Springfield City Zoning Code
TITLE NINE
Definitions.
1138.01 GENERAL INTERPRETATION MEANINGS.
For the purpose of this Zoning Code, certain terms, words, and graphics are interpreted or defined as follows:
(a) Words used in the present tense include the future tense.
(b) The singular includes the plural.
(c) The word "person" includes a corporation, trust, individual, or group of individuals.
(d) The terms "shall" and "must" are always mandatory.
(e) The term "may" is discretionary.
(f) A reference to an official includes a designee of that official.
(g) When the calculation of a number for a required standard results in a fraction, that fraction is rounded up to the next whole number.
(h) When this Zoning Code requires a distance or spacing buffer from a property, lot, use, or other specified item (i.e., a use separation, sign spacing, etc.), the distance shall be measured extending from the subject property lot lines as indicated in Figure3.
(i) All text in this Zoning Code is regulatory.
(
3 Graphic to be provided.)
1138.02 WORDS AND TERMS NOT EXPRESSLY DEFINED.
Words and terms not expressly defined in this Zoning Code are to be construed according to the normally accepted meaning of those words or terms. Where no definition appears, then according to their customary usage in the practice of planning and engineering shall be used, as determined by the Community Development Director.
1139.01 GENERAL DEFINITIONS.
(a) A Terms
(1) Abandoned Sign
Any sign that remains in place more than 365 days after its associated use ceases operations or any sign that is not maintained in accordance with this Zoning Code.
(2) Abandonment
The voluntary cessation of a use or activity but excluding short-term interruptions to a use or activity during periods of remodeling, maintenance, improvements, vacation, seasonal closure, active listing of the property for a change in ownership or leasehold interests, or other similar interruptions.
(3) Abut/Abutting
Contiguous; having a boundary, wall or property line in common.
(4) Access
The place, means, or way by which pedestrians or vehicles have ingress and egress to a lot, structure or parking area.
(5) Accessory Building
A building or structure that is subordinate in use, area, extent, and purpose to a principal structure or a principal use located on the same lot, except as otherwise provided by this Zoning Code.
(6) Accessory Use
A use that is subordinate in use, area, extent, and purpose to a principal structure or a principal use located on the same lot, except as otherwise provided by this Zoning Code.
(7) Addition
Extension of a building or structure or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure.
(8) Adjacent
To be next to or adjoining.
(9) Aisle
A surface which is connected directly to a parking or loading space and designed to permit ingress or egress of a vehicle to or from the parking or loading space. (In no case can an aisle be a drive)
(10) Alley
Any public or private way whose primary function is to furnish secondary access to the side or rear of a lot having its principal access to a street.
(11) Alteration
A change in the appearance, character, construction, or use of a building or structure.
(12) Alternative Compliance
A modification of the strict terms of the relevant regulations through other preapproved standards provided in this Zoning Code and applied at the discretion of City staff, acting in an official and authorized capacity.
(13) Animated Sign
Any sign depicting movement or the illusion of movement through features such as, but not limited to, flashing lights, digital displays, moving parts, or visual effects created by mechanical, electrical, or digital means.
(14) Appeal
An application to a higher administrative body or court for a decision to be modified, reversed, or otherwise altered.
(15) Applicant
An individual or corporation, including any individual or corporation contracted or employed by such individual or corporation, who files a formal application with any governmental body.
(16) Architectural Detailing
Any construction appertaining to but not being an integral part of the building, structure, or sign and consisting of landscaping or structural features that embellish the site in general. Architectural detailing includes, but is not limited to, aesthetic embellishments such as flower plantings, wood carving, wrought or cast iron ornamentation, stone or brick ornamentation, or metal work decoration.
(17) Arterial Street
A street whose principal function is to provide for through traffic and is designed to carry large volumes of traffic.
(18) Attached Awning/Canopy Sign
An on-premise sign permanently painted, printed, attached, or otherwise applied to any facet of the covering or frame structure of an awning or attached structural canopy.
(19) Attached Building
A building attached to another building by a common wall, such wall being a solid wall with or without windows and doors, and/or a common roof with a common horizontal dimension of eight (8) feet or more.
(20) Authorized Agent
The individual or corporation who represents the property owner, resident, or applicant and has the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf.
(21) Awning
A sheet of canvas or similar material connected to a frame and projected from the exterior of a building for the purpose of redirecting rays of sunshine, protecting pedestrians from the natural elements, or increasing the aesthetic appearance of such building.
(b) B Terms
(1) Balcony
A covered or uncovered platform area projecting from the wall of a building, enclosed by a railing, accessible from above grade, and not attached to the ground.
(2) Belt Course
A horizontal, continuous row of stones, bricks, or similar architectural materials designed to visually separate floors from the exterior of a building.
(3) Bench Billboard
An off-premise sign on which poster panels, bulletins, and/or copy are mounted and which is designed to function and appear like a bench for seating.
