(a)

Purpose. The establishment of design standards is intended to improve the aesthetic and structural quality of Gahanna and its structures, for the promotion of property values, sustainability, and pedestrian experience. This purpose may be accomplished through quality façade materials, interesting building massing and visual order, and a more enjoyable pedestrian experience through the reduction of streetside parking areas, visible building equipment, curb-cuts, and other nuisances.

(b)

Applicability.

(1)

The design standards set forth in this section apply to all buildings in all zoning districts, except for those buildings in which the principal use is: (1) one-unit dwelling or (2) two-unit dwelling.

(2)

If a design regulation is not identified for the Creekside Districts, Sections 1107.02 and 1107.03, then the applicable regulations of Section 1107.01 shall apply.

(c)

Architectural style. Architectural elements must include:

(1)

Variations in façade elements on all sides of the principal structure to reduce perceived mass and scale;

(2)

Variations in height, mass, roof forms, and wall planes to mitigate linear appearance of strip development;

(3)

Compositional rhythms using windows, columns, trellises, articulation, arcades, materials, awnings, canopies, clerestories, or other features;

(4)

Architectural features, such as windows, columns, trellises, articulation, arcades, materials, canopies, clerestories, pilasters, porticos, awnings, brackets, arches, or other similar features; and,

(5)

Entrances along the front elevations that are articulated as significant public entrances; entrances may be emphasized with canopies or similar features.

(d)

Materials.

(1)

Side and rear elevations shall be of the same or similar materials as the front elevation.

(2)

Permitted primary façade materials include: brick, stone veneer (cultured or natural), insulated glazing and framing systems, architectural pre-cast concrete, and preapproved newly developed materials.

(3)

Vinyl and highly reflective materials, such as bright aluminum or metal, are not permitted as the primary building material, but may be included on any elevation if not more than 20 percent of the total materials, as measured in surface area coverage.

(4)

Smooth faced concrete block, tilt-up concrete panels, or metal siding is prohibited, except in Innovation & Manufacturing (IM), on any elevation, except that smooth faced concrete block, tilt-up concrete panels, and metal siding are allowable materials on up to 25 percent of the rear elevation. Finished face concrete masonry is permitted when used at ground-level service areas.

(e)

Colors.

(1)

Exterior colors should be neutral tones of light brown, tan, beige, white, creams, gray, black, and other similar colors. Other colors can be approved through the Development Plan process, Section 1117.07.

(2)

Not more than a total of four colors are allowed on any elevation. For the purpose of this regulation, the roof shall be considered its own elevation.

(f)

Roofs.

(1)

"Green" or planted roofs are encouraged.

(g)

Windows.

(1)

The ground floor of the primary façade shall be not less than 25 percent transparent glass; however, for all institutional, industrial, and multi-unit uses the primary facade shall not be less than ten percent transparent.

(2)

Reflective glass is not permitted.

(h)

Awnings and Canopies.

(1)

Awning materials shall be limited to canvas, glass, aluminum, or other finished architectural metal.

(2)

An awning or canopy may extend over the sidewalk but must maintain a two-foot setback from the curb.

(3)

An awning or canopy may not have a clearance above a pedestrian use area, such as a sidewalk, of less than eight feet.

(Ord. No. 0007-2024, § 2(Exh. A), 4-1-24; Ord. No. 0080-2024, § 1(Exh. A), 12-2-24)

(a)

Purpose. The establishment of design standards is intended to improve and elevate the aesthetic quality of Gahanna's Creekside area, for the promotion of property values, sustainability, and pedestrian experience. The standards in this section apply to all lots and structures located in the Creekside Mixed-Use zoning district.

(b)

Building form and placement. The following building form and placement regulations apply to all lots except those that contain only a one-unit or two-unit dwelling:

(1)

Architectural style. Architectural elements must include: (1) Variations in façade elements on all sides of the principal structure to reduce perceived mass and scale; (2) Variations in height, mass, roof forms, and wall planes to mitigate linear appearance of strip development; (3) Vertical break elements to interrupt the plane of the building frontage every 50 feet; (4) Compositional rhythms using windows, columns, trellises, articulation, arcades, materials, awnings, canopies, clerestories, or other features; and (5) Architectural features, such as columns, pilasters, canopies, porticos, awnings, brackets, or arches.

(2)

Roof styles. Roofs must be predominantly flat and parapeted. Vertically projecting elements and elevated sloped roof forms are allowed at prominent corners. Roofs must be designed to complement the building with features, materials, and design patterns.

(3)

Building corners. Building massing should step back at corners adjacent to street intersections. May increase height by up to ten feet to articulate and celebrate such corners. At building corners and façade segments between buildings, change of materials, projections and delineating features and additional height are allowed.

(c)

Building elements. The following building element regulations apply to all lots except those that contain only a one-unit or two-unit dwelling:

(1)

Materials overall. Front, side and rear elevations shall be of the same or similar materials and of a similar level of detail; shall be factory finished, stained, integrally colored, or otherwise suitably treated. Vinyl and highly reflective materials such as bright aluminum or metal are not permitted as the primary building material, but may be included on any elevation if not more than 20 percent of the total materials. Smooth faced concrete block, tilt-up concrete panels, vinyl, and metal siding is prohibited on any elevation in this district.

