Titles Five to Eleven of this Part Eleven - Planning and Zoning Code shall be known and may be cited as the "Zoning Code of the City of Stow."
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1131.02 PURPOSE.
(a) This Zoning Code is enacted for the general purpose of promoting the public health, safety, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare for the improvement and development of the City and is established to regulate the: use of buildings, structures, lots and lands; location, type, height, bulk, number of stories, and size of buildings and structures; percentage of land area occupancy; setback building lines, size of yards and other open spaces; and to create use districts for such purposes.
(b) Further, more specific purposes are to:
(1) Protect the character and the values of the residential, business, industrial and recreational areas and to assure their orderly and beneficial development;
(2) Provide adequate open spaces for light and air, to prevent overcrowding of the land, excessive concentration of the population, and, on the other hand, excessive and wasteful scattering of the population;
(3) Manage congestion on the streets, to improve the public safety by locating buildings and uses adjacent to streets in such a manner that they will cause the least interference with, and be damaged least by, traffic movements;
(4) Facilitate adequate provisions for public utilities and facilities such as recreation, school, sewerage, water, transportation and other public requirements; and
(5) Encourage the most appropriate uses of the land and guide the future development of the City, all in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1131.03 INTERPRETATION OF ZONING CODE; MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In interpreting and applying the provisions of this Zoning Code, the provisions shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare.
(b) This Zoning Code shall not interfere with, abrogate or annul any easement, covenant or other agreement between parties except that in cases where this Zoning Code imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises, upon the height of buildings, upon the lot area per family, or requires larger yards or other open spaces than are imposed or required by such easements, covenants or agreements, the provisions of this Zoning Code shall control.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1131.04 CONFLICTING LAWS.
This Zoning Code shall not repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way impair or interfere with any existing law or ordinance, or any rules or regulations heretofore or hereafter adopted or promulgated pursuant to law regulating the use of land or buildings. However, in cases where this Zoning Code imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises, upon the height of buildings, upon the lot area per family, or requires larger yards or other open spaces than are imposed or required by such other laws or ordinances, or by such rules and regulations, the provisions of this Zoning Code shall control.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1131.05 SEVERABILITY.
Sections and subsections of this Zoning Code and the several parts or provisions thereof are hereby declared to be independent sections, subsections, parts and provisions, and the holding of any such section, subsection, part or provision thereof to be unconstitutional, void or ineffective for any cause shall not affect nor render invalid any other such section, subsection, part or provision thereof. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1131.06 EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Zoning Code shall take effect and be in force from and after November 14, 1993.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1133.01 DEFINITIONS.
Words used in this Zoning Code are used in their ordinary English usage. However, for the purpose of this Zoning Code, certain words used herein are defined and whenever used in this Code shall have the meaning indicated in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
(a) The following are special meanings of words:
Words used in the present tense include the future. The masculine, feminine or neutral gender includes either of the others. The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular. The word "shall" is mandatory; the word "may" is permissive. The word "lot" includes the word "plot". The word "erected" includes the word "used" and the word "altered". The phrase "used for" shall include "occupied for", "intended for", "designed for" or "arranged for". The word "build" shall include to "erect," "convert," "enlarge," "reconstruct" or "structurally alter" a building or structure or part thereof.
(b) Certain general terms are hereby defined as follows:
(1) ABUTTING: Having a common border with, or being separated from such a common border by a right-of-way, alley, or easement.
(2) ACCESSORY BUILDING: A subordinate building customarily incidental to, detached from and located upon the same lot occupied by the principal building or use.
(3) ACCESSORY USE (OR STRUCTURE): A use, object, or structure constructed or installed on, above or below grade which is incidental to or customarily in connection with, or subordinate to, the principal building or use and is located on the same lot with such principal building or use.
(4) ADULT DAY CARE CENTER: A facility providing care for the elderly and/or functionally impaired adults in a protective setting for a portion of a 24 hour day. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(5) “ADULT USE CANNABIS CULTIVATOR” means a Level 1 Adult Use cultivator, as defined in ORC 3780.01(19), a Level 2 Adult Use cultivator, as defined in ORC 3780.20, or an Level III Adult Use Cultivator, as defined in ORC 3780.21.
(6) “ADULT USE CANNABIS DISPENSARY” means a person licensed pursuant to ORC 3780.15 and any other rules promulgated to sell adult use cannabis as authorized.
(7) “ADULT USE CANNABIS FACILITY” means an adult use cannabis cultivator, dispensary, processor, or testing laboratory, as defined in this section.
(8) “ADULT USE CANNABIS PROCESSOR” means a person licensed pursuant to ORC 3780.14 and any other rules promulgated to manufacture adult use cannabis as authorized.
(9) “ADULT USE CANNABIS TESTING LABORATORY” means an independent laboratory located that has been issued a license by the division of cannabis control to have custody and use of adult use cannabis for scientific purposes and for the purposes of instruction, research, or analysis. (Ord. 2024-243. Passed 1-23-25.)
(10) ALTERATION: Any change that would prolong the life of the supporting members of a building or structure, such as the bearing walls, columns, beams or girders. Additionally, applied to a building or structure, means a change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in the entrance and exit facilities, or an enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height, or the moving from one location or position to another.
(11) AMUSEMENT DEVICE: Any machine or device which, upon the insertion of a coin, slug, token, or similar, may be operated by the public generally by manipulating special equipment whereby a score is established, the object of which is to secure a special number or numbers or a total score, whether a prize is offered or not.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(12) ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY: A residential or institutional complex containing dwelling units for independent and assisted living, and with each dwelling or room occupied by no more than two residents who are not restricted in their movements and do not require skilled nursing care. Assisted living facilities offer meals, housekeeping, social programs and other personalized care and have common dining, gathering and recreational areas. Assisted living facilities may offer other specialized services as an accessory use including, but not limited to, memory care.
(Ord. 2016-130. Passed 1-26-17.)
(13) BAR: An establishment devoted to the serving of alcoholic beverages consumed on the premises and in which the service of food is only incidental to the consumption of such beverages.
(14) BASEMENT: A portion of a building partly or entirely underground whose ceiling or underpart of the floor above is four feet or less above the average finished ground elevation. The "average finished ground elevation" is the mean elevation of the finished grade around all of the exterior of the building. (See also GRADE, FINISHED.)
(15) BOARD: The Board of Zoning and Building Appeals of Stow, Ohio. (See Section 1135.05.)
(16) BOARDING HOUSE: A dwelling where lodging and meals are provided to 5 or more persons, not requiring short term, immediate, or long-term nursing care as those terms are utilized and defined by the state departments of health and public welfare, other than the members of the proprietor's family, by prearrangement for definite periods of time. No BOARDING HOUSE shall include custodial or supervised rehabilitative programs for the purpose of physical, mental, emotional, vocational, or spiritual rehabilitation or counseling.
(17) BUILDING: Any structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals, or property.
(18) BUILDING HEIGHT: The vertical dimension measured from the average finished grade at the front of the building to the highest point of a flat roof, to the deck line of a mansard roof, and to the average height between the plate and ridge of a gable, hip, or gambrel roof.
(19) BUILDING LINE (FRONT AND REAR): An imaginary linear extension of the building wall parallel to the lot line defining the limits of the front or rear yard.
(20) BUILDING, PRINCIPAL: The building on a lot used to accommodate the primary use to which the premises are devoted.
(21) CAR WASH: A building or area that provides facilities for washing and cleaning motor vehicles, which may use production line methods with a conveyor, blower, or other mechanical devices and/or which may employ hand labor.
(22) CEMETERY: Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the human dead and dedicated for cemetery purposes, including columbariums and mausoleums, when operated in conjunction with and within the boundaries of such cemetery.
(23) CHILD CARE: Care provided for any part of the 24 hour day for infants, toddlers, preschool children, and school children outside of school hours by persons other than their parents or guardians, custodians, or relatives by blood, marriage or adoption, in a place or residence other than the child's own home. Places of worship during religious services are not included.
(24) CHILD DAY-CARE CENTER: Any place in which child care is provided for more than three children under age of two (2), or seven (7) or more pre- school children or school age children outside of school hours by persons other than their parents for any part of the twenty-four (24) hour day.
(25) CHILD DAY-CARE HOME - TYPE B: As defined by ORC 5104.01(E), a permanent residence of the administrator in which child care is provided for 1 to 6 children and in which no more than 3 children are under two years of age.
(26) CHURCH OR PLACES OF WORSHIP: A building originally designed for and only for, and used primarily for public worship. The word "place of worship" includes the words "church," "chapel," "synagogue" and "temple" and their uses and activities which are customarily related.
(27) COMMERCIAL RECREATION, INDOOR: A commercial recreational land use that typically involves some physical or athletic activity and that is conducted entirely within a building including a bowling alley, dance hall, skating rink or similar use. Indoor commercial recreation shall not include an establishment where the principal activity includes the use of video arcade or other amusement device.
(28) COMMERCIAL RECREATION, OUTDOOR: A commercial recreational land use that typically involves some physical or athletic activity and that is conducted outside including driving ranges (not associated with a golf course), batting cages, miniature golf or similar uses.
(29) COMMISSION: The City Planning Commission of Stow, Ohio. (See Section 1135.04.)
(30) CONDITIONAL USE: A use that, owing to some special circumstances attendant to its operation or installation, is permitted in a district only under certain conditions set forth in Title Nine, and which requires a conditional use certificate and approval by the City Planning Commission and City Council, in accordance with the standards and procedures of Sections 1137.04.
(31) CONDITIONAL ZONING CERTIFICATE: An ordinance or resolution enacted by Council which sets forth any conditions, stipulations, safeguards, and variances that have been approved by City Council after review and a recommendation by the Planning Commission.
(32) CONGREGATE LIVING FACILITY: A building used as group living quarters for a student body, religious order, or other group as an associated use to a college, university, boarding school, orphanage, convent, monastery, or other similar use. Congregate living facilities do not include kitchen facilities, except a group kitchen facility to serve all residents.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(33) CREMATORIES: A location containing properly installed, certified apparatus intended for use in the act of cremation of human remains. Cremation is the mechanical, thermal, or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments. Crematories shall be operated in conformance with all applicable local, State and Federal laws and regulations. (Ord. 2020-186. Passed 3-11-21.)
(34) DENSITY: The number of dwelling units located on an acre of land.
(35) DISTRICT: An area of land for which there are uniform zoning regulations governing the use of buildings and premises, density of development, yard requirements, and height limitations.
(36) DRIVE-THRU FACILITY: Any portion of a building or structure from which business is transacted, or is capable of being transacted, directly with customers located in a motor vehicle during such business transactions. The term "drive-thru" shall also include "drive-up" and "drive-in."
(37) DWELLING: Any building or portion thereof which is designed and used exclusively by one or more human occupants for the purpose of residing for an extended time. A dwelling may be comprised of more than one dwelling unit.
(38) DWELLING UNIT: A building or portion thereof designed exclusively for residential occupancy by one family and having cooking facilities with a separate outside entrance.
(39) DWELLING, APARTMENT BUILDING: A building or portion thereof designed for occupancy by three or more families living independently of each other in three or more dwelling units where one or more of the dwelling units are above the first or ground floor, and the units are separated by party walls with varying arrangements of entrances.
(40) DWELLING, ATTACHED SINGLE-FAMILY: Single-family dwelling units which are structurally attached to one another, but which maintain separate identities, including such elements as separate ground-floor entrances, services and attached garages.
(41) DWELLING, CLUSTER SINGLE-FAMILY: A building designed and used exclusively for occupancy by one family, separated from other dwelling units by open space, which is grouped with other dwellings on a site and which is not located on its own subdivided lot.
(42) DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY: A building designed and used exclusively for occupancy by one family, separated from other dwelling units by open space.
(43) DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY: A building designed and used exclusively by two families living independently of each other. The dwelling units may be either attached side by side or one above the other.
(44) DWELLING, MULTI-FAMILY: A dwelling containing three or more dwelling units.
(45) DWELLING, TOWNHOUSE: Three or more dwelling units each having direct access to the outside at grade and with common walls separating the dwelling units, and no dwelling units are located one over the other. The words "townhouse," and "row house" shall be considered synonymous.
(46) DWELLING, ZERO LOT LINE: A building located on a lot in such a manner that one or more of the building's sides rests directly on a lot line.
(47) FAMILY: One or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage plus no more than 4 unrelated individuals occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single housekeeping unit, but not including groups occupying a boarding house, hotel, motel, fraternity, sorority, monastery, or convent.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(48) FAMILY HOME FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: A residential facility that provides room and board, personal care, rehabilitative or habilitative services, and supervision in a family setting for 6 to 8 persons with disabilities (See PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.) One to 5 persons, including resident staff, living in such a residential facility constitute a family for the purposes of this Zoning Code (see FAMILY), and are not subject to the conditional use regulations for family homes. The term "family home for persons with disabilities" does not include "halfway house" or other housing facilities serving as an alternative to incarceration, "nursing home", "boarding house", "rooming house", "lodging house", or any other such similar building or use of a building.
(Ord. 2021-152. Passed 10-14-21.)
(49) FENCE: Any structure composed of wood, iron, steel, masonry, stone or other material and erected in such a manner and in such location as to enclose, secure, partially enclose or secure, provide privacy, decorate, define or enhance all or any part of any premises. Trellises or other structures supporting, or for the purpose of supporting, vines, flowers and other vegetation, when erected in such a position as to enclose all or any part of the premises or otherwise satisfy the intent of this definition shall be considered a fence. A temporary fence in which the primary use is for the control of snow drifts, otherwise commonly known as a “snow fence”, shall not be considered a fence for the purposes of this section.
(50) FLAG LOT: Irregular shaped lots where the bulk of the lot is separated from the street right-of-way by another lot of record; and access to the bulk of the lot is provided by a strip of land abutting to the street right-of-way.
(51) FLEA MARKET: An occasional or periodic market held in a structure where groups of individual sellers offer goods for sale to the public, but not to include garage sales.
(52) FLEX BUILDING: A multi-tenant building that contains separate units that are used by individual businesses. The business units within a flex building will contain a mix of space, including finished office space and space for storage, production, assembly or similar use. Any business unit in a flex building in a C6 Office/Business District shall include at least 25% of the total area finished as dedicated office space.