(4) Billboard
A permanent off-premise freestanding sign or sign structure upon which a message is placed on a poster or panel and mounted on a pole or metal structure typically with a monopole structure constructed with tubular steel support, tubular steel framing, and a single display panel with a concrete foundation.
(5) Block Face
The collective facades of all buildings on one side of one block.
(6) Board of Zoning Appeals
The City of Springfield's appointed Board of Zoning Appeal responsible for making recommendations and decisions as provided in this Zoning Code, as amended.
(7) Boundary
A line marking the limits of an area and dividing one area from another.
(8) Buffer
Any area between parcels, lots, or different zoning districts set aside to mitigate the visual, light, or noise effects of one parcel, lot, or zoning district on an adjacent parcel, lot, or zoning district. May be an earthen berm or any natural material like trees or shrubs or otherwise mandated by this document or the various jurisdictions.
(9) Build
To construct, assemble, erect, convert, structurally enlarge, or reconstruct a building or structure.
(10) Buildable area
The area of a lot remaining after the minimum yard requirements of the Zoning Code have been deducted.
(11) Building Area
The area of a building within its largest outside dimensions computed on a horizontal plane at the first floor level, exclusive of open porches, breezeways, terraces, and exterior stairways.
(12) Building Height
The vertical distance from the established grade to the roof line.
(13) Building Line
A line extending parallel to the lot line from the part of the building nearest to the lot line and defining the front, side, and rear yard. The building line may or may not coincide with the lot line.
(14) Building
A combination of materials to form a structure having a roof that is safe and stable and designed or intended for the support, enclosure, shelter or protection of persons, animals, or property. A building does not include a tent, trailer, trailer coach, or mobile home. Although one part of a structure may be separated from another part by a "Fire Wall," as defined by the Ohio Basic Building Code, both parts constitute one building as do structures which are joined together by structural members.
(c) C Terms
(1) Canopy
An overhead roof or structure over which a fabric or metal covering is attached for the purpose of redirecting rays of sunshine, protecting pedestrians from the natural elements, or increasing the aesthetic appearance of such building.
(2) CEDA Planning Board
A regional planning board established by exercise of the City Planning Board's powers for a territory within the corporate boundaries of the Springfield governed by a Cooperative Economic Development Agreement entered into pursuant to Section 701.07 of the Ohio revised Code.
(3) Certificate of Appropriateness
An official certification allowing the construction of a new structure or the reconstruction, alteration, restoration, installation, or relocation of any portion of an existing structure on a property within a designated historic district and granted in accordance of this Zoning Code.
(4) Certificate of Occupancy
An official certification that a premise, use, building, or structure complies with the provisions of this Zoning Code and such other ordinances as may be applicable. Such a certificate is granted upon completion of new construction or for alterations or additions to existing structures.
(5) City Clerk
The City Clerk of the City of Springfield, Ohio.
(6) City Commission
The duly elected governing body of the City of Springfield, Ohio.
(7) City Engineer
The person hired or designated by the City Manager to supervise or oversee the engineering matters in the City of Springfield, Ohio, and to exercise the authority of the City Engineer. This term includes the City Engineer's designee.
(8) City Planning Board
The City of Springfield's appointed Planning Board.
(9) Collector Street
A street whose principal function is for carrying traffic from local streets to arterial streets.
(10) Commercial District
Those zoning districts where commercial land uses are the primary uses. Commercial zoning districts are those designated as C-NC, C-LC, C-HC, and C-DT, unless specified otherwise.
(11) Common Open Space
Common open space is an area of land, an area of water, or a combination of land and water which is for the benefit of or open to use by multiple tenants, occupants, or the public.
(12) Community Development Department
The City governmental department responsible for overseeing development in Springfield, Ohio.
(13) Community Development Director
The person hired or designated by the City Manager to supervise or oversee the City's Community Development Department, and to exercise the authority of the Community Development Director. This term includes the Community Development Director's designee.
(14) Compatibility
The ability of land a use to coexist with surrounding land uses in a stable fashion over time such that none of the uses are subjected to substantially adverse effects which outweigh the benefits to the community derived from the uses being permitted to exist in proximity to each other and which will not result in an existing lawful use becoming impractical as a result of its proximity to the proposed new use.
(15) Conditional Use
A principal or accessory use which is allowable when the provisions are met and when the facts and conditions specified elsewhere in this Code, as those upon which the exception is permitted, are found to exist by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(16) Coniferous Tree
Any tree bearing needle-shaped or scalelike leaves, including forms with true cones such as pines.
(17) Conversion
Any change of one principal use to another principal use.
(18) Cornice
An ornamental molding attached to the top of a wall where the wall and roof connect.
(19) Covenant
A legally binding written promise or pledge to do or not to do a particular act.
(20) Cross Access
A service drive providing vehicular access between two or more contiguous sites so the driver need not enter the public street system.
(21) Curb
The lateral boundary - raised or otherwise - of a roadway intended for vehicular use, whether or not the public right-of-way continues laterally.
