The purpose of establishing the Entrance Corridor Overlay District (EC-O) is to protect the aesthetic and visual character of land adjacent to major transportation corridors, and to promote their orderly development or redevelopment. This section uses the enabling authority of Code of Virginia § 15.2-2306 to establishing design review requirements, processes, and regulations for property adjacent to designated tourism routes and entrance corridors.

The EC-O District regulations shall be applied as an overlay zone to those designated entrance corridors herein below referenced in sub-section B and for which a corridor master plan has been adopted. The major objectives of the EC-O District are to implement the city's corridor planning goals in order to:

1.

Encourage and enhance the quality of architectural and site development along the city's major existing streets and highway corridors.

2.

Promote public safety, reinforce neighborhood identities, and protect and enhance property values.

3.

Enhance the appearance and natural environment of the entrance corridors to make them more inviting to tourists, visitors, and the general public.

4.

Promote a mix of land uses with adequate buffering, screening, and landscaping to help reduce the visual impacts of development in areas contiguous to low intensity neighborhoods.

5.

Encourage well-planned development that employs consistent and unifying site design themes, that provide quality site amenities, and that emphasize coordinated lighting, pedestrian improvements, landscaping, and architectural improvements.

6.

Improve site development coordination by and between individual properties along the corridor, recognizing difficult existing terrain features, pedestrian and vehicular access requirements, and parking and loading issues.

7.

Encourage internal transportation improvements that coordinate establish inter-parcel connectivity and parking improvements among adjacent land uses.

8.

Minimize intersections and individual site access points along these corridors.

9.

Coordinate private development activities with the individual right-of-way streetscape and gateway master plans for the city's entrance corridors.

The Entrance Corridor Overlay regulations are intended to supplement the regulations of underlying zoning districts and to provide for compatible development along the identified corridors. The general guidelines found in this section shall be supplemented by more specific guidelines and regulations contained in individual corridor master plans. The planning commission shall evaluate all proposed development activities within the EC-O District, which will include a review of the location, character and appearance of planned new and redevelopment activities.

The city's Entrance Corridor Overlay (EC-O) District is comprised of a series of individual corridors along Martinsville's major roads and entrance gateways. The EC-O corridors shall be depicted on the city's official zoning map.

Any property immediately adjacent to the right-of-way of a designated corridor shall be subject to the provisions of this section, as well as any property with direct vehicular access to a designated corridor.

Corridor boundaries may be further delineated on a separate corridor master plan for an individual EC-O corridor. The following streets and highways represent the designated EC-O corridors that comprise the city's EC-O District.

1.

Commonwealth Boulevard—from the city line to Chatham Road.

2.

Liberty Street—from the city line to Franklin Street.

3.

East Church Street—from Clay Street to city line.

4.

Spruce Street—from Brookdale to East Church Street.

5.

Starling Avenue—from South Memorial Boulevard to East Church Street.

6.

Memorial Boulevard—entire length of boulevard.

7.

West Church Street/West Market Street—from Memorial Boulevard to Commonwealth Boulevard.

In addition to the general regulations contained in this section, individual corridor master plans shall be established for each EC-O corridor. These master plans will make a unique study of each corridor, its existing conditions, place within the overall function of the city, and its future development obstacles and potential. Individual corridor master plans shall establish specific design standards and guidelines tailored to the needs of the individual corridor. Such specific standards and guidelines will guide the process of development approval by the planning commission.

Each corridor master plan will consider and may recommend specific guidelines for:

1.

Existing trees, vegetation, and natural features.

2.

Buffers and screening.

3.

Setbacks, height restrictions, and other geometric standards.

4.

Access and circulation patterns, both vehicular and pedestrian.

5.

Other general development guidelines.

6.

Landscaping standards.

7.

Signage guidelines for commercial uses.

1.

Review required. All proposed development activities located within a designated EC-O corridor shall be reviewed and approved by the planning commission. Any subsequent changes to an existing or future development shall also receive such approval before proceeding. If a portion of the property will not be visible from the designated street or highway once the project is completed, the planning commission may waive the requirements of this section for that portion.

2.

Development activity permitted within the EC-O District. There shall be no alteration of the existing condition of the lands, uses, or structures within an EC-O corridor from the date of enactment of this section henceforth, except as provided for by this section.

