Rossford City Zoning Code

TITLE THREE

Zoning Districts and Regulations

1131.01 PURPOSE; ESTABLISHMENT.

In order to classify, regulate, and restrict the location of trades, residences, recreation, and other uses, and the buildings designed for special uses, to regulate and limit the height, bulk, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures, hereafter erected or altered, to regulate and limit the percentage of lot area which may be occupied, setback building lines, size of yards, courts, and open spaces within the buildings and surrounding such buildings, and the density of population, the territory within the City of Rossford is hereby divided into Zoning Districts as follows:

A Agricultural District

This District provides areas for plant cultivation, greenhouses, and other related agricultural activities. This District can also be used as a "holding" district. In this fashion, Agricultural zoning would remain until urban development becomes appropriate. At that time, zoning to accommodate urban or suburban densities of use can be considered which are consistent with the adopted community plans.

P Public Lands

This District is designed to classify publicly-owned uses and permits the normal principal and incidental uses required to carry out governmental functions and services. It is the intent of the Public Land District to encourage the development of attractive public spaces which are conducive to community interaction, including innovative parking arrangements, combinations of permitted uses, and rehabilitation of existing structures.

R-1A Single Family Residential District This District provides areas for single-family dwellings at a density of 14.52 units per acre. Lots are characterized by traditional-style widths of thirty feet and shallow side and rear yard setbacks.

R-1B Single Family Residential District This District provides areas for single-family dwellings at a density of 7.26 units per acre. Lots are characterized by widths of sixty feet and moderate side and rear yard setbacks.

R-1C Single Family Residential District This District provides areas for single-family dwellings at a density of 4.84 units per acre. Lots are characterized by widths of sixty feet, large side yard setbacks and moderate rear yard setbacks.

R-2 Residential District This District provides areas for single-family and two-family dwellings. Conventional lots are allowed a density of 3.63 units per acre and are characterized by widths of 80 feet, ample side yard setbacks, and moderate rear yard setbacks. Zero-lot line lots are allowed a density of 7.26 units per acre and are characterized by widths of 40 feet, ample side yard setbacks, and moderate rear yard setbacks. The minimum dwelling area required in this district is reduced for units containing less than three bedrooms.

R-3 Residential District This District provides areas for multi-family dwellings and also conditionally permits nursing homes and congregate housing. Lots are allowed a density of 8 units per acre and are characterized by ample total setbacks and moderate rear yard setbacks.

MHP Manufactured Home Park District The MHP Manufactured Home Park District is hereby created to provide for the suitable location for manufactured home parks.

PUD Planned Unit Development District

The purpose of the Planned Unit Development District (PUD) is to achieve, to the greatest possible degree, land development that encourages imaginative design of development and is responsive to the physical assets and liabilities of a given site. The PUD should be a well integrated development in terms of major design elements such as roads, drainage systems, utilities, and open space. The PUD allows greater design flexibility so that natural features may be protected and development can be planned in an innovative and efficient manner.

C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District

Uses in this District are to provide goods and services to an immediate residential neighborhood. Goods and services are to be oriented to daily or weekly needs and are not to include activities characterized by major purchase items or goods or services which are oriented to a City-wide or highway-attracted clientele.

C-2 Business Office District

This District is designed to allow general commercial office activities in areas of high accessibility and serving the general public; as well as certain semi-public uses which have been deemed compatible therewith.

C-3 Core Business District

The purpose of this District is to lawfully characterize and protect downtown Rossford from inappropriate development that would harm the character and history of the district. There will be only one C-3 District. The uses permitted hereunder have been designed with the primary intention of legitimizing existing uses so that their continued operation and compatibility might be preserved.

C-4 Interstate and General Commercial District

Uses in this District are to provide areas for services required primarily by the transient motoring public. This District will be closely associated with major interchange areas along limited access highways and major thoroughfares in the City.

PC Planned Commercial District

The Planned Commercial District (PC) is developed to apply to the “Crossroads of America” area and other premier development sites in the City of Rossford. This District is created to achieve, to the greatest possible degree, land development that is responsive to the natural and environmental assets of a site, and to encourage imaginative and innovative site planning and arrangement of compatible commercial and related land uses. Development in this District will provide for the convergence of commercial and office uses developed in a park-like setting with excellent architectural design.

M-1 Light Industry District

This District permits manufacture, assembly, storage or transfer activities whose nature of operation produces a minimum of noise, odor, dust, and smoke. The district is also associated with little outside storage or assembly, and typically is of low density usage.

M-2 Heavy Industry District

This District permits general heavy manufacturing and assembly activities.

PI Planned Industrial District

The PI Planned Industrial District is developed to apply to the “Crossroads of America" area and other premier development sites in the City of Rossford. This District is created to achieve, to the greatest possible degree, land development that is responsive to the natural and environmental assets of a site, and to encourage imaginative and innovative site planning and arrangement of compatible industrial and related land uses. Development in this District will provide for the convergence of industrial, office and limited commercial uses developed in a park-like setting with excellent architectural design.

DRO Design Review Overlay District

The purposes for the Design Review Overlay District Ordinance are to establish procedures whereby sites in the Design Review Overlay District are afforded protection from actions that would be detrimental to preserving established historic and cultural resources in the community, impair the successful functioning of the community, create appearance-related nuisances or constitute a blighting influence on nearby property, and to pursue the following objectives:

(a) Establish a Design Review Commission to review, regulate, and encourage designs of buildings, structures, and spaces in relationship to specified areas of the community;

(b) Identify historic, architectural, and cultural resources through a building inventory using Ohio Historic Inventory Forms provided by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and adoption of these by Council as Locally Significant Resources;

(c) Encourage the development, alteration, improvement, and maintenance of the distinctive character and architectural design of Locally Significant Resources in the District in accordance with adopted design criteria;

(d) Safeguard the architectural integrity and to foster and encourage preservation or adaptive use of vacant or underutilized Locally Significant Resources and other architectural features in the District;

(e) Seek alternatives to demolition or incompatible alterations within the District before such acts are performed;

(f) Ensure the architectural compatibility of construction of new in-fill structures within the District

(g) Contribute to the economic, cultural, and educational development by:

(1) Protecting and enhancing the safety and comfort of the City of Rossford’s attractions to existing and prospective residents, businesses, and tourists;

(2) Making the City of Rossford a more attractive and desirable place in which to live and work;

(3) Providing support and stimulus to business and industry;

(4) Strengthening the economy of the City of Rossford by creating new job opportunity and stabilizing, maintaining, and improving real estate values;

(5) Facilitating reinvestment in and revitalization of the Design Review Overlay District.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1131.02 ZONING MAP; INTERPRETATION OF BOUNDARIES.

(a) The Districts and their boundary lines are indicated and hereby established upon the Official Zoning Map, City of Rossford, which is on file with the Clerk of Council and dated and is hereby made a part of this Zoning Ordinance.

(b) All questions concerning the exact location of zoning district boundaries shall be resolved by the Board of Zoning Appeals in accordance with Chapter 1103 (Board of Zoning Appeals).
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1132.01 USE DESIGNATIONS IN THE LAND USE MATRIX.

This Chapter provides a list of permitted and special land uses in the form of a Land Use Matrix.

(a) Zoning Districts. Each of the Zoning Districts established in Section 1131.01 (Purpose; Establishment) are indicated over each of the columns in the Land Use Matrix.

(b) Interpretation of Land Uses. The permitted and special land uses allowed in the City of Rossford are indicated as rows in the matrix. Each land use listed in the matrix has been assigned to one of the following land use categories: agricultural uses, residential uses, government and institutional uses, commercial uses, and industrial uses. Permitted and special accessory uses are also listed at the end of the Land Use Matrix.

(1) The presumption established by this Chapter is that all principal uses of land allowed in the City of Rossford are listed in the Land Use Matrix and assigned to at least one zoning district.

(2) Uses which are omitted from any Zoning District shall be considered prohibited until such uses are amended into these regulations pursuant to Chapter 1114 (Amendment Procedures).

(3) Since the list of land uses set forth in the Land Use Matrix cannot be all- inclusive, the Zoning Inspector shall refer proposed questionable uses to the Planning Commission for determination whether or not a proposed use is of a similar nature, is similar in character, or will have similar impacts to a specified permitted or special land use listed in the Land Use Matrix.

(4) The Land Use Matrix shall not be interpreted to allow a principal use in one zoning district when the use in question is more closely related to another specified principal use that is listed in another zoning district.

(5) Whenever a mixed-use development could fall within more than one use classification in the Land Use Matrix, the classification that most closely and most specifically describes the development shall control. W hen a mixed use development comprises two or more principal uses where any of the principal uses is a special use, then the entire mixed-use development shall be deemed a special use.

(c) Symbols for Permitted and Conditional Land Uses. When used in connection with a particular use listed in the Land Use Matrix:

(1) The letter “P” means that the use is permitted in the indicated zoning district with a Zoning Permit issued by the Zoning Inspector.

(2) The letter “S” means a Special Use Certificate must be obtained from the Planning Commission in accordance with Chapter 1112 (Special Use Permits) and Chapter 1134 (Supplemental Land Use Regulations) before a Zoning Permit may be issued by the Zoning Inspector.

(3) The lack of any symbol means the proposed land use is prohibited in the Zoning District. (Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1132.02 MATRIX OF PERMITTED AND SPECIAL LAND USES.

Zoning Districts

Land Uses.

R-1A

R-1B

R-1C

R-2

R-3

MHP

PUD

C-1

C-2

C-3

C-4

M-1

M-2

(a) Agricultural Uses:

Agricultural operations, except commercial confinement operations

Apiculture, greenhouses, and horticulture

Farmsteads

Plant cultivation and floriculture

Roadside stands for the display and sale of produce grown on the premises

Stabling of horses

(b) Residential Uses:

Apartments

Dwelling – single family

Dwelling – single family, designed with one (1) or two (2) zero lot lines

Dwellings – two family

Dwellings – multiple family

Manufactured Home Parks in accordance with OAC 3701, the Ohio Public Health Council, and ORC 3733

Adult-care facilities (as defined and regulated in ORC 3722)

Cemeteries

Child care center facilities

Churches or places of religious worship

Community centers open to the general public

Zoning Districts

Land Uses.

R-1A

R-1B

R-1C

R-2

R-3

MHP

PUD

C-1

C-2

C-3

C-4

M-1

M-2

Cultural service institutions, such as museums, art galleries, libraries, planetariums, and concert halls

Educational facilities – Primary and secondary Schools

Educational facilities – Higher educational institutions

Educational facilities – Trade or vocational schools and colleges

Funeral homes

P60

Government offices, courts, and police and fire headquarters

Governmental services, such as sanitation plants, refuse areas, etc.

Medical Centers, clinics and hospitals

Nursing home/congregate housing

Outdoor publicly-owned uses, including municipal parks, playgrounds, play fields, golf courses, boating areas, fishing sites, camping sites, and parkways. No structure shall be erected or maintained upon dedicated parkland which is not clearly incidental to the principal use of the land

S61

S62

Zoning Districts

Land Uses.

R-1A

R-1B

R-1C

R-2

R-3

MHP

PUD

C-1

C-2

C-3

C-4

M-1

M-2

Open space areas such as conservation areas, wildlife preserves, forests preserves, arboreta, botanical or zoological gardens. No structure shall be erected on dedicated open space areas which are not clearly incidental to the principal use of the land

Stadiums, coliseums, race tracks and similar facilities to seat more than 1,000 people at one time

Social service institutions, including publicly-owned orphanages, sanatoria, or correctional institutions

Wireless telecommunications facilities

(d) Commercial Uses:

Amusement arcades

Animal hospitals & veterinary offices with no outside runs or kennels

Automotive – Car washes

S63

Automotive service stations – gas

Automotive service stations – Repair garages and temporary storage

Banks & other similar financial institutions (without drive-thru)

Banks & other similar financial institutions (with drive-thru)

Clubs & lodges – private and non-profit

Computerized swepstakes Terminal afes

Hotels and Motels

Laundromats and dry cleaning

Monument works (stone monuments) having a retail outlet on the premises

Zoning Districts

Land Uses.

R-1A

R-1B

R-1C

R-2

R-3

MHP

PUD

C-1

C-2

C-3

C-4

M-1

M-2

Office park

Offices - administrative and business offices, including corporate office headquarters

Offices – business, union, charitable, finance, professional, consulting offices, including offices of industrial or commercial establishments whose plants and outlets are not permitted in commercial districts, medical clinics and doctor/dental offices

Parking lots – off street

Personal service establishments, such as barber shops, beauty shops and tanning establishments

Printing Shops having a sales office or retail outlet on the premises

Recreational facilities - commercial facilities such as theme parks and RV parks open to the general public

Recreational facilities - athletic, exercise, and health facilities

Recreational facilities - indoor commercial

Recreational facilities - indoor noncommercial

Recreational facilities - Theaters and concert halls

Recreational facilities - legalized gaming by gubernatorial compact or otherwise legislatively permissible

Zoning Districts

Land Uses.

R-1A

R-1B

R-1C

R-2

R-3

MHP

PUD

C-1

C-2

C-3

C-4

M-1

M-2

Recreational facilities - outdoor commercial facilities

Recreational facilities - outdoor noncommercial facilities such as, but not limited to, golf courses & tennis clubs, athletic fields, and swimming pools

Recreational facilities - vehicle parks

S64

Repair and assembly of computer and electronic devices

Repair services or businesses having retail outlet on the premises, including repair of bicycles, guns, radios, television sets and other household appliances, typewriters, watches, clocks, and shoes

Repair services of a general nature

Restaurants - without drive-up or drive-through facilities

Restaurants -with drive-up or drive-through facilities

Restaurants - without services to parked autos, no drive-up or drive through facilities

Sale of goods - internet-based mail order business

S65

Sale of goods - Lumber yards & building equipment sales

Sale of goods for personal or household consumption without outdoor storage of goods, except convenience stores

Zoning Districts

Land Uses.

R-1A

R-1B

R-1C

R-2

R-3

MHP

PUD

C-1

C-2

C-3

C-4

M-1

M-2

Sale of goods of a convenience nature, with or without drive up or drive through facilities, such as convenience food stores

Sale of goods of a specialized nature, including furriers, millinery, shops dealing with women’s and men’s wearing apparel, including shoe shops, antique shops, jewelry stores, gift shops, bookstores (not sexually-oriented), florists, photographer or artist studios, barber shops, beauty parlors, and drug stores

Sale of goods primarily meeting needs of residents of the neighborhood, such as drug, food, carry-out, and clothing, but not department or discount stores, florists, variety goods, etc.

Sales of goods - Shopping centers; strip shopping centers; or shopping malls with a central commons enclosed space for pedestrians

Sale or rental of goods stored outside a building

Sale or rental of automobiles, boats, recreation vehicles

Sale of manufactured homes

Sale or rental of heavy equipment or trucks

Zoning Districts

Land Uses.

R-1A

R-1B

R-1C

R-2

R-3

MHP

PUD

C-1

C-2

C-3

C-4

M-1

M-2

Sexually-oriented businesses subject to Section 1134.12

Storage facility - self service

Studios - are, dance, photograph, or music

Truck/construction equipment repair and sales

(e) Industrial Uses

Carting or hauling

Distribution Facilities

Grain and feed dealers

Junkyards, salvage yards, automobile wrecking yards

Laboratories - Research and testing

Laundry, cleaning, and dyeing works, including carpet and rug cleaning

Manufacturing or assembly processes which are considered clean, quiet, and free of objectionable or hazardous materials, including: electronic components or equipment; household goods, household small appliances; jewelry; musical instruments; and sporting goods

Manufacturing - cement, lime, gypsum, plaster

Manufacturing - Chemicals

Manufacturing - Pottery and ceramic

Mineral extraction, storage and processing

Zoning Districts

Land Uses.

