Seven Hills City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 915
Business and Commercial Districts
915.01 ZONING DISTRICT PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY.
(a) Applicability. The regulations set forth in this Chapter shall apply to the GB, AS, RR and BRD zoning districts, unless stated otherwise. The provisions of this chapter shall be controlling over any inconsistent or different requirements or provisions of all other Sections of the Seven Hills Planning and Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations.
(b) General Business (GB) Zoning District Purpose. The purpose of the General Business "GB" zoning district is to provide appropriate areas within the City for a variety of retail sales, services, office, medical, and other related permitted land uses serving both a local and regional market.
(c) Automotive Service (AS) Zoning District Purpose. The purpose of the Automotive Service "AS" zoning district is to provide appropriate areas within the City that provide services and goods primarily oriented towards vehicles.
(d) Rockside Road Development (RR) Zoning District Purpose. The purpose of the Rockside Road Development "RR" zoning district is to provide for the orderly development of vacant land and redevelopment of existing single family uses to office, service, commercial and other related permitted land uses in accordance with a development program and specific use regulations based on Plans adopted by the Planning Commission and City Council. With the adoption of these Plans by the Planning Commission and Council, these Plans shall be construed as being part of this Zoning Code. Any new construction, addition to, or redevelopment of property within the Rockside Road Development District or any part thereof shall be in compliance with these Plans.
(e) Broadview Road Development (BRD) Zoning District Purpose. The purpose of the Broadview Road Development "BRD" zoning district is to provide for the orderly development of vacant land and redevelopment of existing single family uses to a variety of office, service, commercial and other related permitted land uses in accordance with a development program and specific use regulations based on Plans adopted by the Planning Commission and City Council. With the adoption of these Plans by the Planning Commission and Council, these Plans shall be construed as being part of this Zoning Code. Any new construction, addition to, or redevelopment of property within the Broadview Road Development District or any part thereof shall be in compliance with these Plans.
(Ord. 03-2025. Passed 2-11-25.)
915.02 LAND USES.
(a) Permitted and Conditional Uses. A building or land use within a "GB", "AS", "RR" or "BRD" zoning district shall be permitted or conditionally permitted only for the purposes set forth for the respective zoning district in the Land Use Chart found in Section 907.06.
(b) Accessory Uses. Accessory uses, buildings or other structures customarily incidental to any permitted or conditionally permitted use in a "GB", "AS", "RR" or "BRD" zoning district may be established, erected or constructed; provided, that such accessory use shall comply with the building setback, height, lot coverage and any other applicable standards as provided for in this Zoning Code.
(Ord. 03-2025. Passed 2-11-25.)
915.03 REVIEW PROCEDURE.
(a) Development Plan Review. All qualifying new building projects and expansions shall use the review procedure and all applicable requirements for a Development Plan review as set forth in Chapter 925.
(Ord. 03-2025. Passed 2-11-25.)
915.04 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(a) Development Standards. The following Table provides the development standards for the GB, AS, RR and BRD zoning districts.
Development Standards | General Business (GB) District | Automotive Service (AS) District | Rockside Road (RR) Development District | Broadview Road (BRD) Development District |
Minimum Lot Area | 25,000 sq. ft. | 40,000 sq. ft. | 2.5 acres | 1 acre |
Minimum Lot Width | 100' | 100' | 100' | 150' |
Maximum Lot Coverage by Structure | 75% | 75% | 25% | See Note 1 |
Minimum Front Yard Setback | 50' | 50' | See Note 2 | 50' |
Minimum Side Yard Setback | 10' | 10' | See Note 2 | See Note 3 |
Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 10' | 10' | See Note 2 | See Note 4 |
Maximum Principal Structure Height | 30' (or 3 stories) | 30' | 1 Story | 1 Story |
Maximum Accessory Structure Height | 30' | 30' | 20' | 20' |
Minimum Accessory Structure Side and Rear Yard Setback | 10' | 10' | See Note 5 | See Note 5 |
915.04 Table Notes
Note 1: 25% for buildings and structures. 75% for driveway and parking lot areas.
Note 2: 50' when located adjacent to Rockside Road right-of-way.
40' when located adjacent to any public right-of-way (excluding Rockside Road).or private street easement.
50' when located adjacent to any residential zoning district or any residential land use when located in any non-residential zoning district.
Note 3: 50' when located adjacent to a residential zoning district or residential land use.
20' when located adjacent to a non-residential land use.
Note 4: 50' when located adjacent to a residential zoning district or residential land use.
25' when located adjacent to a non-residential land use.
Note 4: 50' when located adjacent to a residential zoning district or residential land use.
25' when located adjacent to a non-residential land use.