(2)

Front and side elevations. Upper floor and recessed areas may utilize materials differing from other floors to provide unique expression. Building façade materials shall be high quality and durable. Permitted primary façade materials include: brick, stone veneer (cultured or natural), insulated glazing and framing systems, architectural pre-cast concrete, and preapproved newly developed materials. Finished face concrete masonry may be used at ground level at service areas only. Architectural metal and aluminum may be used as storefront, trim and accent materials only. Buildings may express uniform usage of materials, or may differentiate major building segments toward creating a multiple-building aesthetic by using various materials per segment only when substantial physical breaks and planar offsets are incorporated at segment points to prevent a flat building appearance.

(3)

Colors. Exterior colors should be neutral tones of light brown, tan, beige, white, creams, and gray colors. Not more than a total of four colors are allowed on any elevation. The roof shall be considered a separate elevation.

(4)

Windows. Reflective glass is not permitted. The ground floor of the primary façade shall be not less than 40 percent transparent glass. Upper floor elevations shall be comprised of not less than 25 percent transparent glass.

(5)

Walls and fences. Walls and fences must follow regulations in Chapter 1109. Additionally, no fences are allowed in the front yard; all fence and gate materials shall be of a predominant material found on the primary façade of the building.

(6)

Lighting. All lighting on the façade shall be directed downward. No neon, rope, or parapet lighting is permitted. All light fixtures shall shield the light source to reduce glare and light trespass and should be fully shielded or full cutoff fixtures. Metal halide lighting is prohibited. Light levels at the property line should not exceed 1.0 footcandles adjacent to commercial uses and 0.5 footcandles adjacent to residential uses. All lighting fixtures shall be decorative.

(7)

Building entrances. Entrances shall be along the front elevations and articulated as significant public entrances. Entrances may be emphasized with canopies or similar features which should provide a minimum clearance of nine feet above the sidewalk.

(8)

Screening. Shall adhere to all applicable regulations in Section 1109.04.

(9)

Awning and Canopy Materials. All primary exterior entrances shall have an awning or architectural canopy directly over the doors to aid in identifying the entrance. Awnings shall be of canvass, aluminum, glass, or other finished architectural metal.

(10)

Gutters. Flat roofs should drain to internal roof drains and/or to the rear, leaving street-fronting façades free of gutters and downspouts. Roofs may be occupiable and embellished for amenity use. Stair and elevator access to roof shall be integrated into the core architecture. "Green" or planted roofs are encouraged.

(d)

Parking and service areas. The following parking and service areas regulations apply to all lots except those that contain only a one-unit or two-unit dwelling:

(1)

Parking location. When any lot, other than a through-lot, contains off-street parking, the off-street parking may not be located closer to the right-of-way than any front-facing elevation of a principal structure on the same lot.

(2)

Parking. Parking structures are encouraged for buildings of more than 50,000 square feet of gross floor area, more than 100 dwelling units, or more than 100 hotel rooms. Parking structures may be located within the principal structure. Parking structures may be located below grade. Any parking structure that is visible from the right-of-way must be screened. A parking structure that is detached from the principal structure on the lot may not exceed a height of 20 feet less than the height of the principal structure. Lighting for a parking structure shall be screened from view from other buildings and the street; screening shall be installed to shield adjacent residential units from the glare of vehicle headlights in the parking structure.

(3)

Dumpsters. Shall adhere to all applicable regulations in Section 1109.04.

(4)

Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage is not permitted.

(5)

Mechanical equipment. All mechanical equipment shall be 100 percent screened from view from the public right-of-way and from adjacent properties by using walls, fences, roof elements, penthouse type screening devices or landscaping. All roof-mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened from public view to two feet above the height of the equipment. The design, colors and materials used in screening shall be the same as those of a predominant material found on the primary building façade. Unit exhaust and louvers are not allowed on façades; systems shall route through roof.

(6)

Curb-cuts. No service drive curb cuts are allowed within the building street wall frontage. If more than one street frontage exists, locate curb-cuts on the street with least pedestrian importance.

(Ord. No. 0007-2024, § 2(Exh. A), 4-1-24)

(a)

Purpose. The establishment of design standards is intended to protect and improve the aesthetic quality of Gahanna's Creekside neighborhood, for the promotion of property values, sustainability, and pedestrian experience. The standards in this section apply to all lots and structures located in the Creekside Residential Zoning District.

(b)

Building form and placement. The following building form and placement regulations apply to all lots except those that contain only a one-unit or two-unit dwelling:

(1)

Architectural style. Architectural elements must include: (1) Variations in façade elements on all sides of the principal structure to reduce perceived mass and scale; (2) Variations in height, mass, roof forms, and wall planes to mitigate linear appearance of strip development; (3) Vertical break elements to interrupt the plane of the building frontage every 50 feet; (4) Compositional rhythms using windows, columns, trellises, articulation, arcades, materials, awnings, canopies, clerestories, or other features; and (5) Architectural features, such as columns, pilasters, canopies, porticos, awnings, brackets, or arches.