R-1A

R- 1B

R-1C

R-2

R-3

MHP

PU D

C- 1

C- 2

C- 3

C- 4

M-1

M-2

P 1

Petroleum refineries and storage areas

Printing and publishing plants

Railroad yards & terminal facilities

Recycling of hazardous waste originating from an off-site location

Recycling centers

Stockyards

Storage yards - Building material

Storage yard - Contractor equipment and offices

Storage yards - Lumber storage and dealers

Transportation or utility yard or facility

Truck/Construction equipment repair & sales

Warehouse & distribution

Warehouses, including wholesale warehouses

Waste disposal or incineration facilities

Wholesale storage & distribution

(f) Accessory Uses:

Accessory buildings and uses customarily incidental to any of the permitted principal land uses

Home occupations

Foster homes

Outdoor vending machines

Zoning Districts

Land Uses.

R-1A

R- 1B

R-1C

R-2

R-3

MHP

PU D

C- 1

C- 2

C- 3

C- 4

M-1

M-2

P 1

Residences - second or third floor of commercial structures

Satellite Dishes, subject to Section 1134.17(o)

(Ord. 2012-50. Passed 9-24-12; Ord. 2014-02. Passed 1-13-14; ORd. 2017-33. Passed 5-8-17; Ord 2023-01. Passed 1-9-23.)

1133.01 GENERAL YARD AND HEIGHT REGULATIONS.

In addition to all yard regulations specified in other Sections of this Ordinance, the following shall apply to all districts.

(a) Architectural Projections: Open structures such as fireplace chases, porches, canopies, balconies, platforms; carports, covered patios, and similar architectural projections shall be considered parts of the building to which they are attached and shall not project into the required minimum front, side, or rear yards.

(b) Setback Requirements for Corner Buildings: For any corner lot in any district, all yards with lot lines adjoining all street right-of-way lines shall conform to the requirements for the front yard setbacks in the district in which such lot is zoned. Additionally, for those yards that adjoin the side yards of a neighboring lot, a side yard setback shall be required.

(c) Yard Requirements for Multi-family or Group Dwellings: Group or multi-family dwellings shall be considered as one building for the purpose of determining front, side, and rear yard requirements. The entire group as a unit shall require one front, one rear, and two side yards as specified for dwellings in the appropriate district.

(d) Visibility at Intersections. On a corner lot in any district, nothing shall be erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as to materially impede vision between a height of two and a half (2-1/2) feet and ten (10) feet above the center line grades of the intersecting streets in the area bounded by the right-of-way of such corner lots and a line joining points along the right-of-way twenty-five (25) feet from the point of intersection.

(e) Yard Requirements for Buffering Purposes: To secure a desirable transition between land zoned for residential purposes and other zoning districts C-1 through M-2, except PC, PI, and PUD, it is required that greater yard setbacks be provided on the property that is not zoned for residential purposes along the lot line(s) that abut land zoned for residential purposes. When property that is zoned C-1 through M-2 abuts property that is zoned to permit single-, two-, or multiple-family residential dwellings, the yard requirements for that yard adjacent to the residentially zoned property, shall be increased two (2) times over the normally required yard setback (including any overlay district requirements), up to a maximum of seventy-five (75) feet, and a landscaped buffer yard shall be provided in this area in accordance with Chapter 1138 (Landscaping Regulations) with special exception to additional requirements of corner lots discussed in Section 1133.01(b) (Setback Requirements for Corner Buildings).

(f) Exceptions to Height Regulations: The height limitations contained in this Zoning Ordinance do not apply to spires, belfries, cupolas, antennas, water tanks, ventilators, chimneys, or other appurtenances usually required to be placed above the roof level and not intended for human occupancy, except where the height of such structures will constitute a hazard to the safe landing and take-off of aircraft at an established airport.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1133.02 YARD, LOT COVERAGE, AND HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS TABLE

The following table outlines for each district the required minimum required setbacks and lot frontage, the maximum building height, and lot coverage. Terms are defined in Title Seven (Definitions). See Section 1133.01 (General Yard and Height Regulations) for adjustments to required yard dimensions.

YARD, LOT COVERAGE, AND HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
DISTRICT	MINIMUM LOT AREA (sf.)	MAXIMUM HOUSING DENSITY (units/acre)	MINIMUM LOT WIDTH (ft.)	YARD SETBACKS (feet)			MAXIMUM HEIGHT (ft.)	MINIMUM DWELLING AREA (sf.)	BUILDING AND IMPERVIOUS AREA COVERAGE
DISTRICT	MINIMUM LOT AREA (sf.)	MAXIMUM HOUSING DENSITY (units/acre)	MINIMUM LOT WIDTH (ft.)	FRONT	REAR	SIDE (one side total)	MAXIMUM HEIGHT (ft.)	MINIMUM DWELLING AREA (sf.)	BUILDING AND IMPERVIOUS AREA COVERAGE
A a	9000	4.84	60	35 b	20	10% \| 14 c	--	1200	N/A
P e	As needed	--	As needed	Equal to the greater requirement for the adjacent lots e,h				--	70%
R-1A a	3000	14.52	30	20 b	15	10% \| 6 c	35	1200	90%
R-1B a	6000	7.26	60	35 b	20	10% \| 10 c	35	1200	85%
R-1C a	9000	4.84	60	35 b	20	10% \| 14 c	35	1200	80%
R-2 a	12000	3.63	80	35 b	25	10% \| 20 c	35	1000	90%
R-2 a Zero lot-line	6000	7.26	40	35 b	25	10% c	35	1000	90%
R-3 a	5445	8	N/A	35 b	25 d	10%\| 24 c, d	35	efficiency: 600 1 bedroom:700 2 bedroom:860 3 bedroom: 1,000	90%
MHP	All manufactured hone parks shall comply with the requirements of Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701 promulgated by the Ohio Public Health Council in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapter 3733								70%
C-1 a	N/A	N/A	N/A	20	No side or rear yards are required except when a lot or tract abuts a residential district or land use; in such event, the side yard requirements of the R-1C District shall apply.		35	N/A	Buildings shall be less than 7,500 gross s.f. or useable floor area

YARD, LOT COVERAGE, AND HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
DISTRICT	MINIMUM LOT AREA (sf.)	MAXIMUM HOUSING DENSITY (units/acre)	MINIMUM LOT WIDTH (ft.)	YARD SETBACKS (feet)			MAXIMUM HEIGHT (ft.)	MINIMUM DWELLING AREA (sf.)	BUILDING AND IMPERVIOUS AREA COVERAGE
DISTRICT	MINIMUM LOT AREA (sf.)	MAXIMUM HOUSING DENSITY (units/acre)	MINIMUM LOT WIDTH (ft.)	FRONT	REAR	SIDE (one side total)	MAXIMUM HEIGHT (ft.)	MINIMUM DWELLING AREA (sf.)	BUILDING AND IMPERVIOUS AREA COVERAGE
C-2 a	N/A	N/A	N/A	35	20	10'total	35	N/A	90%
C-3 a	N/A	N/A	N/A	none	none	none	35	N/A	90%
C-4 a	N/A	N/A	N/A	50	None required except when a lot or tract abuts a residential district or land use; in which provisions of Section 1133.01(e) (Yard Requirements for Buffering Purposes) shall apply.		35	N/A	80%
PC e (Site Plan Required)	N/A	N/A	N/A	70' if front on State or Federal Highways or “The Parkway,” otherwise 50'	No principal or accessory structure shall be permitted within 25' of any side or rear property line. h		50'	N/A	70% for all impervious areas
PI e (Site Plan Required)	N/A	N/A	N/A	70' if front on State or Federal Highways or “The Parkway,” otherwise 50'.	No principal or accessory structure shall be permitted within 25' of any side or rear property line. g		50'	N/A	70% for all impervious areas
PUD	Refer to Section 1134.11 (PUD - Planned Unit Development District Requirements)

YARD, LOT COVERAGE, AND HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
DISTRICT	MINIMUM LOT ARE (sf.)	MAXIMUM HOUSING DENSITY (units/acre)	MINIMUM LOT WIDTH (ft.)	YARD SETBACKS (feet)			MAXIMU M HEIGHT (ft.)	MINIMUM DWELLING AREA (sf.)	BUILDING AND IMPERVIOUS AREA COVERAGE
				FRONT	REAR	SIDE (one side total)
M-1 a, f (Site Plan Required)	N/A	N/A	N/A	50' if front on State or Federal Highways; otherwise 40’.	None required except when a lot or tract abuts a residential district or land use; in which provisions of Section 1133.01(e) shall apply		35'	N/A	70%
M-2 a, f (Site Plan Required)	N/A	N/A	N/A	50' if front on State or Federal Highways; otherwise 40'.	None required except when a lot or tract abuts a residential district or land use; in which provisions of Section 1133.01(e) shall apply.		35'	N/A	70%

N/A - Not applicable to the district.

Footnotes to Yard, Lot Coverage, and Height Restrictions Table

a. See Section 1133.04 for accessory structures.

b. No front yard depth shall be required to exceed the average of the depth of the existing front yards on the lots adjacent on each side, if each of such lots are within the same block and within three hundred (300) feet.

c. The minimum side yard on each side of any building shall not be less than ten (10) percent of the lot width; however, the total side yard requirement may not be less than the standard indicated. In a zero lot-line dwelling, one (1) side yard shall not be less than ten (10) percent of the lot width.

d. In any case where the side or rear yard abuts an R-1 District, such side or rear yard will be increased an additional foot for every foot that any building exceeds twenty (20) feet in height.

e. Site plans shall be submitted in accordance with Chapter 1111 (Site Plan Review Procedures).

f. Within all areas zoned P, PC and PI, buffer zones shall be constructed along all side and/or rear lot lines, in accordance with Section 1138.08 (Buffer Strip Requirements for P, PC and PI Districts).

g. Structures may exceed the specified height standard provided that:

(1) All required yards shall be increased by one (1) foot for each one (1) foot of building height more than the specified height standard.

(2) No site plan shall be approved which includes buildings more than fifty (50) feet in height unless approved by the Fire Chief.

(3) In the PC and PI Districts, the site shall have a maximum building floor area/lot area ratio of two to one (2:1) meaning that the total usable floor space within all structures will not exceed twice the total lot area.

h. Percentage of impervious surface shall be calculated by dividing the surface area of existing and proposed impervious surfaces of a lot or parcel by the total surface area of the lot or parcel.

(Ord. 2013-39. Passed 9-23-13; Ord. 2023-02. Passed 1-9-23.)

1133.03 DRIVEWAYS AND LOT RESTRICTIONS.

(a) "Driveway" is hereby defined as a permanent hard surfaced way that provides access to a garage, carport, unsheltered parking space, or parking lot from a street or place. The area of a driveway is subject to the impervious area coverage restrictions of Section 1133.02.

(b) All driveways shall be constructed of asphalt, concrete, gravel, brick, or similar material.

(c) In any residential district within the City of Rossford, no more than forty percent (40%) of the area bounded by the front setback line, street line and side lines of a lot shall be devoted to coverage by a driveway, subject to the impervious area coverage restrictions of Section 1133.02.

(d) The number and placement of a driveway is subject to access control measures in accordance to Section 1136.17.

(Ord. 2013-40. Passed 9-23-13.)

1133.04 ACCESSORY STRUCTURES/ACCESSORY BUILDINGS.

(a) Accessory structures, buildings and uses are allowed in all zoning districts and must remain within the impervious area coverage. Prior to construction or installation of any accessory structure a zoning permit as provided by Section 1102.02 is required.

(b) For residential districts or residential structures in other districts:

(1) Where an accessory structure is structurally attached to a main building it shall be subject to, and must conform to all regulations of this Ordinance applicable to the main building.

(2) An accessory structure including but not limited to a tool shed, storage building, detached garage, tree house or gazebo shall not be located in the front yard of any lot and if located in a side yard may not be located any closer to the front lot line than the existing front setback of the principal structure. On a corner lot, the accessory structure must be located no closer than the setback of the existing principal structure or the required front yard setback on the side street side.

(3) No accessory structure shall be constructed on any lot prior to the time of construction of the principal building to which it is accessory, except on an abutting lot to a residential lot under the same ownership containing the principal building.

(4) All driveways and detached garages must be designed to conform to the existing adjoining grade. If the petitioner can demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the City, that it is not feasible to have the foundation and driveway to conform to grade, appropriate screening can be a retaining wall with a finished exterior, a solid screen using landscaping or a fence or some other decorative treatment, which sufficiently reduces the visual impact of the foundation and driveway.

(5) Accessory structures shall also not be located closer than five (5) feet from any property line, or a distance equal to one-half (1/2) of the height of the accessory structure if it exceeds one (1) story or sixteen (16) feet measured to the peak of the building, whichever is greater. In areas where the principal building setbacks do not comform to current code, the accessory structure/building can be set to the set back of the principal building.

(6) No accessory structure or portion shall exceed a height of sixteen (16) feet above grade; except that no tree house may be taller than the highest point of the primary structure. Accessory structures may exceed the height of sixteen (16) feet upon application and approval of a special use permit as provided and in accordance with Chapter 1112.

(7) The square footage of all accessory structures shall not exceed 75 percent of the first or ground floor of the principal structure except upon application and approval of a special use permit as provided and in accordance with Chapter 1112.

(8) Accessory structures connected by open breezeways are considered separate structures.

(9) Handicap ramps or other devices required to make reasonable accommodation for residential purposes under the Fair Housing Act or the American with Disabilities Act are to be permited in the required front, side or rear yard setbacks provided that the maximum encroachment into a required setback is the minimum dimension required by the applicable building code for accessible ramps and that no other location is feasible outside the required setbacks.

(1) Accessory structures shall meet all setback requirements and must remain within the impervious area coverage for the zoning district they are located in. On a corner lot, the accessory structure must be located no closer than the setback of the existing principal structure or the required front yard setback on the side street side.

(2) Structures connected by an open breezeway are considered separate structures.

(3) An accessory structure may not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height. Accessory structures may exceed the height of twenty-five (25) feet upon application and approval of a special use permit as provided and in accordance with Chapter 1112.

(Ord. 2013-41. Passed 9-23-13.)

1133.05 IMPERVIOUS SURFACES.

(a) "Impervious Surface" means an area that releases as runoff all or a majority of the precipitation that falls on it. "Impervious surface" excludes frozen soil but includes rooftops, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and streets unless specifically designed, constructed, and maintained to be pervious.

(b) For existing impervious surfaces that were lawfully placed when constructed but that do not comply with the impervious surface standard in section 1133.02, the property owner may do any of the following:

(1) Maintain and repair the existing impervious surfaces;

(2) Replace existing impervious surfaces with similar surfaces that meet applicable setbacks;

(3) Relocate or modify an existing impervious surface with similar or different impervious surface, provided that the relocation or modification does not result in an increase in the percentage of impervious surface that existed on the effective date of this ordinance.

(c) Prior to construction or installation of any impervious surface a zoning permit as provided by Section 1102.02 is required.

(Ord. 2013-42. Passed 9-23-13.)