(22) C-NC
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Neighborhood Commercial district.
(23) C-LC
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Local Commercial district.
(24) C-HC
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Heavy Commercial district.
(25) C-DT
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Downtown district.
(26) C-DT-C
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Downtown Core subdistrict.
(27) C-DT-E
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Downtown Edge subdistrict.
(d) D Terms
(1) Deck
An uncovered platform area projecting from the wall of a building, accessible at or from above grade, and attached to the ground.
(2) Deed Restriction
A legal restriction on the use of property contained in the deed to the property.
(3) Deed
A legal document certifying the transfer, and any conditions attached thereof, of ownership of property.
(4) Development Standards
Standards controlling the size of structures and the relationships of structures and uses to each other and to open spaces and lot lines. Development standards include but are not limited to regulations controlling maximum height, minimum lot area, minimum lot frontage, minimum size of yards and setbacks, maximum lot coverage, and maximum density.
(5) Development
Any human-made changes to improved or unimproved property, including but not limited to construction, reconstruction, extraction, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavating, drilling operations, or the storage of equipment and materials.
(6) Developmentally Disabled
A person certified by a medical doctor as having a physical or mental impairment which is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration, substantially impedes the ability to live independently, and is of a nature that the ability to live independently could be improved by more suitable housing conditions. Such disabilities are attributable to but not limited to a physical impairment; mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or another similar neurological condition; dyslexia resulting from an above disability; or a mental or nervous disorder which disability originates before such individual attains age 18. Developmentally disabled does not include current, illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance as defined in Section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 u.s.c. 802).
(7) Discontinuance
The cessation of a nonconforming use.
(8) District
See Zoning District.
(9) Double Frontage Lot
A lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets.
(10) Driveway
A surface designed to provide vehicular access to a parking area or to a loading space(s). A driveway is also the means for providing access to a garage or off-street parking for dwellings and residences. A driveway, as distinguished from an aisle, usually provides access to a parking area from another parking area or from a street.
(11) Dwelling Unit
Any habitable room or group of adjoining habitable rooms within a dwelling and forming a single unit with facilities which are used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, sanitation, cooking, and eating of meals.
(12) Dwelling
A building which is wholly or partially used or intended to be used for residential occupancy by a person for 30 or more consecutive days. A tent, recreational vehicle, motel, or hotel is not considered a dwelling.
(e) E Terms
(1) Earth Berm
A low, usually linear mound of earth covered with grass or other landscape materials used to define, screen, protect, and/or enhance the appearance of a particular space or area of land.
(2) Easement
A right given by the owner of land to another person for specific limited use of that land, such as but not limited to allowing access to another property or for utilities.
(3) Eaves
Any part of a roof that overhangs a wall.
(4) Elevation
The height above a specified grade.
(5) Enclosed
Surrounded by walls and/or fences. See "Unenclosed Structure."
(6) Enclosure
An area surrounded by fencing, screening, walls, or other protective structures.
(7) Enlargement/Expansion.
An increase in the volume of a building, an increase in the area of land or building occupied by a use, or an increase in the number of occupants or dwelling units.
(8) Evergreen
See "Deciduous."
(9) Excavation
The act or process of forming a cavity by cutting, digging, or scooping. Excavation does not include activities associated with agricultural uses.
(10) External Illumination
A light source that illuminates an object's exterior surface from a distance.
(11) Extraction
The withdrawal of natural resources such as but not limited to sand, gravel, or top soil as a business venture. Extraction does not include activities associated with an agricultural use or with the process of grading a lot preparatory to the construction of a building.
(f) F Terms
(1) Facade
The exterior face of a building that fronts a public street, public right-of-way, or open space.
(2) Fence
A permanent barrier that is not classified as screening, but offers privacy between uses. Fences are typically located on residential lots between two residential uses.
(3) Final Plan
A completed and full set of plans, drawings, data, and any and all other materials needed to evaluate and review a subdivision's conformance with local subdivision regulations and which follow the approved preliminary plan as well as conformance with other applicable regulations.
(4) Flag
A flat piece of cloth or similar material having one end of the cloth attached to a staff either directly or by a rope and all other ends free-flowing under natural conditions.
(5) Floor Area
The total area of all floors of a building or portion thereof measured to the outside surface of exterior walls or the centerline of walls to separate uses or attached buildings. It does not include garages, porches, balconies, and other appurtenances. Space in the basement and all other space is included as floor area if used for a principal or accessory use permitted in the zoning district in which the building is located.
(6) Flyway Barrier
A fence or wall used to force bees to fly upward when leaving the hive for the purpose of limiting contact with people.
(7) Footcandle
A unit of illuminance measurement. One lumen per square foot, unit of illuminance.
It is the luminous flux per unit area in the Imperial system.
(8) Freestanding Canopy Sign
An on-premise sign that is permanently affixed to a freestanding canopy.