(53) FLOOR AREA, GROSS: (For determining floor area ratio). The sum of the gross horizontal area of every floor of a building, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating two buildings. The floor area of a building shall include:
A. Elevator shafts and stairwells at each floor;
B. Floor space used for mechanical equipment, except equipment, open or enclosed, located on the roof;
C. Penthouses, roofed porches, breezeways, interior balconies and mezzanines, and attics having headroom of 7 feet 10 inches or more; and
D. Floor area devoted to accessory uses.
However, any space devoted to off-street parking or loading, or any basement, shall not be counted in the floor area ratio
(54) FLOOR AREA FOR LIVING PURPOSES: The total gross area of the structure, but does not include porches, terraces, garages, and basement spaces not in compliance with building code specifications for "habitable space." To be considered for living purposes, the lowest level shall have more than ½ of the ceiling height above the average finished grade.
(55) FLOOR AREA RATIO: The sum of the floor area of each floor, excluding the basement and area devoted to off-street parking or loading, of the building or buildings on a lot, divided by the area of that lot.
(56) FUNERAL HOME: A building or part thereof used for human funeral services. Such building may contain space and facilities for: (a) embalming and the performance of other services used in preparation of the dead for burial; (b) the performance of autopsies and other surgical procedures; (c) the storage of caskets, funeral urns, and other related funeral supplies; and (d) the storage of funeral vehicles, but shall not include facilities for cremation. Where a funeral home is permitted, a funeral chapel shall also be permitted.
(57) GARAGE, PARKING: A principal or accessory building or an enclosed space within the principal building in which off-street parking of motor vehicles is provided, including facilities operated as a business enterprise with a service charge or fee paid to the owner or operator of such facility, with no facilities for mechanical service or repair of a commercial or public nature.
(58) GARAGE, PRIVATE: A detached accessory building or portion of the principal building, enclosed on all sides, designed to store motor vehicles and other normal household accessories of the residents of the principal building, with no facilities for mechanical service or repair of a commercial or public nature. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(59) GASOLINE STATION (OR CONVENIENCE STORE): An establishment where liquids used as motor fuels are stored and dispersed into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles and includes facilities available for the sale of other retail products. This definition shall not include an establishment that is engaged in the fueling, servicing, repair or parking of tractor trailers or similar heavy commercial vehicles.
(Ord. 2019-55. Passed 5-9-19.)
(60) GRADE, FINISHED: The average level of the finished surface of the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of the building.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(61) GROUP HOME FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: A residential facility that provides room and board, personal care, habilitative or rehabilitative services, and supervision for at least 9 persons with disabilities. (See PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.) The term "group home for persons with disabilities" does not include "halfway house" or other housing facilities serving as an alternative to incarceration, "nursing home", "boarding house", "rooming house", "lodging house", or any other such similar building or use of a building.
(Ord. 2021-152. Passed 10-14-21.)
(62) HANDICAPPED: (SEE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.)
(Ord. 2009-101. Passed 6-25-09.)
(63) HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER: A health and wellness center is a community focused, medically managed facility that incorporates a variety of medical, clinical, fitness, wellness, recreational, social and educational programs and events and accessory retail services into one facility. This collection of services, programs and events is medically managed to provide an interface with the community that will promote healthy lifestyles through education with an emphasis on prevention, early detection and outpatient treatment. No less than 35% of the net floor area of a health and wellness center must be devoted to medically related services.
(64) HEALTH/RECREATIONAL FACILITY: An indoor facility for any number of uses such as game courts, exercise equipment, pools, locker rooms, spa, whirlpool or hot tub, and which may include an accessory retail shop for the sale of related equipment.
(65) HOME OCCUPATION: An occupation for gain which is subordinate and incidental to the use of the premises as a dwelling, carried on by a person in the home in which he resides. (Ord. 2018-7. Passed 3-8-18.)
(66) HOSPITALS: A hospital or "hospital complex" consists of one or more buildings in which the primary service provided is medical or surgical care for the sick or injured and may include but not limited to the following uses: operating room facilities, beds for overnight stay, medical laboratories, administrative and medical offices or buildings, pharmacy, restaurant/cafeteria, auditorium/assembly hall, rehabilitation center, child care centers, parking facilities, helipad, maintenance facilities and retail services primarily for the benefit of patients, staff and visitors such as shops for gifts, flowers, medical or pharmaceutical equipment, hotel and restaurant. (Ord. 2022-2. Passed 2-24-02.)
(67) HOTEL (OR MOTEL): A building in which lodging is provided and offered to the public for compensation and which is open to transient guests.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(68) INDOOR SPORTS TRAINING FACILITY: A wholly enclosed facility devoted exclusively to advanced and/or professional instruction and training relating to specific physical sports activities including, but not limited to, gymnastics, boxing, soccer, golf, baseball, or basketball. The term "sports training facility" shall be considered to be distinct from commercial recreational service uses catering to the general public such as health and fitness clubs, shooting ranges, archery ranges, racquet clubs, batting cages, etc. (Ord. 2010-164. Passed 12-9-10.)
(69) INDUSTRY, HEAVY: A use engaged in the basic processing and manufacturing of materials or products predominately from extracted or raw materials, or a use engaged in storage of, or manufacturing processes that potentially involve commonly recognized offensive conditions.
(70) INDUSTRY, LIGHT: A use engaged in the manufacture, predominantly from previously prepared materials, of finished products or parts, including processing, fabrication, assembly, treatment, packaging, incidental indoor storage, and distribution of such products, but excluding basic industrial processing.
(71) JUNK MOTOR VEHICLE: Any motor vehicle that is three years old or older; extensively damaged, the damage including, but not limited to, missing wheels, tires, motors, or transmission; apparently inoperable; has a fair market value of $100 or less; and that is left uncovered in the open on private property for more than 72 hours.
(72) KENNEL: A building or premises where animals are boarded for compensation or are bred or raised on a commercial scale.
(73) LAUNDRY, SELF-SERVE AND DRY CLEANING COUNTER OUTLETS: A business that provides home-type washing, drying, and/or ironing machines for use by customers on the premises, or serves as a drop- off for dry-cleaning or laundry, but where no dry-cleaning processing is done on the premises.
(74) LOADING SPACE: A space provided outside the public right-of-way and on the same lot with a building or contiguous to a group of buildings for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle loading or unloading merchandise and materials.
(75) LOT: For the purpose of this Zoning Code, a lot is a parcel of land of sufficient size to be occupied by a permitted principal building or a group of such buildings and accessory buildings, or utilized for a principal use and uses accessory thereto, together with such open space, yards and parking required by this zoning code The term "zoning lot" is used synonymously with "lot" in this Zoning Code. The term “lot” may include:
A. A single lot of record;
B. A portion of a lot of record;
C. A combination of complete lots of record, of complete lots of record and portions of lots of record, or of portions of lots of record.
(76) LOT AREA: The area contained within the lot lines. No area within the street right-of-way lines shall be considered in determining the lot area. For flag lots, no area of the lot between the front lot line and the street right-of- way shall be considered in determining the lot area.
(77) LOT, CORNER: A lot abutting at the point of intersection two or more streets which intersect at an angle of 135° or less.
(78) LOT COVERAGE: The portion of the lot that is covered by any building and expressed as a percentage.
(79) LOT DEPTH: The mean distance of a lot measured between the front and the rear lot lines.
(80) LOT, FLAG: Irregular shaped lots where the bulk of the lot is separated from the street right-of-way by another lot of record; and access to the bulk of the lot is provided by a strip of land abutting to the street right-of-way.
(81) LOT FRONTAGE: The horizontal distance measured between the side lot lines at the street right-of-way line.
(82) LOT, INTERIOR: A lot with only one frontage on a street.
(83) LOT LINES: The lines defining the limits of a lot. Lot line is synonymous with "property line."
A. FRONT LOT LINE: The line separating the lot from the street right-of-way on which the lot fronts. On a corner lot, the front lot lines shall be each lot line abutting a street. On a flag lot, the front lot line shall be a line parallel to the street right-of-way measured at the minimum lot width.
B. REAR LOT LINE: The lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line; or in the case of triangular or otherwise irregularly shaped lots, a line ten feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line. On a corner lot, there shall be one rear lot line, as determined by the owner.
C. SIDE LOT LINE: Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
(84) LOT OF RECORD: A lot which is part of a subdivision, the plat of which has been recorded in the office of the county recorder, or a parcel of land, the deed to which was of record on or prior to the actual date of this Zoning Code.
(85) LOT, THROUGH: A lot other than a corner lot with frontage on more than one street. Through lots abutting two streets may be referred to as double frontage lots.
(86) LOT WIDTH: The horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured along a straight line parallel to the front lot line at the required building setback line.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(87) MEDICAL OFFICES: A building or clinic used for the diagnosis and treatment of human patients that does not include overnight care facilities. (Ord. 2022-2. Passed 2-24-22.)
(88) NIGHTCLUB (See also BAR): A commercial establishment where a dance floor or entertainment is provided.
(89) NONCONFORMITY: A lot, use of land, building, use of buildings, or use of buildings and land in combination which lawfully existed at the time of enactment of this Zoning Code or its amendments, but which fails by reason of such enactment or amendment to conform to the regulations of the district in which it is situated.
A. NONCONFORMING USE: The use of any building or land which lawfully existed on the effective date of this Zoning Code, or any amendment or supplement thereto, but which fails by reason of such enactment or amendment to conform to the use regulations for the district in which it is located.
B. NONCONFORMING SITE CONDITION: Any lot, building or structure which lawfully existed on the effective date of this Zoning Code or any amendment thereto, but which fails by reason of such enactment or amendment to conform to the lot area, width or yard regulations, parking requirements, sign regulations, landscaping or screening requirements or other development standards of the district in which it is situated.
(90) NURSING HOME: An extended or intermediate care facility which provides skilled nursing and dietary care for persons who are ill or incapacitated or which provides service for the rehabilitation of the persons who are convalescing from illness or incapacitation, excluding homes or similar institutions or facilities for persons suffering from acute or chronic alcoholism, or other drug dependency, or persons who are mentally incapacitated from causes other than simple senility or who regularly require restraint.
(91) OUTDOOR STORAGE: The keeping, in an unroofed area, of any goods, material, merchandise, vehicles, or junk in the same place for more than 24 hours.
(92) OUTDOOR WOOD FIRED HYDRONIC HEATER: Any equipment, device or apparatus which is installed, affixed or situated outdoors for the primary purpose of combustion of fuel to produce heat or energy used as a component of a heating system for any building or structure.
(93) PARKING SPACE, OFF-STREET: An open or enclosed area adequate for parking an automobile with room for opening doors on both sides, with access to a public street. Arrangement of the parking space shall be such as to allow ingress and egress of an automobile without the necessity of moving any other automobile, and shall be located totally outside of any public right-of-way.
(94) PERMITTED USE: A use permitted as a matter of right or upon issuance of a conditional zoning certificate.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(95) PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: With respect to a person, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities, or a record of having such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment, so that such person is incapable of living independently. However, "disabilities" shall not include current, illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance, nor shall it include any person whose residency in the home would constitute a direct threat to the health and safety of other individuals.
(Ord. 2021-152. Passed 10-14-21.)
(96) RECYCLING COLLECTION STATION: An accessory use that serves as a neighborhood drop-off point for the collection and temporary storage of small recoverable resources such as glassware, plastic jugs and metal cans, but which does not involve any processing.
(97) REPAIR GARAGE: A building or portion of a building in which structural repair, rebuilding or reconditioning of motor vehicles, or parts thereof, is conducted, including collision service; spray painting; body, fender, clutch, transmission, differential, axle, spring, and frame repairs; major overhauling of engines requiring the removal of the engine cylinder, head or crankcase pan; repairs to radiators requiring the removal thereof; complete recapping or retreading of tires; or similar activities.
(98) RESEARCH AND TESTING LABORATORY: A building or group of buildings for scientific research, investigation, testing or experimentation, but not facilities for the manufacture or sale of products, except as incidental to the main purpose of the laboratory.
(99) RESTAURANT - COUNTER SERVICE: A retail service establishment whose principal business is the sale of foods, frozen desserts, or beverages in ready-to-consume individual servings, for consumption either within the restaurant building or for carry-out, and where customers are not served their food, frozen desserts, or beverages by a restaurant employee at the same table or counter where the items are consumed.
(100) RESTAURANT - TABLE-SERVICE: A retail service establishment wherein the entire business activity, or substantially all of the business activity, consists of the sale of food to patrons seated at tables for consumption within the building.
(101) RETAIL SALES ESTABLISHMENT. A commercial enterprise that provides goods and/or services directly to the consumer, where such goods are available for immediate purchase and removal from the premises by the purchaser.
(102) RIGHT-OF-WAY: A strip of land taken, dedicated, or otherwise recorded as an irrevocable right-of-passage for use as a public way. In addition to the roadway, it normally incorporates the curbs, lawn strips, sidewalks, water and sewer lines, lighting, and drainage facilities, and may include special features (required by the topography or treatment) such as grade separation, landscaped areas, viaducts, and bridges. "Right-of-way line" also means "street line."
(103) ROOMING HOUSE: A dwelling where lodging is provided to 5 or more persons, other than the proprietor and proprietor's family members, not requiring short term, immediate, or long term nursing care as those terms are utilized and defined by the state department of health and by prearrangement for definite periods of time. No rooming house shall include custodial or supervised rehabilitative programs for the purpose of physical, mental, emotional, vocational, or spiritual rehabilitation or counseling.
(104) SATELLITE DISH RECEIVING ANTENNAS ALSO REFERRED TO AS "EARTH STATIONS" OR "GROUND STATIONS": A television signal receiving device, antenna, dish antenna, or dish-type antenna, the purpose of which is to receive television communication or signals from satellites in earth orbit and other extraterrestrial sources.
A. DISH: That part of a satellite signal receiving antenna characteristically shaped like a saucer or dish.
B. RECEIVER: A television set and/or radio receiver.
(105) SELF-SERVE STORAGE FACILITY: A building or group of buildings in a controlled access and fenced compound that contains varying sizes of individual, compartmentalized self-contained units for the storage of customers goods or wares.
(106) SENIOR CITIZEN APARTMENTS: A building or group of buildings containing dwelling units for households whose heads, or spouses, or sole members are at least 62 years of age or are handicapped as defined in Title II, Sec. 201 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
(107) SETBACK: The required minimum horizontal distance between a lot line and a structure as established by this Code.