1134.001 PURPOSE.

The purpose of these Supplementary Land Use Regulations is to set specific standards or conditions for various uses, classification of uses, or areas where problems are frequently encountered.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.01 CHILD CARE OR DAY CARE FACILITIES.

A petitioner for a zoning permit for a child care or day care facility shall be required to prove that he or she has complied with all applicable state laws and copies of the state permits shall be filed with the Zoning Inspector. The zoning permit will expire on a yearly basis. The zoning permit shall be renewed by the Zoning Inspector with proof that the petitioner has complied with all applicable state laws governing child care facilities.

(a) Child care or day care facilities with an average daily attendance of less than six (6) children are allowed by right in any residential districts according to state laws.

(b) Child care or day care facilities with more than seven (7) children and less than twelve (12) in average daily attendance may be allowed in any residential district.

(c) Child care or day care facilities with an average daily attendance of more than twelve (12) children may be permitted in an appropriately zoned district subject to the following conditions:

(1) The petitioner obtains all necessary state licenses or certifications required for providing day care for infants, pre-school, and/or school age children.

(2) Provisions are made for off-street parking and loading facilities and such fencing, screening, and landscaping as required to prevent undue detriment to the area.

(d) Before granting a special use permit for a day care facility, the petitioner shall obtain a special use permit in accordance to procedures established in Chapter 1112 (Special Use Permits) Additionally, review of a child care or day care facility shall include, but is not limited to:

(1) Proof of all necessary state licenses or certifications required for providing day care for infants, pre-school, and/or school age children.

(2) Location of the site and the site size and configuration relative to development of the adjoining area and the effect of activities on the site of the adjacent property.

(3) Site plan, including setbacks, screening, outside open space, and recreation area, landscaping, automobile access, and off-street parking, design and materials of structures in relation to the area. The size and design of all new structures and proposals for remodeling shall be reviewed to provide that the structure will be readily adaptable to a use permitted in the district in the event the day care facility closes, as well as providing for a design and exterior treatment in keeping with the character of the area.

(4) Numbers and ages of children in the surrounding area and other census and similar data affecting the probable need for service to the area.

(5) Number of children to be accommodated in the center, service area, type of program, teacher-child ratios, and personnel qualifications.

(6) Day-care facilities shall comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining thereto.

(e) In order to operate a day care facility, the petitioner must apply for a day care facility permit with an application fee adopted by resolution by the City Council. The application will be reviewed by the Zoning Inspector who has the power to grant or deny the permit. If the Zoning Inspector denies the permit, the petitioner may appeal to the City Council for reconsideration of issuance of the permit.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.02 DESIGN REVIEW OVERLAY DISTRICT STANDARDS.

(a) Design Standards Applicable to the Design Review Overlay District. The primary standard which shall apply to applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness for sites within the Design Review Overlay District shall be whether the application under consideration promotes, preserves, and enhances the architectural character of the community. Deliberation may also take into account the following factors:

(1) The historic, cultural, architectural or archeological value and significance of the property;

(2) The relationship of any architectural features of a structure to the rest of the structure and the surrounding area;

(3) The general compatibility of the design, arrangement, texture and material proposed to be used;

(4) Other factors, such as aesthetic value and cost, that the Commission finds relevant.

(b) Locally Significant Resources. In the event the application involves property containing a designated Locally Significant Resource, the Design Review Commission shall use as evaluative criteria the ten federal standards established by the Department of the Interior in “The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings” by Morton, Hume, Weeks and Jandl (United States, National Park Service, Preservation Assistance Division, 1991, as reprinted in 1997). Such standards are incorporated as a part of this Chapter as if fully rewritten herein. A copy of the complete Standards are available in the City offices or may be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, D.C. 20402-9328. Wherever possible, the historic character of a Locally Significant Resource should be retained, preserved, renovated, and where appropriate, adaptively reused. Specifically:

(1) A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site environment. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be preserved. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired Locally Significant Resource status in their own right shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

(2) Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Changes that create a false sense of historic development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.

(3) Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. If major facade components are badly deteriorating or missing (and replicas are not feasible) great care should be taken to replace them with creative designs that reflect the proportions, scale, detail, design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials of the original.

(4) New additional, exterior alterations or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be comparable with the massing, size, scale and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. New construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.

(5) Original building facade wall surfaces and detailing should be restored whenever possible.

(6) Special attention should be given to the removal of storefront applied surface materials that have original building details preserved beneath, especially those surface materials that extend onto the piers and walls of the upper facade.

(7) All exposed mechanical equipment, unused electrical apparatus or sign supports should be removed.

(8) Cornice or Fascia. W here removed, a cornice or fascia should be restored to reemphasize the original design intent of the structure and should be designed in proportion to the overall mass of the building.

(9) Brick. Maintain the colors, textures, and bonding patterns of brick found in existing historic structures.

(10) Color. Utilize color schemes relevant to the historic period represented by the building architecture during remodeling or new construction, limiting strong accent colors for special effects only.

(11) Entrances. On traditional storefront buildings, recessed entrances are encouraged. Maintain established materials and design of entrance door hardware.

(12) Windows. Maintain the design, scale, proportion of window modules and sustain the repetitive rhythm of window patterns along established block facades.

A. Display windows of a storefront should never be filled or covered except where there are residential uses abutting the sidewalk on the ground floor.

B. Preserve the original proportions of window openings during interior alterations.

C. Maintain the original arrangement of glass panes whenever possible or duplicate similar configurations found along the square.

D. Retain or duplicate the original materials of window elements such as sashes, frames, sills, jambs, and lintels.

E. Maintain widths of single and double module windows that reflect the architectural lines of the upper part of the facade.

(13) Awnings. Awnings should be attached directly to the building without requiring a support column on the sidewalk and have a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet and a maximum clearance of twelve (12) feet above the sidewalk. Awning signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the vertical area of the sign.

(14) Significant archaeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken.

(c) Properties Not Designated as Locally Significant Resources. For property which does not contain a designated Locally Significant Resource, the Design Review Commission shall determine appropriateness by whether the proposed activity will have a negative effect on the historic character and visual integrity of the Design Review Overlay District.

(1) Building architecture, materials, colors, and height should be designed to complement and coordinate with Locally Significant Resources in the Design Review Overlay District.

(2) If new materials are to be used for buildings that are architecturally undistinguished, they should be selected to coordinate with neighboring structures and to complement the design of the structure.

(d) New Construction. The Design Review Commission shall determine appropriateness of a completely new freestanding structure by whether the new construction will have a negative effect on the historic character and visual integrity of the Design Review Overlay District. New construction shall be designed to:

(1) Maintain the repetitive storefront widths along established block facades to create a unified street wall.

(2) On traditional storefront buildings, recessed entrances are encouraged.

(3) Building architecture, materials, colors, and height should be designed to complement and coordinate with Locally Significant Resources in the Design Review Overlay District.

(e) Demolition Applications.

(1) Upon a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition, the Design Review Commission shall determine whether the structure is or has the potential for designation as a Locally Significant Resource.

A. If not a Locally Significant Resource or a potential Locally Significant Resource, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the demolition of such structure, whether public or private.

B. If the subject structure is determined to have the potential for designation as a Locally Significant Resource, every effort shall be expended by the Design Review Commission to undertake meaningful discussion with the applicant to find a means of preserving the resource, including a continuance of the hearing for up to ninety (90) days to permit the Commission recommend to Council that the designation of "Locally Significant Resource" be assigned to such building, identify alternative uses for the structure, undertake grant applications, or seek public acquisition or purchase by a third party with a preservation interest in the building.

C. No Certificate of Appropriateness may be issued for demolition of a Locally Significant Resource unless the Design Review Commission finds there is no reasonable economic use or return for the structure as it exists such that deterioration has progressed to the extent that rehabilitation is not economically sound, or there is no feasible and prudent alternative to demolition. To justify that rehabilitation is not economically sound, the record must contain sufficient information so that the Commission may adequately make a factual decision. Evidence which may be found significant in such a determination may include: a two-year gross income statement from the property which itemizes operating and maintenance expenses, depreciation, debt-service, and annual cash flow; a two- year financial pro-forma prepared by a third party architect, developer, appraiser, or other real estate professional experienced in rehabilitation; a two-year history of offers substantiated by a real estate broker engaged to advertise to sell or lease the property at a reasonable price or rent; an evaluation of structural suitability for rehabilitation signed by a licensed engineer or architect experienced in rehabilitation; economic incentives and/or funding available to the applicant through federal, state, City, or private programs; the history of real estate taxes over the past two years, the purchase price, and the relationship between the owner of record or applicant and the person from whom the property was purchased; and similar reliable and probative evidence and testimony.

(2) Where a Certificate of Appropriateness is approved for demolition, every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve Locally Significant Resources adjacent to or affected by any project.

A. Prior to demolition, the owner shall provide up to a six-month window of opportunity for all historic features to be salvaged from the property.

B. Once the structure has been removed, the lot shall be graded to the level of the sidewalk and sloped to provide proper site drainage to assure that water does not compromise adjacent building or foundation walls, nor allow surface run-off to flow on any sidewalk or right-of-way.

C. Landscaping treatments, such as plants, trees, fencing, walkways, benches, and other elements shall be installed to preserve or create a unified street wall, or park-like space.

(f) Minimum Maintenance Requirements. Properties in the Design Review Overlay District shall be kept in good repair in a safe and sanitary condition and presentable appearance. Such properties shall be provided sufficient maintenance and upkeep for such structure to ensure its perpetuation and to prevent its destruction by deterioration.

(g) Guidelines for Developing Additional Design Standards. After appointment and subject to Council approval, the Design Review Commission may develop and provide City Council with specific design standards and guidelines for each subdistrict within the established Design Review Overlay District.

(1) Additional design standards and guidelines developed for subdistricts within the Design Review Overlay District shall be based upon the following:

A. Historic Areas. Design review standards that address historical areas shall conform to “The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings” by Morton, Hume, Weeks and Jandl (United States, National Park Service, Preservation Assistance Division, 1991, as reprinted in 1997).

B. New Construction. Design review standards and guidelines shall not limit new construction to any one historical period or architectural style, but shall seek to insure compatibility with relevant historical or contextual urban design considerations of a neighborhood, district or corridor.

C. Relation to Underlying Zoning District. The use, lot area, and bulk regulations in a particular Design Review Overlay District shall be in accordance with the applicable underlying zoning district, except as the use, area, and yard regulations may be expressly modified or revised in accordance with this chapter.

D. Relation to the Comprehensive Plan. Design review standards should address any design standards adopted in the Rossford Comprehensive Plan.

(2) Additional design standards shall address preferred methods for modification and reuse of structures and methods to encourage compatible new development within the Design Review Overlay District. Such standards shall include sufficient detail and may address:

A. Design;

B. Building height;

C. Building width;

D. Roof type;

E. Building materials consisting of the type characteristic of the century or period;

F. Ornamentation of features such as window and door lintels, quoins, soffits, cornices, fences, railing and the like;

G. Walkway paving materials;

H. Building setback from the street line;

I. Color or colors of the exterior as related to color or colors of surrounding structures;

J. Arrangements of the structures on the lot;

K. Scale, placement and design of signage;

L. Exterior lighting;

M. Exterior landscape elements.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.03 DWELLING CONVERSION TO MORE UNITS.

A residence shall not be converted to accommodate an increased number of dwelling units unless:

(a) The yard dimensions still meet the yard dimensions required by the zoning regulations for new structures in that district.

(b) The lot area per dwelling equals the lot area requirements for new structures in that district.

(c) The floor area per dwelling unit is not reduced to less than that which is required for new construction in that district.

(d) The conversion is otherwise in compliance with this Ordinance (e.g., property is zoned for double or multi-family use) and all other relevant ordinances and ordinances.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.04 FENCE REGULATIONS.

(a) Height Restrictions.

(1) Front Yard. Fences, hedges, and similar screening devices located in a front yard, including a corner lot with double frontage on a public street, are permitted provided that height of such devices does not exceed forty- two (42) inches from the established grade line to the highest point of the fence, including posts and finials, unless the fence is used for a public pool, as defined in Section 1134.15 (Swimming Pools for Community or Club Use) of this Ordinance.

(2) Side Yard. For fences that are no closer to the front lot line than the principal structure and parallel to or nearly parallel to a side lot line, man- made fences and similar screening devices shall not exceed six (6) feet in height. The post and finials on such side yard fences may be as high as eighty-two (82) inches (6'10").

(3) Rear Yard. For fences that are behind a principal structure and parallel to or nearly parallel to a rear lot line, man-made fences or screening devices shall not exceed six (6) feet in height on the side or rear of a lot. The post and finials on such rear yard fences may be as high as eighty-two (82) inches (6'10").

(4) The height regulations of this subsection are further illustrated in the table and diagram which follow at the end of this section.

(b) Locations.

(1) Proximity to Property Lines. All fences shall be constructed four (4) inches inside of, and not directly upon the property line. Fences maybe constructed directly upon the property line provided there is a written agreement between the adjoining property owners. The fence, wall, or hedge shall not be permitted to encroach upon public rights-of-way or easements. The fence, wall, or hedge shall not be located so as to adversely affect the vision of drivers on the public streets or from driveways intersecting public streets.

(2) Front Yard Length Restriction. Fences, hedges, and similar screening devices located within the area between the principal structure and the right-of-way (including corner lots with double frontage) shall be set back one (1) foot from the public right-of-way or any public sidewalk.

(3) The location regulations of this subsection are further illustrated in the table and diagram which follow at the end of this section.

(1) The posts and all other supporting portions of fences shall be placed on the side of the fence facing the interior of the property of the owner installing the fence unless the fence is designed such that the supporting members are identical in appearance on both sides of the fence or wall. Two (2) property owners jointly installing a fence along their common property line may choose to place the posts and other supporting portions of the fence on either side of the fence.

(2) Special Fences and Purposes.

Fences Around ...	Shall be governed by the following ...
swimming pools	Section 1134.14 and Section 1134.15
bee keeping	Section 505.13
borrow pits and quarries	Section 521.10

(3) Support Structure. No fence may be tied into adjacent fences without written permission of the owner(s) of the adjacent fence. Applicants who propose to tie their fence into existing fences must provide the zoning inspector with a copy of the permission from the adjacent fence owner(s) at the time of application for a fence permit.

(4) Electric and Barbed Wire Fences. All electric and barbed wire fences shall be prohibited, except with the approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals.

(5) Prohibited fence types within the front yard area of residential zoned lots include:

Board on Board Fence	Security or Industrial Fence
Louver or Ventilating Fence	Stockade or Palisade Fence
Chain link Fence

(d) Maintenance: All fences shall be properly maintained by the Owners of the property on which they are located. Such maintenance shall include painting, cleaning, and structural soundness in the case of a fence, wall, or other manmade object and trimming, pruning, cutting, and other landscaping in the case of a hedge or other planting so that there is no aesthetic detriment to the surrounding area.

(e) Variances: Any deviation from this Ordinance must be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals under the provisions of Chapter 1103 (Board of Zoning Appeals) of the Municipal Code of Rossford. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall consider, in ruling upon such request, the criteria referred to in Section 1103.05 (c) (Standards for Variances), but shall not be bound to make the finding called for in Section 1103.05 (c)(3)B.

(f) Permits: All fences, regardless of type or height, require an approved fence permit.