(9) Freestanding Sign
A sign anchored directly to the ground or supported by one or more posts, columns, or other vertical structures. All freestanding signs are classified as either Monument Signs or Pole Signs.
(10) Front Lot Line
A lot line separating the lot from the street. On comer lots, the front lot line is the shortest lot line abutting a street, except that if the lot is square or almost square (has dimensions between the ratios 3:2 and 3:3), then the front lot line may be along either street.
(11) Front Yard Line
A line parallel to the front lot line and as far forward from the front lot line as required by this Code, extending from one side lot line to an opposite side yard line.
(12) Front Yard
The required area between the front yard line and the street right-of-way line and extending across the entire lot. In the case of a double frontage lot, the front yard is along the local street and the rear yard is along the arterial street.
(13) Frontage
The distance along a street line from one intersecting street to another, or from one intersecting street to the end of a dead-end street or cul-de-sac.
(g) G Terms
(1) General Incidental Sign
A permanent on-premise sign that is freestanding or attached to a building that is in addition to the primary freestanding and attached sign types for the property, and that has a height and scale that is clearly subordinate to the primary sign types allowed for the property. Examples of general incidental signs include menu boards, flags, occupant directories, property or tenant identification names or numbers, wayfinding signs, directional signs, and signs warning the public against trespassing or danger from animals. The list of examples is not exhaustive and is provided to clarify the regulations and does not limit the content of general incidental signs.
(2) Grade
The top surface elevation of lawns, walks, driveways, or other improved surfaces after completion of construction, grading, and landscaping. For the purpose of determining height of a building, the grade is the average level of the perimeter of the exterior walls of the building.
(3) Ground Area
See "Floor Area."
(4) Ground Floor/First Floor. The lower-most floor of a building in which the floor is at or above the grade.
(h) H Terms
(1) Hazardous Sign
A sign which, because of its construction or state of disrepair, may fall or cause injury to passersby, as determined by the Springfield Inspection Services Division, including a sign which because of its location, color, illumination, or animation interferes with, obstructs the view of, or is confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device or interferes with, misleads, or confuses traffic.
(2) Hearing
A formal proceeding before an administrative body or court.
(3) Hedge
A boundary formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes.
(4) Height
The vertical distance from a specified point to the existing grade directly below the specified point.
(5) High-Rise
A building with more than five stories entirely above grade.
(6) Highway
A rural and suburban thoroughfare with high vehicular speeds and capacities.
(7) Homeowner's Association
A private association, partnership, LLC, or any legal entity of homeowners established by a developer with local government approval, whose purpose it is to own, operate, and maintain various common properties, including but not limited to open space, private streets, and recreation facilities.
(i) I Terms
(1) Illuminated Sign
A sign in which a source of light other than sunlight is used to make the message readable.
(2) Illumination
The use of a lighting source to increase visibility in a given area.
(3) Incidental Sign
(4) Industrial District
Those zoning districts where industrial land uses are the primary uses. Industrial zoning districts are those designated as I-LI and I-HI, unless specified otherwise.
(5) Infill Development
The redevelopment of an existing built-out site or property.
(6) Interior Lot
A lot other than a comer lot or double frontage lot and bounded by a street on only one side.
(7) Internal Illumination
A light source that illuminates an object's exterior surface from within the sign.
(8) I-LI
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Light Industrial district.
(9) I-HI
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Heavy Industrial district.
(j) J Terms
(1) Junk
Those materials and products of older scrap copper; brass; rope; rags; batteries; paper; trash; rubber; debris; waste; junked, dismantled, scrapped or wrecked motor vehicle or associated parts; iron; steel; or other old or scrap materials.
(k) K Terms (Reserved)
(I) L Terms
(1) Landscaping
Any of the following or combination thereof: materials such as but not limited to grass, hardy ground covers, shrubs, vines, hedges, and trees; and non-living durable material commonly utilized in landscaping, such as but not limited to rocks, pebbles, sand, and other earth materials, but not including paving as a principal design element.
(2) Large Deciduous Tree
A deciduous tree classified as a large tree under this Zoning Code.
(3) Light Fixture
An assembly that houses any light bulb, lamp or lamps, or LED(s), including but not requiring housing; mounting brackets or pole sockets; a lamp holder; a ballast; a driver; a reflector or mirror; and a refractor or lens.
(4) Limited Access Highway
A public freeway or expressway designed for through traffic and to which abutting properties have no legal right to direct access.
(5) Livestock
See "non-household animal".
(6) Local Street
A street used primarily for access to abutting property.
(7) Lot Area
The total area within the lot lines of a lot excluding any area located within a public or private street.
(8) Lot Depth
The horizontal distance between the midpoint of the front lot line and the midpoint of the rear lot line measured at a right angle to the front lot line.
(9) Lot Frontage
The continuous width of a lot measured along the front lot line, the front or rear lot line of a double frontage lot, or of a front or side lot line of a comer lot. The frontage is measured parallel to the centerline of the street(s) and never constitutes the end width of a dead end street.
