Garfield Heights City Zoning Code
TITLE TWO
Zoning District Standards
1137.01 ZONING DISTRICTS.
To achieve the purposes of this Code, the City of Garfield Heights is hereby divided and classified into the districts established in this chapter.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1137.02 ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING MAP.
(A) The district classification of all land in the City shall be shown on the map designated as the City Zoning District Map, dated and signed by the Clerk of Council upon adoption.
(B) The Zoning District Map and all amendments thereto shall be as much a part of this Code as if fully described herein and shall be filed as part thereof by the Clerk of Council. The Map shall be available for public inspection in the Building Department. Any amendments to this Map shall be similarly dated, filed, and made available for public reference.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1137.03 LIST OF DISTRICTS.
The City of Garfield Heights includes the following base zoning districts:
Base Zoning District | Symbol |
Residential 1 | RES1 |
Residential 2 | RES2 |
Neighborhood Mixed-Use | NMU |
Turney Road Core Mixed Use | TRCMU |
Commercial | COM |
Special Use | SPCL |
(A) Additionally, the City of Garfield Heights contains the following overlay zoning districts. An overlay zoning district may be applied in areas of the city within the boundaries of base zoning districts; in such cases, the more restrictive regulations shall govern.
Overlay Zoning District | Symbol |
Environmentally Sensitive Overlay | ENV-O |
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1137.04 COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS.
(A) All developments and uses must conform to the standards set forth in this chapter.
(B) Additional applicable development standards are included elsewhere in the Zoning Code.
Figure 1137-01: Zoning Districts. Please note that this zoning map may have been
modified over time, and this version may not reflect recent changes; please
see the City’s website for the most current version of the zoning map.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1138.01 INTENT OF THE RESIDENTIAL 1 DISTRICT.
(A) The Residential 1 District intends to promote one- and two-unit dwellings and compatible civic uses in the majority of Garfield Heights's residential neighborhoods and promote balance between the preservation of existing neighborhood character and the promotion of neighborhood investment and housing diversity.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1138.02 USES IN THE RESIDENTIAL 1 DISTRICT.
(A) Number of Uses per Lot. No more than one principal use is permitted per lot in the Residential 1 District.
(B) Accessory Uses. Accessory uses shall be permitted in accordance with accessory use regulations found in Chapter 1151.
(C) Uses Restricted. No building or land within the Residential 1 District shall be used for any purpose other than for a purpose included in the list of allowed uses below. Additional use regulations of Chapter 1150 shall apply. All use terms are defined in this Planning and Zoning Code’s Glossary in Chapter 1205.
Allowed Uses in the RES1 District | Required Approval Process | Reference to Specific Regulations |
RESIDENTIAL USES | ||
One-Unit Residential | Administrative Review | |
Two-Unit Residential | Administrative Review | |
3-8 Unit Residential | Conditional Use Review | |
Townhouse Residential | Conditional Use Review | |
Cottage Court Residential | Conditional Use Review | |
Residential Care Housing | Conditional Use Review | |
INSTITUTIONAL USES | ||
Indoor Recreation/Community Centers | Conditional Use Review | |
Libraries, Museums, Playhouses, and Places of Worship | Conditional Use Review | |
Schools | Conditional Use Review | |
OPEN SPACE USES | ||
Community Agriculture | Administrative Review | |
Preserves | Administrative Review | |
Sports Fields and Outdoor Recreation | Conditional Use Review | |
MISCELLANEOUS USES | ||
Accessory Uses | Administrative Review | Chapter 1151 |
Temporary Uses | Administrative Review | Chapter 1152 |
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1138.03 BUILDING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN THE RESIDENTIAL 1 DISTRICT.
(A) No lot may be created which does not conform with the lot size standards listed below.
(B) No building shall be erected or modified unless such building or the modified portion of such building conforms with the yard setback and building scale standards listed below.
Development Standards | |||
LOT SIZE STANDARDS | |||
A | Lot Area | 4,500 sq. ft. min.* |  |
B | Lot Width | 39 ft. min. for minor subdivisions*; 45 ft. min. for major subdivisions* | |
C | Lot Depth | 100 ft. min.* | |
YARD SETBACK STANDARDS | |||
D | Front Yard Setback | 20 ft. min.* |  |
E | Side Yard Setback | 5 ft. min.* on any side without a driveway; 10 ft. min. on any side with a driveway (measured between the structure and the side lot line) | |
F | Rear Yard Setback | 25 ft. min.* | |
BUILDING SCALE STANDARDS | |||
G | Building Height | 40 ft. max. | |
Lot Coverage | N/A |  | |
NOTES | |||
*(asterisk) indicates that special requirements may apply for townhouse development; please see townhouse provisions in §1150.31. | |||
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-25.)
1138.04 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS IN THE RESIDENTIAL 1 DISTRICT.
(A) Parking and Driveway Regulations. Parking and driveway regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1155 “Parking Standards”.
(B) Fence Regulations. Fence regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1157 “Fence Standards”.
(C) Construction Stormwater Controls. Stormwater regulations for construction sites that may disturb one acre or greater, as well as other environmental standards such as hillside and floodplain protections, can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Title Six "Environmental Regulations”.
(D) Outdoor Storage Regulations. Outdoor storage regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1160 “Dumpsters and Outdoor Storage Standards”.