RESIDENTIAL FENCE TYPE, LOCATION, AND HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Type of Fence		Front Yard	Maximum Height	Side Yard	Maximum Height	Rear Yard	Maximum Height
HEDGE		P	42"	P	6'	P	6'
SOLID FENCE
	Board on Board			P	6'	P	6'
	Board on Board (Alternating)			P	6'	P	6'
	Louver or Ventilating			P	6'	P	6'
	Solid Picket	P	42"	P	6'	P	6'
	Stockade or Palisade			P	6'	P	6'
	Wall, Stone or Brick	P	42"	P	6'	P	6"

RESIDENTIAL FENCE TYPE, LOCATION, AND HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Type of Fence		Front Yard	Maximum Height	Side Yard	Maximum Height	Rear Yard	Maximum Height
PARTIALLY OPEN FENCE
	Picket	P	42"	P	6'	P	6'
	Arbor or Trellis (when used as a fence)	P	42"	P	6'	P	6'
OPEN FENCE
	Security or Industrial
	Chain Link			P	6'	P	6'
	Electrified
	Rail (smooth, split, rail, milled, or contemporary	P	42"	P	6'	P	6'
	Wrought Iron	P	42"	P	6'	P	6'
	Radio Controlled	P	N/A	P	N/A	P	N/A
	Retaining Wall (Decorative)	P	42"	P	6'	P	6'

P = Permitted

CITY OF ROSSFORD

RESIDENTIAL FENCING REQUIREMENTS

(Ord. 2012-51. Passed 9-24-12.)

1134.05 HOME OCCUPATIONS.

Home occupations are an accessory use which is clearly subordinate to the use of a premises as a dwelling. Home occupations may include offices of professionals such as attorneys, physicians, engineers/architects, insurance agents, realtors, or may include the production of small craft items. No home occupation may, however, include a use in which customers frequently enter the premises at more than one customer at a time to receive goods or services provided. Further, home occupations must meet the following requirements:

(a) No more than one (1) person is employed in the home occupation other than residents of the home.

(b) The space devoted to the home occupation shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the total floor area of the residence, nor shall it occupy more than twenty-five (25) percent of a private garage or similar accessory building.

(c) There shall be no external evidence of the home occupation, except for a single, non-illuminated sign in accordance with Chapter 1137 (Sign Regulations).

(d) No goods produced off the premises may be brought to the property and sold on the premises.

(e) No external alterations, construction, or reconstruction of the premises may be made to accommodate the home occupation.

(f) No goods produced on the premises may be displayed outside an enclosed building.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.06 LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS.

Landscaping must be consistent with standards provided in Chapter 1138 (Landscaping Requirements) of this Ordinance.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.07 MANUFACTURED HOME PARK REQUIREMENTS.

All manufactured home parks shall comply with the requirements of Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701 promulgated by the Ohio Public Health Council in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapter 3733. The Planning Commission and City Council shall review the particular facts and circumstances of each proposed manufactured home park development in terms of the following standards before amending the Official Zoning Map and establishing an MHP District:

(a) The proposed park will be served adequately by essential public facilities and services such as highways, streets, drainage, refuse disposal, schools, police, and fire protection or that persons involved in the establishment of the park will provide such services adequately.

(b) The vehicular approaches to the proposed park property will be so designed as not to create traffic interference or congestion on the surrounding public streets or roads.

(c) The establishment of the proposed park will not result in the damage, destruction, or loss of any natural, scenic, or historic features of major importance.

(d) The establishment of the proposed park will not be demonstrably detrimental to the value of the surrounding properties or the character of the adjacent neighborhood.

(e) The establishment of the proposed park is in general conformance with the master plan. (Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.08 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS.

Off-street parking and loading shall be in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 1136 (Off-Street Parking, Loading and Access Control).

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.09 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

The Zoning Inspector or Board of Zoning Appeals prior to the issuance of a zoning permit, may require the submission of statements and plans indicating the manner in which any dangerous and objectionable elements involved in processing and in equipment operations are to be eliminated or reduced to acceptable limits and tolerances.

(a) Air Pollution: No pollution of air by fly-ash, dust, vapors, odors, smoke, or other substances shall be permitted which are harmful to health, animals, vegetation, or other property or which can cause excessive soiling.

(b) Fire Hazards: Any activity involving the use or storage of flammable or explosive materials shall be protected by adequate fire-fighting and fire-prevention equipment and by such safety devices as are normally used in the handling of any such material. Such hazards shall be kept removed from adjacent activities to a distance which is compatible with the potential danger involved.

(c) Radioactivity or Electrical Disturbance: No activity shall emit dangerous radioactivity at any point or electrical disturbance adversely affecting the operation of any equipment at any point other than that of the creator of such disturbance.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.10 PC and PI PLANNED COMMERCIAL AND PLANNED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT STANDARDS.

(a) Storage and Service Areas. Storage and service areas shall be constructed, maintained, and used in accordance with the following conditions:

(1) No materials, supplies, or equipment, including trucks or other motor vehicles, shall be stored upon a site except inside a closed building or behind a durable material wall not less than six (6) feet in height, screening such materials, supplies, or vehicles from adjacent sites so as not to be visible from neighboring properties and streets. Any outdoor storage areas shall be located upon the rear portions of a site, unless otherwise approved. No storage areas may extend into a required yard.

(2) In accordance with Section 1138.03 (Screening of Service Courts, Storage Areas, and Loading Docks), all areas used for service courts, storage, and loading shall be screened.

(b) Underground Utilities Required. Within all areas zoned PC and PI, all electric power lines (not including transformers or enclosures containing electric equipment which may be pad mounted), telephone, gas distribution, and cable television lines, constructed after the effective date of this Chapter shall be placed underground in accordance with the specifications and policies of the respective utility service providers.

(c) Walks. Within all areas zoned PC and PI, sidewalks are required to be provided in the public right-of-way. All sidewalks shall be constructed in accordance with Section 1153.07 (Sidewalks) of the Subdivision Regulations for the City of Rossford. On-site pedestrian circulation systems shall be provided to meet the circulation needs of on-site users. Such systems should provide safe, all-weather-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing means of on-site movement and should be integral part of the overall architectural and site design concept.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.11 PUD - PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS.

A PUD - Planned Unit Development District may be applied to any property in the City of Rossford upon the approval of the Preliminary and Final Development Plans by the Planning Commission and City Council pursuant to Chapter 1113 (PUD District Review Procedures). Subsequent to such approval, the Official Zoning Map shall be amended to designate the property “PUD”. Following approval of a Final Development Plan and Development Standards Text, all future development in the approved PUD shall be in conformance with the plan and the construction of site improvements must be commenced within two (2) years of Council approval. The following standards represent broad parameters under which all PUD developments must be designed:

(a) Minimum PUD Size. The tract of land proposed to be developed as a PUD must be owned, leased, or controlled by one person or single entity and must be at least five (5) contiguous acres in size.

(b) Development Layout and Design. The design and layout of all PUD’s shall display excellence in design by properly considering: significant natural and historic features, topography, natural drainage patterns, roadway access, and circulation, pedestrian circulation, surrounding land uses, and the enhancement of the general welfare of the public, in an aesthetically desirable land development. Attractive landscaped buffers shall be provided between incompatible land use and activities.

(c) Central Water and Sewer Facilities. All structures in developments approved as a PUD must be served by central water and sewer facilities.

(d) General Development Standards for Perimeter Lots. All lots located along the perimeter of a PUD shall create a desirable transition to adjoining property in terms of both land use and building setbacks.

(e) Required Open Space. The PUD plan shall provide for open space that can be utilized for passive and active recreational acres. Where a development is proposed to be primarily residential uses with less than ten (10) percent of the project area set aside for business uses, a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the project shall be reserved as open space.

(1) All active and passive recreational areas including, but not limited to, community buildings (up to 10,000 sq. ft.), swimming pools, ball fields, tennis courts, bike trails, walking trails, landscape buffers, natural open space and water features shall be considered open space.

(2) Areas that shall not be counted as required open space include:

A. Private roads and public road rights of way;

B. Parking areas, accessways, and driveways;

C. An area of fifteen (15) feet between structures or parking areas and restricted open space;

D. Private yards;

E. Small fragmented or isolated open space areas that contain less than 1,000 square feet shall not be approved.

(3) The required open space shall maximize views and access from all residential dwellings in a PUD.

(4) Ownership and provisions shall be established for maintenance and care. The legal articles relating to any organization of property owners in the development charged with such open space maintenance is subject to review and approval by the City Council. City Council may require, as a condition of final approval, any evidence deemed necessary to document that the required common space will remain in its stated condition forever and not be subject to further subdivision (including such legal documents as deed restrictions, conservation easements, etc.)

(f) Clustering Residential Development. Clustering residential density is encouraged to provide required common open space. To achieve a clustering of residential density and to provide for the required common open space, the lot area requirements for residential land uses may be reduced from the densities required under the most applicable conventional zoning district(s) to that approved in the PUD plan. The lot width and yard requirements may also be reduced as approved in the PUD plan to accommodate a variety of structural patterns, clustering designs and housing types. (Ord. 2008-34. Passed 9-22-08.)

1134.12 SEXUALLY-ORIENTED BUSINESSES.

Sexually-oriented business uses have additional regulations imposed to protect children from accidental or other exposure to sexually-oriented materials and activities and because of the likelihood to produce harmful secondary health, safety, and aesthetic effects on residential neighborhoods and other specified land uses. These regulations are not adopted for the purpose of restricting or prohibiting any protected speech associated with sexually-oriented business land uses. The Supreme Court and lower federal courts have recognized a number of possible secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses, including: decline of character of a community’s neighborhoods and quality of life; increase of crime (e.g., prostitution, drug sales); spread of disease, particularly sexually transmitted diseases; degeneration of the social and moral order; and harm to children.

Given the documented harmful secondary effects of sexually-oriented businesses on adjacent neighborhoods and specific land uses, the following specific, reasonable and uniform regulations have been developed to protect the public health and safety of the residents of the municipality.

(a) Permitted and Prohibited Land Uses.

(1) Permitted Land Uses. Sexually-oriented businesses permitted in the City may include the following land uses as defined in Title Seven (Definitions):

A. Sexually-oriented arcade;

B. Sexually-oriented media store;

C. Sexually-oriented cabaret;

D. Sexually-oriented motel;

E. Sexually-oriented theater;

(2) Prohibited Land Uses. Sexually-oriented businesses prohibited in the City include the following land uses as defined in Title Seven (Definitions) and any other sexually-oriented businesses not addressed in this Zoning Ordinance:

A. Sexually-oriented escort agency;

B. Sexually-oriented studio;

C. Sexually-oriented encounter center;

D. Sexually-oriented spa.

(b) Accessory Uses.

(1) A sexually-oriented business use may not be an accessory use.

(2) No two sexually-oriented business uses separately-defined herein may be located in the same premises or on the same lot.

(3) Gambling. No sexually-oriented business establishment shall allow gambling or provide games, machines, tables, or implements for gambling.

(c) Separation Requirements. For the purpose of this Section, measurement shall be made in a straight line, without regard to the intervening structures or objects, from the nearest portion of the structure used as the part of the premises where a sexually-oriented business is conducted, to the nearest property line of the premises of a use listed above in this section. Presence of a municipal, county, or other political subdivision boundary shall be irrelevant for purposes of calculating and applying the distance requirements of this Section.

(1) No sexually-oriented business shall be established within seven hundred fifty (750) feet of any:

A. Residential Zoning District R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-4, and others as they may be established;

B. Planned Unit Development that includes residential land uses; or

C. Library, educational institution, park, recreational facility, religious place of worship, child day care facility, playground, or swimming pool.

(2) No sexually-oriented business shall be established within five hundred (500) feet of any:

A. Other sexually-oriented business;

B. Bar, tavern, or other establishment offering the sale of beer or intoxicating liquor for consumption on the premises regulated by the Ohio Division of Liquor Control (Ohio R.C. Title 43).

(d) Prohibited Public Display. No displays, promotions, or advertisement which depict or describe specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas shall be shown, distributed or exhibited so as to be visible to the public from any other privately owned property, pedestrian sidewalks or walkways, or from other public or semi- public areas.

(e) Public View to Be Prevented. All building openings, entries, windows, and doors of sexually oriented businesses shall be located, covered, or serviced in such a manner as to prevent a view into the interior from any other privately owned property, pedestrian sidewalks or walkways, or from other public or semi-public areas. For new construction, the building shall be oriented so as to minimize any possibility of viewing the interior from any other privately owned property, pedestrian sidewalks or walkways, or from other public or semi-public areas.

(f) External Audio and Visual Impact. No screens, loudspeakers, or sound equipment used for sexually-oriented motion picture theaters (enclosed or drive-in) or any other sexually-oriented businesses shall be operated in such a manner as to be seen or discerned by the general public from any other privately owned property, pedestrian sidewalks or walkways, or from other public or semi-public areas.

(g) Exterior Signage. Exterior identification signage is permitted subject to other applicable provisions of these regulations. However, to limit exposure of sexual images to minors, no exterior signage shall include sexually-explicit messages, graphics, drawings, or other illustrations of specified sexual anatomical areas or specified sexual activities.

(h) Design Standards. The following design standards shall apply to all sexually- oriented businesses except for the sleeping quarters of sexually-oriented motel rooms:

(1) Public areas. Each application for a sexually oriented business shall contain a diagram of the premises, drawn to scale, showing the location of all manager’s stations, viewing rooms, public restrooms, and shall designate all portions of the premises in which patrons will not be permitted.

(2) All flooring, wall surfaces, and seating surfaces shall be constructed of, or permanently covered by, nonporous, easily disinfected material.

(3) No walls in public areas of the establishment may have any holes or other openings of any kind. It shall be duty of the operator to regularly inspect the walls and prevent entry of any patrons into any room found to contain such holes or other openings until such time as the wall has been repaired to remove the opening.

(4) A sign shall be clearly posted in well-lighted entry areas of the establishment stating all of the following:

A. That no loitering is permitted in viewing rooms.

B. That occupancy of viewing rooms is limited to one person at a time.

C. That sexual activity on the premises is prohibited.

D. That the making of openings between viewing rooms is prohibited.

E. That animals, except seeing eye dogs required to assist the blind, are prohibited.

F. That violators will be required to leave the premises.

G. That violations of these requirements are unlawful.

(5) Manager’s Stations. A manager’s station shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet of floor area and shall be configured in such a manner that there is an unobstructed view of each area of the premises to which any patron is permitted access for any purpose, except public restrooms, from at least one of the manager’s stations. The view required from a manager’s station must be by direct line of sight and shall remain unobstructed by any doors, curtains, walls, merchandise, display racks, or other materials or enclosures. It shall be the duty of the establishment to ensure that at least one employee is on duty and situated in each manager’s station at all times that any patron is on the premises.

(6) Viewing Rooms. All rooms, booths, or areas less than one hundred fifty (150) square feet, except restrooms, where a patron would be positioned while watching sexually-oriented type of material or performances shall be restricted to use by one person at all times, shall be open to public view at all times from the interior of the building, and shall be configured in such a manner that there is an unobstructed view of the viewing room from a manager’s station.

(7) Restrooms. Separate male and female restrooms shall be provided for and used by sexually-oriented business establishment employees and patrons. All restrooms in a sexually-oriented business establishment shall be equipped with standard toilets, sinks, and other traditional lavatory facilities. Restrooms shall not contain video reproduction equipment. No sexually-oriented materials or live performances shall be provided or allowed at any time in the restrooms of a sexually-oriented business establishment.