(10) Lot Line
A line oriented in terms of stable points of reference which establish one boundary of a lot.
(11) Lot of Record
A lot which is part of a subdivision or a parcel of land which is described by metes and bounds, the map and/or description of which have been recorded in the office of the County Recorder or County Auditor.
(12) Lot Width
The distance parallel to the front property line, measured at the front setback line. Lot width on a curving front property line means the distance parallel to the tangent of the front property line at the building setback line. The lot width and the lot frontage may have different lengths on an irregularly shaped lot as they are measured at different points on the lot.
(13) Lot
A lot of record or a lot that is leased which is occupied or intended to be occupied by a principal building or use and an accessory building or use and is of sufficient size to meet the minimum requirements for a principal use.
(14) Low-Rise
A building with a total of three or less stories entirely above grade.
(m) M Terms
(1) Major Revisions
Those revisions to an approved plan or permit that exceed the thresholds required to be considered minor revisions.
(2) Marquee
Any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of a building for the purpose of redirecting rays of sunshine, protecting pedestrians from the natural elements, or increasing the aesthetic appearance of such building.
(3) Master Development Plan
A comprehensive document outlining a future planned development, including but not limited to maps, drawings, narrative, tables, and other information about the proposed use of specific land and/or water.
(4) Medium Deciduous Tree
A deciduous tree classified as a medium tree under this Zoning Code.
(5) Mid-Rise
A building with a total of three to five stories entirely above grade.
(6) Minor Revisions
Those revisions to an approved plan or permit that are necessary in light of technical considerations discovered after the decision on the application, and that do not substantively change the character of the approval.
(7) Mixed Use
The blending of residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, and/ or industrial uses together in one building.
(8) Monument Sign
An on-premise, permanent freestanding sign mounted or appearing to be mounted directly in the ground or on a footer in the ground.
(n) N Terms
(1) Native Plants/Species
Any plant species listed as a native plant in the State of Ohio by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
(2) Nonconforming Building/Structure
A building or structure or portion thereof that was lawful at the time of its establishment but that does not now conform to the provisions of this Zoning Code relative to height, yards, or building coverage for the zoning district in which it is located by reason of the adoption of this Zoning Code, as amended.
(3) Nonconforming Lot
A lot that was lawful at the time of its establishment but does not now conform to the provisions of this Zoning Code relative to lot frontage, width or area for the district in which it is located by reason of the adoption of this Zoning Code, as amended.
(4) Nonconforming Sign
A sign, other than a prohibited sign, that does not comply with the regulations of the sign district in which it is located by reason of these or any other regulations adopted after the erection of the sign.
(5) Nonconforming Use
Any use that was lawful at the time of its establishment but that is not now allowed within the zoning district in which it is located or any way in which land or a building is used that is not in compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Code by reason of the adoption of this Zoning Code, as amended.
(6) Non-Household Animal
Any animal that is not a common domesticated household pet that needs adequate space, air, and facilities for safekeeping. Non-household animals include cows, horses, poultry, bees, sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas, pigs, and the like. A nonhousehold animal does not include exotic animals (big game cats, elephants, rhinos, and other large mammals, alligators, crocodiles, venomous or poisonous reptiles). Exotic animals are prohibited unless specified otherwise. Common domesticated household pets include dogs, cats, fish, and parrots.
(7) Nonresidential District
Those zoning districts designated as C-NC, C-LC, C-HC, C-DT, I-LI, I-HI, P-PR, P-IE, and P-DM unless specified otherwise.
(8) Notice
Any legally required public notification for a certain development application as required by this Zoning Code.
(o) O Terms
(1) Off Premises Sign
A sign which directs attention to an off-site use or to products or services sold elsewhere.
(2) Off-Street Loading Space
An area logically and conveniently located and designed for bulk pickups and deliveries, scaled to the delivery vehicles expected to be used, and accessible to such vehicles when off-street parking spaces are occupied.
(3) Open Space
Any portion of a lot substantially open to the sky. The area may include natural environmental features, patios, water areas, swimming pools, tennis courts, and other recreational areas and facilities. Streets, parking areas, structures for habitation, and the like are not included.
(4) Owner
Any person who, alone or jointly or severally with others, has legal title to any land or structure, with or without accompanying actual possession thereof; has charge, care or control of any land or structure as owner or agent of the owner; or serves as executor, administrator, conservator, trustee, or guardian of the estate of the owner. Any person representing the actual owner shall be bound to comply with the provision of this Zoning Code and of rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, to the same extent as if they were the owner.
(p) P Terms
(1) Parcel
A unit of land as designated by the Clark County Auditor.
(2) Parking Area
An off-street facility providing vehicular parking spaces, along with adequate aisles and tree islands, for the parking of more than four motor vehicles.
(3) Parking Lot Permit
An official certification authorizing the owner of a lot to construct a new commercial parking area on a designated lot.
(4) Parking Row
A group of parking spaces that are parallel and adjacent to each other.