(E) Noise Regulations. Noise levels are regulated by the Noise Control chapter of the Codified Ordinances of Garfield Heights and is not included in this Planning and Zoning Code; please contact the City of Garfield Heights for details on noise control provisions.
(F) Building Code Regulations. All new buildings and modifications to buildings must adhere to the City of Garfield Heights building code. The building code is not included in this Planning and Zoning Code; please contact the City of Garfield Heights Building Department for details on conforming to the building code.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-25.)
1139.01 INTENT OF THE RESIDENTIAL 2 DISTRICT.
The Residential 2 District intends to promote multi-unit dwellings and compatible civic uses.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1139.02 USES IN THE RESIDENTIAL 2 DISTRICT.
(A) Number of Uses per Lot. No more than one principal use is permitted per lot in the Residential 2 District.
(B) Accessory Uses. Accessory uses shall be permitted in accordance with accessory use regulations found in Chapter 1151.
(C) Uses Restricted. No building or land within the Residential 2 District shall be used for any purpose other than for a purpose included in the list of allowed uses below. Additional use regulations of Chapter 1150 shall apply. All use terms are defined in this Planning and Zoning Code’s Glossary in Chapter 1205.
Allowed Uses in the RES2 District | Required Approval Process | Reference to Specific Regulations |
RESIDENTIAL USES | ||
One-Unit Residential | Administrative Use Review | |
Two-Unit Residential | Administrative Use Review | |
3-8 Unit Residential | Administrative Review | |
9-Plus-Unit Residential | Administrative Review | |
Townhouse Residential | Administrative Review | |
Cottage Court Residential | Administrative Review | |
Residential Care Housing | Administrative Review | |
Allowed Uses in the RES2 District | Required Approval Process | Reference to Specific Regulations |
INSTITUTIONAL USES | ||
Indoor Recreational/Community Centers | Conditional Use Review | |
Libraries, Museums, Playhouses, and Places of Worship | Conditional Use Review | |
Schools | Conditional Use Review | |
OPEN SPACE USES | ||
Community Agriculture | Administrative Review | |
Preserves | Administrative Review | |
Sports Fields and Outdoor Recreation | Conditional Use Review | |
MISCELLANEOUS USES | ||
Accessory Uses | Administrative Review | Chapter 1151 |
Temporary Uses | Administrative Review | Chapter 1152 |
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1139.03 BUILDING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN THE RESIDENTIAL 2 DISTRICT.
(A) No lot may be created which does not conform with the lot size standards listed below.
(B) No building shall be erected or modified unless such building or the modified portion of such building conforms with the yard setback and building scale standards listed below.
Development Standards | |||
LOT SIZE STANDARDS | |||
A | Lot Area | 7,500 sq. ft. min.* |  |
B | Lot Width | 75 ft. min.* | |
C | Lot Depth | 100 ft. min.* | |
YARD SETBACK STANDARDS | |||
D | Front Yard Setback | 25 ft. min. from public right-of-way*; no min. from private drive |  |
E | Side Yard Setback | 15 ft. min. per side* | |
F | Rear Yard Setback | 15 ft. min.* | |
BUILDING SCALE STANDARDS | |||
G | Building Height | 50 ft. min. |  |
Lot Coverage | N/A | ||
NOTES | |||
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1139.04 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS IN THE RESIDENTIAL 2 DISTRICT.
(A) Parking and Driveway Regulations. Parking and driveway regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1155 “Parking Standards”.
(B) Fence Regulations. Fence regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1157 “Fence Standards”.
(C) Construction Stormwater Controls. Stormwater regulations for construction sites that may disturb one acre or greater, as well as other environmental standards such as hillside and floodplain protections, can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Title Six "Environmental Regulations”.
(D) Outdoor Storage Regulations. Outdoor storage regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1160 “Dumpsters and Outdoor Storage Standards”.
(E) Noise Regulations. Noise levels are regulated by the Noise Control chapter of the Codified Ordinances of Garfield Heights and is not included in this Planning and Zoning Code; please contact the City of Garfield Heights for details on noise control provisions.
(F) Building Code Regulations. All new buildings and modifications to buildings must adhere to the City of Garfield Heights building code. The building code is not included in this Planning and Zoning Code; please contact the City of Garfield Heights Building Department for details on conforming to the building code.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1140.01 INTENT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD MIXED-USE DISTRICT.
The Neighborhood Mixed-Use District intends to promote a diversity of pedestrian-scaled land uses compatible with and within walking distance of Garfield Heights' housing areas.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1140.02 USES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD MIXED-USE DISTRICT.
(A) Number of Uses per Lot. More than one principal use is permitted per lot in the Neighborhood Mixed-Use District.
(B) Accessory Uses. Accessory uses shall be permitted in accordance with accessory use regulations found in Chapter 1151.
(C) Uses Restricted. No building or land within the Neighborhood Mixed-Use District shall be used for any purpose other than for a purpose included in the list of allowed uses below. Additional use regulations of Chapter 1150 shall apply. All use terms are defined in this Planning and Zoning Code’s Glossary in Chapter 1205.