(8) Non-Public Interior Areas. Areas where patrons will not be admitted are to be locked and posted with signage clearly indicating that patrons may not enter or be admitted.

(9) Overhead Lighting. The interior of the premises shall be equipped with overhead lighting fixtures of sufficient intensity to illuminate every place to which patrons are permitted access at an illumination of not less than one foot candle as measured at the floor level. Such lighting shall be maintained at all times the establishment is open to the public.

(i) Sexually-Oriented Live Performances. Any person engaging in a sexually-oriented live performance shall be restricted to a stage elevated at least eighteen (18) inches above floor level. Such stage shall be a distance of at least three (3) feet from all parts of a clearly designated area in which patrons may be present, separated by a barrier or railing the top of which is at least three (3) feet above floor level.

(1) A sign shall be clearly posted on the railing that no person may extend any part of his or her body over or beyond the barrier or railing.

(2) Any such tips or gratuities must be placed into a receptacle provided by management for receipt of such tips and gratuities or shall be placed on or near the stage on which the employee or other person is performing.

(3) A sign shall be posted and clearly visible to patrons upon entry to the sexually oriented business stating:

A. An employee may not touch the breast, buttocks, or genitals of a patron, nor may a patron touch the breast, buttocks, or genitals of an employee; and

B. A patron may not place any money on the person or in or on the costume of an employee.

(j) Obscene or Criminal Activity Prohibited. No sexually-oriented business shall allow media, matter, visual representations, live performances, or services of an obscene nature, as defined herein, on the premises. No sexually-oriented business shall encourage or allow prostitution or other criminal activity to occur on the premises.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.13 SIGNS.

Signs must meet the requirements of Chapter 1137 (Sign Regulations).

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.14 SWIMMING POOLS FOR PRIVATE USE.

No private swimming pool ("pool"), exclusive of portable swimming pools with a diameter less than twelve (12) feet or with an area of less than one hundred (100) square feet, shall be allowed in any commercial or residential district, except as an accessory use and unless it complies with the following conditions and requirements:

(a) The pool is intended and is to be used solely for the enjoyment of the occupants of the principal use of the property on which it is located. A pool will be considered an accessory use to the main structure.

(b) A pool may not be located closer than ten (10) feet to any property line, except in a R-l A District where that minimum distance shall be six (6) feet. That distance shall be measured from the water's edge and shall not restrict fences, ground level patios, pumps; and similar pool accessories not requiring separate permits.

(d) The swimming pool or the entire property behind the front building line on which it is located, shall be walled or fenced at the time of construction to prevent uncontrolled access by children from the street or from adjacent properties. The fence or wall shall not be less than forty-eight (48) inches in height, shall be separate from the wall of the pool and shall be maintained in good condition with a gate and lock. Additional regulations for swimming pool fencing are contained in Section 1323.04 of the Municipal Code of Rossford and all state and model codes adopted thereunder. Fencing is not required for above-ground or inflatable pools or other pools which have smooth, vertical side walls which exceed forty- eight (48) inches above grade, which have an automatic retractable ladder (where applicable), and which do not otherwise allow small children with a vertical reach of less than forty-eight (48) inches unsupervised access to the pool.

(e) Before construction commences, the petitioner shall obtain a zoning permit under Chapter 1102 (Enforcement and Administration), a fence permit (where required), a swimming pool permit under Chapter 1323, and an electrical permit under Chapter 1313, and all permit fees shall be paid.

(f) Pools, including above ground pools, may not be located in the front yard of the lot without a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.15 SWIMMING POOLS FOR COMMUNITY OR CLUB USE.

Community and club swimming pools are permitted in any district that allows for outdoor recreation or club facilities, and shall comply with the following conditions and requirements:

(a) The pool is intended solely for the enjoyment of the members and families and guests of members of the association or club under whose ownership or jurisdiction the pool is operated.

(b) The pool and accessory structures thereto, including the areas used by the bathers, shall not be closer than fifty (50) feet to any property line.

(c) The swimming pool and all of the area used by the bathers shall be walled or fenced to prevent uncontrolled access by children from the street or from adjacent properties. The fence or wall shall not be less than six (6) feet in height and maintained in good condition.

(d) Before construction commences, the petitioner shall obtain a zoning permit under Chapter 1102 (Enforcement and Administration), a fence permit (where required), a swimming pool permit under Chapter 1323, and an electrical permit under Chapter 1303, and all permit fees shall be paid.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.16 TEMPORARY BUILDINGS.

Temporary buildings, construction trailers, equipment, and materials used in construction work only may be permitted in any district during the period construction work is in progress but such temporary facilities shall be removed upon completion of the construction work. Storage of such facilities or equipment beyond the completion date of the project shall require a zoning permit authorized by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.17 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES.

In the interest of general safety and welfare of the public, all wireless telecommunication facilities are subject to the following conditions:

(a) Telecommunication facilities shall not be permitted within three hundred (300) feet of any residentially zoned area.

(b) Telecommunications towers shall not exceed two hundred (200) feet in height. The telecommunication tower design must withstand at least one hundred (100) mile an hour winds. Towers shall have no handholds or footholds closer to finished grade than forty (40) feet.

(c) No equipment shelter shall exceed three hundred (300) square feet. Combined square feet of all shelters shall not exceed six hundred (600) square feet. Equipment shelters shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height. Underground equipment shelters or support facilities are encouraged and may be required by the Planning Commission.

(d) If the telecommunications facility is built as an accessory use of a site, the facility shall not be located between the principal building and any public right-of-way.

(e) All Telecommunication facilities including a telecommunication tower, any guy wires, and any structures shall be surrounded by a fence at least six (6) feet in height, and the fence shall be locked to prohibit unauthorized access. An evergreen screen shall be planted around the fence, with exception to the entrance, that will achieve a height of at least five (5) feet, and shall be maintained by the applicant or his or her representatives.

(f) All towers and fencing shall be painted to blend in with its environment and minimize its visibility unless prohibited by FCC or FAA.

(g) No signals, lights or other illumination shall be permitted, unless required by FAA regulation, other federal or state law, or otherwise authorized. Lighting of accessory structures for security purposes is permissible but shall be so arranged so as to direct and reflect light away from any adjacent residential property or public way. W hen lighting of a tower is required, it shall be placed on the tower and designed in such a way as to minimize glare on adjacent residential properties.

(h) No commercial advertising shall be allowed on a tower or antenna, except for antennas attached to an existing and approved sign. Towers may have safety or warning signs in appropriate places. No trespassing or similar warning signs shall be posted around the facility with an emergency telephone number indicating the person(s) or authority to contact in the event of an emergency.

(i) All utility service to a facility shall be provided underground.

(j) Facilities shall be fully automated and unattended on a daily basis and shall be visited only for periodic and necessary maintenance or emergency situations after construction.

(k) The applicant must agree to permit other wireless telecommunications service providers to collocate onto the proposed facility, unless mechanical, structural, or regulatory factors prevent such collocation on reasonable economic terms consistent with the actual capital and operating expenses of the facility, and with the construction on ongoing operation of the tower. The application shall provide documentation on this subject on request of the City of Rossford.

(l) Mobile or immobile equipment not used in direct support of a wireless telecommunications facility shall not be stored or parked on the site, unless repairs to the facility are being made.

(m) All abandoned or unused wireless telecommunication facilities shall be removed by the operator within six (6) months of the continuous cessation of use unless ownership and use thereof has been transferred to another person.

(n) When a proposed wireless telecommunications facility is to include a new tower, the applicant shall submit a site plan to the Planning Commission and include the following information in addition to such information required in Chapter 1111 (Site Plan Review Procedures):

(1) Provide a map Indicating the location of all structures and buildings and their use within three hundred (300) feet of the planned wireless telecommunications facility.

(2) Provide a landscape plan showing how the wireless telecommunications facility will be screened from adjoining uses.

(3) Provide evidence of written contact with all wireless service providers who supply service within two thousand (2,000) feet of the proposed facility. The applicant shall inquire about potential collocation opportunities at all technically feasible locations. The applicant’s letters to providers, as well as responses, shall be required as a means of demonstrating the need for a new tower and to establish proof that a newly constructed tower is necessary since collocation of an existing tower is not feasible.

(4) Provide a statement of need by the applicant, clearly demonstrating why the proposed facility must be located where it is proposed and why other nearby structures cannot be used to support the proposed antenna and why a tower and the proposed site is technically necessary.

(5) Provide evidence of legal access to the tower site thereby maintaining this access regardless of other development that may take place on the site.

(6) Demonstrate that the design of the tower complies with all FCC and FAA regulations concerning radio frequency, electromagnetic emission standards, and safety.

(7) Provide elevation plans showing the proposed telecommunications facility and the specifications for the antenna and support structure shall be submitted. The applicant must also submit information concerning the telecommunication tower’s maximum capacity in terms of antenna.

(8) Submit a statement of compliance confirming that the proposed facility complies will all federal and state laws and regulations concerning aviation safety.

(9) Submit a maintenance plan of how the facility will be maintained in the future and by whom.

(10) Any other information deemed necessary by the Zoning Inspector.

(o) Satellite Dishes.

(1) Purpose. Supplemental regulations governing telecommunication facilities are established for the construction, erection, maintenance, extension and removal of telecommunication facilities in specified zoning districts and to balance the competing interests created by the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-104) and the interests of the City in regulating satellite dishes and related facilities for the following reasons:

A. To provide for and protect the health, safety and general welfare of residents and visitors.

B. To provide for orderly development;

C. To protect property values;

D. To reduce the visual impact of antennas in a municipality containing both old and new homes, many with historic and architecturally significant features;

E. To maintain unique residential character, unobstructed open spaces, and attractive commercial and office/industrial areas;

F. To protect residential properties, parks, open spaces and the commercial zoning districts from the intense and adverse effects of towers and related facilities;

G. To promote collocation of telecommunications facilities in order to decrease the total number of towers;

H. To reduce potential contact and conflicts between antennas and utility lines, both above and below grade level;

I. To minimize obstructions to visibility around streets, sidewalks and driveways;

J. To reduce impediments to moving people and equipment near buildings and to avoid interference with firefighting and emergency ingress and egress, both at and above grade level;

K. To reduce potential attractive nuisance to children, animals, etc.;

L. To reduce the exposure of the antenna to high wind forces, particularly from tornadoes, and reduce hazards from falling and wind-propelled objects;

M. To limit interference with natural sunlight and the circulation of air and to preserve space for trees and other plants.

(2) Applicability.

A. No person shall construct, erect, maintain, extend, or remove a satellite dish without compliance with the provisions of this section.

B. Exempt Satellite Dishes. The following satellite dishes are exempt from this Zoning Ordinance when located behind all front and side yard setback lines unless such restriction precludes reception of an acceptable quality signal:

1. Satellite dishes two (2) meters or less in diameter when proposed as an accessory use in any commercial or industrial zoning district;

2. Satellite dishes one (1) meter or less in diameter when proposed as an accessory use in any zoning district.

(3) Satellite dishes shall be an accessory structure in any district subject to the following general restrictions:

A. The “dish” portion of a satellite dish over two (2) feet in diameter shall have a surface of open mesh construction, and shall not have a solid surface.

B. The satellite dish apparatus shall be painted to complement the surrounding environment and be harmonious with neighboring property.

C. The satellite dish shall not be located in a side yard or between the principal building and the right-of way unless such restriction precludes reception of an acceptable quality signal.

D. A satellite dish shall be constructed and mounted in such manner that it will withstand wind forces of up to seventy-five (75) miles an hour.

E. Ground-mounted satellite dishes shall be mounted upon a solid concrete slab. Any guy wires attached to a satellite dish apparatus shall be enclosed by an approved fence. The site of the apparatus shall be screened with shrubbery and/or landscaped.

F. Only metal supports of galvanized construction shall be used.

G. Any driving motor shall be limited to one-hundred and ten (110) volt maximum power and shall be encased in a protective guard.

H. All wiring between the apparatus and any other structure shall be placed underground in approved conduit. The satellite dish apparatus shall be bonded to an approved grounding rod.

(4) In residential districts, satellite dishes shall be subject to the following additional limitations:

A. The use of the satellite dish is restricted to receiving signals for television or radio communications for the use or enjoyment of those occupying the main building.

B. The maximum diameter of any ground mounted satellite dish shall not exceed six (6) feet in diameter. The maximum diameter of any building-mounted satellite dish apparatus shall not exceed one (1) meter.

C. The maximum height of any ground-mounted satellite dish shall not exceed eight (8) feet above the finished grade.

D. Roof mounted satellite dishes are not permitted in residential districts.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1134.18 WIND GENERATOR (TURBINE).

(a) Any turbine erected on a parcel of land will need to establish a “clear fall zone” from all neighboring property lines and structures. A turbine will need to be erected and placed in such a manner that if it were to fall, whatever direction the fall occurs would be contained solely on the property where the turbine is located, and would not strike any off property structures including the primary dwelling, and any accessory buildings or uses.

(1) Where “clear fall zones” are not located solely on the property where the turbine is located a recordable easement shall be required.

(b) The turbine, including the prop blades, turbine, cowling, and tower shall be painted or coated white, gray, or sky blue. Logos or other identification markers other than those of the manufacturer and model type shall not be permitted anywhere on the turbine.

(c) Wind turbines must be maintained in good working order. Turbines that become inoperable for more than six (6) months must be removed by the owner within thirty (30) days of issuance of zoning violation. Removal includes removal of all apparatuses, supports (excluding below grade foundations), and/or other hardware associated with the existing turbine.

(d) Zoning permits shall be required before construction can commence on an individual wind turbine system.

(e) The applicant shall provide the City with the following items and/or information as part of the application:

(1) A site plan showing the location of the unit in relation to existing structures on the property, roads, and other public rights of way, neighboring properties, total size, height, and decibel ratings of the unit.

(2) Evidence of a “clear fall zone” with the manufacturer’s recommendation must be attached to the engineering report.

(3) If the “clear fall zone” is not located solely on the property where the turbine is located, permission of the abutting property owner(s) together with a recordable easement(s) depicting such agreement is required. Any such easement(s) shall be recorded by the Zoning Inspector at the applicant’s expense upon the issuing of the zoning permit.

(4) The color of the unit, as well as the location and size of the manufacturer’s identifying logo shall be included in the plan.

(5) A maintenance schedule, as well as a dismantling plan, that outlines how the unit will be dismantled shall be required as part of the application.

(6) Evidence of the manufacturer’s specification on the decibel rating of the proposed unit.

(Ord. 2009-43. Passed 11-9-09.)

1135.01 USE CHANGES; REGULATIONS.

The lawful use of any dwelling, building, or structure on any lot or premises existing and lawful at the time of the enactment of this Ordinance, supplement or amendment, may continue although such use does not conform with the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance, or any supplement or amendment made after the enactment of the Ordinance. A nonconforming use of a building may be changed to another nonconforming use of the same or more restricted classification provided no structural alterations are made. Whenever a nonconforming use has been changed to a more restricted use or to a conforming use, such use shall not be changed thereafter to a less restricted use.

(a) In the event that a nonconforming use of any dwelling, building, or structure and of any lot or premises is voluntarily discontinued for a period of two (2) years or more, any future use of the lot, building or structure shall be in conformity with the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance.

