable standards in this Code, including structure setback and placement.

         g.   The outside storage of loose materials cannot exceed the height of the required screening.

         h.   A screening plan must be included in all land use applications that includes proposed outdoor storage.

         i.   The property owner shall be responsible for the restoration or repair of screening that becomes not in compliance with the approved screening plan. Approved screening must be maintained in a reasonable condition and shall not be reason of age, decay, accident, or otherwise be allowed to become and remain in a state of disrepair or noncompliance with approved screening plan.