3.

Development activity prohibited within the EC-O District. These regulations are in addition to the permitted uses and requirements for the appropriate underlying zoning district as contained in this ordinance. Uses prohibited in the underlying zoning district are also prohibited in the EC-O District.

1.

Tree protection standards for new and redevelopment activities shall be established by individual corridor master plans for each EC-O corridor. Development of land for different uses and intensity of uses may necessitate the removal of trees to accommodate roads, parking, buildings, and facilities. It is the intent of this section that every effort be made through the design, layout, and construction of development projects to incorporate and preserve as many trees as possible.

2.

A survey of all preservable trees should be made in consultation with an experienced arborist, landscape architect, or the city's tree board. The requirement for a tree survey may be waived by the zoning administrator as necessary.

3.

As a condition of approval under this section, the applicant may be required as a condition of site plan approval to plant replacement trees for trees designated for removal on the applicant's plan. In requiring replacement trees, the following shall be considered:

a.

The intended use of the property.

b.

The existing or pre-development tree coverage sizes and types.

c.

The number, size, type, and location of natural trees proposed for preservation.

d.

The grading, road, building, parking, and drainage requirements.

1.

Buffer design requirements for new and redevelopment activities shall be established by individual corridor master plans. Upon adoption of the corridor master plan, individual site plans for development along the corridor shall provide for:

a.

A minimum visual buffer from the road, and

b.

Screening of certain features from adjacent properties. The buffer yard for a property shall be located between the street right-of-way line and proposed structures and on-site parking.

2.

For all city entrance corridors, manufacturing, commercial and mixed-use projects within an EC-O corridor, heating and air conditioning units, ventilation units, mechanical equipment, loading dock and service areas, trash containers, and security fencing (e.g., chain link fences) should be located out of view from the adjacent property or screened from view at the property line by an opaque fence, wall, or hedge of sufficient height to fully obscure view of the site feature. Screening devices shall be compatible with the design of the buildings and surrounding natural vegetation, and may consist of appropriate walls, plantings, or fencing.

3.

For all city entrance corridors, surface runoff structures, stormwater management facilities, permanent erosion control measures, or other drainage infrastructure shall be designed to fit into the natural topography to the greatest extent practicable as well as to limit direct views from the corridor while minimizing the need for screening or to complement buffer yard areas.

4.

Exemptions or modifications from EC-O corridor buffer and screening requirements provisions may be granted by the planning commission if it can be sufficiently demonstrated that:

a.

Such buffer or screen will have a negative visual effect upon an existing or proposed situation or that through the preservation of an existing stand of trees or other unique natural vegetative resource, particular effort on the part of a developer in protecting the existing natural environment warrants the relaxation of buffer requirements;

b.

The proposed development, which by virtue of the characteristics of its structures indicates innovation of design that represents a focal point and establishes a particular identifying element for the city; or

c.

The proposed development exhibits innovative or unique uses of site landscaping, or which combines in the primary use of the site with civic, recreational, pedestrian, bicycle, or other spaces intended for public use.

1.

Yard, height and other geometric design requirements for new and redevelopment activities shall be established by individual corridor master plans. These requirements may exceed the requirements of the underlying zoning district.

2.

Upon adoption of a corridor master plan for a designated EC-O corridor, individual site plans for development along the corridor shall adhere to the yard, height, and geometric requirements of the plan. In the absence of these requirements from the master plan, the underlying zoning district requirements shall govern.

3.

For all city entrance corridors, the required minimum side and rear yards for any lot or parcel within the EC-O corridor may be reduced on a case-by-case basis by the planning commission subject to the retention of natural vegetation or the provision of addition landscaping or screening.

1.

The intent of this section is to promote new development and redevelopment that will:

a.

Maximize the functional capacity and maintain the level of service of highways within EC-O corridors.

b.

Minimize the number of access points from individual properties to these streets and highways.

c.

Promote the sharing of access and the ability to travel between adjacent sites and uses.

d.

Provide pedestrian circulation networks between residential, commercial and other areas.

e.

Enhance safety and convenience for land uses within the EC-O corridors.

The means of access control provided shall be that which effectively minimizes creation of both new intersections and new individual site access locations along the corridors and best preserves the highway traffic capacity.