Allowed Uses in the NMU District | Required Approval Process | Reference to Specific Regulation |
RESIDENTIAL USES | ||
One-Unit Residential | Administrative Review | |
Two-Unit Residential | Administrative Review | |
3-8 Unit Residential | Administrative Review | |
Townhouse Residential | Administrative Review | |
Residential Care Housing | Administrative Review | |
Allowed Uses in the NMU District | Required Approval Process | Reference to Specific Regulation |
COMMERCIAL USES | ||
Craft and Art Industrial | Administrative Review | |
Day Care Facility | Administrative Review | |
Indoor Dining, Drinking, and Entertainment | Administrative Review | |
Indoor Sales and Services | Administrative Review | |
Lodging | Administrative Review | |
Outdoor Dining, Drinking, and Entertainment | Conditional Use Review | |
INSTITUTIONAL USES | ||
Indoor Recreation/Community Centers | Administrative Review | |
Libraries, Museums, Playhouses, and Places of Worship | Administrative Review | |
Schools | Conditional Use Review | |
OPEN SPACE USES | ||
Community Agriculture | Administrative Review | |
Preserves | Administrative Review | |
Sports Fields and Outdoor Recreation | Administrative Review | |
MISCELLANEOUS USES | ||
Accessory Uses | Administrative Review | Chapter 1151 |
Temporary Uses | Administrative Review | Chapter 1152 |
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1140.03 BUILDING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD MIXED-USE DISTRICT.
(A) No lot may be created which does not conform with the lot size standards listed below.
(B) No building shall be erected or modified unless such building or the modified portion of such building conforms with the yard setback and building scale standards listed below.
Development Standards | |||
LOT SIZE STANDARDS | |||
A | Lot Area | 2,000 sq. ft. min.* |  |
B | Lot Width | 15 ft. min.* | |
C | Lot Depth | 80 ft. min.* | |
YARD SETBACK STANDARDS | |||
D | Front Yard Setback | 0 ft. min |  |
E | Side Yard Setback | 0 ft. min. per side** | |
F | Rear Yard Setback | 15 ft. min.* | |
BUILDING SCALE STANDARDS | |||
G | Building Height | 40 ft. max. |  |
Building Footprint | 20,000 sq. ft. max | ||
Lot Coverage | N/A | ||
NOTES | |||
* (asterisk) indicates that special requirements may apply for townhouse development; please see townhouse provisions in §1150.31. ** (double asterisk) indicates that special building code requirements may apply for adjacent structures; please see the City’s building code regulations. | |||
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1140.04 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD MIXED-USE DISTRICT.
(A) Parking and Driveway Regulations. Parking and driveway regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1155 “Parking Standards”.
(B) Fence Regulations. Fence regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1157 “Fence Standards”.
(C) Construction Stormwater Controls. Stormwater regulations for construction sites that may disturb one acre or greater, as well as other environmental standards such as hillside and floodplain protections, can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Title Six "Environmental Regulations”.
(D) Outdoor Storage Regulations. Outdoor storage regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1160 “Dumpsters and Outdoor Storage Standards”.
(E) Noise Regulations. Noise levels are regulated by the Noise Control chapter of the Codified Ordinances of Garfield Heights and is not included in this Planning and Zoning Code; please contact the City of Garfield Heights for details on noise control provisions.
(F) Building Code Regulations. All new buildings and modifications to buildings must adhere to the City of Garfield Heights building code. The building code is not included in this Planning and Zoning Code; please contact the City of Garfield Heights Building Department for details on conforming to the building code.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1141.01 INTENT OF THE TURNEY ROAD CORE MIXED-USE DISTRICT.
The Turney Road Core Mixed-Use District intends to promote a walkable, transit-accessible, mixed-use district in the heart of Garfield Heights that serves local residents, employees, and visitors with a variety of main street-scaled land uses.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-25.)
1141.02 USES IN THE TURNEY ROAD CORE MIXED-USE DISTRICT.
(A) Number of Uses per Lot. More than one principal use is permitted per lot in the Turney Road Core Mixed-Use District.
(B) Accessory Uses. Accessory uses shall be permitted in accordance with accessory use regulations found in Chapter 1151.
(C) Uses Restricted. No building or land within the Turney Road Core Mixed-Use District shall be used for any purpose other than for a purpose included in the list of allowed uses below. Additional use regulations of Chapter 1150 shall apply. All use terms are defined in this Planning and Zoning Code’s Glossary in Chapter 1205.
Allowed Uses in the TRCMU District | Required Approval Process | Reference to Specific Regulation |
RESIDENTIAL USES | ||
One-Unit Residential | Administrative Review | |
Two-Unit Residential | Administrative Review | |
3-8 Unit Residential | Administrative Review | |
9 Plus-Unit Residential | Administrative Review | |
Townhouse Residential | Administrative Review | |
Residential Care Housing | Administrative Review | |
COMMERCIAL USES | ||
Craft and Art Industrial | Administrative Review | |
Indoor Dining, Drinking, and Entertainment | Administrative Review | |
Indoor Sales and Services | Administrative Review | |
Large Indoor Events Center | Administrative Review | |
Lodging | Administrative Review | |
Outdoor Dining, Drinking, and Entertainment | Conditional Use Review | |
INSTITUTIONAL USES | ||
Indoor Recreation/Community Centers | Administrative Review | |
Libraries, Museums, Playhouses, and Places of Worship | Administrative Review | |
Schools | Administrative Review | |
OPEN SPACE USES | ||
Community Agriculture | Administrative Review | |
Preserves | Administrative Review | |
Sports Fields and Outdoor Recreation | Administrative Review | |
MISCELLANEOUS USES | ||
Accessory Uses | Administrative Review | Chapter 1151 |
Temporary Uses | Administrative Review | Chapter 1152 |
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1141.03 BUILDING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN THE TURNEY ROAD CORE MIXED-USE DISTRICT.