Note 5: 20' when located adjacent to a residential zoning district or residential land use.
10' when located adjacent to a non-residential land use.
(Ord. 03-2025. Passed 2-11-25.)
915.05 PROJECTIONS INTO YARDS.
(a) As used in this Chapter, "projection" means that part or feature of a building which extends or projects outside of the enclosing walls. It is intended that certain features may project into the yards required in the respective zoning district, but such features shall be regulated so as not to substantially interfere with the reception of sun, light, air and the use of adjacent lots. Building features may project into a front, side, or rear yard measured from the established yard line, as follows:
(1) Architectural features extending not more than one foot (1') into a required yard.
(2) Awnings and canopies.
(3) Eaves, gutters and downspouts projecting no more than sixteen inches (16") into a required yard.
(5) Steps - excluding fire escapes.
(6) Pedestrian sidewalks.
(7) Vehicular access, circulation and service driveways, and off-street parking areas (but not including any above- ground structure except a pavement, curbing and illumination).
(8) Permitted Signs.
(9) Other accessory use structures that are customarily placed in a side or rear yard if expressly approved by the Planning Commission.
(Ord. 03-2025. Passed 2-11-25.)
915.06 SITE DESIGN GUIDELINES.
(a) Purpose and Application.
(1) Purpose. The purpose of these site design guidelines is to establish development criteria for the "GB", "AS", "RR" or "BRD" zoning districts. The criteria are intended to provide standards for the development of the site.
(2) Application. These site design standards shall apply to all new site development, new building projects and qualifying site expansion projects requiring a Development Plan review in the "GB", "AS", "RR" or "BRD" zoning districts.
(b) Site Layout.
(1) When a development site features multiple integrated buildings and other structures, a visual link between separate buildings and structures should be established, by various means, including stamped concrete walkways, arcade systems, trellises or other open structures.
(2) Buildings should be sited to minimize conflicts between pedestrians and vehicle traffic.
(3) Outdoor spaces between buildings should be recognized as outdoor "rooms" that have clear recognizable shapes, as opposed to being considered as "left over" areas. These spaces can be used to provide important pedestrian amenities such as benches, trellises, fountains, artwork, etc.
(c) Vehicular Access. Access drives to the buildings and parking areas should be located so their construction results in minimal disruption of the streetscape landscaping and utilities. Vehicular access drives should be coordinated with adjacent lots so as not to impact the efficient flow of peak period traffic. Consideration should be given to adequate separation of adjacent access drives and the use of common drives.
(d) Parking. On-site parking shall be provided in accordance with off-street parking standards as set forth in Chapter 927 of this Zoning Code. Adequate and convenient parking should be provided adjacent to tenants in proportion to their parking requirements. Parking areas should be configured to provide convenient vehicular access, and arranged to support safe and efficient pedestrian movement from the parking areas to the user's destination.
(1) Accessible parking shall be provided in accordance with applicable codes. All sidewalks shall include accessible ramps at curbs designed in conformance with barrier free design code requirements ("ADA") and any applicable requirement set forth in this zoning code.
(e) On-Site Paving and Hardscape Standards. All pedestrian walkways, hardscaped gathering areas, and other paved or hardscaped areas on a site shall be broom finished concrete; slate; pre-cast unit pavers; brick, stone. All parking areas, drive aisle and access areas and loading /unloading spaces shall satisfy the paving, material and all other applicable parking area standards as set forth in Chapter 927.
(f) Accessory Structures.
(1) Side and Rear Yard Standards for Accessory Uses. Permitted accessory uses, driveways, parking areas serving the principal structure and other permitted ancillary uses may be located within the side or rear yard subject to all applicable regulations set forth in this Zoning Code.
A. Driveways and parking areas shall be located not less than ten feet (10') from an adjacent property boundary line of any residential zoning district or residential land use.
B. Permitted accessory uses shall be located no closer than twenty feet (20') from an adjacent property boundary line of any residential zoning district or residential land use, regardless of the zoning district. Planning Commission may require additional screening and buffering features for accessory uses determined to have the potential to adversely impact adjacent residential zoning districts and land uses.
(2) Ancillary (accessory) structures, service areas, and trash enclosures should be carefully planned as part of the project, and placed in locations on the site featuring low visibility from the public view. The placement of all accessory structures shall be approved by the Planning Commission.
(g) Loading and Unloading.
(1) All loading and unloading operations shall be conducted in the rear or side of the building and shall be sufficiently screened from view from any public or private roadway and the adjoining properties as determined by the Planning Commission to be necessary to conceal the loading and unloading operations from public or private view.
(2) Adequate vehicular circulation should be provided so that loading and unloading activities do not conflict with normal onsite traffic flow.