2.

For all city entrance corridors, access and internal circulation design requirements for new and redevelopment activities shall be established by the city for each designated entrance corridor. Upon adoption of the corridor master plan for the designated EC-O corridor, individual site plans for development along the corridor shall include an access and circulation plan consistent with master plan goals.

3.

For all city entrance corridors, access to a single parcel or lot. Any parcel or lot having frontage along a street or highway within an EC-O corridor shall be permitted one direct access point to said street or highway, unless an access and circulation plan is submitted and approved by the planning commission for more than one access point.

4.

For all city entrance corridors, access for two (2) or more parcels or lots under singular ownership and use. If two (2) or more parcels are placed under one common ownership and/or control for a single use, such assembly shall be permitted only one direct access to a street or highway within the EC-O corridor, unless an access and circulation plan that demonstrates the requirements for an additional access is submitted to, and approved by the planning commission.

5.

Shared or combined access for adjacent parcels or lots under different ownership. The corridor master plans shall identify opportunities for access and circulation coordination between adjacent parcels and lots. Prior to submission of a site plan, the applicant shall coordinate with adjacent property owners to promote the use of shared entrances with those entrances established or likely to be required on adjacent sites to minimize curb cuts or increasing spacing between curb cuts.

6.

Access and circulation plan. An access and circulation plan shall be submitted and approved prior to site plan approval for those lots or parcels proposing more than one access point to an arterial highway within an EC-O corridor. A sufficient explanation of why more than one access point is needed shall accompany the access plan. Such access plan shall be drawn to scale, including dimensions and distances, and clearly delineate the traffic circulation system and the pedestrian circulation system as coordinated with adjacent properties including the location and width of all streets, driveways, access aisles, entrance to parking areas, walkways and bicycle paths.

7.

If required by the zoning administrator, a traffic impact analysis shall be submitted with the site plan.

1.

The overall goal for development is to encourage an attractive and compatible relationship of site improvements and architecture to properties within the designated EC-O corridors. Guidelines and development standards are not intended to stifle, but to promote innovative architecture or creative development practices, while minimizing incompatible and adverse visual impacts from the street or highway.

2.

Design guidelines for new and redevelopment activities may be established by the city for each designated entrance corridor. Upon adoption of the corridor master plan for a designated EC-O corridor, individual development shall provide for the design, massing, materials and colors of structures to be visually harmonious with the recommendations of the corridor master plan.

3.

Site development should be coordinated with and include corridor streetscape improvements included in the corridor master plan for the EC-O corridor. These may include decorative light fixtures, planters, retaining walls, pedestrian and bicycle paths, bicycle parking structures, trash receptacles and enclosures, vendor areas, and fences.

1.

Site landscaping shall be consistent with the design guidelines provided in the corridor master plan for the EC-O corridor. The purpose and intent of coordinated landscape requirements is to:

a.

Provide visually harmonious and compatible setting for structures on with adjoining or nearby lots.

b.

Blend with the surrounding landscape.

c.

Reduce the visibility of paved areas from adjacent properties and streets.

d.

Moderate climatic effects; minimize noise and glare.

e.

Enhance public safety by defining spaces so as to not impair traffic movement.

f.

Reduce the amount of storm water runoff and provide transition between neighboring properties.

2.

A landscaping plan prepared in accord with the requirements of this ordinance shall be submitted in conjunction with site plan submittal. Such landscaping plan shall be drawn to scale, include dimensions and distances, and clearly delineate all existing and proposed vehicular movement and parking, and the location, size and description of all landscaping materials.

3.

All plant materials shall be living and in a healthy condition. Plant materials used in conformance with the provisions of these specifications shall conform to the standards of the most recent edition of the "American Society for Nursery Stock" published by the American Association of Nurserymen. The property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all landscaping materials.

4.

For any parking lot that is approved to front along a designated EC-O corridor, an evergreen hedge or other approved landscape form shall be planted along the edge between the parking lot and the road frontage. The hedge should reach a minimum of three (3) feet in height at maturity and be continuous and should allow for maintenance of adequate sight distances for vehicular traffic.

1.

The purpose and intent of this section, in conjunction with the sign regulations of this ordinance, is to:

a.