(108) SETBACK LINE (See also Required Yard): A line established by this Zoning Code generally parallel with and measured from the lot line, defining the limits of the required yard in which no building, or structure may be located above ground, except as may be provided in this Zoning Code. The term "setback line" shall also include "required setback line."
(109) STORY: That portion of a building between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it or, if there is no floor above it, the space between such floor and the ceiling next above it.
(110) STREET: A public thoroughfare, with the exception of alleys, including the entire area within the right-of-way which affords traffic circulation and the principal means of public access to abutting property.
(111) STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE: A line between a lot, tract or parcel of land and a contiguous street. Where the lot, tract, or parcel of land has been conveyed to the center of the street, the street right-of-way line then becomes the boundary line of land reserved for street purposes.
(112) STRUCTURE: Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires permanent location on the ground or attached to something having a permanent location on the ground, including signs, billboards, and farmers' roadside stands, fences, decks, pools, patios, paved areas, sidewalks and gazebos.
(113) TAVERN: See BAR.
(114) TEMPORARY COMMERCIAL SALES: A periodic sales activity that extends beyond the normal business facility by use of a temporary structure or use of an outdoor area, including a parking area, which is not normally used for sales activity.
(115) USE: The specific purpose for which land or a building is designed, arranged or intended, or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.
(116) VARIANCE: A variance is a modification of the strict terms of the relevant regulations where such modification will not be contrary to the public interest. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(117) VEHICULAR SERVICE STATION: A building or part of a building, structure or space used for the retail sale of fuel, lubricants and/or moto vehicle accessories, the routine maintenance and service, and/or the making of repairs to motor vehicles, except that repairs described as major repairs in REPAIR GARAGE shall not be permitted.
(Ord. 2019-55. Passed 5-9-19.)
(118) VETERINARY HOSPITAL OR CLINIC: A place where animals or pets are given medical or surgical treatment and the boarding of animals is limited to short-term care incidental to the clinic use.
(119) WHOLESALE, WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY: A use engaged in storage, wholesale and distribution of manufactured products, supplies and equipment, but excluding bulk storage of materials that are flammable or explosive or that create a hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions and also excluding self-serve storage facilities.
(120) YARD: An open space on the same lot with a principal building that lies between the principal building and the nearest lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed by any portion of the structure from the ground upward, except for accessory uses, structures or buildings as expressly permitted in this Zoning Code. [Refer to illustration at the end of subsection (b)(113)]
(121) YARD, FRONT: A space extending along the full length of lot lines abutting a street or streets between the lot line(s) and the building line; i.e., any yard abutting a street is a front yard. [Refer to illustration at the end of subsection (b)(113)]
(122) YARD, REAR: A space extending along the full length of the rear of the lot between the rear lot line and the principal building line, between the side lot lines of an interior lot, or between a side lot line and a front yard of a corner lot, as the owner so designates.
Yards - Typical Lot
Yards - Corner Lot
(123) YARD, REQUIRED (See also Setback Line): The open space between a lot line and a setback line that is the minimum area required to comply with the regulations of the district in which the lot is located, and within which no structure shall be located except as expressly permitted in this Zoning Code.
(124) YARD, SIDE: The space between the side lot line and the building, extending from a front yard to a rear yard.
(125) YARD, WIDTH OR DEPTH: The horizontal distance from a lot line to the principal building measured perpendicular to the building.
(126) ZONING CERTIFICATE: A document issued by the Planning Director authorizing the use of lots, structures, uses of lands and structures, and the particular characteristics of the uses.
(127) ZONING CODE: A composite of the zoning text which describes the specific regulations for both private and public uses within each use district and the extent of district boundaries. More specifically, ZONING CODE means Ordinance 2007-222, passed January 10, 2008, as amended, codified herein as Titles Five to Eleven of this Part Eleven - Planning and Zoning Code.
This chapter sets forth the powers and duties of the Planning Director, the Zoning Enforcement Officer, the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, and the City Council with respect to the administration of the provisions of this Zoning Code.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1135.02 PLANNING DIRECTOR.
(a) Establishment. The Planning Director shall administer this Zoning Code. The Planning Director may be provided with the assistance of such other persons as the Mayor may direct.
(b) Powers and Duties. For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the Planning Director shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) Interpret the meaning and application of this Zoning Code.
(2) Issue zoning certificates and other permits as provided by this Zoning Code and keep a record of same with a notation of any special conditions involved.
(3) Accept and review for completeness all applications upon which the Planning Director is authorized to review by the provisions of this Code. The Planning Director shall promptly review each application submitted to determine compliance with applicable district regulations and submission requirements. If the application is deemed insufficient, the Planning Director shall promptly notify the applicant of necessary changes. If the application is deemed sufficient and the application fee has been paid, the Planning Director shall officially accept the application on that date for consideration of the action(s) requested.
(4) Respond to questions concerning applications for amendments to the Zoning Code text and the official Zoning Map.
(5) Maintain permanent and current records required by this Code, including but not limited to zoning approval, inspection documents, and records of all variances, amendments, conditional uses, and similar use determinations.
(6) Make such records available for the use of Council, the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, the Zoning Enforcement Officer and the public.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1135.03 ZONING COMPLIANCE OFFICER.
(a) Establishment. A Zoning Compliance Officer, appointed by the Mayor, shall enforce this Zoning Code, and may be provided with the assistance of such other persons as the Mayor may direct.
(b) Powers and Duties. For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the Zoning Compliance Officer shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) Enforce the provisions of this Zoning Code.
(2) Conduct inspections of buildings and uses of land to determine compliance with this Code and, in the case of any violation, to notify in writing the person(s) responsible, specifying the nature of the violation and ordering corrective action.
(3) Determine the existence of any violations of this Code and cause such notifications, revocation notices, stop work orders, or tickets to be issued, or initiate such other administrative or legal action as needed, to address such violations.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1135.04 PLANNING COMMISSION.
(a) Composition and Organization. The composition, terms of members, organization and meetings of the Planning Commission shall be in compliance with and as provided in Article X of the City Charter.
(b) Proceedings of Planning Commission. Subject to the provisions of Article X of the City Charter, all meetings of the Planning Commission shall be open to the public. The presence of three or more members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business, and action by the Commission on any matter shall be effected by the concurring votes of at least three members.
(c) Powers and Duties of the Commission. For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the City Planning Commission is given the following powers and duties that are in addition to those conferred upon it by the laws of Ohio.
(1) To adopt and recommend to Council a Comprehensive Plan for the physical development of the City, or the redevelopment of any area or district therein which shall include the location of streets and other public ways, parks, playgrounds, recreation areas and other public places.
(2) To review and recommend to Council plans and maps for dividing the City or any portion thereof into zones or districts representing the recommendations of the Commission in the interest of the public health, safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity or general welfare for the regulation and restriction of the location of buildings and other structures and of premises to be used for trade, industry, residence or other specified uses; the regulation and limitation of height of buildings and other structures to be erected or altered; regulation of bulk and location of buildings and other structures to be erected or altered, including the percentage of lot occupancy, setback building lines, and the area of yards, courts and other open spaces in such zones or districts.
(3) To review all site plans required by this Code, and make recommendations to City Council as provided in this Code.
(4) To review all applications for conditional uses for a particular zoning lot according to provisions and criteria stated in this Code and make recommendations to City Council.
(5) To review applications for variances from the terms of this Zoning Code pertaining to uses requiring site plan review or conditional use approval, except as otherwise specified in this Code, as will not be contrary to the public interest and where:
A. The proposal results in a development of equivalent or higher quality than that which could be achieved through strict application of such standards and requirements; or
B. Owing to the special conditions, a literal enforcement of this Code will result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship; and make recommendations to City Council.
(6) To recommend to Council that a proposed use that is not listed or provided for in this Code is substantially similar to a principal or conditionally permitted use that is listed and provided for in this Code.
(7) To review all proposed amendments to the Zoning Code Text and/or Map and to submit to Council the Commission's recommendations with respect to such proposed amendments.
(8) To investigate and to propose on its own initiative such amendments to the Zoning Code as it may deem consistent with the purposes of this Zoning Code and which further the public health, safety and general welfare of Stow.
(9) To review plans for the completion, restoration, reconstruction, expansion, extension or substitution of nonconforming uses, buildings or site conditions for all uses except single-family residential uses where the enforcement of the regulations pertaining to nonconforming lots, buildings, or uses will result in unnecessary hardship.
(10) To adopt rules and bylaws for the holding of regular and special meetings, for the transaction and disposition of its business and the exercise of its powers. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1135.05 BOARD OF ZONING AND BUILDING APPEALS.
(a) Composition and Organization. The composition, terms of members, organization and meetings of the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals shall be in compliance with and as provided in Article XI of the City Charter.
(b) Proceedings of the Board. Subject to the provisions of Article XI of the City Charter, all meetings of the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals shall be open to the public . The presence of three or more members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business and action by the Board shall be effected by the concurring votes of at least three members.
(c) Powers and Duties of the Board. For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals is given the following powers and duties:
(1) To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, interpretation or determination made by an administrative official in the administration or enforcement of this Zoning Code, unless otherwise provided in this Code.
(2) To authorize such variances from the terms of this Zoning Code pertaining to single-family residences in Residential Districts, except as otherwise specified in this Code, as will not be contrary to the public interest where, owing to the special conditions, a literal enforcement of this Code will result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship, and so that the spirit of this Code shall be observed and substantial justice done.
(3) To permit the completion, restoration, reconstruction, expansion or extension of a nonconforming single-family residence in a Residential District where the enforcement of the regulations pertaining to nonconforming lots or buildings will result in unnecessary hardship.
(4) To provide a finding in writing that the reasons set forth in an application for a variance justify the granting of the variance.
(5) To adopt rules or bylaws for the holding of regular and special meetings, for the transaction and disposition of its business and the exercise of its powers.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1135.06 CITY COUNCIL.
For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the City Council shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Approve the appointments of members to the Planning Commission.
(b) Approve the appointments of members to the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals.
(c) Act upon a site plan upon a recommendation of the Planning Commission.
(d) Act upon a request for a conditional use certificate, upon a recommendation of the Planning Commission.
(e) Initiate or act upon proposed amendments to the Zoning Code text or Zoning Map. Final action upon a proposed zoning amendment shall be taken at or after a public hearing.
(f) Override a recommendation of the Planning Commission provided that such legislative action is passed according to the procedure set forth in Section 10.06 of the City Charter.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.01 PURPOSE.
In order to accomplish the purposes for which this Code is adopted, it is essential that its regulations be soundly and consistently applied, and that this Code be vigorously administered.
Administrative provisions are accordingly established in this chapter to carry out the purposes and other substantive provisions of this Code, and in particular:
(a) To establish procedures for the administration of this Code.
(b) To establish procedures for considering and acting upon applications for zoning certificates, and conditional use certificates; appeals from administrative actions; requests for variances; and determination of similar uses.
(c) To establish procedures for adopting amendments to this Code.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.02 ZONING CERTIFICATES.
(a) Zoning Certificate Required. No building or other structure, except as provided for in this Code, shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, moved or structurally altered, nor shall any excavation or site improvements be commenced, nor shall any existing structure or zoning lot be occupied by a new commercial or industrial use until a zoning certificate has been applied for and received by the owner of the property involved or a person having an interest in such property and acting under written authority of the owner, and/or condominium association, if applicable, and such certificate has been issued by the Planning Director. A zoning certificate shall be issued only when:
(1) The Planning Director finds that all applicable requirements and standards of this Code have been complied with.
(2) A site plan as required in this Code has been approved by Council based upon a recommendation by the Planning Commission according to the procedures set forth in Section 1137.03.
(3) A conditional use has been approved by Council based upon a recommendation by Planning Commission according to the procedures set forth in Section 1137.04. Approval by Council shall authorize the Planning Director to issue a conditional use certificate in compliance with said approval. Such conditional use certificate shall set forth any conditions, stipulations, safeguards and variances that have been approved by Planning Commission and Council. The Conditional Zoning Certificate may be transferred to a new property owner or person having an interest in such property for a similar use provided they agree to any applicable conditions, stipulations or safeguards included in the original conditional zoning certificate.
(4) A request for a variance from a numerical standard pertaining to single-family has been approved by the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals in accordance with the limitations, procedures and requirements of Section 1137.06(b).
(5) The Planning Commission has made a determination and Council has confirmed in accordance with the procedures in Section 1137.07 that a proposed use is substantially similar to a principal or conditionally permitted use in the zoning district in which such use is located.
(Ord. 2011-121. Passed 1-12-12.)
(b) Submission of Applications for Zoning Certificates. Application forms for zoning certificates shall be available in the office of the Planning Director. All completed applications accompanied by the required fee and all other applicable submission requirements established in this chapter shall be submitted to the Planning Director.
(c) Review for Completeness by Planning Director. Upon receipt of an application, the Planning Director shall within a reasonable period review the application and any accompanied proposed plan for completeness and compliance with all applicable technical requirements of the Zoning Code. If the requirements have not been satisfied, the application is returned to the applicant with the deficiencies noted, and such application shall not be further processed until determined complete by the Planning Director.
(d) Transmittal to Planning Commission. When an application for a zoning certificate requiring review by the Planning Commission and Council has been determined complete, it shall be transmitted to the Planning Commission to begin the appropriate review process established in this chapter.
(e) Expiration of Zoning Certificates. A zoning certificate shall become void at the expiration of one year after the date of issuance unless construction is begun. If no construction is begun or use changed within one year of the date of the certificate, a new application and certificate shall be required. Construction is deemed to have begun when all necessary excavation and piers or footings of one or more principal buildings included in the plan shall have been completed. Construction shall be completed within 12 months of project commencement for residential projects and within 18 months for commercial and industrial projects.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.03 SITE PLAN REVIEW.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide adequate review by the Planning Commission and Council of proposed development in those zoning districts where the uses permitted are of such a nature because of their size, scale or effect on surrounding property, that review of specific plans is deemed necessary to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the community. Site plan review shall be required for the following:
(1) New construction of all permitted and conditional uses in a commercial or industrial district; and
(2) Any existing or previously approved development which proposes to alter, reconstruct or otherwise modify a use or site including expanding the floor area of permitted use, or changing the use which requires an increase in the amount of parking or a change in the site's circulation except that the following are exempt from Site Plan Review provided they comply with all applicable regulations of the Planning and Zoning Code:
A. Additions of 300 sq. ft. or less to two family or multi-family dwellings;
B. Accessory uses 600 sq. ft. or less in size for two family or multi-family dwellings that comply with the accessory use regulations set forth in Section 1143.07; and
C. Fences erected on a two family or multi-family development that are consistent with Section 1143.07(e).
D. Additions or accessory structures in a commercial or industrial district that have a total square footage that is 25% or less of the ground floor area of the existing principal building or parking lot and that complies with the requirements of this zoning code, and all building and fire codes. (Ord. 2011-121. Passed 1-12-12.)