(5) Parking Space
An area exclusive of driveways, aisles, and tree islands intended for off-street vehicular parking. Such space is not intended for the storage or display of motor vehicles.
(6) Performance Standard
A minimum requirement or maximum allowable limit on the effects or characteristics of a use, written in the form of regulatory language.
(7) Permitted/Allowed Sign
A sign which is allowed in the zoning district in which it is located subject to compliance with the standards of this Zoning Code.
(8) Permitted/Allowed Use
A principal use which is allowed in the zoning district in which it is listed subject to compliance with the dimensional requirements and special requirements (if any) of the zoning district in which it is listed and general requirements of this Zoning Code.
(9) Person
Any individual or group of individuals, corporation, partnership, association, or any entity, including state and local governments and agencies.
(10) Planned Development
A type of development which is planned to integrate residential, commercial, industrial, or any other land use.
(11) Planning Board
See the "City Planning Board".
(12) Planter Boxes
The element of the public frontage, which accommodates street trees or other plants whether continuous or individual.
(13) Planting Area
An unpaved pervious area used or intended to be used for the placement of a tree or other plant materials.
(14) Pole Sign
An on-premise, permanent freestanding sign mounted directly in the ground by a pole(s) or columnal support structure(s) providing open-air between the base of the sign and the ground.
(15) Porch
A covered entrance to a building consisting of a platform area, with open or partially enclosed sides.
(16) Pre-Application Conference
A meeting with applicable City staff Development (Planning, Engineering, Fire, Building, etc.) that occurs before an application submittal. This term is abbreviated in this Zoning Code as PAC.
(17) Preliminary Master Development Plan
A Master Development Plan proposed by the applicant and made a part of the application, as required by this Zoning Code, to be submitted to the Planning Board for their consideration.
(18) Premises
A general term meaning part or all of any lot, parcel, or tract or part or all of any building or structure or group of buildings or structures located thereon.
(19) Principal Building
A building which contains the principal use.
(20) Principal Use
The primary use(s) of land or a structure as distinguished from an accessory use, e.g., a house is a principal use in a residential area and a garage or pool is an accessory use.
(21) Private Street
A right-of-way or easement in private ownership, not dedicated or maintained as a public street, and which affords the principal means of access to two or more lots or to condominium units.
(22) Prohibited Sign
Any sign which is forbidden from being erected or displayed.
(23) Projecting Sign
An on-premise sign permanently affixed to and projects from the wall of a building and is generally perpendicular to the building facade.
(24) Projection
Any part of a building such as architectural features which protrude into the required yard or yards.
(25) Property Line.
See Lot Line.
(26) Property
A piece of real property or land.
(27) Public and Institutional District
Those zoning districts where public and institutional land uses are the primary uses. Public and Institutional zoning districts are those designated as P-PR, P-IE, and PDM, unless specified otherwise.
(28) P-DM
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Downtown Medical district.
(29) P-PR
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Parks and Recreation district.
(30) P-IE
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Institutional and Educational district.
(q) Q Terms
(1) Qualified Professional
A licensed or state/nationally registered design, building, engineering, construction, architectural, or planning professional or any person involved with the development process who maintains an accredited collegiate degree in the construction, development, planning, engineering, or architectural field.
(r) R Terms
(1) Rear Lot Line
The lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line.
(2) Rear Yard Line
A line parallel to the rear lot line and as far forward from the rear lot line as required by this Zoning Code, extending from one side lot line to an opposite side yard line. See "Rear Lot Line."
(3) Rear Yard
The required area between the rear yard line and the rear lot line and extending from one side yard line to an opposite side yard line.
(4) Recommended Tree List
The recommended tree list of the City of Springfield, Ohio.
(5) Reconstruct
To rebuild a structure that has been destroyed or demolished. For purposes of this definition, reconstruct does not apply to the removal and replacement of all or part of a building or structure in the same configuration.
(6) Record Plan
A drawing or set of drawings of an approved final subdivision prepared for appropriate signatures and recording in the County Recorder's office and for distribution to applicable agencies.
(7) Remodel/Repair
Any improvement to a building which is not a structural enlargement or reconstruction.
(8) Residential District
Those zoning districts where commercial land uses are the primary uses. Residential zoning districts are those designated as R-AG, R-LD, and R-HD, unless specified otherwise.
(9) Right-of-Way
A strip of land taken or dedicated for use as a public way. As a roadway, it normally incorporates the curbs, tree lawns, sidewalks, lighting and drainage facilities, and may include special features (required by the topography or treatment) such as grade separation, landscaped areas, viaducts and bridges.
(10) Road
A local, rural, or suburban thoroughfare of low-to-moderate vehicular speed and capacity.
(11) Roof Line
The deck line of a mansard roof, the ridge of a saddle, hip, gable, gambrel, or ogee roof; or the highest point of the coping of a flat roof for a multi-family dwelling or a nonresidential use or the midpoint of a mansard roof; the midpoint between the ridge and eaves of a saddle, hip, gable, gambrel, or ogee roof; or the highest point of the coping of a flat roof for a single or two family dwelling.