Regulate the use of publicly visible displays or graphics for new and redevelopment projects within the EC-O corridor.

b.

Protect and enhance the character of the corridor streets and highways.

c.

Prevent diminishing property values within these areas.

d.

Safeguard the public use and nature of these arterial streets and highway.

e.

Minimize visual distractions to motorists along arterial highways.

2.

Site and building signage and graphics consistent with the recommendations of the adopted corridor master plan for each city entrance corridor shall be required for each individual project. The establishment of an integrated signage system for existing development within the district is strongly encouraged.

3.

Project signs shall be reviewed for materials, colors, shapes, sizes, and compatibility with architecture, letter style, graphic display, and establishment of unity of design for the development. Materials, colors, and shapes of proposed signs shall be compatible with the related buildings within a project.

4.

Size and proportions shall not be a dominant feature of the site and shall be judged by sizes and proportions of signs on adjacent and nearby properties that are compatible with city character.

Single-family dwellings. The construction of detached single-family dwellings on individual lots or parcels within the EC-O corridor which are not located within a residential subdivision are exempt from this section. Also construction of detached single-family dwellings on lots or parcels within a residential subdivision are exempt if the subdivision plat was legally recorded prior to adoption of this section.

1.

All development proposals for property located within an EC-O corridor and other applicable projects shall submit a site plan to the zoning administrator for review by the planning commission. The site plan application shall include additional documentation required herein below or as otherwise required by the zoning administrator in addition to those requirements indicated for all conventional site plan applications in the ordinance.

2.

All site plan applications for property located within an EC-O corridor submitted for review shall be deemed complete by the zoning administrator according to the requirements of this section before being reviewed by the planning commission for conformance with applicable standards and guidelines of this section. No site plan submitted for review shall be considered until the minimum items of submission required by this section have been submitted in a format acceptable to the zoning administrator and the review fee as established by this ordinance has been paid.

3.

In cases where an applicant EC-O property is also included in a designated Historic Preservation Overlay (HP-O) District, the architectural review board will also review the application and provide a recommendation for approval, approval with conditions, or denial, to the planning commission. This review shall not replace the need for a completed certificate of appropriateness as required elsewhere in this ordinance.

4.

A site plan for development in an EC-O corridor shall include clearly labeled plans, drawings, photographs and/or narratives depicting or presenting the following, unless deemed unnecessary by the zoning administrator due to the scope and nature of the proposed development:

a.

Surveyed property lines.

b.

Survey of existing topography and the location of trees and other vegetation meeting the preservation and/or protection provisions of this section.

c.

A site plan or plans depicting the dimensions and location of all buildings and structures (including rooflines).

d.

Photographs or drawings of neighboring uses and architectural styles.

e.

A signage plan prepared in accord with the standards provided in the sign ordinance and corridor master plan, to include the location and design of all proposed exterior site lighting within the proposed development.

f.

Architect's or artist's rendering of all proposed structures depicting the front, side and rear elevations including architectural treatment of all structural exteriors, including building materials and colors to be utilized.

1.

An applicant or owner may request a waiver, variation or substitution pursuant to the requirements and application of this section. A written request for a waiver, variation or substitution shall state the rationale and justification for such request together with such alternatives as may be proposed.

2.

Such request shall be submitted to the planning and zoning administrator with the filing of a site plan, provided that the zoning administrator may waive certain provisions as referenced herein in conjunction with the concept plan and pre-application conference.

3.

The planning commission, at its sole discretion, may accept the request for waiver, variation or substitution for any requirement in a particular case upon a finding that the waiver, variation or subdivision of such requirement would advance the purposes of this ordinance and otherwise serve the public interest in a manner equal to or exceeding the desired effects of the requirements of the ordinance. Alternately, the planning commission may recommend a conditional modification to the request or the planning commission may deny the request.

4.

Approval or conditional approval of a waiver, variation, or substitution shall be accompanied by a statement from the planning commission as to the public purpose served by such waiver, variation, or substitution, particularly in regard to the purpose and intent of this section, this ordinance, the subdivision ordinance, and the comprehensive plan. No such waiver, variation, or substitution shall be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, orderly development of the area, sound engineering practice, or to properties located within the project impact area.