(A) No lot may be created which does not conform with the lot size standards listed below.
(B) No building shall be erected or modified unless such building or the modified portion of such building conforms with the yard setback and building scale standards listed below.
Development Standards | |||
LOT SIZE STANDARDS | |||
A | Lot Area | 2,000 sq. ft. min.* |  |
B | Lot Width | 15 ft. min.* | |
C | Lot Depth | 80 ft. min.* | |
YARD SETBACK STANDARDS | |||
D | Front Yard Setback | 0 ft. min.; 40 ft. max. |  |
E | Side Yard Setback | 0 ft. min. per side** where abutting another lot in the TRCMU District; 20 ft. min. per side where abutting any other district | |
F | Rear Yard Setback | 5 ft. min.* where abutting another lot in the TRCMU District; 20 ft. min. where abutting any other district | |
BUILDING SCALE STANDARDS (CONT.) | |||
G | Building Height | 22 ft. min. and 75 ft. max.; however, no portion of a building within 40 horizontal feet of a property in the RES1 District shall exceed 40 ft. in height |  |
Building Footprint | 35,000 sq. ft. max.; larger structures may be permitted through a variance process (see Chapter 1188) | ||
Lot Coverage | N/A | ||
Building Frontage | At least 60% of lot width at front yard setback line must be occupied by building | ||
NOTES | |||
* (asterisk) indicates that special requirements may apply for townhouse development; please see townhouse provisions in §1150.31. ** (double asterisk) indicates that special building code requirements may apply for adjacent structures; please see the City’s building code regulations. | |||
Figure 1141-03: Graphic showing the Building Frontage percentage. The thick pink
line represents the lot width, and the thin pink line represents the building’s width.
The Building Frontage percentage is the width of the thin pink line divided by the
width of the thick pink line, multiplied by 100.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1141.04 DESIGN STANDARDS IN THE TURNEY ROAD CORE MIXED-USE DISTRICT.
(A) Applicability of Design Standards. These design standards shall apply to any new development or any redevelopment of an existing building that results in an addition or expansion of thirty percent (30%) or more of square footage of the existing building, where such new development or redevelopment is within the Turney Road Core Mixed-Use District. However, these design standards shall not apply to new developments or redevelopments that do not have a visual effect or change to Turney Road; for example, certain areas or lots within the Turney Road Core Mixed-Use District may not be visible to Turney Road because they are blocked by other lots or structures—these areas or lots are not subject to these design standards. Furthermore, only a change of use of an existing structure and not an alteration of such structure shall not require conformity with these design standards.
(B) Transition Zone Required. Any portion of the Turney Road Core Mixed-Use District within forty (40) feet of the Residential 1 District shall be considered a Transition Zone. Within this Transition Zone, the massing and scale of new construction should consider its surrounding context in the following ways:
(i) Stepping back upper stories or adjusting the roof pitch of larger massed buildings on the side where they are adjacent to smaller massed buildings.
(ii) Including additional buffer space between larger massed buildings and smaller massed buildings. This buffer space is an appropriate area for drives, landscaping, and open space.
(iii) Including horizontal architectural details such as cornices and window frames on larger massed buildings that align with the roofline of the adjacent smaller massed buildings.
(iv) Using trees and other greenery to soften hard edges between differently massed buildings.
(C) Entryway Requirements. The building’s architecture shall emphasize the main entryway to the building, and the main entryway shall face Turney Road or, for corner lots, the corner of Turney Road and an intersecting street. To avoid pedestrian conflicts, no public entrance door—whether hinged, rotary, or sliding—may have a pivot point or slide-track within three feet of the public right-of-way.
Figure 1141-04: Graphic showing the building’s main entryways in blue.
(D) Transparent Windows Required. At least forty percent (40%) of the surface area of any wall facing Turney Road that is parallel to or nearly parallel to Turney Road between the ground level and eight feet of height shall consist windows. None of the required windows shall be tinted greater than twenty percent (20%) nor shall be blocked by films, paper, or other materials. This provision is meant to activate the pedestrian environment, enhancing visual interest, and is meant to increase visibility for law enforcement personnel needing to see inside of a building.
Figure 1141-05: Graphic showing the transparency of a building’s front façade.
In this building, the transparency percentage is the area of transparent glass (the
windows are shown in gray) divided by the total front façade area (represented by
yellow, plus the gray window area), and then multiplied by 100. Please note that,
in this example, both the first floor and the second floor are considered, but the
regulation in this Planning and Zoning Code may consider transparency
only for the first floor.
(E) Activated Frontages Required. Any interior space of a building visible from Turney Road shall be of a non-residential nature to a depth of at least fifteen (15) feet into the building, so as to activate the street frontage. For the purposes of this definition, an activated use may include a commercial use, such as offices, retail stores, or food service establishments; public spaces, such as atria, lobbies, or meeting rooms; or residential-amenity spaces, such as gyms or pools. Stairs, storage, hallways, elevators, and indoor parking do not qualify as active uses.