(b) Administrative Review. The developer or owner of any proposed development, use or structure requiring site plan review pursuant to Section 1137.03(a) is encouraged to meet informally with the staff of the Planning, Engineering, and Fire Departments to review preliminary plans prior to preparing final a site plans pursuant to Section 1137.03(c). The purpose of such preliminary review is to establish a mutual understanding of the provisions of this Code and the development objectives of the City as expressed through the Comprehensive Plan.
(c) Site Plan Approval. The applicant for any use requiring Site Plan approval shall submit 20 copies of the site plan to the Planning Director and payment of the required fee. The site plan shall be prepared by a qualified professional and drawn to an appropriate scale and shall disclose all uses proposed for the development, their location, extent and characteristics and shall include, unless parts are not applicable or necessary and are waived by the Planning Director for certain types of projects, the following maps, plans, designs and supplementary documents:
(1) An accurate legal description prepared by or certified by a registered surveyor of the state;
(2) A property location map showing existing property lines, easements, utilities and street rights-of-way;
(3) A development plan indicating:
A. Use, location and height of existing and proposed buildings and structures, including accessory buildings, structures and uses, along with notation of the development standards for building spacing, setback from property lines, and maximum building heights;
B. Location and configuration of off-street parking and loading areas, the arrangement of internal and in-out traffic movement including access roads and drives; lane and other pavement markings to direct and control parking and circulation; and the location of signs related to parking and traffic control;
C. Adjacent streets and property including lot lines, buildings, parking and drives within 200 feet of the site;
D. Proposed and existing fences, walls, signs, lighting;
E. Location and layout of all outdoor storage areas including storage of waste materials and location of trash receptacles;
F. Sanitary sewers, water and other utilities including fire hydrants, as required, and proposed drainage and storm water management;
G. Dimensions of all buildings, setbacks, parking lots, drives and walkways.
(4) Topographic maps with sufficient elevations to show existing and generally proposed grading contours, and major vegetation features, including existing trees over three inches in diameter and wooded areas;
(5) Proposed landscaping and screening plans indicating the preliminary description of the location and nature of existing and proposed vegetation, landscaping and screening elements and the existing trees to be removed;
(6) Building elevations from all sides showing proposed colors, signage and building materials;
(7) Summary table showing total acres of the proposed development; number of acres devoted to each type of residential and/or non-residential use including streets and open space; number of dwelling units by type;
(8) Description of any variance requested along with a narrative statement establishing and substantiating the justification for the variance;
(9) Other features necessary for the evaluation of the development plan as deemed necessary by the Planning Director or Planning Commission;
(10) Planning Director may require photometric plans of the entire parcel including location, height and type of lighting fixtures.
(d) Planning Commission Review of Site Plans. A complete application shall be transmitted to the Planning Commission, at which time the Planning Department may then distribute the application to appropriate administrative departments for review and comment. Administrative review should be completed and the reports/comments available to the Planning Commission at the time of the Commission's review.
In reviewing a site plan the Planning Commission shall consider the location of buildings, parking areas and other features with respect to the topography of the lot and existing natural features such as streams and large trees; the efficiency, adequacy and safety of the proposed layout of internal streets and driveways, the location of the green area provided, bearing in mind the possible effects of irregularly shaped lots; the adequacy of location, landscaping and screening of the parking lots; and such other matters as the Commission may find to have a material bearing upon the stated standards and objectives of the various district regulations. In approving a site plan, the Planning Commission shall find that:
(1) The plan is consistent with any comprehensive plan for the orderly development of the City.
(2) The appropriate use and value of property within and adjacent to the area will be safeguarded.
(3) The development will result in a harmonious grouping of buildings within the proposed development and in relationship to existing and proposed uses on adjacent property.
(4) The development will have adequate public service, parking and open spaces.
(5) The plan, to the extent practical, will preserve and be sensitive to the natural characteristics of the site.
(6) Adequate provision is made for safe and efficient pedestrian and vehicular circulation within the site and to adjacent property.
(7) Adequate provision is made for storm drainage within and through the site so as to maintain, as far as practicable, usual and normal swales, water courses and drainage areas, and shall comply with any applicable regulations or design criteria established by the City or any other governmental entity which may have jurisdiction over such matters.
(8) If the project is to be carried out in progressive stages, each stage shall be so planned that the foregoing conditions are complied with at the completion of each stage;
(9) The project, if located in a C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, C-6, C-7, C-8 or RB District, complies with the design review standards set forth in Chapter 1182.
(e) Review of Variances. The Planning Commission shall consider each request for a variance described on the proposed plan to determine if it complies with the purpose and intent of this Zoning Code. The Planning Commission may consider a site plan which varies from the strict standards of this Code and act upon the proposed application as if in compliance with the standards and requirements set forth in this Code when it is determined that:
(1) The proposed development substantially complies with all specific requirements and with the purposes, intent and basic objectives of the applicable district and that through imaginative and skillful design in the arrangement of buildings, open space, streets, access drives and other features, as disclosed by the application, the proposal results in a development of equivalent or higher quality than that which could be achieved through strict application of such standards and requirements. The Planning Commission shall also find that the development, as proposed, will have no adverse impact upon the surrounding properties or upon the health, safety or general welfare of the community.
(2) The literal enforcement of the required standard(s) will result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship. In making such a determination, the Planning Commission shall consider and weigh the following factors:
A. Whether special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land or structure involved and which are not applicable generally to other lands or structures in the same Zoning District; examples of such special conditions or circumstances are: exceptional irregularity, narrowness, shallowness or steepness of the lot, or adjacency to nonconforming and inharmonious uses, structures or conditions;
B. Whether the property in question will yield a reasonable return or whether there can be any beneficial use of the property without the variance;
C. Whether the variance is substantial and is the minimum necessary to make possible the reasonable use of the land or structures;
D. Whether the essential character of the neighborhood would be substantially altered or whether adjoining properties would suffer substantial detriment as a result of the variance;
E. Whether the variance would adversely affect the delivery of governmental services such as water, sewer, trash pickup;
F. Whether special conditions or circumstances exist as a result of actions of the owner;
G. Whether the property owner's predicament feasibly can be obviated through some method other than a variance;
H. Whether the spirit and intent behind the zoning requirement would be observed and substantial justice done by granting a variance; and
I. Whether the granting of the variance requested will confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this regulation to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district.
The Planning Commission may further prescribe any conditions and safeguards that it deems necessary to ensure that the objectives of the regulations or provisions to which the variance applies will be met.
(f) Action by Planning Commission.
(1) The Planning Commission may either approve the site plan as submitted; approve the site plan subject to specific conditions not included in the plan as submitted, such as, but not limited to, improvements to the yard layout, open space arrangement, on-site control of access to streets or such features as fences, walls and plantings to further protect and improve the proposed and surrounding developments; or deny the site plan. If the Commission finds that a proposed plan does not meet the purposes of these regulations, it shall deny the plan and shall submit its findings in writing, together with the reasons therefore, to the applicant.
(2) Failure of the Planning Commission to act within 60 days, exclusive of summer vacation and holidays, from the date the application was deemed complete, or an extended time period as may be agreed upon, shall at the election of the applicant be deemed a denial of the final development plan. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(g) Confirmation by Council.
(1) Following action by the Planning Commission, the application and the City Arborist's approved landscaping plan shall be submitted to Council for final action. Council, by majority vote, may confirm the recommendation of the Planning Commission for approval of the site plan, or confirm the recommendation of the Planning Commission for denial of the site plan. Council action which differs from or departs in substantive form from the recommendation of the Planning Commission shall not take effect unless approved by five members of Council, except that no ordinance or resolution may be enacted without the affirmative vote of at least four Council members. Failure of Council to act within 90 days after the introduction of a Council ordinance regarding a Planning Commission recommendation, shall be considered a denial of the final development plan.
(2) In its review of the site plan, Council shall consider and weigh the same factors and criteria as established for Planning Commission review.
(3) Upon confirmation of site plan by Council, the Planning Director shall issue a zoning certificate. (Ord. 2018-61. Passed 1-25-18.)
(h) Term and Assignability.
(1) A Site Plan Approval shall be deemed to authorize a particular development on the specific parcel for which it was approved. The Site Plan Approval is nonassignable without review and recommendation by Planning Commission and approval by Council, and shall expire one year from the date of enactment, unless prior thereto the applicant commences actual construction and erection. There shall be no modification of a Site Plan Approval except after review and recommendation by Planning Commission and resolution of Council. Any changes in an approved plan shall be resubmitted for approval in accordance with this section. Construction is deemed to have begun when all necessary excavation and piers or footings of one or more principal buildings included in the plan shall have been completed.
(2) Extension of a Site Plan Approval shall comply with the following:
A. Extension of Site Plan Approvals without modification may be applied for during the month prior to the date of expiration, if the approval does not carry a prohibition against the extension. Extensions may be granted by the Planning Commission if the Commission finds the request to be consistent with the purpose, policies, and intent of the Comprehensive Plan, the specifications of the Zoning Code, and any specific conditions considered and applied by Council in its original granting of the original Site Plan Approval.
B. Applications for extensions shall be made to the Planning Commission and shall meet the provisions for applications for Site Plan Approval.
C. Requests for renewal of an expired Site Plan Approval shall be considered to be the same as an application for Site Plan Approval and shall meet all requirements for application, review by Planning Commission, and action by Council.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.04 CONDITIONAL USE PROCEDURES.
(a) Conditional Use Application Requirements. When a proposed use is permitted in a zoning district as a conditional use as set forth in the district regulations, an ordinance or resolution enacted by Council approving the conditional use is required prior to the issuance of a zoning certificate. The owner, or agent thereof, of property for which such conditional use is proposed shall file with the Planning Director an application accompanied by payment of the required fee established by Council.
For all districts the application for a conditional use certificate shall disclose all uses proposed for the development, their location, extent and characteristics.
In a C-5 Highway Services District, the owner of a multi-tenant building, or agent thereof, may, as an alternative, apply for a C-5 multi-tenant block conditional use zoning certificate. The application for a C-5 multi-tenant block conditional use zoning certificate shall disclose the following:
(1) The percent of the available space in the multi-tenant building that is reserved for personal services which percent shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the available building space;
(2) The percent of the available space in the multi-tenant building that is reserved for retail which percent shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the available building space, nor shall any individual retail business space exceed 4,000 square feet; and
(3) The combined total personal service and retail space shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the available building space.
A multi-tenant block conditional use zoning certificate once granted will allow a developer or owner of a multi-tenant building to lease/sell one hundred percent (100%) of the space in accordance with the limits stated above without requiring each individual user to apply for a conditional use certificate.
The application for a conditional use certificate in any district shall include, unless parts are not applicable or necessary and are waived by the Planning Director for certain types of projects, a site plan and associated documentation as required in Section 1137.03(c).
(b) Planning Commission Review of Conditional Uses.
(1) A complete application shall be transmitted to the Planning Commission, at which time the Planning Department may then distribute the application to appropriate administrative departments for review and comment. Administrative review should be completed and the reports/comments available to the Planning Commission at the time of the Commission's review.
(2) The Planning Commission shall review the proposed conditional use, as presented on the submitted plans and specifications, to determine whether or not the proposed use is appropriate and in keeping with the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan and this Zoning Code. In making such a determination, the Planning Commission shall find that both the general criteria established for all conditional uses and the specific requirements established for that particular use, as set forth in Title Nine of this Code, shall be satisfied by the establishment and operation of the proposed use.
(3) In addition, the Planning Commission shall review the site plan for the proposed conditional use according to the criteria set forth in Section 1137.03(d) and shall review any request for variances according to the criteria set forth in Section 1137.03(e).
(4) The Commission may require such additional information as deemed necessary including the carrying out of special studies and the provisions of expert advice.
(c) Action by Planning Commission.
(1) The Planning Commission shall take one of the following actions:
A. If the proposed conditional use is found to be appropriate, the Planning Commission shall recommend that Council, by ordinance or resolution, approve a conditional use certificate. As part of the recommendation, the Planning Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions, stipulations, safeguards and limitations on the duration of the use and recommend variances as it may deem necessary and in conformance with the intent and purposes of this Code for the protection of nearby property and the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community.
B. If the proposed use is found to be not in compliance with the specifications of this Zoning Code, or not appropriate to or in keeping with the purpose, policies, and intent of the Comprehensive Plan, the Planning Commission shall recommend the denial of the conditional use certificate.
(2) With the concurrence of the applicant, the Planning Commission may take such additional time as is necessary to further study the proposal and consider modifications thereto. These considerations may include the applicant's further preparation or modification of plans and specifications and any studies or expert advice sought by the Planning Commission to assist in their evaluation. Studies and expert advice may be provided by appropriate City officials; i.e., the City Engineer, the director of planning and development, building inspector, or by other recognized and duly certified experts. The cost of securing expert advice and studies, including the use of City officials' time in excess of that normally provided under these regulations, shall be borne by the applicant, who shall pay said costs prior to the issuance of the conditional use certificate.
(3) Failure of the Planning Commission to act within 60 days, exclusive of summer vacation and holidays, from the date the application was deemed complete, or an extended time period as may be agreed upon, shall at the election of the applicant be deemed a denial of the conditional use application. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(d) Council Review; Notice. Following action by the Planning Commission, the conditional use application, along with the Planning Commission's recommendation and the City Arborist's approved landscaping plan, shall be submitted to Council for review and approval. The City shall post on the subject site notice of Council's pending review of said conditional use application within one week after Council receives an application from the Planning Commission. In its review of the conditional use application and recommendation of the Planning Commission, Council shall consider and weigh the same factors and criteria as established for Planning Commission review.
(Ord. 2018-61. Passed 1-25-18.)
(e) Action by Council.