(3) Loading docks or service areas should be adequately screened to minimize visibility from neighboring properties and all public rights-of-way.
(h) Utility Standards. All utilities, including cable television, telephone, gas and electrical systems shall be constructed underground within the "GB", "AS", "RR" or "BRD" zoning districts, provided that the appurtenances to these systems may be located above ground but shall be effectively screened.
(i) Fence, Railing and Wall Standards.
(1) Fences and railings shall be constructed of decorative metal or vinyl material.
(2) Walls shall be constructed of brick or stone material.
(3) Chain link fencing shall be prohibited.
(4) Fences, railings, and walls should be designed to complement the adjacent principal building architecture using similar exterior materials, colors, and architectural details.
(5) Any other applicable wall or fence regulation as set forth in Section 931.04. In the event of any conflict, the regulation set forth in this Chapter shall control.
(j) Lighting Standards. The lighting standards for both the site and a building as set forth in Section 925.07 shall be satisfied.
(1) Site Lighting Design. Site lighting visible from streets and adjacent property should be indirect or incorporate full cut-off shielded type fixtures. All site lighting should be designed and located to confine all direct light distribution to the premises. Any glare, hot spots and inconsistencies should be avoided.
(2) Site Lighting Specifications. The type and style of site lighting for all areas of the site, not including the street frontage lighting area, shall be approved by the Planning Commission on a case-by-case basis.
(3) Building Lighting. Architectural lighting is encouraged that articulates the building design, facilitates building identification and promotes vehicular and pedestrian safety. Such lighting including wall washing (uplights or down lights), shall be provided by a concealed light source not visible from a public right-of-way or other surrounding public areas.
(l) Site Landscaping. The entire development site shall be landscaped with a combination of trees, shrubs and grass following the procedures and guidelines set forth in Chapter 929.
(Ord. 03-2025. Passed 2-11-25.)
915.07 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES.
(a) Purpose and Application.
(1) The purpose of these architectural design guidelines is to establish building design criteria for the "GB", "AS", "RR" or "BRD" zoning districts. The criteria are intended to provide standards for the design and construction of the buildings and structures proposed for a site.
(2) The primary objectives of these architectural design guidelines are:
A. To enhance the City by ensuring well-designed and constructed buildings and other structures.
B. To ensure a harmonious relationship and design continuity between uses through architecture consistent with the City Master Plan.
(3) Application. These architectural design standards shall apply to all new site development, new building projects and qualifying site expansion projects requiring a Development Plan review in the "GB", "AS", "RR" or "BRD" zoning districts.
(b) Building Design.
(1) Building Massing. Building massing and heights should be in harmony with adjacent structures and the overall development.
(2) Windows and Skylights.
A. Window mullions should be designed to carry through a pattern and reflect a specific style.
B. Window and wall penetration spacing should be consistent with the current style.
C. Clear and low-E glass shall be preferred for windows. Reflective glass is prohibited. Tinted glass is prohibited on the first floor of any building and may be permitted on upper floors on a case-by-case basis by the Planning Commission.
(3) Building Design Elements and Details.
A. Architectural detailing and moldings consistent with the established architectural style should be incorporated into the design at parapets, eaves and soffits. Moldings and details should complement the overall color scheme.
B. Cap and cornice elements shall be detailed with integral drips, etc. to eliminate water staining of building surfaces.
C. Quality materials for base treatments shall be utilized to enhance the building both visually in tying the building to the ground plane and functionally by reducing damage due to impact and weathering.
D. Exposed pipe columns or applied veneers on columns shall be avoided.
E. All flashing, sheet metal, vent stacks shall be finished to match adjacent building surfaces.
(4) Roof Design Elements.
A. Slate, copper, wood or standing seam metal roofs are preferred; however, asphalt or fiberglass shingles may be used as well. Flat or shallow pitched roofs are permitted only when ornamented with shaped parapets or cornice treatments. Gambrel roofs shall be prohibited.
B. Roof ladders, and related elements shall be located internal to the building. Where required to be exposed, these various elements shall be designed and painted in order to blend with the building's architecture and compliment the color scheme of the building's trim and detail.
(c) Roof Penetrations and Roof Mounted Elements.
(1) Roof Mounted Building Elements. A chimney, spire, tower, flagpole, water tank, antenna, monument, or similar ancillary appurtenance, constructed upon a roof of a principal structure, shall not exceed a height of ten (10) feet above the tallest part of the roofline. Planning Commission may require some or all roof mounted elements to be fully screened from the public view.