(F) Anti-Monotony Techniques Required. Large-scale commercial and mixed-use buildings should include architectural or material-based articulation to reduce the perceived mass of the building while still aligning with the built context of the block, which can be achieved using any of the following techniques:
(i) For larger buildings, particularly buildings that fill an entire block, using engaging ground-level design and providing multiple pedestrian entry points along the frontage.
(ii) Avoiding large, monolithic buildings by breaking the facade down to appear as multiple smaller buildings.
(iii) Incorporating architectural elements such as recessed or protruding entrances, balconies, bay windows, brick patterns, etc.
(iv) Ensuring the pattern or repetition of any chosen architectural feature, recess, projection, or break is regular, intentional, and predictable.
(G) Transit Consideration Required. Existing and future transit stops should be considered in the layout of new developments to ensure convenient transit access and use. The location of entrances, walkways, and pedestrian amenities should allow for convenient, safe, and comfortable pedestrian access from a transit stop to the site.
(H) Pedestrian Amenities Required.
(i) Outdoor dining and seating areas are encouraged but should maintain at least six feet of unobstructed walking space along sidewalks.
Figure 1141-06: Graphic showing outdoor pedestrian amenities, such as outdoor dining areas.
(ii) Pedestrian amenities such as benches, lighting, and trash and recycling receptacles should be conveniently placed together.
(iii) Overhead weather protection—such as awnings, overhangs, and arcades—are encouraged and should be appropriately located to clearly define building entries and orient towards pedestrian areas. Where possible, overhead weather protection should be located to provide shelter to waiting transit users. Please note that permanently installed overhead weather protection, such as awnings, overhangs, and arcades, in the public right-of-way require permission from the City for such public right-of-way encroachments.
(I) Vehicle Driveways Limited.
(i) No development site of one acre or less shall be permitted more than one curb cut onto Turney Road; and no development site of more than one acre shall be permitted more than two curb cuts onto Turney Road.
(ii) All surface parking lots shall be designed so that driveway access is off of a secondary street or alley, when such secondary street or alley can be accessed from the site.
(iii) Parking area access may be achieved through inter-parcel connection to a street or alley, with approval of the Building Commissioner. Wherever possible, parking lots on adjacent properties shall be designed to allow for shared driveway access and internal circulation between the parking areas so as to reduce the number of curb cuts along the street. The design of any new parking lot shall anticipate and not preclude future inter-parcel connections from adjoining lots, if at all possible. On lots utilizing a cooperative parking agreement or part of a common development, parking areas may abut or cross lot lines.
(iv) Driveways/parking area accessways shall be a minimum of 100 feet from any intersection, as measured from the driveway/parking area accessway center line to any intersection, as shown in the figure below
(v) Driveways/ parking area accessways must be located a minimum of 250 feet away from any other existing or proposed driveway/ parking area accessway along the same street frontage, provided, however, that all developments are allowed at least one driveway/ parking area accessway, as shown the figure below.
(vi) Distances between driveways/parking area accessways shall be measured along the right-of-way line from the center line of the proposed driveway/parking area accessway at the right-of-way to the center line at the right-of-way of any other proposed or existing driveway/parking area accessway.
(vii) No parking area accessway may be wider than thirty-six (36) feet.
Figure 1141-07: Figure showing the separation of the parking lot accessway
and the nearest intersection (represented by the pink arrow).
(J) Parking Design Guidelines.
(i) Garages, parking spaces, and driveways should be designed to be as discreet as possible and limit impediments to the walking environment.
(ii) Garage openings should be placed where it will have the least disruption to pedestrian walkways and limit potential conflict points between car traffic and pedestrians.
(iii) Buildings should be arranged on the site such that garages should be placed behind buildings whenever possible, and parking entrances should be accessed via secondary streets.
(iv) Whenever garages face a primary street, they should be lined by buildings that screen the parking structure from view and incorporate other uses such as residential, retail, and active uses.
Figure 1141-08: An upper-floor parking garage in the Design District of Miami, Florida,
with screening, as suggested by these design standards.
Figure 1141-09: A parking garage in Athens, Georgia, that epitomizes these
design standards’ requirements to “incorporate architectural design that
complements the primary structure through the use of facade articulation,
architectural elements, color, and elements that break up the mass of the garage.”
(v) Garages that are visible from a public street should avoid blank walls. These garages should be screened using landscaping or public art, or should incorporate architectural design that complements the primary structure through the use of facade articulation, architectural elements, color, and elements that break up the mass of the garage. Fabric screening of parking garages is discouraged.
(vi) Surface parking lots visible from Turney Road shall be screened from the sidewalk with a wall, hedgerow, or decorative fence of at least three feet in height. Such wall, hedgerow, or decorative fence may be broken only to facilitate pedestrian passageways or parking area accessways.
Figure 1141-10: An image showing a parking lot screen using a stone wall and vegetation.
This parking lot in Covington, Kentucky, has an opening in the screening for vehicle access.
(K) Landscaping Plan Required. A Landscaping Plan shall be submitted for the entire site. The Landscaping Plan shall include all of the following:
(i) A site plan showing the location of all existing and proposed landscaping, open space, screening, and other site features.
(ii) Property boundaries, building location(s), parking lot layout, service areas, mechanical equipment, pedestrian paths, adjacent rights-of way, north arrow, and scale.
(iii) The location, quantity, size at planting and at maturity, and name, both botanical and common names, of all proposed planting materials, including ground cover.