(b) Without the Board of Zoning Appeals' approval, a nonconforming use may be extended throughout that portion of a structure that was obviously designed and intended for such use. Also, a nonconforming structure may be extended or enlarged by not more than ten (10) percent of the total floor area existing at the time of adoption or amendment of this Ordinance. However, no such extension shall encroach upon any minimum yard requirements nor shall it exceed the maximum height requirement.

(c) When a non-conforming building or structure has been damaged by explosion, fire, act of God, or the public enemy to the extent of more than seventy-five percent (75%) of its fair market value, it shall not be restored or reconstructed except in conformity with the regulations of the zoned district in which the building or structure is located except, however, this section does not apply if the non- conforming building or structure is a single family residence. In the event the non- conforming building or structure is a single family residence, the building or structure can be restored or reconstructed as a single family building or structure if construction has commenced within one (1) year of the event and completed within two (2) years of the date of the damaged and continued as a non-conforming use.

(d) When a nonconforming use qualifies for reconstruction through damage, a building permit shall be secured for that purpose and reconstruction shall be diligently completed without delay. Failure to reconstruct within a year of damage, revoke the right to nonconforming use and the premises shall conform thereafter to the established district regulations.

(e) A use in violation of the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance which this Ordinance amends or of a Zoning Ordinance covering an area of a city, village, or township subsequently annexed to the City of Rossford, shall not be validated by the adoption of this Ordinance.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1135.02 ENLARGEMENT OF EXISTING STRUCTURES.

If any structure was built prior to the adoption of this Ordinance and is considered to have nonconforming setbacks, additions to, or enlargements of the existing structure which presently encroach upon required side or rear yards, may be permitted if the proposed addition or enlargement follows the existing structure setbacks as long as the addition or enlargement will not exceed any other lot lines.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1135.03 ABANDONED AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATIONS, GAS STATIONS, OR FILLING STATIONS.

(a) For the purpose of this Ordinance, an abandoned automobile service station, gas station, or filling station shall be defined as one in which the petitioner or lessee has failed to operate for at least three (3) consecutive months in any eighteen (18) month period.

(b) All automobile service stations, gas stations, or filling stations which use is discontinued after the enactment of this Ordinance shall be presumed to be a nuisance affecting or endangering surrounding property values and to be detrimental to the public health, safety, convenience, comfort, property, or general welfare of the community and shall be abated by the owner of property.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.01 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

Except for the C-3 Core Business District, no building or structure shall, after the effective date hereof, be erected, structurally altered, or its use changed unless permanently maintained off- street parking and loading spaces have been provided in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

(a) In the C-3 Core Business District, no parking shall be allowed between a principal building and a road.

(b) In any commercial or industrial district, off-street parking may be located within the required front yard.

(c) Off-street parking facilities within a commercial or industrial district shall not be located within seven (7) feet of the boundary of the side yard nor within five (5) feet of any adjoining rear yard of any residence district.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.02 OFF-STREET PARKING DESIGN STANDARDS.

All new or altered parking lots shall conform to the parking space stall width, length, and aisle width, as set out in Table I and Exhibit 1.

TABLE 1

Dimensions	45o Angle	60o Angle	75o Angle	90o Angle
A. Stall Depth to Wall	17'	18.5'	19'	18'
B. Stall Depth Parallel to Vehicle	18'	18'	18'	18'
C. Aisle Width	12'	18'	22'	25'
D. Stall Depth to Interlock	15'	17'	18'	18'
E. Stall Depth Reduction Due to Interlock	2'	1.5'	1'	0'
F. Stall Width Parallel to Aisle 1	12.7'	10.4'	9.3'	9'
G. Stall Width Perpendicular to Vehicle	9'	9'	9'	9'
H. Module Width Wall to Wall	45'	54'	60'	61'
I. Module Width Interlock to Interlock	42'	51'	52'	51'

Exceptions to TABLE I:

(a) For bumper overhang deduct one and one-half (1-1/2) feet from stall depth to wall or three (3) feet from wall to wall for forty-five (45) degrees and sixty (60) degree parking. The equivalent dimensions for seventy-five (75) degree and ninety (90) degree parking are two (2) feet and four (4) feet respectively.

(b) The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) requires all new facilities to meet ADAAG requirements. Approval of a plan by City officials shall not provide a defense of a failure to meet ADA requirements. For most uses, spaces designed as accessible parking spaces must be provided in each lot or structure and distributed to serve all accessible entrances and must in each case be located on the shortest possible route to the accessible entrance.

(1) ADAAG requirements for accessibility of parking spaces will require most uses to provide the following minimum number of accessible spaces:

Total Parking Spaces in Lot	Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces
1 to 100	1 space, plus 1 space for each additional 25 spaces
101 to 200	5 spaces, plus 1 space for each additional 50 spaces over 100
201 to 500	7 spaces, plus 1 space for each additional 100 spaces over 200
501 to 1,000	2% of total number of spaces provided (round fractions down)
1,001 and over	20, plus 1 for each additional 100 spaces (or portion thereof) over 1,000
Outpatient medical units and treatment facilities	10% of the total number of spaces provided (round fractions down)
Units or facilities that specialize in treatments or services for persons with mobility impairments	20% of the total number of spaces provided (round fractions down)

(2) Accessible spaces are required to be eight (8) feet wide, with an adjacent access aisle that is five (5) feet wide (one access aisle may be shared by two spaces). The access aisle portion must be demarcated with paint striping (that is, a single 13-foot wide space is not acceptable) and signed with an ADA sign symbol. One (1) in every eight (8) accessible spaces is to have an access aisle eight (8) feet wide (rather than 5 feet wide) and shall be additionally signed “van accessible.”

(c) Where natural and/or man-made obstacles, obstructions, or other features such as but not limited to landscaping, support columns, or grade difference exist, the City may approve a reduction in stall width, stall length, and/or module width as part of the site plan review process. In all instances where a reduction is requested, attention to emergency vehicle access shall be considered and incorporated into the parking lot design.

Exhibit 1:

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.03 SCREENINGS.

All parking areas shall be screened in accordance with Chapter 1138 (Landscape Regulations).
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.04 PAVING.

Surfacing shall be accomplished with an asphaltic or Portland cement binder pavement in order to provide a durable or dust free surface and perimeters of parking areas shall be curbed or have other suitable barriers.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.05 LIGHTING.

Any parking area which is intended to be used during non-daylight hours shall be property illuminated to avoid accidents. Any lights used to illuminate a parking lot shall be arranged as to reflect the light away from the adjoining property.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.06 LOADING.

A loading space shall have minimum dimensions of not less than twelve (12) feet in width, fifty (50) feet in length, exclusive of driveways, aisle, and other circulation areas, and a height of clearance of not less than fifteen (15) feet. One (1) off-street loading space shall be provided and maintained on the same lot for every separate occupancy requiring delivery of goods and having a gross floor area of up to five thousand (5,000) square feet. One (1) loading space shall be provided for each additional ten thousand (10,000) square feet or fraction thereof. All loading shall be located behind the principal structure on a property, unless the Planning Commission determines that such a location is not feasible. In making such a determination, the Planning Commission shall consider factors related to the use of the building, internal vehicular circulation and unique site limitations. In approving an alternate location for a loading area, the Planning Commission may require additional landscaping or other measures to provide screening.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.07 LOCATION OF PARKING SPACES.

The following regulations shall govern the location of off-street parking spaces and areas:

(a) All parking spaces required herein for all single- and double-family residential uses shall be located on the same lot as the use which they are intended to serve.

(b) Off-street parking areas may not be located within any required landscape strip defined in Chapter 1138 (Landscape Regulations) or closer than five (5) feet from any property line.

(c) All parking spaces required herein for apartments, dormitories, or similar residential uses shall also be located on the same lot with the building and uses served.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.08 DISABLED VEHICLES.

The parking of a disabled vehicle within a residential or commercial district for a period of more than two (2) weeks shall be prohibited, unless such vehicle is stored in an enclosed garage or other accessory building.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.09 DRAINAGE.

All parking spaces, together with driveways, aisles, and other circulation areas shall be graded and drained so as to dispose of surface water which might accumulate within or upon such area and shall be designed to prevent the excess drainage of surface water onto adjacent properties, walkways, or onto the public streets. Adequate arrangements shall be made to insure acceptable diversion to an adequate storm water drainage system.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.10 VISIBILITY.

Access of driveways for parking areas shall be located in such a way that any vehicle entering or leaving such parking area shall be clearly visible for a reasonable distance by any pedestrian or motorist approaching the access or driveway from a public or private street or alley.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.11 MARKING.

All parking areas for five (5) or more spaces shall be marked with paint lines, curbs, or in some other manner approved by the Zoning Inspector and shall be maintained in a clearly visible condition.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.12 MAINTENANCE.

Any owner of property used for parking areas shall maintain such areas in good condition without holes and free of all dust, trash, or other debris.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.13 SIGNS.

Where necessary due to multiple curb cuts, the entrances, exits, and the intended circulation pattern of the parking area shall be clearly marked.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.14 PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS.

For the purpose of this Ordinance the following parking space requirements shall apply:

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

TYPE OF USE	PARKING SPACE REQUIRED
(a) Residential:
(1) Single-family or two-family dwelling	Two (2) for each dwelling unit
(2) Multi-family dwellings	Two (2) for each dwelling unit
(3) Boarding houses and rooming houses which have sleeping rooms	One (1) for each sleeping room plus two (2) for the permanent occupants
(b) Commercial:
(1) Automobile service stations which also provide repair	One (1) for each two (2) gasoline pumps
(2) Hotels, motels	One (1) per each sleeping room plus one (1) space for each two (2) employees
(3) Funeral homes, mortuaries, and similar type uses.	One (1) for each one hundred (100) square feet of usable floor space
(4) Retail stores	One (1) for each two hundred and fifty (250) square feet of usable floor space
(5) Banks, financial institutions, and similar uses of floor area	One (1) for each two hundred (200) square feet of usable floor space
(6) Offices, public or professional administration, or service buildings	One (1) for each two hundred (200) square feet of useable floor space

TYPE OF USE	PARKING SPACE REQUIRED
(c) Recreational or Entertainment:
(1) Dining rooms, restaurants, taverns, and clubs, etc	One (1) for each one hundred (100) square feet of usable floor space
(2) Bowling alleys	Five (5) for each alley or lane plus one additional space for each one hundred (100) square feet of the area used for restaurant, cocktail lounge, or similar use
(3) Dance floors, skating rinks	One (1) for each one hundred (100) square feet of floor area used for the activity
(4) Outdoor swimming pools, public or community or club	One (1) for each five (5) persons capacity plus one (1) for each four (4) seats or one (1) for each thirty (30) square feet of floor area used for seating purposes, whichever is greater
(5) Auditoriums, sport arenas, theaters, and similar uses	One (1) for each four (4) seats
(d) Institutional:
(1) Churches and other places of religious assembly	One (1) for each four (4) seats
(2) Hospitals	One (1) for each three (3) bed
(3) Sanitariums, homes for the aged, nursing homes, children’s homes, asylums, and similar uses	One (1) for each three (3) beds for the first one hundred (100) beds and one (1) space for each three (3) beds in excess of one hundred (100)
(4) Medical and dental clinics	One (1) for every two hundred (200) square feet of floor area of examination treating room office and waiting rooms
(5) Libraries, museums, and art galleries	One (1) for each one hundred (100) square feet of floor area

TYPE OF USE	PARKING SPACE REQUIRED
(e) Schools (Public, Parochial, or Private):
(1) Elementary and junior high schools	Two (2) for each classroom and one (1) for every eight (8) seats in auditoriums or assembly halls
(2) High schools	One (1) for every six (6) students and one (1) for each teacher and employee
(3) Business, technical, and trade schools	One (1) for each two (2) students
(4) Colleges, universities	One (1) for each four (4) students
(5) Child care centers or day care facilities	One (1) for each two hundred (200) feet of useable floor space plus one (1) for each employee
(f) Industrial:
(1) All types of manufacturing storage and wholesale uses permitted in any industrial district	One (1) for every two (2) employees (on the largest shift for which the building is designed) plus one (1) for each motor vehicle used in the business
(2) Cartage, express, parcel delivery and freight terminals	One (1) for every two (2) employees (on the largest shift for which the building is designed) and one (1) for each motor vehicle maintained on the premises.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.15 GENERAL INTERPRETATIONS.

In the interpretation of Section 1136.14 (Parking Space Requirements), the following rules shall govern:

(a) Parking spaces for other permitted or conditional uses not listed in this Chapter shall be determined by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

(b) Fractional numbers shall be increased to the next whole number.

(c) Where there is an adequate public transit system or where for any other reason parking requirements are unusually low, then the parking space provisions cited above may be reduced proportionately by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

(d) Where floor area calculations are relevant to determine parking space requirements under this Section, and except as otherwise provided herein, "usable" floor area shall be employed as the standard. See Title VII (Definitions).

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.16 DEFERRED OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS.

As part of a site plan review process, the Planning Commission may waive up to twenty (20) percent of the parking and loading requirements, as outlined in this Chapter, provided that the space is reserved for the full required amount of parking/loading spaces on the site and all drainage and appropriate landscaping considerations are incorporated into the overall site design. The Planning Commission has the authority to mandate, at any time, that the required number of parking spaces be constructed when, based on evidence supplied by the Zoning Inspector or other relevant information, it is deemed that the demand for parking exceeds the number of spaces available.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1136.17 ACCESS CONTROL MEASURES.

In order to insure adequate vehicle access for uses, the following access control standards shall apply:

(a) Driveways. There shall be adequate provision for ingress and egress to all uses. For single- or two-family residential dwellings, driveways shall be a minimum of nine (9) feet in width. For all other uses, driveways shall be a minimum width of twenty-two (22) feet and may be located on more than one property. If loop drives are approved as part of the site plan review process, the width of an individual drive shall be at least eleven (11) feet.

(b) Numbers of Driveways. For parcels with continuous frontages under one hundred (100) feet, only one (1) driveway is permitted for ingress and egress. In the case of a corner lot, this driveway should be located on the street with the lower traffic volume. For parcels with more than one hundred (100) feet of frontage, a second driveway may be permitted following completion of a Traffic Impact Study, as described in Section 1136.17(e)(2) (Elements of Traffic Impact Study).

(c) Conditional Approval of Driveways. As part of the site plan review process, the Planning Commission may approve a site plan with a specific driveway location, with the condition that an agreement be first entered into between the property owner and the City requiring that if a service road is constructed in the future, or if the opportunity for a shared driveway should present itself with development of adjacent property, one or more approved driveways shall be closed and measurements taken to utilize such service road or shared drive. Approval of driveways may also include restrictions on turning movements, locations, or other requirements to ensure safe and efficient traffic movement.

(d) Construction and Use of Service Roads. When a service road is required, such improvement shall be constructed by the developer of the involved property before any occupancy or use permit is granted. When a service road is provided, all access to an adjacent property shall use that service road and no direct access to the main thoroughfare shall be provided, unless contrary recommendations are made in a Traffic Impact Study pursuant to Section 1136.17(e)(2) (Elements of a Traffic Impact Study).

(e) Access Control for High Traffic Volume Uses. A Traffic Impact Study may be required to document a development's impacts on internal and external circulation and vehicular safety. Based on the findings of the Traffic Impact Study and consideration given at the site plan review proceedings, a service road may be required as part of the site plan review process, or a shared drive approach may be required for adjoining parcels. Signal improvements, turn lanes, and limited direction driveways may also be required.