(1) Council, by majority vote, may enact a resolution granting a conditional use certificate recommended by the Planning Commission. Council action which differs from or departs in substantive form from the recommendation of the Planning Commission shall not take effect unless approved by five members of Council, except that no ordinance or resolution may be enacted without the affirmative vote of at least four Council members.
(2) Failure of Council to act within 90 days after the introduction of a Council ordinance regarding a Planning Commission’s recommendation, shall at the election of the applicant be deemed a denial of the conditional use certificate.
(f) Supplementary Conditions. Council may impose such additional conditions and safeguards as deemed necessary for the general welfare, for the protection of individual property rights and for ensuring that the intent and objectives of this Zoning Code are observed.
(g) Term and Assignability.
(1) A conditional use certificate shall be deemed to authorize a particular conditional use, on a specific parcel for which it was approved. The conditional use certificate is nonassignable and shall expire one year from the date of enactment, unless prior thereto the applicant commences actual construction and erection. There shall be no modification of a conditional use certificate except by resolution of Council. Any changes in an approved plan shall be resubmitted for approval in accordance with this section. Construction is deemed to have begun when all necessary excavation and piers or footings of one or more principal buildings included in the plan shall have been completed.
(2) Extension of a conditional use certificate shall comply with the following:
A. Extension of conditional use certificates without modification may be applied for during the month prior to the date of expiration, if the certificate does not carry a prohibition against the extension. Extensions may be granted by the Planning Commission if the Commission finds the request to be consistent with the purpose, policies, and intent of the Comprehensive Plan, the specifications of the Zoning Code, and any specific conditions considered and applied by Council in its original granting of the original conditional use certificate.
B. Applications for extensions shall be made to the Planning Commission and shall meet the provisions for applications for conditional use certificates.
C. Requests for renewal of expired conditional use certificates shall be considered to be the same as an application for a conditional use certificate and shall meet all requirements for application, review by Planning Commission, and action by Council.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.05 APPEALS.
(a) Appeals to the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals. Any person adversely affected by any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the administration or enforcement of this Zoning Code may appeal to the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, unless otherwise provided for in this Code.
(1) Initiation of Appeal. An appeal shall be made by filing with the secretary of the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, within 20 days from the receipt of the adverse order, requirement, decision, or determination, a written notice of appeal specifying therein the grounds and reasons for the appeal. Upon the filing of any such appeal, the secretary shall forthwith notify the administrative official whose action is so appealed. Within 24 hours the official shall transmit to the secretary all data pertaining to the subject matter upon which the action so appealed was taken.
(2) Public Hearing by the Board. The Board shall select a reasonable time and place for a public hearing of the appeal. Notice of the public hearing shall be given according to the following:
A. Public notice of the date, time and place of the public hearing shall be given at least 10 days before the date of such hearing pursuant to Section 4.12 of the City Charter.
B. Written notice of the date, time, and place of the public hearing shall be mailed, by first class mail, at least 10 days prior thereto, to the owners of property within or contiguous to the area which is the subject of the appeal to the addresses of such owners appearing on the current county tax duplicate.
C. Written notice shall be given to the appellant and to the administrative official concerned.
Any person in interest may appear at the public hearing in person or by attorney.
(3) Decision of the Board. The Board shall render a decision on the appeal without reasonable delay. The secretary of the Board shall notify the appellant in writing of the decision of the Board. The Board shall keep minutes of all proceedings upon appeal, showing the vote of each member thereon, and shall keep records of its official actions.
Failure of the Board to act within 60 days, exclusive of summer vacation and holidays, from the date the appeal was received by the Board, or an extended period of time as may be agreed upon, shall at the election of the appellant be deemed a denial of the appeal.
(b) Appeals to City Council. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1137.05(a), any person adversely affected by a decision made by an administrative official that is based on an interpretation of the Planning Commission's and/or Council's directive, subsequent to site plan review or conditional use approval, may appeal such decision to Council by submitting such appeal in writing to the Clerk of Council.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.06 VARIANCES.
(a) Authority to Grant Variances. Authority to consider variance(s) from the terms of this Zoning Code is granted to the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals and to City Council according to the following:
(1) The Board of Zoning and Building Appeals may authorize a variance from the terms of this Code pertaining to single-family residences in residential districts, except as otherwise specified in this Code.
(2) Council, based on a recommendation of the Planning Commission, may authorize a variance from the terms of this Code pertaining to uses requiring site plan review, or conditional use approval, except as otherwise specified in this Code.
(b) Variances Reviewed by the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals. The Board of Zoning and Building Appeals may authorize, in specific cases, such variance from the terms of this Code as specified in Section 1137.06(a) as will not be contrary to the public interest according to the following procedures:
(1) Application Requirements. An application for a variance shall be filed with the Planning Director for review by the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals upon the forms provided, and shall be accompanied by the following requirements necessary to convey the reason(s) for the requested variance:
A. Name, address and phone number of applicant(s);
B. Proof of ownership, legal interest or written authority;
C. Description of property or portion thereof;
D. Description or nature of variance requested;
E. Narrative statements establishing and substantiating the justification for the variance pursuant to subsection 1137.06(b)(2);
F. Site plans, floor plans, elevations and other drawings at a reasonable scale to convey the need for the variance;
G. Payment of the application fee as established by Council;
H. Any other documents deemed necessary by the Planning Director. Upon receipt of a written request for variance, the Planning Director shall within a reasonable amount of time make a preliminary review of the request to determine whether such application provides the information necessary for review and evaluation. If it is determined that such application does not provide the information necessary for such review and evaluation, the Planning Director shall so advise the applicant of the deficiencies and shall not further process the application until the deficiency is corrected.
(2) Review by the Board. According to the procedures established for appeals in Section 1137.05(a), the Board shall hold a public hearing and give notice of the same. The Board shall review each application for a variance to determine if it complies with the purpose and intent of this Code and evidence demonstrates that the literal enforcement of this Code will result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship. The following factors shall be considered and weighed by the Board in determining practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship:
A. Whether special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land or structure involved and which are not applicable generally to other lands or structures in the same Zoning District; examples of such special conditions or circumstances are: exceptional irregularity, narrowness, shallowness or steepness of the lot, or adjacency to nonconforming and inharmonious uses, structures or conditions;
B. Whether the property in question will yield a reasonable return or whether there can be any beneficial use of the property without the variance;
C. Whether the variance is substantial and is the minimum necessary to make possible the reasonable use of the land or structures;
D. Whether the essential character of the neighborhood would be substantially altered or whether adjoining properties would suffer substantial detriment as a result of the variance;
E. Whether the variance would adversely affect the delivery of governmental services such as water, sewer, trash pickup;
F. Whether special conditions or circumstances exist as a result of actions of the owner;
G. Whether the property owner's predicament feasibly can be obviated through some method other than a variance;
H. Whether the spirit and intent behind the zoning requirement would be observed and substantial justice done by granting a variance; and
I. Whether the granting of the variance requested will confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this regulation to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district.
(3) Additional Conditions and Safeguards. The Board may further prescribe any conditions and safeguards that it deems necessary to ensure that the objectives of the regulations or provisions to which the variance applies will be met.
(4) Action by the Board. The Board shall either approve, approve with supplementary conditions as specified in subsection c, or disapprove the request for variance. The Board shall further make a finding in writing that the reasons set forth in the application justify the granting of the variance that will make possible a reasonable use of the land, building or structure.
(c) Variances Reviewed by Planning Commission and Council. An application for a variance pertaining to a use requiring site plan review or conditional use approval, shall be reviewed by Planning Commission and Council according to the procedures established for site plan review in Section 1137.03, or for conditional use approval in Section 1137.04, whichever is applicable. When an application for a variance is submitted separate from a site plan for building construction or site modifications, the application requirements shall be as required for variance reviewed by the Board of Appeals as set forth in Section 1137.06(b)(1).
(d) Term and Extension of Variance. Variances shall be nonassignable prior to the commencement of construction and shall expire one year from the date of their enactment, unless prior thereto, the applicant commences actual construction in accordance with the granted variance. There shall be no modification of variances except by further consideration of the appropriate review body.
(1) Extension. Extension of variances, without modification, may be applied for during the month prior to the expiration, if the variance does not carry a prohibition against the extension. Extensions may be granted by the appropriate review body if that body finds that the requested extension is consistent with the purpose, policies, intent and specifications of the zoning code, and with any specific conditions considered and applied in the original granting of the original variance.
Application for extension shall be made according to the provisions for application for variances pursuant to Section 1137.06(b).
(2) Renewal. Requests for renewal of expired variances shall be considered to be the same as an application for a variance and shall meet all requirements for application and review pursuant to Section 1137.06(b).
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(e)Reasonable Accommodation. Pursuant to the Federal Fair Housing Act, as Amended in 1988, the City of Stow is obligated to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to secure reasonable accommodations with respect to housing rules, policies, practices, and procedures of the City of Stow and Housing Providers to guarantee equal access to housing for those individuals.
(1)Definitions. For purposes of this Code, the following terms are defined below:
A. Disability: A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of having such an impairment or being regarded as having such impairment. Individuals who are currently using illegal substances are not covered under the Act, unless they have a separate disability.
B. Authorized Agent: A person or persons designated by individual(s) with a disability to make decisions for the individual(s).
C. Reasonable Accommodation: For purposes of this ordinance, Reasonable Accommodations include reasonable modifications and accommodations. A reasonable modification is a change made to residential property occupied by a person with a disability to afford such a person the full enjoyment of the premises. A reasonable accommodation is a change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy or practice.
D. Reasonable Accommodation Request: A request to modify land use, zoning, and building regulations, policies, practices, or procedures to give individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.
E.Property Owner: The individual or company that is responsible for the payment of any rates and taxes that arise on the property in question or exercises owners’ rights to the property such as a block of the property in question.
F. Reasonable Accommodation Review Process: The process, consisting of approval of the Law Director and the Planning Director, designated to make determinations on fair housing accommodation requests pursuant to these Regulations. The Law Director and the Planning Director shall undertake appropriate training in Fair Housing Law on a biannual basis, and shall retain record of such training until superseded by new training.
(2)Requesting Reasonable Accommodation.
A. An Individual with a disability or an Authorized Agent of individual(s) may request a Reasonable Accommodation to the City of Stow’s land use regulations, zoning regulations, policies, practices and procedures.
B. A Reasonable Accommodation can be made in writing or verbally. The information provided must include:
1. Name and address of the Individual(s) with a disability whom are requesting the accommodation.
2. Address of the property for which a Reasonable Accommodation is requested.
3. Description of the Reasonable Accommodation requested and the City of Stow’s land use regulation, zoning regulation, policy, practice or procedure to which a change is required for the person with a disability.
4. Name, address, and phone number of the Property Owner.
C. A Reasonable Accommodation Request may be made at any time when the Reasonable Accommodation is necessary to ensure equal access to housing.
D. The Reasonable Accommodation Request must not be made available to review to anyone who is not a member of the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process.
E. While a Reasonable Accommodation Request is pending, all of the City of Stow’s land use regulations, zoning regulations, policies, practices and procedures that apply to the property in question are in full effect.
F. The grant of a Reasonable Accommodation Request by the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process does not affect an individual’s obligations to comply with any other applicable City of Stow land use regulations, zoning regulations, policies, practices and procedures.
(3)Reasonable Accommodation Review Board.
A. Reasonable Accommodation Requests must be reviewed by the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process.
B. The Reasonable Accommodation Review Process must jointly issue a written decision on a Reasonable Accommodation Request within thirty (30) days of their Receipt of the Reasonable Accommodation Request.
C. The Reasonable Accommodation may grant the Reasonable Accommodation Request, grant the Reasonable Accommodation Request with modifications, or deny the Reasonable Accommodation Request based on one or more of the Factors for Consideration of Reasonable Accommodation Request.
D. If the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process needs additional information in deciding how to rule on the Reasonable Accommodation Request, the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process may make specific and detailed requests of the further information needed from the Individual(s) with a disability. If this request is made, the thirty (30) day period within which the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process must decide is stayed until the Individual(s) with a disability responds to the request.
(4)Factors for Consideration of Reasonable Accommodation Request.
A. The Reasonable Accommodation Review Process’ jointly written decision to grant, grant with modifications, or deny a Reasonable Accommodation Request must be based on the following factors:
1. Whether the housing, which is the subject of the request for reasonable accommodation, will be used by Individual(s) with a disability;
2. Whether the requested accommodation is necessary to make housing available to Individual(s) with a disability;
3. Whether the requested accommodation would impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the City of Stow; and
4. Whether the requested accommodation would require fundamental alteration to the City of Stow’s land use and zoning or building program.
(5)Written Decision by Reviewing Authority.
A. The Reasonable Accommodation Review Process’ jointly written decision on a Reasonable Accommodation Request must explain the basis of the decision by using their findings with respect to the factors set forth in subsection (e)(4)A.1.-4.
B. All decisions by the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process must include notice to the Individual(s) with a disability who filed the Reasonable Accommodation Request’s ability to appeal.
C. Notice of the decision and a copy of the decision must be sent to the Individual(s) with a disability who filed the Reasonable Accommodation Request by certified mail within three (3) business days from the date of the decision.
D. The jointly written decision of the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process is a final appealable order unless it is appealed by the Individual(s) with a disability who filed the Reasonable Accommodation Request.
E. If the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process fails to render a written decision on the Reasonable Accommodation Request within the thirty (30) day period set forth in subsection (e)(5)B., the Reasonable Accommodation Request is automatically granted.
(6)Appeals.
A. The Individual(s) with a disability who made the Reasonable Accommodation Request or his or her Authorized Agent may appeal a decision by filing a written request for an appeal within sixty (60) days of the date of the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process’ written decision with the Board of Zoning Appeals, and notice given to the Reasonable Accommodation Review Board.
B. All appeals must contain a statement of the grounds for appeal.
(7)Reporting.
A. The Reasonable Accommodation Review Process shall provide a report to Council on an annual basis of the number of reasonable accommodations granted by the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process in the previous year. The number of the reasonable accommodations shall not list any identifying information, but shall include the number of reasonable accommodations granted in each of the Wards of the City.
(Ord. 2022-207. Passed 3-9-23.)