(iv) Any other information and data deemed necessary by the Building Commissioner.
(L) Streetscaping Plan Required.
(i) A Streetscaping Plan shall be submitted for the entire site. The Streetscaping Plan shall include the following items:
(1) A plan showing the location and relationship between vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and all existing and proposed pedestrian facilities, street and sidewalk lighting, landscaping, street furniture, lighting fixtures, trash receptacles, and transit stops.
(2) Property boundaries, building location(s), parking lot layout, pedestrian paths, and adjacent rights-of way.
(3) Specifications and drawings or photographs for all street furniture, trash receptacles, and transit stops.
(4) The location, quantity, size at planting and at maturity, and name, both botanical and common names, of all proposed planting materials, including ground cover.
(5) Any other information and data deemed necessary by the Building Commissioner.
(ii) Street trees shall be planted within tree lawns along all public rights-of-way.
(1) A minimum of one large tree shall be planted for every development site, and street trees shall be planted at intervals of no more than thirty (30) feet on-center, on average.
(2) Where overhead utilities exist, one small tree must be planted every twenty (20) feet on-center, on average.
(3) Tree spacing is measured as an average to account for driveways, utilities, bus boarding areas, and other potential conflicts.
(4) Where a street tree is not possible or where tree lawns are less than three feet wide, a tree shall be planted in the required front yard space, if such front yard is at least ten (10) feet deep.
(5) Streetscaping shall preserve the minimum clear walking space of a sidewalk. The pedestrian zone must be constructed to meet all local standards and ADA specifications. Transit shelters may encroach into the pedestrian zone as long as ADA requirements are met.
(M) Maintenance and Selection of Plant Material.
(i) Plant materials shall be selected that are of good quality, require minimal maintenance, are native or naturalized, and are capable of withstanding the extremes of individual site microclimates.
(ii) The owner of the premises shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all landscaping materials.
(iii) All landscaping materials shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance.
(iv) Large trees must have a minimum canopy spread at maturity of at least thirty (30) feet; small trees must have a minimum canopy spread at maturity between fifteen (15) feet and thirty (30) feet; and all shrubs must be at least two feet in height at time of planting.
(N) Architectural Review Required. Projects subject to these design standards must be reviewed by the Planning Commission. No building permit shall be issued unless plans and specifications have been approved in writing by the Planning Commission.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1141.05 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS IN THE TURNEY ROAD CORE MIXED-USE DISTRICT.
(A) Parking and Driveway Regulations. Parking and driveway regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1155 “Parking Standards”.
(B) Fence Regulations. Fence regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1157 “Fence Standards”.
(C) Construction Stormwater Controls. Stormwater regulations for construction sites that may disturb one acre or greater, as well as other environmental standards such as hillside and floodplain protections, can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Title Six "Environmental Regulations”.
(D) Outdoor Storage Regulations. Outdoor storage regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1160 “Dumpsters and Outdoor Storage Standards”.
(E) Noise Regulations. Noise levels are regulated by the Noise Control chapter of the Codified Ordinances of Garfield Heights and is not included in this Planning and Zoning Code; please contact the City of Garfield Heights for details on noise control provisions.
(F) Building Code Regulations. All new buildings and modifications to buildings must adhere to the City of Garfield Heights building code. The building code is not included in this Planning and Zoning Code; please contact the City of Garfield Heights Building Department for details on conforming to the building code.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1142.01 INTENT OF THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT.
The Commercial District intends to promote large-scale commercial operations that support employment, including offices, large retailers, and industrial users that may yield large volumes of passenger traffic; generate heavy truck traffic; produce noxious noise, vibrations, or air pollutants; or are otherwise incompatible with walkable residential or mixed-use neighborhoods. Certain special uses may be prohibited in the Commercial District but permitted in the Special Use District. (Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1142.02 USES IN THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT.
(A) Number of Uses per Lot. More than one principal use is permitted per lot in the Commercial District.
(B) Accessory Uses. Accessory uses shall be permitted in accordance with accessory use regulations found in Chapter 1151.
(C) Uses Restricted. No building or land within the Commercial District shall be used for any purpose other than for a purpose included in the list of allowed uses below. Additional use regulations of Chapter 1150 shall apply. All use terms are defined in this Planning and Zoning Code’s Glossary in Chapter 1205.
Allowed Uses in the COM District | Required Approval Process | Reference to Specific Regulation |
COMMERCIAL USES | ||
Animal Boarding | Administrative Review | |
Craft and Art Industrial | Administrative Review | |
Emergency and In-Patient Medical Services | Administrative Review | |
Indoor Dining, Drinking, and Entertainment | Administrative Review | |
Indoor Sales and Services | Administrative Review | |
Heavy Industrial | Administrative Review | |
Large Indoor Events Center | Administrative Review | |
Large Utility | Administrative Review | |
Light Industrial | Administrative Review | |
Lodging | Administrative Review | |
Outdoor Dining, Drinking, and Entertainment | Conditional Use Review | |
Outdoor Sales | Conditional Use Review | |
Outdoor Venues | Administrative Review | |
Vehicle Sales, Refueling, Repair, and Servicing | Administrative Review | |
INSTITUTIONAL USES | ||
Indoor Recreation/Community Centers | Administrative Review | |
Libraries, Museums, Playhouses, and Places of Worship | Administrative Review | |
OPEN SPACE USES | ||
Commercial Agriculture | Administrative Review | |
Preserves | Administrative Review | |
Sports Fields and Outdoor Recreation | Administrative Review | |
MISCELLANEOUS USES | ||
Accessory Uses | Administrative Review | Chapter 1151 |
Temporary Uses | Administrative Review | Chapter 1152 |
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1142.03 BUILDING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT.