(2) Ground Mounted Elements. A chimney, tower, flagpole, water tank, radio or television antenna, monument or similar ancillary appurtenance, constructed upon the upon a finished grade, whether it constitutes an integral part of the building or not, shall not exceed thirty (30) feet above the average finished grade of the site
(3) Roof Mounted Mechanical Equipment. Mechanical equipment placed on the building roof may be allowed above the maximum building height specified, provided such mechanical equipment is:
A. Set back a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from any exterior wall.
B. Not more than eight (8) feet in height.
C. All applicable mechanical equipment standards, including screening requirements, as set forth in this Zoning Code shall apply.
(4) To the degree practicable, all roof vents, pipes, antennas, satellite dishes, and other roof penetrations and equipment (except chimneys) shall be located on the rear elevations of a building or configured to have minimal visual impact as seen from any public right-of-way or other public area.
(5) Wall mounted mechanical, electrical, communication equipment, downspouts, gutters, service doors, and other building-mounted utility fixtures, shall be painted and maintained to match the building or be screened from view.
(6) Mechanical equipment such as transformers and HVAC units shall not be located in a front yard.
(7) All mechanical equipment, including both ground-mounted and roof-mounted equipment, shall be screened from view from adjacent public and private rights-of-way, as well as from all property zoned or used for residential purposes.
(8) Screening elements shall include walls (same material and color as principal structure), landscaping, mounds, parapets or enclosures constructed of the same materials used on the majority of the principal structure or any combination or as otherwise approved by the Planning Commission.
(9) The screening of mechanical equipment will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Planning Commission based upon the following criteria:
A. Site location relative to adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.
B. Topography of the subject site relative to adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.
C. Whether the screening creates visual inconsistencies with surrounding areas.
D. Whether the screening substantially meets the overall intent of these architectural guidelines.
E. Ground Mounted mechanical equipment is also subject to all applicable landscaping and screening requirements found in Chapter 929.
(d) Exterior Building Materials and Colors.
(1) Buildings and other structures shall use the following primary exterior materials for a minimum of sixty percent (60%) of each building wall face: Brick, stone, individual cultured stone and cement siding products. The following secondary exterior materials may be used for no more than forty (40) percent of each building wall face: traditionally applied stucco, metal and cement siding products.
A. Fiber cement panels or similar panel materials, emulating brick or stone, may be considered by the Planning Commission for use as a primary exterior building material on a case-by-case basis.
(2) Glass is a permitted exterior material, however, for the purpose of determining the amount of required exterior material to use, all windows and other glass features on a building wall face shall be excluded from the calculation.
A. The use of glass as an exterior material shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the total area of all the building wall faces. The Planning Commission may permit designs using in excess of forty percent (40%) glass for an exterior material as reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis.
(3) Natural wood clapboard, wood shingles, and wood board and batten may be used as a building trim detail only as approved by the Planning Commission.
(4) The following exterior building materials are prohibited: vinyl or aluminum siding, plywood, corrugated metal panels, and EIFS.
(5) Brick used in building additions must be similar in color, size and texture of brick and mortar joint detail to the surrounding structures. Unpainted brick is preferred, unless the building has been previously painted.
(6) Exterior building colors should be used as a unifying theme compatible with the architectural style, natural site setting and surrounding buildings.
A. Exterior brick products used in new building construction shall be in the red, brown and buff color ranges or other color as approved by the Planning Commission.
(e) Architectural Design Standards for Building Expansions and Alterations. Where a principal building or accessory building is proposed to be expanded or altered, the expansion or alteration shall meet the following standards for materials:
(1) The expansion or alteration shall be constructed of materials and proportions similar to the façade that is being extended or altered (i.e., if the side façade of a building is constructed of brick and will be extended or altered, the expanded or altered area shall also be constructed of brick).
(2) In all cases, an expansion or alteration may be constructed of materials on the list of approved exterior building materials set forth in Section 915.07(d).
(3) Where an existing building is constructed with brick, stone, cultured stone, cement siding, wood, stucco or synthetic stucco material, such materials shall not be removed and replaced with vinyl or aluminum siding. The siding may only be replaced with the same material or materials on the list of approved exterior building materials set forth in Section 915.07(d).
(f) String Lights in Windows. Any light garland, lighted rope, or string lights shall not be used to outline or otherwise be displayed on the inside or outside of any window.
(1) Holiday Lighting Exempted. The temporary display of light garland, lighted rope or string lights placed on the inside or outside of a window, erected on a seasonal basis in celebration of religious, national, or state holidays, which are not intended to be permanent in nature and which contain no commercial advertising material shall be permitted. Such seasonal holiday lighting shall only be permitted for a period of not more than sixty (60) consecutive days nor more than ninety (90) days in any one (1) calendar year.
(Ord. 03-2025. Passed 2-11-25.)