1137.07 DETERMINATION OF SIMILAR USES.
Where a specific use is proposed that is not listed or provided for in this Code, the Planning Commission and Council may make a determination that the proposed use is substantially similar to a specific use that is listed or provided for as a principal or conditionally permitted use in this Code or is determined to be consistent with the purpose statement for the District in which such use is proposed. If the Commission and Council find that a use is substantially similar to a specific use listed in this Code, the substantially similar use may be permitted as a conditional use or a use permitted by right in those districts which have the principal or conditionally permitted use most similar. (Ord. 2011-121. Passed 1-12-12.)
1137.08 AMENDMENTS
(a) Authority for Amendments. Whenever the public necessity, convenience, general welfare, or good zoning practices require, City Council may by ordinance amend, revise, rearrange, renumber or recodify this Zoning Code or amend, supplement, change or repeal the boundaries or classification of property according to the procedures set forth in Section 1137.08(b) to (e) and subject to the procedures provided by law.
(b) Initiation of Zoning Amendments. Amendments to the Zoning Code may be initiated in one of the following ways:
(1) By the filing of an application to the Planning Commission by one or more owners of property within the area proposed to be changed or affected by said amendment.
(2) By the adoption of a motion by the Planning Commission;
(3) By the passage of a motion by City Council;
(c) Map Amendments Initiated by Property Owner(s). A map amendment initiated by one or more owners of property within the area proposed to be changed or affected by said amendment shall be submitted and reviewed according to the following:
(1) Application Requirements. Applications for amendments to the Zoning Map adopted as part of this Code by Section 1141.02 shall contain at least the following information:
A. The name, address and phone number of the applicant and the property owner if other than the applicant;
B. Legal description of the parcel(s) to be rezoned, drawn by a registered surveyor;
C. A statement of the reason(s) for the proposed amendment;
D. Present use and zoning district;
E. Proposed use and zoning district;
F. A vicinity map at a scale approved by the Planning Director showing property lines, thoroughfares, existing and proposed zoning, and such other items as the Planning Director may require;
G. A list of all owners of abutting property including any abutting property located in abutting communities;
H. A statement on the ways in which the proposed amendment relates to the Comprehensive Plan;
I. The payment of the application fee as established by Council.
(2) Referral to Planning Commission. After the filing of an application by a property owner(s), said application shall be referred to the Planning Commission for its consideration and recommendation.
(3) Recommendation by Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall recommend one of the following:
A. That the amendment be granted as requested,
B. That the amendment be granted as modified by the Planning Commission, or
C. That the amendment be denied.
The decision of the Planning Commission shall indicate the specific reason(s) upon which the recommendation is based.
(4) Public Hearing and Notice by Council. Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Planning Commission, Council shall set a time for a public hearing on the proposed amendment. Notice of the public hearing shall be given by Council pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 10.05 of the City Charter. The published notice shall set forth the time and place of the public hearing and a summary of the proposed amendment. During such 30 days, the text of the proposed amendment, maps or plans, if applicable, and the recommendations of the Planning Commission shall be on file for public examination in the office of the Clerk of Council or in such other office as is designated by Council.
(5) Notice to Property Owners by Council. If the proposed amendment intends to rezone or redistrict ten or less parcels of land, as listed on the tax duplicate, written notice of the hearing shall be mailed by the Clerk of Council, by first class mail, at least 20 days before the day of the public hearing to all owners of property within 300 feet of such area proposed to be rezoned or redistricted to the addresses of such owners appearing on the County Auditor's current tax list or the Treasurer's mailing list, and to such other list or lists that may be specified by Council. The notice shall contain the same information as required of notices published in newspapers as specified in subsection d. above. In addition, the City shall post on the subject site notice of Council's pending review of such proposed map amendment within one week after Council receives the application from the Planning Commission.
(6) Action by Council. After the public hearing required by subsection d. above, Council shall either adopt or deny the recommendation of the Planning Commission or adopt some modification thereof. In the event Council adopts the recommendations of the Planning Commission, concurrence by a majority of the full Council members shall be required. Any such proposal may be amended prior to the voting thereon by Council without further notice or postponement, if such amendment to the proposal shall be germane to the subject matter thereof and is in accordance with the recommendation of the Commission.
If no action has been taken by Council within 90 days after the introduction of a Council ordinance regarding a Planning Commission recommendation, then such proposed amendment shall be considered a denial.
(d) Amendments Initiated by Planning Commission. The Planning Commission on its own initiative may, by the passage of a motion, recommend to City Council changes in the Zoning Code and Zoning Map. After Planning Commission has made a recommendation to City Council, Council shall follow the procedures for review and hearing of the proposed amendment as set forth in Section 1137.08(c)(4) to (6).
(e) Amendments Initiated by Council. Amendments to the Zoning Code or Zoning Map initiated by the adoption of a motion by City Council shall comply with the following:
(1) Referral to Planning Commission. After the adoption of a motion by Council, said motion shall be referred to the Planning Commission for its consideration and recommendation.
(2) Recommendation by Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall recommend one of the following: (1) that the amendment be granted as requested, (2) that the amendment be granted as modified by the Planning Commission, or (3) that the amendment be denied. The decision of the Planning Commission shall indicate the specific reason(s) upon which the recommendation is based. If the Planning Commission does not make a recommendation on a motion adopted by Council within sixty days, and the time for responding is not extended by Council, Council may act as if the Planning Commission recommended approval.
(3) Public Hearing and Action by Council. After receiving a recommendation from the Planning Commission, Council shall follow the procedures for review and hearing of the proposed amendment as set forth in Section 1137.08(c)(4) to (6).
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.09 ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES.
(a) Enforcement by Zoning Compliance Officer. The provisions of this Zoning Code shall be enforced by the Planning Director or designee.
(b) Construction and Use Shall Be as Approved. Zoning certificates issued by the Planning Director on the basis of approved plans and applications authorize only the use and arrangement set forth in such approved plans and applications, or amendments thereto. Use, arrangement or construction contrary to that authorized shall be deemed a punishable violation of this Code.
(c) Complaints Regarding Violations. Whenever a violation of this Code occurs or is alleged to have occurred, any person may file a written complaint with the Zoning Compliance Officer stating fully the causes and basis of such complaint. The Zoning Compliance Officer shall record such complaint, investigate and, if a violation of this Code has in fact occurred, shall take appropriate action thereon to enforce this Code. Any building or land use considered a possible violation of any of the provisions of this Zoning Code which is observed by any official or citizen shall be reported to the Zoning Compliance Officer.
(d) Inspection and Correction of Property.
(1) The Zoning Compliance Officer shall inspect any building erected, altered, moved, razed or converted, or any use of land or premises carried on in violation of any of the provisions of this Zoning Code. The Zoning Compliance Officer shall declare each violation a nuisance and, in writing, order correction of all conditions which are found to be in violation of this Zoning Code.
(2) All violations shall be corrected within 15 days after the written order is issued or a longer period of time as indicated in the written order. For issues of impending danger to health and safety, a shorter compliance period will be ordered. Any violations not corrected within the specified period of time shall be cause for prosecution.
(e) Penalties and Fines.
(1) It shall be unlawful to:
A. Use or occupy any land or place; build, erect, alter, remodel, restore or rebuild thereon any building or structure; or permit any building or structure to remain on such land; or use, occupy, or operate such building or structure, in any way or for any use or purpose which is not permitted by the provisions of this Zoning Code; or
B. Use or occupy any parcel of land or use or occupy a new building or make an enlargement or substitution or other change in the use or occupancy of any land or building without having received a zoning certificate indicating compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Code from the Planning Director; or
C. Aid, assist, or participate with any person in placing, building, erecting, altering, remodeling, restoring or rebuilding any building or structure which is not permitted by the provisions of this Zoning Code; or
D. Violate or fail to perform any condition, stipulation or safeguard set forth in any certificate issued pursuant to this Zoning Code or continue to use or occupy the premises or building as previously authorized by such certificate beyond the duration limit therein stated; or
E. Continue construction, renovation, or improvements contrary to a Stop Work Order or Notice of Violation; or
F. Refuse to permit the Zoning Compliance Officer to enter any premises in the City to investigate a reported violation of the provisions of this Zoning Code or refuse or fail to furnish to such Zoning Compliance Officer a statement as to the number of persons occupying such premises; or
G. Knowingly make any materially false statement of fact in an application to the Planning Director for a zoning certificate or in the plans or specifications submitted to the Planning Director in relation to such application.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(2) Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any provision of this Code, including any condition upon an approval granted under this code, may be found guilty of a minor misdemeanor, which includes a maximum fine of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) and no jail time. If the offender has been convicted of an offense under this code within two years before the violation, the offender may be found guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree which includes a maximum fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) and a maximum possible penalty of 30 days in jail. Each day such violation continues after receipt of a violation notice shall be considered a separate offense.
(Ord. 2020-142. Passed 10-8-20.)
1137.10 SCHEDULE OF FEES.
Council shall by Ordinance establish a schedule of fees for recreation impact fees, building permits, amendments, appeals, variances, conditional use permits, and other procedures and services pertaining to the administration and enforcement of this Code after considering the recommendations of the Planning Director with respect to actual administrative costs, both direct and indirect. The schedule of fees shall be available at City Hall, and may be altered or amended only by Council. Until all such appropriate fees, charges, and expenses have been paid in full, no action shall be taken on any application, appeal, or administrative procedure.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.11 PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS.
(a) The Planning Commission shall not make decisions, render any approvals or recommendations or take any other action in any other form pursuant to Chapter 1137 until the Planning Commission has complied with the following requirement:
(b) Upon the receipt of any application, request for an approval or recommendation, a request for any other action by the Planning Commission or if the Planning Commission initiates a proposal, the Planning Commission shall place a sign on the property no less than eighty-four hours before the Planning Commission acts on such matter.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
Stow City Zoning Code
TITLE FIVE
Zoning Administration
1131.01 SHORT TITLE.
Titles Five to Eleven of this Part Eleven - Planning and Zoning Code shall be known and may be cited as the "Zoning Code of the City of Stow."
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1131.02 PURPOSE.
(a) This Zoning Code is enacted for the general purpose of promoting the public health, safety, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare for the improvement and development of the City and is established to regulate the: use of buildings, structures, lots and lands; location, type, height, bulk, number of stories, and size of buildings and structures; percentage of land area occupancy; setback building lines, size of yards and other open spaces; and to create use districts for such purposes.
(b) Further, more specific purposes are to:
(1) Protect the character and the values of the residential, business, industrial and recreational areas and to assure their orderly and beneficial development;
(2) Provide adequate open spaces for light and air, to prevent overcrowding of the land, excessive concentration of the population, and, on the other hand, excessive and wasteful scattering of the population;
(3) Manage congestion on the streets, to improve the public safety by locating buildings and uses adjacent to streets in such a manner that they will cause the least interference with, and be damaged least by, traffic movements;
(4) Facilitate adequate provisions for public utilities and facilities such as recreation, school, sewerage, water, transportation and other public requirements; and
(5) Encourage the most appropriate uses of the land and guide the future development of the City, all in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1131.03 INTERPRETATION OF ZONING CODE; MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In interpreting and applying the provisions of this Zoning Code, the provisions shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare.
(b) This Zoning Code shall not interfere with, abrogate or annul any easement, covenant or other agreement between parties except that in cases where this Zoning Code imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises, upon the height of buildings, upon the lot area per family, or requires larger yards or other open spaces than are imposed or required by such easements, covenants or agreements, the provisions of this Zoning Code shall control.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1131.04 CONFLICTING LAWS.
This Zoning Code shall not repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way impair or interfere with any existing law or ordinance, or any rules or regulations heretofore or hereafter adopted or promulgated pursuant to law regulating the use of land or buildings. However, in cases where this Zoning Code imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises, upon the height of buildings, upon the lot area per family, or requires larger yards or other open spaces than are imposed or required by such other laws or ordinances, or by such rules and regulations, the provisions of this Zoning Code shall control.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1131.05 SEVERABILITY.
Sections and subsections of this Zoning Code and the several parts or provisions thereof are hereby declared to be independent sections, subsections, parts and provisions, and the holding of any such section, subsection, part or provision thereof to be unconstitutional, void or ineffective for any cause shall not affect nor render invalid any other such section, subsection, part or provision thereof. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1131.06 EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Zoning Code shall take effect and be in force from and after November 14, 1993.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1133.01 DEFINITIONS.
Words used in this Zoning Code are used in their ordinary English usage. However, for the purpose of this Zoning Code, certain words used herein are defined and whenever used in this Code shall have the meaning indicated in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
(a) The following are special meanings of words:
Words used in the present tense include the future. The masculine, feminine or neutral gender includes either of the others. The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular. The word "shall" is mandatory; the word "may" is permissive. The word "lot" includes the word "plot". The word "erected" includes the word "used" and the word "altered". The phrase "used for" shall include "occupied for", "intended for", "designed for" or "arranged for". The word "build" shall include to "erect," "convert," "enlarge," "reconstruct" or "structurally alter" a building or structure or part thereof.
(b) Certain general terms are hereby defined as follows:
(1) ABUTTING: Having a common border with, or being separated from such a common border by a right-of-way, alley, or easement.
(2) ACCESSORY BUILDING: A subordinate building customarily incidental to, detached from and located upon the same lot occupied by the principal building or use.
(3) ACCESSORY USE (OR STRUCTURE): A use, object, or structure constructed or installed on, above or below grade which is incidental to or customarily in connection with, or subordinate to, the principal building or use and is located on the same lot with such principal building or use.
(4) ADULT DAY CARE CENTER: A facility providing care for the elderly and/or functionally impaired adults in a protective setting for a portion of a 24 hour day. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(5) “ADULT USE CANNABIS CULTIVATOR” means a Level 1 Adult Use cultivator, as defined in ORC 3780.01(19), a Level 2 Adult Use cultivator, as defined in ORC 3780.20, or an Level III Adult Use Cultivator, as defined in ORC 3780.21.
(6) “ADULT USE CANNABIS DISPENSARY” means a person licensed pursuant to ORC 3780.15 and any other rules promulgated to sell adult use cannabis as authorized.
(7) “ADULT USE CANNABIS FACILITY” means an adult use cannabis cultivator, dispensary, processor, or testing laboratory, as defined in this section.
(8) “ADULT USE CANNABIS PROCESSOR” means a person licensed pursuant to ORC 3780.14 and any other rules promulgated to manufacture adult use cannabis as authorized.