(1) When Traffic Impact Study Required. Where a single development, individual use, expansion, or change of existing use that would require site plan approval pursuant to Chapter 1111 (Site Plan Review Procedures) results in generating one-hundred (100) or more peak hour trip ends (as defined by the Institute of Transportation Engineers' (ITE) Trip Generation Manual), a Traffic Impact Study, is required.

(2) Elements of Traffic Impact Study. A traffic impact study shall be prepared by a qualified professional engineer at the developer's expense. The traffic impact study shall investigate the feasibility and benefits of improvements such as signals, turn lanes, driveway movement limitations, and other relevant information to the site to protect the safety of the traveling public. The traffic impact study shall include the following elements:

A. A description of the site and study area.

B. Anticipated development of adjacent parcels.

C. Trip generation and distribution, including a description of all assumptions used to generate findings of trip distribution.

D. Modal split (if applicable).

E. Traffic assignment resulting from the development.

F. Projected future traffic volumes.

G. An assessment of the impact that would result from driveway alternatives.

H. Recommendations for site access and transportation improvements needed to maintain traffic flow within and past the site at an acceptable and safe level of service.

I. An evaluation of the effects the proposed development will have on the level of service and roadway capacity.

(f) Access Control for Crossroads Boulevard.

(1) Purpose. The purpose of this policy is to provide technical guidelines for future access to Crossroads Boulevard, from US-20 north to SR-795. The boulevard represents a substantial public investment, and currently provides four high capacity, free flowing lanes for through traffic. The City is adopting this policy to preserve the safety and capacity of the current boulevard, while providing additional access points as the surrounding area develops.

(2) Access Category. The Ohio Department of Transportation’s State Highway Access Management Manual is referenced as a general technical guide. Crossroad Boulevard is classified as access category IV, an urban collector with balanced access and mobility, with moderate volumes and speeds. The design speed for access design is thirty five (35) mph.

(3) Access Principles. The preferred means of access for new developments along the boulevard will be from established crossroads (i.e. Deimling Road, Arena Road, etc.) with access to the boulevard at signalized intersections.

A. Signalized intersections will be located at the locations shown on the Access Policy Plan. The preferred signalized intersection spacing is one half (½) mile, with a minimum spacing of one quarter (1/4) mile. Offset left turn lanes will be provided in the median wherever that movement is permitted. See ODOT L&D Manual Figure 401-6.

B. Between signalized intersections, one or two stop sign controlled intersections (including a boulevard median crossing) will be permitted at the general locations shown on the Access Policy Plan A-5 (See Attachments). Stop controlled intersections will be allowed where justified by a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) to serve high volume drives and service roads. All stop controlled intersections will be two-way, with stop signs only on the crossing drives or streets. Four way stop control is not permitted.

C. All intersections shall be designed to allow U-turns by an “SU” single axle design truck, and for ninety (90) degree turns by W B-62 semi-tractor trailer design vehicles, unless otherwise approved by the TIS review. Left turn lanes will be provided where warranted by the TIS, following State Highway Access Management Manual recommendations.

D. Signalized or stop controlled intersections will only be permitted where the design accommodates current and future access to other nearby parcels, with the goal of minimizing the total number of access points on Crossroad Boulevard. All intersections shall be designed as ultimate cross intersections, even if only a tee intersection is initially constructed unless the land on the opposite side is already fully developed. Minimum spacing between intersections shall be six hundred (600) feet.

E. Between intersections, additional right in, right out direct driveways will be permitted to access to the boulevard. Traffic crossing the median island is not permitted at these locations. Minimum spacing between drives, or between a drive and an intersection shall be two hundred fifty (250) feet.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.01 APPLICABILITY.

After the effective date hereof, no sign or outdoor advertising structures shall be erected, moved, materially, or substantially altered or enlarged in any zoning district except as hereinafter provided or as otherwise permitted. All persons seeking to erect or place a sign shall require a sign permit from the Zoning Inspector, unless this ordinance specifically states that the sign does not require a permit. The application process is described in Section 1137.04 (Permits and Fees) of this Chapter.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.02 EXEMPTION.

Official governmental signs and notices are exempt from provisions of this Ordinance.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.03 PERMANENT SIGNS PERMITTED WITHOUT A PERMIT.

(a) Bulletin Boards. Bulletin boards for churches, schools, community, or other public, semi-public, or non-profit institution shall be permitted without a sign permit, provided they do not exceed thirty (30) square feet of announcement area.

(b) Decorative Signs, Banners, or Pennants. For any property, decorative signs or decorative banners or pennants are permitted without a permit as long as the sign, banner, or pennant does not interfere with public access.

(c) Directional Signs. Privately owned safety, traffic control, or directional signs, including, but not limited to exit, entrance, clearance, parking, or no parking signs shall not require a permit unless any of the following conditions exist:

(1) Sign is illuminated.

(2) Sign exceeds four (4) square feet of area.

(3) Sign contains any advertising words, symbols, etc.

(4) Sign is free-standing.

(d) Subdivision Entrance Signs. Permanent subdivision signs built at the entrance to a housing development, constructed of brick, stone, or other durable material and not causing any obstruction of driver vision at an intersection shall be permitted without a permit, provided that the sign is no taller than five (5) feet. The sign may not be illuminated by anything other than landscape lighting mounted at ground level.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.04 PERMITS AND FEES.

(a) A separate sign permit shall be required for the installation or replacement of any sign regulated in this Ordinance.

(b) Each application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by the required fee and a drawing showing the design proposed, the size, method of illumination, the exact location of the sign in relation to the building and property, and details and specifications for construction. The fee for a sign permit shall be established in accordance with Section 1102.07 (Schedule of Fees).

(c) When any sign is installed on any property prior to obtaining all necessary permits, the normal fee for that sign shall be doubled. This late fee shall not relieve the petitioner of the sign from complying with all other provisions of this Ordinance.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.05 GENERAL PROVISIONS.

(a) Computation of Sign Area.

(1) Wall Signs. In computing the area of any sign, all faces or panels or background areas contrasting with the face of the building on which advertising is displayed shall be considered sign area.

(2) Double-Sided Signs. For projecting signs or pole signs, free-standing signs, or secondary signs that are double sided with identical copy on both sides and if both sides cannot be viewed at one time, only one side will be counted as the total sign area.

(3) Other Signs. For signs containing open spaces or separate letters, words, and/or symbols, either free-standing or attached to a non-contrasting background, sign area shall be determined to be the smallest rectangle enclosing all such advertising.

(b) Any sign covered by this ordinance that would exceed these restrictions or any additional sign requested above the number permitted shall require approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

(c) Rear Wall Directional Signs. No signs are permitted on the rear of a commercial or industrial building, unless the sign is intended to direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic in the parking area while on the same premises. Rear wall directional signs can be no larger than four (4) square feet and may only be a wall sign that extends no further than six (6) inches from the wall.

(d) Public Right-of-Way. No sign shall be permitted to encroach upon the public right- of-way, with the exception of projecting signs or wall signs which project from the wall more than six (6) inches and are attached to a building. No portion of these signs shall hang lower than ten (10) feet from the sidewalk or grade.

(e) Wall Murals. W all murals that are created for decorative purposes and painted or otherwise on buildings, fences, or other structures require permission from City Council.

(f) On-Premise Wall Signs. No building wall shall be used to display advertising, except that pertaining to the use carried on within such building.

(g) Removal of Signs. A sign structure that was permitted, constructed, painted, installed, or maintained in conformance with this Zoning Ordinance, or a legal nonconforming sign, shall be removed or brought into conformance with the Zoning Ordinance by the owner of the lot upon the occurrence of any of the following:

(1) Failure to install, create, erect, or maintain any sign or sign structure according to the requirements of this Zoning Ordinance or in accordance with applicable provisions of the Building Code or other state or model codes adopted in the Municipal Ordinance of Rossford;

(2) Failure to maintain any sign copy on a sign frame;

(3) Failure of the sign to contain lawful advertising copy or which is misleading;

(4) The sign presents a public health or safety hazard affecting traffic or pedestrian safety by means of its size, scale, height, location, material, lighting, color, motion, or legibility;

(5) The sign is determined to be abandoned or a public nuisance.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.06 A (AGRICULTURAL) DISTRICT SIGNS.

(a) In any A (Agricultural) District, each business shall be permitted one (1) free- standing ground sign.

(b) Such sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet, shall not extend into the public right of way, and shall have a maximum height of not more than four (4) feet above grade.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.07 HOME OCCUPATION SIGNS.

Signs for home occupations are normally located in residential areas. In order to maintain an aesthetically appealing and pleasant environment for all residents in the area where the home occupation is located, the following restrictions shall apply:

(a) In any residentially (R) zoned area, only one (1) home occupation sign will be permitted per residence.

(b) The sign shall be limited to a wall-mounted sign and shall not have an area greater than three (3) square feet.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.08 C-1 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT SIGNS.

Neighborhood Commercial (C-1) Districts are usually abutting residential areas and are within walking distance of residential housing. In order to maintain an aesthetically appealing and pleasant environment for the residents abutting the commercial use, the following shall apply:

(a) A business located within a Neighborhood Commercial District shall be allowed a maximum of two (2) signs which may be a combination of any of the following:

(1) A wall sign not to exceed ten (10) percent of the building’s wall area where the sign is mounted.

(2) A free-standing ground sign not to exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height, with a maximum of fifteen (15) square feet of sign area. Only one free- standing ground sign will be allowed per building.

(3) A projecting sign not to exceed fifteen (15) square feet.

(b) No signs may be externally illuminated in the C-1 District; however, internally lighted signs that show white or colored letters against an opaque or dark, earth- toned background shall be permitted in the C-1 District. Such an illuminated sign shall appear as a plain, flat sign during the day and provide elegant, readable letters at night without the glare associated with other types of internal and external lighting. No such sign may utilize flashing, sequential, or moving lights or any mechanism that creates such an appearance, or otherwise use bulbs or LEDs to spell out the sign message.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.09 C-2 AND C-3 COMMERCIAL DISTRICT SIGNS.

For all C-2 (Business Office) and C-3 (Core Commercial) Districts the following shall apply:

(a) For each business in a C-2 or C-3 Zoned District, a maximum of two (2) signs which may be a combination of any of the following shall be permitted:

(1) A wall sign not to exceed twenty (20) percent of the total area of the building wall area where the sign is mounted.

(2) A projecting sign not to exceed twenty (20) square feet.

(3) A sign painted on a fabric awning permanently affixed to the entry of a business not to exceed twenty (20) square feet.

(4) For C-2 District only, a free-standing sign not to exceed fifteen (15) feet in height or maximum height of the building, whichever is less. Only one (1) free-standing sign will be permitted per building. Free-standing signs may not exceed twenty (20) square feet of sign area.

(5) For C-2 District only, secondary signs attached to the free-standing sign are allowed for each business, if more than one (1) business is located in a building. Secondary signs may not exceed ten (10) square feet of sign area.

(b) Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. Flashing signs are prohibited.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.10 C-4 INTERSTATE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT SIGNS.

In any C-4 (Interstate Commercial) District, the following shall apply:

(a) For any C-4 District, the following signs are allowed:

(1) Free-Standing Sign: Only one (1) free-standing sign is permitted per use and such freestanding sign (with the exception of highway signs described below) may not exceed twenty (20) feet or the maximum height of the building, whichever is less. The maximum sign area for a free-standing sign is one (1) square foot of sign area per linear foot of lot frontage, up to a maximum of one hundred fifty (150) square feet. The free-standing sign may not be located closer to the road right-of-way than ten (10) feet.

(2) Highway Signs: One (1) highway sign may be located on a property when such property is within five hundred (500) feet of a limited access highway if allowed and approved as a special use by the Planning Commission in accordance with Chapter 1112 (Special Use Permits). The maximum height of a highway sign shall be forty (40) feet and the maximum area of the sign shall be eighty (80) square feet. The lighting, materials, location, and orientation of the sign shall be approved as part of the special use, and reductions in sign area elsewhere on the property may be a condition of special use approval. The highway sign may not be located closer to the road right-of-way than ten (10) feet.

(3) Wall Signs: Wall signs attached to, or painted on, a wall surface of any building or structure may not occupy more than twenty (20) percent of any wall area of which such sign is a part or to which such sign is most nearly parallel. Only three (3) wall signs are permitted per building or structure.

(b) When a structure contains more than one (1) business establishment or when the owners of two (2) or more contiguous lots voluntarily agree to develop common signage, a common signage plan may be submitted and approved. Common signage plans may not exceed the following limitations:

(1) Maximum Sign Area: The total maximum sign area of all types (free- standing or attached to any building) shall not exceed either four (4) square feet of signage per linear foot of street frontage or eight (8) percent of the ground floor of the principal building or one thousand (1,000) square feet, whichever is less.

(2) Maximum Area of Wall Signs: The total maximum building wall area that may be used for signage is twenty (20) percent of the wall area.

(3) Maximum Number of Free-Standing Signs: Free-standing signs are limited to one (1) for each five hundred (500) feet of frontage.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.11 PC AND PI SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS.

To ensure high-quality development standards are maintained in the “Crossroads of America” site and in other areas where these zoning classifications are applicable, the following signage requirements have been established. Whenever possible, shared signage amongst various businesses or entertainment establishments shall be encouraged. All signs permitted in the PC and PI districts may be externally illuminated as long as the illumination does not adversely affect the general public or adjoining property. All materials and colors selected for signage shall compliment the building’s material and color scheme.

(a) Highway Signs: One (1) highway sign is permitted for each main entrance to the site. A main entrance is defined as an access point to the site, which abuts a state or federal highway. The highway sign shall be shared amongst all business/entertainment establishments located on the site. The highway sign may be located on a property when such property is within five hundred (500) feet of a limited access highway if allowed and approved as a special use by the Planning Commission in accordance with Chapter 1112 (Special Use Permits). The maximum height of a highway sign shall be forty (40) feet and the maximum area of the sign shall be eighty (80) square feet. The lighting, materials, location, and orientation of the sign shall be approved as part of the special use. The highway sign may not be located closer to the road right-of-way than twenty (20) feet.

(b) Monument Signs: One (1) monument sign is permitted for each business establishment. In the instance where more than one business establishment shares the same building, only one monument sign is permitted. If illuminated, monument signs must be illuminated from an external light source and shall not be located closer than five (5) feet from the road right-of-way. The sign shall not exceed six (6) feet in height, including any structural materials or fixtures used to support the sign, unless such sign is located along “The Parkway”, in which case, the sign’s height may be increased to eight (8) feet. The total sign area shall not exceed eighty (80) square feet.

(c) Wall Signs: One wall sign shall be permitted for each business establishment, and placed only on a wall that is parallel to a public right-of-way or in direct view of public circulation. The wall sign may be attached to, or painted on, a wall surface of any building or structure and shall not occupy more than twenty (20) percent of the wall’s area, of which such sign is a part.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.12 M-1(LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) AND M-2 (HEAVY INDUSTRIAL) DISTRICT SIGNS.

(a) For any M-1, or M-2 District, the following signs are allowed:

(1) Free-Standing Sign: One (1) free-standing sign shall be permitted per use and such freestanding sign may not exceed twenty (20) feet or the maximum height of the building, whichever is less. The maximum sign area for a free-standing sign is one (1) square foot of sign area per linear foot of lot frontage, up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet. Free-standing signs may not exceed the height of the principal building. All freestanding signs may not be located closer to the road right-of-way than ten (10) feet.