(12) Roof
The outside surface attached to the top of a building.
(13) R-AG
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Agricultural district.
(14) R-LD
The acronym or abbreviated form of the Low Density Residential district.
(15) R-HD
The acronym or abbreviated form of the High Density Residential district.
(s) S Terms
(1) Scenic Area
An area presenting a view of natural and human-made elements of the visual environment with the characteristics of offering strikingly distinct and a pleasing and memorable visual experience.
(2) Screening
A barrier of permanent material of sufficient height and density so that the objects being screened are not visible from any point on the property line when viewed from the ground level.
(3) Seasonal Decoration
A display pertaining to celebration of a holiday or commemoration of a historic event or personage, observed during a particular season of the year. A seasonal decoration is not a sign.
(4) Setback Line
A line established by this Zoning Code that is parallel with and measured from the lot line and defines the limits of a yard within which no building or structure may be located above ground, except as may be provided by this Zoning Code. The area between the setback line and the lot line is referred to in this Zoning Code as the required yard.
(5) Setback
A line, generally parallel with and measured from the property line, defining the limits of a yard in which no building, other than accessory buildings nor structure may be located above ground, except as may be provided in this Zoning Code. See "Yard" for additional clarity.
(6) Side Lot Line
Any lot line which meets the end of a front lot line and any lot line which is not a front lot line or rear lot line.
(7) Side Yard Line
A line parallel to the side lot line and as far from the side lot line as required by this Zoning Code, extending from the front yard line to the rear yard line.
(8) Side Yard
The required area (yard) between the primary building and the adjacent side property line, and extending entirely from a front yard to the rear yard.
(9) Sidewalk
That portion of the street right-of-way outside the vehicular traveled surface which is improved for the use of pedestrian traffic.
(10) Sight Visibility Triangle
The triangular-shaped area at the intersection of two points that must be kept clear to ensure visibility for pedestrians and motorists at the intersection.
(11) Sign Face
The surface of the sign upon which is affixed reading material, letters, numerals, pictorial representations, emblems, trademarks, inscriptions and/or patterns.
(12) Sign Permit
An official certification authorizing an individual or corporation to erect, alter, or relocate a sign.
(13) Sign
A visual display of an object or device that includes elements such as colors, lights, motion, symbols, images, icons, shapes, letters, numerals, figures, characters, or combines any of those elements, that is intended to communicate, advertise, identify, announce, direct, inform, or attract attention and that is visible from a public right-of-way. The term "sign" includes a structure used to support or display a sign. The term "Sign" does not include public art, sculptured landscaping, seasonal decorations, directional symbols on paved surfaces or messages painted on or otherwise permanently attached to the body of a motor vehicle or a trailer designed to transport freight.
(14) Small Deciduous Tree
A deciduous tree classified as a small tree under Chapter 1117 of this Zoning Code.
(15) Speaker Board
A professionally constructed and installed sign made of a durable, weather-resistant product such as metal or high-density plastic and may include a two-way speaker system for ordering from a vehicle in a drive thru lane provided the volume of the speaker does not exceed ambient noise conditions as measured at the property line.
(16) Special Vehicle
A vehicle more than seven and one-half feet in height or more than 20 feet in length which is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, street, or body of water. Such vehicles include but are not limited to a truck, trailer, tractor, wagon, or watercraft exceeding these dimensions. Such vehicles do not include temporary construction trailers when associated with an active construction project on the premises.
(17) Springfield Landmarks Commission
The City of Springfield's appointed Landmarks Commission responsible for making recommendations and decisions as provided in this Zoning Code, as amended.
(18) Stacking Lane
A 9-foot-wide lane containing multiple stacking spaces.
(19) Stacking Space
An asphalt, concrete or similar permanent dust free surface which is designed to accommodate a motor vehicle waiting for entry to an automobile and truck oriented use, which is located in such a way that a parking space or access to a parking space is not obstructed, and which is at least nine feet in width and 19 feet in length.
(20) Stoop
A roofless structure extending from the public right-of-way to an elevated entryway or ground floor of an associated building or structure.
(21) Storage Area
A space used for the incidental storage of items related to the principal use of a building or structure.
(22) Story
The habitable portion of building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above. If the finished floor level directly above a usable or unused under-floor space is more than six feet above grade as defined herein for more than 50% of the total perimeter or is more than 12 feet above grade as defined herein at any point, such usable or unused under-floor space shall be considered as a story.
(23) Street Grade
The elevation of a public roadway established by construction or usage and measured at the centerline of the roadway.
(24) Street
A way that is open to the public for use of vehicular traffic as a matter of right, and has a driving surface which either meets the City's specifications or is acceptable to the City Engineer for vehicular traffic. A street may exist as a public street if it is owned or controlled by the City or as a private street if it is owned and maintained by persons other than the City. This definition includes the term avenue, boulevard, circle, drive, highway, lane, parkway, road, thoroughfare, or any other similar term.