(A) No lot may be created which does not conform with the lot size standards listed below.
(B) No building shall be erected or modified unless such building or the modified portion of such building conforms with the yard setback and building scale standards listed below.
Development Standards | |||
LOT SIZE STANDARDS | |||
A | Lot Area | 20,000 sq. ft. min. |  |
B | Lot Width | 100 ft. min. | |
C | Lot Depth | 100 ft. min. | |
YARD SETBACK STANDARDS | |||
D | Front Yard Setback | 35 ft. min |  |
E | Side Yard Setback | 35 ft. min. per side | |
F | Rear Yard Setback | 35 ft. min. | |
BUILDING SCALE STANDARDS | |||
G | Building Height | 80 ft. max.; however, no portion of a building within 40 horizontal feet of a property in the RES1, RES2, or NMU District shall exceed 40 ft. in height |  |
Lot Coverage | N/A | ||
NOTES | |||
---- | |||
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-25.)
1142.04 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS IN THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT.
(A) Parking and Driveway Regulations. Parking and driveway regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1155 “Parking Standards”.
(B) Fence Regulations. Fence regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1157 “Fence Standards”.
(C) Construction Stormwater Controls. Stormwater regulations for construction sites that may disturb one acre or greater, as well as other environmental standards such as hillside and floodplain protections, can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Title Six "Environmental Regulations”.
(D) Outdoor Storage Regulations. Outdoor storage regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1160 “Dumpsters and Outdoor Storage Standards”.
(E) Noise Regulations. Noise levels are regulated by the Noise Control chapter of the Codified Ordinances of Garfield Heights and is not included in this Planning and Zoning Code; please contact the City of Garfield Heights for details on noise control provisions.
(F) Building Code Regulations. All new buildings and modifications to buildings must adhere to the City of Garfield Heights building code. The building code is not included in this Planning and Zoning Code; please contact the City of Garfield Heights Building Department for details on conforming to the building code.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1143.01 INTENT OF THE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
The Special Use District intends to promote large-scale commercial operations that support employment, including offices, large retailers, and industrial users that may yield large volumes of passenger traffic; generate heavy truck traffic; produce noxious noise, vibrations, or air pollutants; or are otherwise incompatible with walkable residential or mixed-use neighborhoods. The Special Use District intends to provide opportunities for certain special uses, such as sexually oriented businesses, where such uses have the potential to adversely impact the character of other districts. (Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1143.02 USES IN THE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
(A) Number of Uses per Lot. More than one principal use is permitted per lot in the Special Use District.
(B) Accessory Uses. Accessory uses shall be permitted in accordance with accessory use regulations found in Chapter 1151.
(C) Uses Restricted. No building or land within the Special Use District shall be used for any purpose other than for a purpose included in the list of allowed uses below. Additional use regulations of Chapter 1150 shall apply. All use terms are defined in this Planning and Zoning Code’s Glossary in Chapter 1205.
Allowed Uses in the SPCL District | Required Approval Process | Reference to Specific Regulation |
COMMERCIAL USES | ||
Adult Oriented Uses | Administrative Review | |
Animal Boarding | Administrative Review | |
Bail Bond Lending Uses | Administrative Review | |
Emergency and In-Patient Medical Services | Administrative Review | |
Indoor Dining, Drinking, and Entertainment | Administrative Review | |
Indoor Sales and Service | Administrative Review | |
Heavy Industrial | Administrative Review | |
Large Utility | Administrative Review | |
Light Industrial | Administrative Review | |
Marijuana-, Vape-, or Smoke-Oriented Uses | Administrative Review | |
Outdoor Dining, Drinking, and Entertainment | Conditional Use Review | |
Outdoor Venues | Administrative Review | |
Pawn Shops | Administrative Review | |
Vehicle Sales, Refueling, Repair and Servicing | Administrative Review | |
Vehicle Storage | Administrative Review | |
Weapons-Oriented Uses | Administrative Review | |
INSTITUTIONAL USES | ||
Indoor Recreation/Community Centers | Administrative Review | |
Libraries, Museums, Playhouses, and Places of Worship | Administrative Review | |
OPEN SPACE USES | ||
Commercial Agriculture | Administrative Review | |
Preserves | Administrative Review | |
Sports Fields and Outdoor Recreation | Administrative Review | |
MISCELLANEOUS USES | ||
Accessory Uses | Administrative Review | Chapter 1151 |
Temporary Uses | Administrative Review | Chapter 1152 |
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1143.03 BUILDING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN THE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
(A) No lot may be created which does not conform with the lot size standards listed below.
(B) No building shall be erected or modified unless such building or the modified portion of such building conforms with the yard setback and building scale standards listed below.