(2) Wall Signs: Wall signs attached to, or painted on, a wall surface of any building or structure may not occupy more than ten (10) percent of any wall area of which such sign is a part or to which such sign is most nearly parallel. Only three (3) wall signs are permitted per building or structure.

(b) When a structure contains more than one business establishment or when the owners of two (2) or more contiguous lots voluntarily agree to develop common signage, a common signage plan may be submitted and approved. Common signage plans may not exceed the following limitations:

(1) Maximum Sign Area: The total maximum sign area of all types (free- standing or attached to any building) shall not exceed either two (2) square feet of sign area per linear foot of street frontage or three (3) percent of the ground floor of the principal building or six hundred (600) square feet, whichever is less.

(2) Maximum Area of W all Signs: The total maximum building wall area that may be used for sign area is ten (10) percent of the wall area of which such sign is a part or to which such sign is most nearly parallel. One (1) sign will be allowed per business located in the building.

(3) Maximum Number of Free-standing Signs: Free-standing signs are limited to one (1) for each five hundred (500) feet of frontage.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1137.13 TEMPORARY SIGNS AND BANNERS.

(a) Development Signs.

(1) One (1) announcement sign not exceeding forty-eight (48) square feet regarding the construction of a building, including such information as the architect, builder, contractor, etc., may be installed during the construction period.

(2) One (1) subdivision sign not exceeding forty-eight (48) square feet advertising the sale and/or development of property shall be permitted per project for a reasonable period of time under the circumstances.

(b) Free-Standing Signs. Temporary, free-standing signs such as, trailer-based signs, shall be permitted in any commercial or industrial District for up to thirty (30) calendar days from the date of opening a business, provided that they do not constitute a traffic hazard. Such signs shall not encroach into the public right of way. Such signs may also be permitted for established organizations when approved by City Council as being in the best interest of the community, for a period not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08; Ord. 2015-52. Passed 11-9-15.)

(1) Any such sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches in either dimension. The name and address of each person conducting such sale shall be legibly placed on each such sign.

(2) No signs advertising or announcing a garage sale shall be placed on utility poles.

(3) No such sign shall be posted more than twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the beginning of such sale. No such sale shall continue for more than three (3) consecutive calendar days, and no more than one (1) sale shall occur per month. The person or persons conducting such sale shall remove each sign within twenty-four (24) hours after the conclusion of the sale.

(d) Political Signs. Signs pertaining to the election of public offices or a position on an issue to be determined at an election shall be permitted without permit for a maximum period of six (6) months prior to an election, provided they are not located in a right-of-way and do not obstruct or endanger traffic or persons in any way. The signs shall be removed thirty (30) calendar days after the election of the candidate.

(e) Public Purpose Messages. Signs or banners announcing temporary charitable or community functions shall not be placed over any street right of way without prior authorization from the Municipal Administrator.

(f) Public Right-of-Way Signs. No signs for any purpose, or any non-graphic materials used for commercial promotion, may be placed in any public right-of-way unless approved by City Council as being in the best interest of the community, for a period not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days.

(g) Real Estate Signs. Signs exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area and advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises on which the sign is located shall not be permitted on any R-l, R-2, or R-3 property. One sign of twelve (12) square feet or less may be displayed on the premises behind the City right-of-way. Signs not exceeding twenty-four (24) square feet on one side shall be permitted in other districts for a reasonable period of time under the circumstances.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

(h) Subject to all rules and regulations adopted by the Council of the City of Rossford, temporary “A” frame and similar signs are permitted.

(Ord. 2015-52. Passed 11-9-15.)

1137.14 ILLUMINATION.

(a) No illumination involving movement or causing the illusion of movement by reason of the lighting arrangement or other services shall be permitted which may cause confusion or hazard to traffic or conflict with traffic control signs or lights.

(b) An approved electrical permit shall be required for any illuminated sign.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1138.01 LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Consistent with the objectives established in this Chapter, landscaping shall be provided according to the following standards for the following districts with the new construction of any principal building:

C-1 Neighborhood Commercial

C-2 Business Office Commercial

C-4 Interstate Commercial

PC Planned Commercial

PI Planned Industrial

M-1 Light Industrial

(b) Landscaping plans prepared pursuant to this Chapter shall be prepared by a landscape architect, registered in the State of Ohio, when the proposed development involves the construction of a new principal building that is greater than ten thousand (10,000) square feet in size. When landscape plans are prepared for buildings that are ten thousand (10,000) square feet or less in size, the preparation of such plans by landscape architects, landscape designers, landscape contractors, horticulturalists, or Ohio Certified Nursery Technicians registered in the State of Ohio is encouraged.

(c) All landscaped areas required by this Ordinance shall include a permanent, artificial watering system to supply water to planting areas.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1138.02 SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS.

The City of Rossford shall recognize that, in some cases, the landscaping requirements may be difficult or impractical to meet due to specific site characteristics. In these cases an alternate landscaping plan may be approved by the Planning Commission as part of the site plan review process.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1138.03 SCREENING OF SERVICE COURTS, STORAGE AREAS, AND LOADING DOCKS.

For all uses that include areas used for service, loading, and unloading activities, such areas shall be screened along the entire rear lot line and side lot lines from the rear lot line to the rear building line to the following minimum standards:

(a) The width of the screening area shall be a minimum of five (5) feet. Screening shall consist of walls, hedges, fences, vegetation, or an acceptable combination of these elements provided that screening must be at least seven (7) feet in height.

(b) Vegetation used for screening shall have a minimum opaqueness of seventy-five (75) percent at all times within two (2) years of planting.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1138.04 SCREENING OF TRASH CONTAINER RECEPTACLES.

Trash containers shall be screened according to the following minimum standards:

(a) Trash containers designed to service more than one residential unit or to service a non-residential structure shall be screened on three (3) sides by walls, fences, or natural vegetation or an acceptable combination of these elements.

(b) The height of such screening shall be at least six (6) feet. The maximum height of walls and fences shall not exceed ten (10) feet. Vegetation shall have a minimum opaqueness of seventy-five (75) percent at all times within two (2) years of planting. The use of evergreen vegetation is encouraged. Vegetation shall be a variety that will attain six (6) feet in height within two (2) years of planting.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1138.05 PARKING AREA SCREENING AND LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS IN C, PC and PI DISTRICTS.

(a) Perimeter Parking Area Screening. Perimeter screening shall effectively conceal vehicles within a parking area from adjoining property (along side and rear lot lines) with the selective use of plant, mounding, or fence material for visual separation. A planting strip at least five (5) feet in width shall be located along the perimeter of a parking area (along side lot lines). Within this landscaped strip there shall be two (2), two (2) inch caliper deciduous shade trees per one hundred linear (100) feet (or fraction thereof) of perimeter parking area. There shall also be a four (4) foot tall solid hedge or informal planting of shrubs (evergreen or deciduous) which will provide fifty (50) percent opacity within two (2) years of planting.

(b) Interior Parking Area Landscaping. Landscaping within parking areas, whether ground cover or upright plant material, is necessary not only to reduce the generation of heat and water runoff, but to break up visually the expanse of paved areas. The use of parking islands or peninsulas strategically placed throughout the parking lot is required to landscape parking lot interiors. The use of shade trees in these landscape areas is encouraged. Any open parking area containing more than six thousand (6,000) square feet of area or fifteen (15) or more parking spaces shall provide the following interior landscaping in addition to the required perimeter screening:

(1) An area equal to five (5) percent of the total area devoted to parking spaces and parking lanes shall be landscaped and permeable.

(2) Whenever possible, large parking areas of thirty thousand (30,000) square feet or larger shall be designed so as to break up their visual expanse and create the appearance of smaller parking lots. This distinction or separation can be achieved by interspersing yard space and buildings in strategic areas and by taking advantage of natural features such as slope, existing woodland, or vegetation, drainage courses, and retention areas.

(3) Landscaping in parking areas shall be dispersed throughout in peninsulas or islands. The minimum island or peninsula size shall be one hundred eighty (180) square feet with a two (2) foot minimum distance between all trees or shrubs and the edge of pavement where vehicles overhang and should have a minimum width of ten (10) feet. Islands shall typically be located every ten (10) to twelve (12) parking spaces and may be curbed.

(4) The required plant materials for the interior of parking areas shall be one (1) deciduous tree for every three thousand (3,000) square feet. W here site distance or maneuvering conflicts exist, trees shall have a clear trunk of at least five (5) feet above the ground, and the remaining required landscape areas shall be planted with shrubs or ground cover not to exceed two (2) feet in height.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1138.06 FOUNDATION PLANTINGS IN PC and PI DISTRICTS.

Foundation plantings are required along all exterior building walls that face (or are nearly parallel to) a public right-of-way to soften building edges and screen foundations. Foundation plantings shall be placed within five (5) feet of the building perimeter. Foundation shrubbery shall be used to enhance and highlight building architecture. Ten (10) shrubs shall be required for every one hundred (100) linear feet of horizontal exterior building wall that faces (or is nearly parallel to) a public right-of-way.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1138.07 LANDSCAPE STRIP IN PC AND PI DISTRICTS.

A landscape strip shall be provided along the full width of a lot along the right-of-way in the PC and PI Districts. (See Attachment A-3 (PC and PI District R-O-W Landscaping Requirements).

(a) For lots in the PC and PI Districts having a front lot line that adjoins a non-limited access state/federal highway or a road with a boulevard, the width of this landscape strip shall not be less than twenty-five (25) feet measured from the right-of-way line away from the street.

(b) For lots in the PC and PI Districts having a front lot line that does not adjoin a state/federal highway or a road with a boulevard, the width of this landscape strip shall not be less than fifteen (15) feet measured from the right-of-way line away from the street.

(c) Within such landscape strip, the area shall be unoccupied except for the landscape treatment, signage, steps, walks, terraces, driveways (generally perpendicular to right-of-way), lights, and other similar structures.

(d) Earth mounding with slopes not to exceed a three (3) to one (1) ratio is required in this area, provided the design does not interfere with adequate sight distances at public road or driveway intersections.

(e) Within the landscape strip, at least three (3), two and one-half (2-½) inch caliber deciduous or three (3), six (6) foot high evergreen trees shall be planted for each one hundred (100) feet of property frontage (or fraction thereof) along with random shrub plantings, plots of ground cover or other landscape treatments. To complement planned landscape treatments in the adjacent public right-of-way, deciduous plant materials in the landscape strip shall include species only from the following list:

(1) Homestead Elm (Ulmus Carpinifoloa “Homestead”)

(2) Pioneer Elm (Ulmus Carpinifoloa “Pioneer”)

(3) Frontier Elm (Ulmus Parviogolia “Frontier”)

(4) Athena Elm (Ulmus Parviogolia “Athena Elm”)

(5) Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer Freeman “Jeffers Red”)

(6) Autumn Applause White Ash (Fraxinus Americana “Autumn Applause”)

(7) Cimmaron Green Ash (Fraxinus Pennsylvanica “Cimmaron”).

Evergreen plant materials, shrubs and ground cover may be any variety. The use of decorative stones and rock features may also be included.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1138.08 BUFFER STRIP REQUIREMENTS IN P, PC AND PI DISTRICTS.

Buffer strips are required in the P, PC and PI Districts when side and/or rear lot lines adjoin land that is either zoned to permit residences, or has a residence (other than nursing homes, motels, or similar facilities) within one hundred (100) feet of such property line. All buffer zones shall include landscaped open space at least thirty (30) feet in width extending the full width of such side and/or rear lot line. The buffer zone shall include an earthen mound with slopes that do not exceed three (3) foot horizontal to one (1) foot vertical and vary in maximum height between three (3) and four (4) feet. All crests of mounds shall be rounded. In combination with the mounding, plantings shall be provided such that the plantings and mounding will achieve a combined minimum height of six (6) feet above surrounding contours, and a minimum opacity of one-hundred (100) percent in the summer and seventy-five (75) percent in winter, within three (3) years of planting. Naturally occurring buffer areas, such as wood lots, may be preserved and utilized in lieu of all or part of the preceding requirements, and alternative screening and buffering improvements may be approved by the Planning Commission as part of the site plan review process.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1138.09 PLANT MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS.

The following sections include specifications for plant materials. Alternatives to these materials, that can be shown by a licensed landscape architect, horticulturist, or Ohio certified nursery technician as appropriate for this region and which meet both the intent and requirements of this Ordinance, may be approved as part of a site plan:

(a) Shrubs: Shrubs shall be at least twenty-four (24) inches average height and spread at the time of planting and, where required for screening, shall form a continuous, year-round, solid visual screen within five (5) years after planting.

(b) Ground Cover and Grass: Ground cover shall be planted a minimum of eight (8) inches on center and shall be planted in such a manner to present a finished appearance and seventy-five (75) percent coverage after one (1) complete growing season. If approved as part of a Site Plan, ground cover may also consist of rocks, pebbles, wood chips, and other material. Grass shall be planted in species normally grown as permanent lawns.

(c) Tree Species: All tree planting shall be consistent with the Street Tree Ordinance for the City of Rossford (Ordinance 1821). Within any required landscaping, trees which produce nuts, seeds, or fruit that can be washed into a storm sewer or create a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles, shall not be planted in such a manner that the natural dripline of an average adult tree of the species planted will be any closer than three (3) feet of a street, pedestrian walkway, or parking lot.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1138.10 SCREENING OF EXTERIOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT.

Exterior components of plumbing, processing, heating, cooling, and ventilating systems (including but not limited to piping, tanks, stacks, collectors, heating, cooling, and ventilating- equipment fans, blowers, duct work, vents, louvers, meters, compressors, motors, incinerators, ovens, etc.) shall not be directly visible at ground level. Any landscaping or structural means employed to screen exterior components of plumbing, processing, heating, cooling, and ventilating systems from direct view shall appear as integrated parts of the buildings and shall be constructed of complementary and durable materials and finished in a texture and color scheme complementary to the overall architectural design. Any exterior components of plumbing, processing, heating, cooling, and ventilating systems and their screening devices which will be visible from upper floors of adjacent buildings shall be kept to a visible minimum, shall be installed in a neat and compact fashion and shall be painted such a color as to allow their blending with their visual backgrounds.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1138.11 MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS.

The owner shall be responsible for maintaining all landscaping in good condition to present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance. This should be accomplished by the following standards:

(a) All plant growth in landscaped areas shall be controlled by pruning, trimming, or other suitable methods so that plant materials do not interfere with public utilities, restrict pedestrian or vehicular access, or otherwise constitute a traffic hazard.

(b) All planted areas shall be maintained in a relatively weed-free condition, clear of undesirable undergrowth and free from refuse and debris.

(c) Replacement plants shall conform to the standards that govern original installation. Dead or unhealthy plants shall be replaced within the next planting season.

(d) Representatives of the City of Rossford shall have the authority to inspect landscaping and check it against the approved plan on file.

(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)

1138.12 REAR YARDS.

For all rear yards which abut any street, screening shall be required according to the following minimum standards:

(a) Screening shall consist of walls, hedges, fences, or an acceptable combination of these elements.

(b) The width of vegetative screening area shall be a minimum of five (5) feet. The height of such screening shall be at least six (6) feet.

(d) Vegetation shall have a minimum opaqueness of seventy-five (75) percent at all times within two (2) years of planting. The use of evergreen vegetation is encouraged.

(e) Vegetation shall be a variety that will attain six (6) feet in height within two (2) years of planting.