(25) Structural Enlargement
Any change in the configuration of the exterior walls, foundation or the roof of a building which results in an increase in the area, height or volume of the building.
(26) Structure
Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires location on the ground or attachment to something having a location on the ground.
(27) Subdivision Entry Sign
A permanent off-premise freestanding sign of the monument sign variety located at the entry of a platted subdivision from a local, collector, or arterial street.
(28) Substantial Construction
Substantial construction is achieved at the point in development when all required permits necessary to build a Planned Development phase have been obtained and actual construction of public improvements, or stormwater management systems on the Planned Development phase is either complete or in active progress.
(29) Supernatural Event
A severe, unanticipated, or uncontrollable natural event for which no human is responsible including but not limited to earthquakes, tornadoes, blizzards, windstorms, wild fires, and the like.
(30) Suspended Sign
A sign suspended from the underside of a canopy, awning, ceiling, marquee, roof overhang, a covered porch, or walkway.
(t) T Terms
(1) Temporary Sign Permit
An official certification authorizing an individual or corporation to erect, alter, or relocate a temporary sign.
(2) Temporary Sign
A sign not permanently affixed to the ground or a building and not intended for display in perpetuity. Banners, portable signs, trailer signs, and other similar nonpermanent signs are regulated as temporary signs.
(3) Temporary Structure/Building
Any building or structure which is placed on a lot without a permanent foundation for a limited time.
(4) Temporary Use
A use granted on a discretionary, conditional, and temporary basis which authorizes a land use in a zoning district for up to 180 calendar days in which that use is not normally permitted. All requirements of a Temporary Use are in addition to and supplement Zoning Code requirements.
(5) Total Lot Building Coverage
The percentage of the lot area covered by the total building area.
(6) Tract
A lot, usually intended for subdivision or agricultural use.
(7) Traffic Island
A raised area located in a public street and separating opposing or conflicting streams of traffic.
(8) Type A Screening
An evergreen planting screen of pyramidal arbor vitae with plantings being at least three feet high, spaced four feet on center at the time of planting.
(9) Type B Screening
A solid opaque wall comprised of masonry (brick, stone, etc.), concrete block, or precast concrete panels.
(10) Type C Screening
A wrought-iron or tubular steel fence with masonry columns at 20 feet on center with a mix of shrubs and trees located between masonry columns.
(11) Type D Screening
An earthen berm at least 20 feet wide with a maximum slope height exceeding at least six feet and covered with grass, shrubs, and trees planted at the base between slopes.
(12) Type E Screening
An alternate screening composition equivalent to Type A Screening, Type B Screening, Type C Screening, and Type D Screening that provides an exceptional screening aesthetic, meets sound structural practices and engineering design criteria, and meets the intent and function of this Chapter at the discretion of the Planning Board.
(u) U Terms
(1) Undeveloped Area
The area within a planned development where agriculture or recreation uses in open areas may be continued.
(2) Use
The purpose for which land or a building or structure is designed, arranged, intended, or maintained or for which it is or may be used or occupied. This definition does not alter or affect the definition of nonconforming use.
(v) V Terms
(1) Variance
A modification of the strict terms of the relevant regulations where such modification will not be contrary to the public interest and where owing to conditions peculiar to the property and not the result of the action of the applicant, a literal enforcement of the regulations would result in "unnecessary and undue hardship" or a "practical difficulty." The authority to grant variances is vested in the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(2) Vehicle Storage Area
A space used for storage of a special vehicle and at least equal in size to the outer perimeter of the special vehicle.
(w) W Terms
(1) Walkway
A public way that is at least three (3) feet or more in width for pedestrian use, whether within a street or not. See "Sidewalk."
(2) Wall
A continuous vertical structure enclosing or dividing an area of land or supporting a building or structure.
(3) Wall Sign
An on-premise sign permanently affixed on an exterior building wall.
(4) Window Sign
An on-premise sign permanently affixed to a window.
(x) X Terms (Reserved)
(y) Y Terms
(1) Yard
An area on a lot required to be unoccupied by structures above grade except for projections and the specific minor uses or structures allowed in such area under the provisions of this Zoning Code. A yard extends from the grade upward.
(z) Z Terms
(1) Zero Lot Line Dwelling/Development
Any dwelling or development with one or more building walls located on a lot line that is not on a street or alley right-of-way line.
(2) Zoning Certificate
A document issued by the Community Development Director which indicates that the proposed use of land meets the requirements of this Zoning Code.
(3) Zoning District
A portion of the territory of the City within which certain uniform regulations and requirements or various regulatory combinations apply under the provisions of this Zoning Code, as amended.
(4) Zoning Map
The map delineating the boundaries of zoning districts which, along with the zoning text, comprises the Zoning Code.
CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF SPRINGFIELD