(a)   The East Main Preservation Overlay District is recommended by the City of Ionia Master Plan to be established along both sides of East Main Street between Library Street and Jackson Street.

   (b)   This area contains many large houses of historic and architectural distinction that contribute significantly to the character and identity of the City. High maintenance costs or conversion to multi-family or non-residential uses can threaten such houses' historical and architectural viability if proper review standards are not provided.

   (c)   This district intends to allow such houses to be used for various purposes deemed compatible with the area to encourage their continued maintenance and appearance as residential structures, thereby preserving the historic and architectural character of East Main Street.

(Ord. 04-2002-01. Passed 4-9-02; Ord. 588. Passed 7-2-24.)

   Single, two, and three-unit dwellings and any accessory use conforming to Section 1240.11(1)A., 1240.11(1)B., 1240.11(1)E., 1240.11(1)G., and 1240.11(1)J., are permitted in the East Main Preservation Overlay District.

(Ord. 04-2002-01. Passed 4-9-02; Ord. 481. Passed 12-7-10; Ord. 528. Passed 1-3-17; Ord. 588. Passed 7-2-24.)

   (a)   The following uses may be allowed as special land uses in the East Main Preservation Overlay District subject to the procedures and standards of Chapter 1274 of these Codified Ordinances.

   (b)   A scaled architectural drawing of the proposed building shall be submitted as part of the application requirements.

   (c)   Allowed special land uses are as follows:

      (1)   Multifamily dwellings within an existing historic building.

      (2)   Offices and office buildings of an executive, administrative or professional nature.

      (3)   Medical, dental, and optical offices.

      (4)   Public and semi-public buildings such as, but not restricted to:

         A.   Places of public assembly and related accessory uses;

         B.   Municipal offices;

         C.   Libraries;

         D.   Museums; and

         E.   Private schools.

      (5)   A building may be used for both residential and non-residential uses subject to the following conditions:

         A.   Every dwelling unit shall be wholly separated from the non-residential use by walls and doors or on a separate floor.

         B.   Each dwelling unit shall contain a minimum of 500 square feet of floor area.

         C.   Off-street parking for residential use shall be provided as required by Section 1282.01.

      (6)   Bed and Breakfasts (defined by the State of Michigan and this code).

      (7)   Other similar uses that the Planning Commission determines to be compatible with the above uses and that would satisfy the intent of this district.

(Ord. 04-2002-01. Passed 4-9-02; Ord. 461. Passed 10-7-08; Ord. 588. Passed 7-2-24.)

   (a)   The Planning Commission shall have the authority to decrease the required setback by no more than five (5) feet if it can be demonstrated that such decrease is necessary for the viable operation of the proposed use and that the reduced setback will not have a significant negative impact on adjacent residents or properties.

   (b)   For non-residential use of a residential structure, the parking requirements of Section 1282.01 may be modified in their best judgment and reasonable discretion by the Planning Commission to achieve the intent of the East Main Preservation Overlay District; provided, however, that a minimum of four (4) parking spaces shall be provided on-site. If such spaces are located in the rear yard, they shall be screened by a privacy fence at least six feet in height as defined by Chapter 1286.06 or by sufficient landscaping to provide a year-round screen.

(Ord. 04-2002-01. Passed 4-9-02; Ord. 588. Passed 7-2-24.)

   The construction (and use) of a new building or the alteration of an existing building that is to be used for a non-residential use as permitted by this chapter shall comply with the following standards:

   (a)   The building shall have roofs compatible with nearby buildings, meaning that roof pitches and material shall be similar in design and composition to those in the surrounding neighborhood and must match that of other buildings on the same lot as deemed appropriate by the Zoning Administrator.

   (b)   The exterior walls shall be covered with material (i.e., brick, wood, aluminum, or vinyl siding) similar to adjacent dwellings.

   (c)   A walkway shall be provided from the existing or proposed public sidewalk to the front building entrance.

   (d)   Landscaping or fences may be required along lot lines used for residential purposes to provide visual and audible privacy for neighboring residents. The Planning Commission, in its best judgment and reasonable discretion, shall determine whether landscaping or fencing would best accomplish this objective. Fencing shall comply with the requirements of Section 1286.06 and Landscaping with Section 1286.02.

   (e)   Dumpsters shall not be located within the front yard; they shall be screened by a six-foot-high purpose-built enclosure containing a durable metal frame, solid fence with the finished side facing out, latching gate, and bollards to prevent vehicles from colliding and damaging the enclosure; while being constructed at the most visually unobtrusive location as possible on the site.

   (f)   Signs.

      (1)   One non-residential use shall be permitted one sign, which shall not exceed 16 square feet in size or four feet in height if placed on the ground or 10 feet above the ground if attached to the wall. Signs shall be setback a minimum of five feet from all lot lines or attached to the street side of the building.

      (2)   A sign may be illuminated only through external, shielded light fixtures or internal illumination. Blinking lights on signs are prohibited. A light fixture for a sign shall be placed to avoid glare when viewed off-site. The source of the light shall not exceed 150 watts total, and any such light source shall be enclosed and directed to prevent the light source from shining directly or indirectly onto traffic or adjacent or nearby property.

      (3)   All other regulations applicable per Chapter 1284 must be followed.

   (g)   Exterior lights, except those with an incandescent bulb of 150 watts or less, shall have a cutoff type fixture and not exceed 12 feet above grade. No light source shall exceed 200 watts. All outdoor lighting must comply with Section 1286.03. The Planning Commission, in their best judgment and reasonable discretion, shall have the authority to modify the above lighting standards or the standards of Section 1286.03 to ensure that any proposed lighting will not create a hazard or nuisance from glare or light spilling on adjacent property.

(Ord. 04-2002-01. Passed 4-9-02; Ord. 588. Passed 7-2-24.)

   The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing as required by Section 1274.03 and decide on the requested special land use. To approve a special land use under this section, the Planning Commission shall find that the request meets all the standards of Section 1274.04 and all of the following standards:

   (a)   Any proposed accessory building must meet the standards of Section 1286.01 and the required design standards of the overlay district.

   (b)   The proposed building's size, location, appearance, and architectural style will be compatible with the existing building characteristics of the immediate neighborhood.

(Ord. 04-2002-01. Passed 4-9-02; Ord. 588. Passed 7-2-24.)