A Site Plan Review of all proposed construction and related proposed site and landscape development features, if mandated by the applicable zoning district regulations, is required in order to further promote the safe and efficient use of land and to further enhance the value of property in the village. The Site Plan Review process is intended to help ensure that newly developed properties or redeveloped properties are compatible with adjacent development, and that safety, traffic, over-crowding and environmental problems are, to the extent possible, minimized.

(`80 Code, § 1256.01) (Ord. 2306A, passed 4-17-00)

   The Village Zoning Inspector is hereby charged with the duty of reviewing site plans and granting site plan approval for all new construction within the village.

(`80 Code, § 1256.02) (Ord. 2306A, passed 4-17-00)

   (a)   Applications for Site Plan Review shall contain a site plan showing all information required by the Zoning Inspector. Such site plan shall include, at a minimum, the following:

      (1)   Elevation contours.

      (2)   Existing and proposed easements and rights-of-way on the site or within one hundred (100) feet of its boundaries.

      (3)   Existing and proposed structures and architectural features.

      (4)   Existing and proposed landscaping and paving.

      (5)   Existing and proposed signage.

      (6)   Scale, north arrow, and dimensions.

      (7)   Elevations and perspective drawings of all proposed structures and improvements in detail sufficient to determine compliance with this section.

      (8)   Elevations, drawings, photographs, or other information about surrounding properties in detail sufficient to determine compliance with this section.

   (b)   If the Zoning Inspector determines the application does not contain sufficient information to enable proper review, the Zoning Inspector may request additional information from the applicant.

   (c)   Within two weeks of receiving a completed application for a Site Plan Review, the Zoning Inspector shall review the Site Plan presented. The Site Plan Review shall be conducted in accordance with the Standards for Site Plan Review set forth below.

   (d)   No application for a zoning permit in a district that requires a Site Plan Review shall be issued by the Village until the site plan is approved by the Zoning Inspector.

(`80 Code, § 1256.03) (Ord. 2306A, passed 4-17-00; Ord. 2698, passed 5-7-07)

   The Zoning Inspector, or his assistant designated by Village Council, must review the following characteristics of the proposed site plan:

   (a)   The relationship of the proposed site plan to adopted land use policies and plans of the village.

   (b)   Parking layout with respect to how well it achieves the following objectives:

      (1)   Minimize dangerous traffic movements.

      (2)   Achieve efficient traffic flow.

      (3)   Provide for the appropriate and required number of off-street parking spaces.

      (4)   Provide for the appropriate location and number of driveways.

      (5)   Provide for lighting plan.

   (c)   Landscaping, with respect to how well it achieves the following objectives:

      (1)   Maintain existing mature trees and shrubs to the maximum extent practicable.

      (2)   Buffer adjacent incompatible uses.

      (3)   Screen unsightly activities from public view.

      (4)   Break up large expanses of asphalt with plant material.

      (5)   Provide an aesthetically pleasing landscaping design.

      (6)   Provide plant materials and landscaping designs that can withstand the village’s climate, and the microclimate on the property.

   (d)   Location and design of principal structures, accessory uses and structures and freestanding signs as regulated by § 1246.08 Signs, so that their location and design does not impede safe and efficient traffic flow. The Zoning Inspector shall seek the recommendation of the Planning Commission concerning the location of any buildings, structures or works proposed in the site plan.

   (e)   Exterior lighting shall be part of the architectural concept. Fixtures, standards, and all exposed accessories shall be harmonious with building design.

   (f)   Projects shall locate building masses and related architectural features in such a manner as to enhance the pedestrian environment. The site review shall consider the degree to which each project:

      (1)   Contains and links sidewalks and pathways in both the public right-of-way and privately owned areas;

      (2)   Contains attractive and accessible places and spaces that accommodate and encourage a wide variety of public activities;

      (3)   Enhances the sidewalk environment by means of appropriate materials, landscaping, lighting, graphics, street furniture and design;

      (4)   Provides pedestrian systems and street crossings that encourage more trips on foot among different adjacent commercial development; and

      (5)   Maximizes the ability of the general public to locate, use and enjoy the facilities of the site.

   (g)   Compliance with this chapter and other provisions of the Codified Ordinances of the Village of Jefferson.

   (h)   Any part of a proposed development not used for structures, off-street parking, off-street loading, or accessways shall be landscaped or otherwise improved.

   (i)   In addition to the requirements set forth in divisions (a) through (h) herein, the following shall be considered in development in the B Districts:

      (1)   The design elements of neighboring structures shall be considered when planning new construction, including the relationship of facade height to width, the relationship of window height to width and the rhythm of walls, doors and windows. Using compatible roof forms and shapes is another way to relate new and old buildings. Entrances, porches and other projections shall be in relationship to the existing street pattern contribute to a consistent rhythm and continuity of features along the street

      (2)   New construction shall maintain site features that have been historically established on the street.

      (3)   The orientation of front facades shall be to the street. The height above grade for the first floor should be consistent with surrounding properties. Blank walls should be avoided. The main entrance shall be emphasized.

      (4)   Building materials shall signify high quality, stability and permanence. Large expanses of any one material are not appropriate.

      (5)   Generic corporate franchise architecture is not permitted. While distinct identifying details may be included in the design, the final design should be unique to the Village and in context with its surroundings. Effective architectural details should be used to break up visual monotony.

      (6)   Offsets and projections should be incorporated to add interest and variety. New commercial buildings should create visual interest by providing variations in height, massing and rooflines.

      (7)   Buildings shall connect the front entrance of the main structure to the public sidewalk with a private connecting pedestrian sidewalk surfaced with materials such as pavers, brick or scored surfaces.

      (8)   Sidewalks shall be provided along the full length of a building facade that features a customer entrance, and along any building facade abutting a parking area.

      (9)   All internal pedestrian walkways shall be designed to be visually attractive and distinguishable from driving surfaces through use of durable, low-maintenance surface materials such as pavers, brick, or scored surfaces to enhance pedestrian safety and comfort.

      (10)   Side and rear elevations shall present an attractive appearance that compliments the facade.

      (11)   Rear facades that are accessible to the public shall be inviting and incorporate appropriate entry features to identify them as public entrances.

      (12)   The overall design of the building and the site shall take into account the general placement of signs so that all permanent signs and their associated lighting fixtures complement the appearance and architecture of the building and site.

(`80 Code, § 1256.04) (Ord. 2306A, passed 4-17-00; Ord. 2698, passed 5-7-07)

   A zoning permit may be issued after the Zoning Inspector approves the site plan, provided that all other requirements of all other applicable village codes and ordinances relating to the issuance of a zoning permit are satisfied.

(`80 Code, § 1256.05) (Ord. 2306A, passed 4-17-00)

   In the event the Zoning Inspector determines that a proposed site plan does not meet or surpass the review standards set forth above, the Zoning Inspector shall report to the applicant, in writing, the deficiencies in the proposed site plan and not issue the applied for zoning permit. The applicant can appeal the Zoning Inspector’s rejection of a proposed site plan to the Zoning Board of Appeals. If such an appeal is filed, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall hold a public hearing to review the proposed site plan and determine whether the proposed site plan meets or surpasses the review standards set forth above. If the Zoning Board of Appeals determines that the proposed site plan does not meet the review standards set forth above, no zoning permit shall be issued. If the Zoning Board of Appeals determines that the proposed site plan does meet or surpass the review standards set forth above, the Zoning Inspector shall issue the applied for zoning permit.

(`80 Code, § 1256.06) (Ord. 2306A, passed 4-17-00)