(2)

Roof styles. Roofs must be predominantly flat and parapeted. Vertically projecting elements and elevated sloped roof forms are allowed at prominent corners. Roofs must be designed with features, materials, and patterns that reflect the building.

(3)

Building corners. Building massing should step back at corners adjacent to street intersections. May increase height by up to ten feet to articulate and celebrate such corners. At building corners and façade segments between buildings, change of materials, projections and delineating features and additional height are allowed.

(c)

Building elements. The following building element regulations apply to all lots except those that contain only a one-unit or two-unit dwelling:

(1)

Materials overall. Front, side and rear elevations shall be of the same or similar materials and of a similar level of detail; shall be factory finished, stained, integrally colored, or otherwise suitably treated. Highly reflective materials such as bright aluminum or metal are not permitted as the primary building material, but may be included on any elevation if not more than 20 percent of the total materials. Smooth faced concrete block, tilt-up concrete panels, vinyl, and metal siding is prohibited on any elevation in this district.

(2)

Front and side elevations. Upper floor and recessed areas may utilize materials differing from other floors to provide unique expression. Building façade materials shall be high quality and durable. Permitted primary façade materials include: brick, stone veneer (cultured or natural), insulated glazing and framing systems, architectural pre-cast concrete, and preapproved newly developed materials. Finished face concrete masonry may be used at ground level at service areas only. Entrances may be emphasized with canopies or similar features which should provide a minimum clearance of nine feet above the sidewalk.

(3)

Colors. Color palettes for building exteriors must be complementary with the colors of adjacent structures. Exterior colors should be neutral tones of light brown, tan, beige, white, creams, and gray colors. Not more than a total of four colors are allowed on any elevation. The roof shall be considered a separate elevation.

(4)

Windows. Reflective glass is not permitted. The ground floor of the primary façade shall be not less than 40 percent transparent glass. Upper floor elevations shall be comprised of not less than 25 percent transparent glass.

(5)

Walls and fences. Walls and fences must follow regulations in Chapter 1109. Additionally, only decorative open fences are permitted in the front yard; all fence and gate materials shall be of a predominant material found on the primary façade of the building.

(6)

Lighting. All lighting on the façade shall be directed downward. No neon, rope, or parapet lighting is permitted. All light fixtures shall shield the light source to reduce glare and light trespass and should be fully shielded or full cutoff fixtures. Metal halide lighting is prohibited. Fixtures shall be located no closer to the property line than four times the mounting height of the fixture and in no event shall exceed the height of adjacent structures. Light levels at the property line should not exceed 1.0 footcandles adjacent to commercial uses and 0.5 footcandles adjacent to residential uses. All lighting fixtures shall be decorative.

(7)

Screening. Shall adhere to all applicable regulations in Section 1109.04.

(8)

Awning and canopy materials. All primary exterior entrances shall have an awning or architectural canopy directly over the doors to aid in identifying the entrance. Awnings shall be of canvass, aluminum, glass, or other finished architectural metal.

(9)

Gutters. Flat roofs should drain to internal roof drains and/or to the rear, leaving street-fronting façades free of gutters and downspouts. Roofs may be occupiable and embellished for amenity use. Stair and elevator access to roof shall be integrated in to the core architecture. "Green" or planted roofs are encouraged.

(d)

Parking and service areas. The following parking and service areas regulations apply to all lots except those that contain only a one-unit dwelling:

(1)

Parking location. Must be located in the rear yard or one side yard. Parking lots shall meet the requirements of Section 1109.01.

(2)

Parking structures. Parking structures are encouraged for buildings of more than 50,000 square feet of gross floor area, more than 100 dwelling units, or more than 100 hotel rooms. Parking structures may be located within the principal structure. Below-grade structures are allowed. Screening is required for parking structures visible from the street. Must be two fewer stories than the principal structure. Parking structure shall allow unencumbered service drive access to sides and rears of principal structures. Lighting shall be screened from view from other buildings and the street; headlights shall be screened from residential units by installing solid screening on top parking levels.

(3)

Dumpsters. Shall adhere to all applicable regulations in Section 1109.04.

(4)

Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage is not permitted.

(5)

Mechanical equipment. All mechanical equipment shall be 100 percent screened from view from the public right-of-way and from adjacent properties by using walls, fences, roof elements, penthouse type screening devices or landscaping. All roof-mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened from public view to two feet above the height of the equipment. The design, colors and materials used in screening shall be the same as those of a predominant material found on the primary building façade. Unit exhaust and louvers are not allowed on façades; systems shall route through roof.

(6)

Curb-cuts. No service drive curb cuts are allowed within the building street wall frontage. If more than one street frontage exists, locate curb-cuts on the street with least pedestrian importance.

(Ord. No. 0007-2024, § 2(Exh. A), 4-1-24)