(9) “ADULT USE CANNABIS TESTING LABORATORY” means an independent laboratory located that has been issued a license by the division of cannabis control to have custody and use of adult use cannabis for scientific purposes and for the purposes of instruction, research, or analysis. (Ord. 2024-243. Passed 1-23-25.)
(10) ALTERATION: Any change that would prolong the life of the supporting members of a building or structure, such as the bearing walls, columns, beams or girders. Additionally, applied to a building or structure, means a change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in the entrance and exit facilities, or an enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height, or the moving from one location or position to another.
(11) AMUSEMENT DEVICE: Any machine or device which, upon the insertion of a coin, slug, token, or similar, may be operated by the public generally by manipulating special equipment whereby a score is established, the object of which is to secure a special number or numbers or a total score, whether a prize is offered or not.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(12) ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY: A residential or institutional complex containing dwelling units for independent and assisted living, and with each dwelling or room occupied by no more than two residents who are not restricted in their movements and do not require skilled nursing care. Assisted living facilities offer meals, housekeeping, social programs and other personalized care and have common dining, gathering and recreational areas. Assisted living facilities may offer other specialized services as an accessory use including, but not limited to, memory care.
(Ord. 2016-130. Passed 1-26-17.)
(13) BAR: An establishment devoted to the serving of alcoholic beverages consumed on the premises and in which the service of food is only incidental to the consumption of such beverages.
(14) BASEMENT: A portion of a building partly or entirely underground whose ceiling or underpart of the floor above is four feet or less above the average finished ground elevation. The "average finished ground elevation" is the mean elevation of the finished grade around all of the exterior of the building. (See also GRADE, FINISHED.)
(15) BOARD: The Board of Zoning and Building Appeals of Stow, Ohio. (See Section 1135.05.)
(16) BOARDING HOUSE: A dwelling where lodging and meals are provided to 5 or more persons, not requiring short term, immediate, or long-term nursing care as those terms are utilized and defined by the state departments of health and public welfare, other than the members of the proprietor's family, by prearrangement for definite periods of time. No BOARDING HOUSE shall include custodial or supervised rehabilitative programs for the purpose of physical, mental, emotional, vocational, or spiritual rehabilitation or counseling.
(17) BUILDING: Any structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals, or property.
(18) BUILDING HEIGHT: The vertical dimension measured from the average finished grade at the front of the building to the highest point of a flat roof, to the deck line of a mansard roof, and to the average height between the plate and ridge of a gable, hip, or gambrel roof.
(19) BUILDING LINE (FRONT AND REAR): An imaginary linear extension of the building wall parallel to the lot line defining the limits of the front or rear yard.
(20) BUILDING, PRINCIPAL: The building on a lot used to accommodate the primary use to which the premises are devoted.
(21) CAR WASH: A building or area that provides facilities for washing and cleaning motor vehicles, which may use production line methods with a conveyor, blower, or other mechanical devices and/or which may employ hand labor.
(22) CEMETERY: Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the human dead and dedicated for cemetery purposes, including columbariums and mausoleums, when operated in conjunction with and within the boundaries of such cemetery.
(23) CHILD CARE: Care provided for any part of the 24 hour day for infants, toddlers, preschool children, and school children outside of school hours by persons other than their parents or guardians, custodians, or relatives by blood, marriage or adoption, in a place or residence other than the child's own home. Places of worship during religious services are not included.
(24) CHILD DAY-CARE CENTER: Any place in which child care is provided for more than three children under age of two (2), or seven (7) or more pre- school children or school age children outside of school hours by persons other than their parents for any part of the twenty-four (24) hour day.
(25) CHILD DAY-CARE HOME - TYPE B: As defined by ORC 5104.01(E), a permanent residence of the administrator in which child care is provided for 1 to 6 children and in which no more than 3 children are under two years of age.
(26) CHURCH OR PLACES OF WORSHIP: A building originally designed for and only for, and used primarily for public worship. The word "place of worship" includes the words "church," "chapel," "synagogue" and "temple" and their uses and activities which are customarily related.
(27) COMMERCIAL RECREATION, INDOOR: A commercial recreational land use that typically involves some physical or athletic activity and that is conducted entirely within a building including a bowling alley, dance hall, skating rink or similar use. Indoor commercial recreation shall not include an establishment where the principal activity includes the use of video arcade or other amusement device.
(28) COMMERCIAL RECREATION, OUTDOOR: A commercial recreational land use that typically involves some physical or athletic activity and that is conducted outside including driving ranges (not associated with a golf course), batting cages, miniature golf or similar uses.
(29) COMMISSION: The City Planning Commission of Stow, Ohio. (See Section 1135.04.)
(30) CONDITIONAL USE: A use that, owing to some special circumstances attendant to its operation or installation, is permitted in a district only under certain conditions set forth in Title Nine, and which requires a conditional use certificate and approval by the City Planning Commission and City Council, in accordance with the standards and procedures of Sections 1137.04.
(31) CONDITIONAL ZONING CERTIFICATE: An ordinance or resolution enacted by Council which sets forth any conditions, stipulations, safeguards, and variances that have been approved by City Council after review and a recommendation by the Planning Commission.
(32) CONGREGATE LIVING FACILITY: A building used as group living quarters for a student body, religious order, or other group as an associated use to a college, university, boarding school, orphanage, convent, monastery, or other similar use. Congregate living facilities do not include kitchen facilities, except a group kitchen facility to serve all residents.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(33) CREMATORIES: A location containing properly installed, certified apparatus intended for use in the act of cremation of human remains. Cremation is the mechanical, thermal, or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments. Crematories shall be operated in conformance with all applicable local, State and Federal laws and regulations. (Ord. 2020-186. Passed 3-11-21.)
(34) DENSITY: The number of dwelling units located on an acre of land.
(35) DISTRICT: An area of land for which there are uniform zoning regulations governing the use of buildings and premises, density of development, yard requirements, and height limitations.
(36) DRIVE-THRU FACILITY: Any portion of a building or structure from which business is transacted, or is capable of being transacted, directly with customers located in a motor vehicle during such business transactions. The term "drive-thru" shall also include "drive-up" and "drive-in."
(37) DWELLING: Any building or portion thereof which is designed and used exclusively by one or more human occupants for the purpose of residing for an extended time. A dwelling may be comprised of more than one dwelling unit.
(38) DWELLING UNIT: A building or portion thereof designed exclusively for residential occupancy by one family and having cooking facilities with a separate outside entrance.
(39) DWELLING, APARTMENT BUILDING: A building or portion thereof designed for occupancy by three or more families living independently of each other in three or more dwelling units where one or more of the dwelling units are above the first or ground floor, and the units are separated by party walls with varying arrangements of entrances.
(40) DWELLING, ATTACHED SINGLE-FAMILY: Single-family dwelling units which are structurally attached to one another, but which maintain separate identities, including such elements as separate ground-floor entrances, services and attached garages.
(41) DWELLING, CLUSTER SINGLE-FAMILY: A building designed and used exclusively for occupancy by one family, separated from other dwelling units by open space, which is grouped with other dwellings on a site and which is not located on its own subdivided lot.
(42) DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY: A building designed and used exclusively for occupancy by one family, separated from other dwelling units by open space.
(43) DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY: A building designed and used exclusively by two families living independently of each other. The dwelling units may be either attached side by side or one above the other.
(44) DWELLING, MULTI-FAMILY: A dwelling containing three or more dwelling units.
(45) DWELLING, TOWNHOUSE: Three or more dwelling units each having direct access to the outside at grade and with common walls separating the dwelling units, and no dwelling units are located one over the other. The words "townhouse," and "row house" shall be considered synonymous.
(46) DWELLING, ZERO LOT LINE: A building located on a lot in such a manner that one or more of the building's sides rests directly on a lot line.
(47) FAMILY: One or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage plus no more than 4 unrelated individuals occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single housekeeping unit, but not including groups occupying a boarding house, hotel, motel, fraternity, sorority, monastery, or convent.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(48) FAMILY HOME FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: A residential facility that provides room and board, personal care, rehabilitative or habilitative services, and supervision in a family setting for 6 to 8 persons with disabilities (See PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.) One to 5 persons, including resident staff, living in such a residential facility constitute a family for the purposes of this Zoning Code (see FAMILY), and are not subject to the conditional use regulations for family homes. The term "family home for persons with disabilities" does not include "halfway house" or other housing facilities serving as an alternative to incarceration, "nursing home", "boarding house", "rooming house", "lodging house", or any other such similar building or use of a building.
(Ord. 2021-152. Passed 10-14-21.)
(49) FENCE: Any structure composed of wood, iron, steel, masonry, stone or other material and erected in such a manner and in such location as to enclose, secure, partially enclose or secure, provide privacy, decorate, define or enhance all or any part of any premises. Trellises or other structures supporting, or for the purpose of supporting, vines, flowers and other vegetation, when erected in such a position as to enclose all or any part of the premises or otherwise satisfy the intent of this definition shall be considered a fence. A temporary fence in which the primary use is for the control of snow drifts, otherwise commonly known as a “snow fence”, shall not be considered a fence for the purposes of this section.
(50) FLAG LOT: Irregular shaped lots where the bulk of the lot is separated from the street right-of-way by another lot of record; and access to the bulk of the lot is provided by a strip of land abutting to the street right-of-way.
(51) FLEA MARKET: An occasional or periodic market held in a structure where groups of individual sellers offer goods for sale to the public, but not to include garage sales.
(52) FLEX BUILDING: A multi-tenant building that contains separate units that are used by individual businesses. The business units within a flex building will contain a mix of space, including finished office space and space for storage, production, assembly or similar use. Any business unit in a flex building in a C6 Office/Business District shall include at least 25% of the total area finished as dedicated office space.
(53) FLOOR AREA, GROSS: (For determining floor area ratio). The sum of the gross horizontal area of every floor of a building, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating two buildings. The floor area of a building shall include:
A. Elevator shafts and stairwells at each floor;
B. Floor space used for mechanical equipment, except equipment, open or enclosed, located on the roof;
C. Penthouses, roofed porches, breezeways, interior balconies and mezzanines, and attics having headroom of 7 feet 10 inches or more; and
D. Floor area devoted to accessory uses.
However, any space devoted to off-street parking or loading, or any basement, shall not be counted in the floor area ratio
(54) FLOOR AREA FOR LIVING PURPOSES: The total gross area of the structure, but does not include porches, terraces, garages, and basement spaces not in compliance with building code specifications for "habitable space." To be considered for living purposes, the lowest level shall have more than ½ of the ceiling height above the average finished grade.
(55) FLOOR AREA RATIO: The sum of the floor area of each floor, excluding the basement and area devoted to off-street parking or loading, of the building or buildings on a lot, divided by the area of that lot.
(56) FUNERAL HOME: A building or part thereof used for human funeral services. Such building may contain space and facilities for: (a) embalming and the performance of other services used in preparation of the dead for burial; (b) the performance of autopsies and other surgical procedures; (c) the storage of caskets, funeral urns, and other related funeral supplies; and (d) the storage of funeral vehicles, but shall not include facilities for cremation. Where a funeral home is permitted, a funeral chapel shall also be permitted.
(57) GARAGE, PARKING: A principal or accessory building or an enclosed space within the principal building in which off-street parking of motor vehicles is provided, including facilities operated as a business enterprise with a service charge or fee paid to the owner or operator of such facility, with no facilities for mechanical service or repair of a commercial or public nature.
(58) GARAGE, PRIVATE: A detached accessory building or portion of the principal building, enclosed on all sides, designed to store motor vehicles and other normal household accessories of the residents of the principal building, with no facilities for mechanical service or repair of a commercial or public nature. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(59) GASOLINE STATION (OR CONVENIENCE STORE): An establishment where liquids used as motor fuels are stored and dispersed into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles and includes facilities available for the sale of other retail products. This definition shall not include an establishment that is engaged in the fueling, servicing, repair or parking of tractor trailers or similar heavy commercial vehicles.
(Ord. 2019-55. Passed 5-9-19.)
(60) GRADE, FINISHED: The average level of the finished surface of the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of the building.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(61) GROUP HOME FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: A residential facility that provides room and board, personal care, habilitative or rehabilitative services, and supervision for at least 9 persons with disabilities. (See PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.) The term "group home for persons with disabilities" does not include "halfway house" or other housing facilities serving as an alternative to incarceration, "nursing home", "boarding house", "rooming house", "lodging house", or any other such similar building or use of a building.
(Ord. 2021-152. Passed 10-14-21.)
(62) HANDICAPPED: (SEE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.)
(Ord. 2009-101. Passed 6-25-09.)
(63) HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER: A health and wellness center is a community focused, medically managed facility that incorporates a variety of medical, clinical, fitness, wellness, recreational, social and educational programs and events and accessory retail services into one facility. This collection of services, programs and events is medically managed to provide an interface with the community that will promote healthy lifestyles through education with an emphasis on prevention, early detection and outpatient treatment. No less than 35% of the net floor area of a health and wellness center must be devoted to medically related services.
(64) HEALTH/RECREATIONAL FACILITY: An indoor facility for any number of uses such as game courts, exercise equipment, pools, locker rooms, spa, whirlpool or hot tub, and which may include an accessory retail shop for the sale of related equipment.
(65) HOME OCCUPATION: An occupation for gain which is subordinate and incidental to the use of the premises as a dwelling, carried on by a person in the home in which he resides. (Ord. 2018-7. Passed 3-8-18.)
(66) HOSPITALS: A hospital or "hospital complex" consists of one or more buildings in which the primary service provided is medical or surgical care for the sick or injured and may include but not limited to the following uses: operating room facilities, beds for overnight stay, medical laboratories, administrative and medical offices or buildings, pharmacy, restaurant/cafeteria, auditorium/assembly hall, rehabilitation center, child care centers, parking facilities, helipad, maintenance facilities and retail services primarily for the benefit of patients, staff and visitors such as shops for gifts, flowers, medical or pharmaceutical equipment, hotel and restaurant. (Ord. 2022-2. Passed 2-24-02.)
(67) HOTEL (OR MOTEL): A building in which lodging is provided and offered to the public for compensation and which is open to transient guests.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(68) INDOOR SPORTS TRAINING FACILITY: A wholly enclosed facility devoted exclusively to advanced and/or professional instruction and training relating to specific physical sports activities including, but not limited to, gymnastics, boxing, soccer, golf, baseball, or basketball. The term "sports training facility" shall be considered to be distinct from commercial recreational service uses catering to the general public such as health and fitness clubs, shooting ranges, archery ranges, racquet clubs, batting cages, etc. (Ord. 2010-164. Passed 12-9-10.)