Development Standards | |||
LOT SIZE STANDARDS | |||
A | Lot Area | 20,000 sq. ft. min. |  |
B | Lot Width | 100 ft. min. | |
C | Lot Depth | 100 ft. min. | |
YARD SETBACK STANDARDS | |||
D | Front Yard Setback | 35 ft. min |  |
E | Side Yard Setback | 35 ft. min. per side | |
F | Rear Yard Setback | 35 ft. min. | |
BUILDING SCALE STANDARDS | |||
G | Building Height | 80 ft. max.; however, no portion of a building within 40 horizontal feet of a property in the RES1, RES2, or NMU District shall exceed 40 ft. in height |  |
Lot Coverage | N/A | ||
NOTES | |||
---- | |||
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1143.04 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS IN THE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
(A) Parking and Driveway Regulations. Parking and driveway regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1155 “Parking Standards”.
(B) Fence Regulations. Fence regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1157 “Fence Standards”.
(C) Construction Stormwater Controls. Stormwater regulations for construction sites that may disturb one acre or greater, as well as other environmental standards such as hillside and floodplain protections, can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Title Six "Environmental Regulations”.
(D) Outdoor Storage Regulations. Outdoor storage regulations can be found in this Planning and Zoning Code Chapter 1160 “Dumpsters and Outdoor Storage Standards”.
(E) Noise Regulations. Noise levels are regulated by the Noise Control chapter of the Codified Ordinances of Garfield Heights and is not included in this Planning and Zoning Code; please contact the City of Garfield Heights for details on noise control provisions.
(F) Building Code Regulations. All new buildings and modifications to buildings must adhere to the City of Garfield Heights building code. The building code is not included in this Planning and Zoning Code; please contact the City of Garfield Heights Building Department for details on conforming to the building code.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1144.01 INTENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE OVERLAY DISTRICT.
The Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District intends to limit the negative impacts of development and land use on sensitive environmental resources, as espoused by the 2022 Community Master Plan, by applying more restrictive development and land use standards in areas close to such sensitive resources.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1144.02 APPLICABILITY OF THE STANDARDS OF THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE OVERLAY DISTRICT.
(A) The standards of the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District shall apply to all portions of lots, all portions of buildings, and all land uses conducted on such portions of lots or buildings within the area of applicability, as described below. Some of the standards of the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District may be stricter than the standards of the underlying base zoning district; in such cases, the stricter standards shall apply. Where the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District does not include standards, such as for building height, the standards of the underlying base zoning district shall apply.
(B) The area of applicability of the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District comprises all areas that meet the criteria below:
(i) Areas within fifty (50) feet of a wetland, measured horizontally, as on a plan view map;
(ii) Areas within a floodplain; and
(iii) Areas of steep slopes, defined as areas of fifteen percent (15%) slope or greater.
(C) Wetlands shall be defined as per the definition by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Wetland shall include all areas demarcated as any type of wetland by the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s online Wetlands Mapper tool, including riverine wetlands such as streams and creeks. These areas shall also be shown on the official zoning map as part of the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District.
(D) Floodplains shall be interpreted all areas demarcated as any type of floodplain by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on an official Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), FIRMette, or the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer Viewer online tool. These areas shall also be shown on the official zoning map as part of the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District.
(E) Slope percentages shall be interpreted as the number of feet of vertical rise divided by the number of feet of horizontal run, multiplied by 100. These areas shall be shown on the official zoning map as part of the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District.
(F) The area of applicability of the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District is approximately mapped on the official zoning map, found on the City’s website. However, the area shown on the map shall be interpreted as illustrative only, as floodplains and wetlands may change in their boundaries over time, and the official zoning map may not reflect the most current boundaries. The user of this code should consult the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s online Wetlands Mapper tool and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Hazard Layer Viewer online tool for current wetland and floodplain boundaries.
City of Garfield Heights, Ohio, Planning and Zoning Code
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1144.03 DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE OVERLAY DISTRICT.
(A) No building, portion of a building, or any other structure shall be built within the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District, except that recreational area amenities, such as benches or permanent picnic tables, may be installed where issued written permission by the City of Garfield Heights Planning Commission. Any portion of a structure within the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District that was lawfully erected prior to the enactment of this Planning and Zoning Code may be repaired or maintained, provided that the footprint of such portion of the structure within the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District is not expanded.
(B) No impervious surface, such as and including paved parking lot area, shall be installed within the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District, except that a paved driveway or recreational trail may be installed where issued written permission by the City of Garfield Heights Planning Commission.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1144.04 USE RESTRICTIONS WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE OVERLAY DISTRICT.
(A) No tree clearing may occur within the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District, except in the following circumstances:
(i) Where tree clearing is required to maintain a utility right-of-way per US Department of Transportation standards;
(ii) Where tree clearing is required to protect the public health and safety, such as clearing snags within 100 feet of an inhabited structure; or
(iii) Where tree clearing is used to remove invasive tree species and is coupled with the replacement of such cleared trees with native plant species.
(B) Tree clearing, for the above regulation, shall be interpreted to mean the removal of any tree of over three inches trunk diameter, measured at four feet of height.
(C) No use of herbicides shall occur within the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District, except where the use of herbicides is targeted at the elimination of invasive plant species and is coupled with the installation of native plant species.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)
1144.05 OTHER STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE OVERLAY DISTRICT.
(A) If your property is within or near the Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District, please refer to Title Six "Environmental Regulations” of this Planning and Zoning Code, as your property may be subject to additional requirements for riparian setbacks, hillside protections, floodplain protections, etc.
(Ord. 87-2025. Passed 1-12-26.)