(69) INDUSTRY, HEAVY: A use engaged in the basic processing and manufacturing of materials or products predominately from extracted or raw materials, or a use engaged in storage of, or manufacturing processes that potentially involve commonly recognized offensive conditions.
(70) INDUSTRY, LIGHT: A use engaged in the manufacture, predominantly from previously prepared materials, of finished products or parts, including processing, fabrication, assembly, treatment, packaging, incidental indoor storage, and distribution of such products, but excluding basic industrial processing.
(71) JUNK MOTOR VEHICLE: Any motor vehicle that is three years old or older; extensively damaged, the damage including, but not limited to, missing wheels, tires, motors, or transmission; apparently inoperable; has a fair market value of $100 or less; and that is left uncovered in the open on private property for more than 72 hours.
(72) KENNEL: A building or premises where animals are boarded for compensation or are bred or raised on a commercial scale.
(73) LAUNDRY, SELF-SERVE AND DRY CLEANING COUNTER OUTLETS: A business that provides home-type washing, drying, and/or ironing machines for use by customers on the premises, or serves as a drop- off for dry-cleaning or laundry, but where no dry-cleaning processing is done on the premises.
(74) LOADING SPACE: A space provided outside the public right-of-way and on the same lot with a building or contiguous to a group of buildings for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle loading or unloading merchandise and materials.
(75) LOT: For the purpose of this Zoning Code, a lot is a parcel of land of sufficient size to be occupied by a permitted principal building or a group of such buildings and accessory buildings, or utilized for a principal use and uses accessory thereto, together with such open space, yards and parking required by this zoning code The term "zoning lot" is used synonymously with "lot" in this Zoning Code. The term “lot” may include:
A. A single lot of record;
B. A portion of a lot of record;
C. A combination of complete lots of record, of complete lots of record and portions of lots of record, or of portions of lots of record.
(76) LOT AREA: The area contained within the lot lines. No area within the street right-of-way lines shall be considered in determining the lot area. For flag lots, no area of the lot between the front lot line and the street right-of- way shall be considered in determining the lot area.
(77) LOT, CORNER: A lot abutting at the point of intersection two or more streets which intersect at an angle of 135° or less.
(78) LOT COVERAGE: The portion of the lot that is covered by any building and expressed as a percentage.
(79) LOT DEPTH: The mean distance of a lot measured between the front and the rear lot lines.
(80) LOT, FLAG: Irregular shaped lots where the bulk of the lot is separated from the street right-of-way by another lot of record; and access to the bulk of the lot is provided by a strip of land abutting to the street right-of-way.
(81) LOT FRONTAGE: The horizontal distance measured between the side lot lines at the street right-of-way line.
(82) LOT, INTERIOR: A lot with only one frontage on a street.
(83) LOT LINES: The lines defining the limits of a lot. Lot line is synonymous with "property line."
A. FRONT LOT LINE: The line separating the lot from the street right-of-way on which the lot fronts. On a corner lot, the front lot lines shall be each lot line abutting a street. On a flag lot, the front lot line shall be a line parallel to the street right-of-way measured at the minimum lot width.
B. REAR LOT LINE: The lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line; or in the case of triangular or otherwise irregularly shaped lots, a line ten feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line. On a corner lot, there shall be one rear lot line, as determined by the owner.
C. SIDE LOT LINE: Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
(84) LOT OF RECORD: A lot which is part of a subdivision, the plat of which has been recorded in the office of the county recorder, or a parcel of land, the deed to which was of record on or prior to the actual date of this Zoning Code.
(85) LOT, THROUGH: A lot other than a corner lot with frontage on more than one street. Through lots abutting two streets may be referred to as double frontage lots.
(86) LOT WIDTH: The horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured along a straight line parallel to the front lot line at the required building setback line.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(87) MEDICAL OFFICES: A building or clinic used for the diagnosis and treatment of human patients that does not include overnight care facilities. (Ord. 2022-2. Passed 2-24-22.)
(88) NIGHTCLUB (See also BAR): A commercial establishment where a dance floor or entertainment is provided.
(89) NONCONFORMITY: A lot, use of land, building, use of buildings, or use of buildings and land in combination which lawfully existed at the time of enactment of this Zoning Code or its amendments, but which fails by reason of such enactment or amendment to conform to the regulations of the district in which it is situated.
A. NONCONFORMING USE: The use of any building or land which lawfully existed on the effective date of this Zoning Code, or any amendment or supplement thereto, but which fails by reason of such enactment or amendment to conform to the use regulations for the district in which it is located.
B. NONCONFORMING SITE CONDITION: Any lot, building or structure which lawfully existed on the effective date of this Zoning Code or any amendment thereto, but which fails by reason of such enactment or amendment to conform to the lot area, width or yard regulations, parking requirements, sign regulations, landscaping or screening requirements or other development standards of the district in which it is situated.
(90) NURSING HOME: An extended or intermediate care facility which provides skilled nursing and dietary care for persons who are ill or incapacitated or which provides service for the rehabilitation of the persons who are convalescing from illness or incapacitation, excluding homes or similar institutions or facilities for persons suffering from acute or chronic alcoholism, or other drug dependency, or persons who are mentally incapacitated from causes other than simple senility or who regularly require restraint.
(91) OUTDOOR STORAGE: The keeping, in an unroofed area, of any goods, material, merchandise, vehicles, or junk in the same place for more than 24 hours.
(92) OUTDOOR WOOD FIRED HYDRONIC HEATER: Any equipment, device or apparatus which is installed, affixed or situated outdoors for the primary purpose of combustion of fuel to produce heat or energy used as a component of a heating system for any building or structure.
(93) PARKING SPACE, OFF-STREET: An open or enclosed area adequate for parking an automobile with room for opening doors on both sides, with access to a public street. Arrangement of the parking space shall be such as to allow ingress and egress of an automobile without the necessity of moving any other automobile, and shall be located totally outside of any public right-of-way.
(94) PERMITTED USE: A use permitted as a matter of right or upon issuance of a conditional zoning certificate.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(95) PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: With respect to a person, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities, or a record of having such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment, so that such person is incapable of living independently. However, "disabilities" shall not include current, illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance, nor shall it include any person whose residency in the home would constitute a direct threat to the health and safety of other individuals.
(Ord. 2021-152. Passed 10-14-21.)
(96) RECYCLING COLLECTION STATION: An accessory use that serves as a neighborhood drop-off point for the collection and temporary storage of small recoverable resources such as glassware, plastic jugs and metal cans, but which does not involve any processing.
(97) REPAIR GARAGE: A building or portion of a building in which structural repair, rebuilding or reconditioning of motor vehicles, or parts thereof, is conducted, including collision service; spray painting; body, fender, clutch, transmission, differential, axle, spring, and frame repairs; major overhauling of engines requiring the removal of the engine cylinder, head or crankcase pan; repairs to radiators requiring the removal thereof; complete recapping or retreading of tires; or similar activities.
(98) RESEARCH AND TESTING LABORATORY: A building or group of buildings for scientific research, investigation, testing or experimentation, but not facilities for the manufacture or sale of products, except as incidental to the main purpose of the laboratory.
(99) RESTAURANT - COUNTER SERVICE: A retail service establishment whose principal business is the sale of foods, frozen desserts, or beverages in ready-to-consume individual servings, for consumption either within the restaurant building or for carry-out, and where customers are not served their food, frozen desserts, or beverages by a restaurant employee at the same table or counter where the items are consumed.
(100) RESTAURANT - TABLE-SERVICE: A retail service establishment wherein the entire business activity, or substantially all of the business activity, consists of the sale of food to patrons seated at tables for consumption within the building.
(101) RETAIL SALES ESTABLISHMENT. A commercial enterprise that provides goods and/or services directly to the consumer, where such goods are available for immediate purchase and removal from the premises by the purchaser.
(102) RIGHT-OF-WAY: A strip of land taken, dedicated, or otherwise recorded as an irrevocable right-of-passage for use as a public way. In addition to the roadway, it normally incorporates the curbs, lawn strips, sidewalks, water and sewer lines, lighting, and drainage facilities, and may include special features (required by the topography or treatment) such as grade separation, landscaped areas, viaducts, and bridges. "Right-of-way line" also means "street line."
(103) ROOMING HOUSE: A dwelling where lodging is provided to 5 or more persons, other than the proprietor and proprietor's family members, not requiring short term, immediate, or long term nursing care as those terms are utilized and defined by the state department of health and by prearrangement for definite periods of time. No rooming house shall include custodial or supervised rehabilitative programs for the purpose of physical, mental, emotional, vocational, or spiritual rehabilitation or counseling.
(104) SATELLITE DISH RECEIVING ANTENNAS ALSO REFERRED TO AS "EARTH STATIONS" OR "GROUND STATIONS": A television signal receiving device, antenna, dish antenna, or dish-type antenna, the purpose of which is to receive television communication or signals from satellites in earth orbit and other extraterrestrial sources.
A. DISH: That part of a satellite signal receiving antenna characteristically shaped like a saucer or dish.
B. RECEIVER: A television set and/or radio receiver.
(105) SELF-SERVE STORAGE FACILITY: A building or group of buildings in a controlled access and fenced compound that contains varying sizes of individual, compartmentalized self-contained units for the storage of customers goods or wares.
(106) SENIOR CITIZEN APARTMENTS: A building or group of buildings containing dwelling units for households whose heads, or spouses, or sole members are at least 62 years of age or are handicapped as defined in Title II, Sec. 201 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
(107) SETBACK: The required minimum horizontal distance between a lot line and a structure as established by this Code.
(108) SETBACK LINE (See also Required Yard): A line established by this Zoning Code generally parallel with and measured from the lot line, defining the limits of the required yard in which no building, or structure may be located above ground, except as may be provided in this Zoning Code. The term "setback line" shall also include "required setback line."
(109) STORY: That portion of a building between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it or, if there is no floor above it, the space between such floor and the ceiling next above it.
(110) STREET: A public thoroughfare, with the exception of alleys, including the entire area within the right-of-way which affords traffic circulation and the principal means of public access to abutting property.
(111) STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE: A line between a lot, tract or parcel of land and a contiguous street. Where the lot, tract, or parcel of land has been conveyed to the center of the street, the street right-of-way line then becomes the boundary line of land reserved for street purposes.
(112) STRUCTURE: Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires permanent location on the ground or attached to something having a permanent location on the ground, including signs, billboards, and farmers' roadside stands, fences, decks, pools, patios, paved areas, sidewalks and gazebos.
(113) TAVERN: See BAR.
(114) TEMPORARY COMMERCIAL SALES: A periodic sales activity that extends beyond the normal business facility by use of a temporary structure or use of an outdoor area, including a parking area, which is not normally used for sales activity.
(115) USE: The specific purpose for which land or a building is designed, arranged or intended, or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.
(116) VARIANCE: A variance is a modification of the strict terms of the relevant regulations where such modification will not be contrary to the public interest. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(117) VEHICULAR SERVICE STATION: A building or part of a building, structure or space used for the retail sale of fuel, lubricants and/or moto vehicle accessories, the routine maintenance and service, and/or the making of repairs to motor vehicles, except that repairs described as major repairs in REPAIR GARAGE shall not be permitted.
(Ord. 2019-55. Passed 5-9-19.)
(118) VETERINARY HOSPITAL OR CLINIC: A place where animals or pets are given medical or surgical treatment and the boarding of animals is limited to short-term care incidental to the clinic use.
(119) WHOLESALE, WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY: A use engaged in storage, wholesale and distribution of manufactured products, supplies and equipment, but excluding bulk storage of materials that are flammable or explosive or that create a hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions and also excluding self-serve storage facilities.
(120) YARD: An open space on the same lot with a principal building that lies between the principal building and the nearest lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed by any portion of the structure from the ground upward, except for accessory uses, structures or buildings as expressly permitted in this Zoning Code. [Refer to illustration at the end of subsection (b)(113)]
(121) YARD, FRONT: A space extending along the full length of lot lines abutting a street or streets between the lot line(s) and the building line; i.e., any yard abutting a street is a front yard. [Refer to illustration at the end of subsection (b)(113)]
(122) YARD, REAR: A space extending along the full length of the rear of the lot between the rear lot line and the principal building line, between the side lot lines of an interior lot, or between a side lot line and a front yard of a corner lot, as the owner so designates.
Yards - Typical Lot
Yards - Corner Lot
(123) YARD, REQUIRED (See also Setback Line): The open space between a lot line and a setback line that is the minimum area required to comply with the regulations of the district in which the lot is located, and within which no structure shall be located except as expressly permitted in this Zoning Code.
(124) YARD, SIDE: The space between the side lot line and the building, extending from a front yard to a rear yard.
(125) YARD, WIDTH OR DEPTH: The horizontal distance from a lot line to the principal building measured perpendicular to the building.
(126) ZONING CERTIFICATE: A document issued by the Planning Director authorizing the use of lots, structures, uses of lands and structures, and the particular characteristics of the uses.
(127) ZONING CODE: A composite of the zoning text which describes the specific regulations for both private and public uses within each use district and the extent of district boundaries. More specifically, ZONING CODE means Ordinance 2007-222, passed January 10, 2008, as amended, codified herein as Titles Five to Eleven of this Part Eleven - Planning and Zoning Code.
This chapter sets forth the powers and duties of the Planning Director, the Zoning Enforcement Officer, the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, and the City Council with respect to the administration of the provisions of this Zoning Code.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1135.02 PLANNING DIRECTOR.
(a) Establishment. The Planning Director shall administer this Zoning Code. The Planning Director may be provided with the assistance of such other persons as the Mayor may direct.
(b) Powers and Duties. For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the Planning Director shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) Interpret the meaning and application of this Zoning Code.
(2) Issue zoning certificates and other permits as provided by this Zoning Code and keep a record of same with a notation of any special conditions involved.
(3) Accept and review for completeness all applications upon which the Planning Director is authorized to review by the provisions of this Code. The Planning Director shall promptly review each application submitted to determine compliance with applicable district regulations and submission requirements. If the application is deemed insufficient, the Planning Director shall promptly notify the applicant of necessary changes. If the application is deemed sufficient and the application fee has been paid, the Planning Director shall officially accept the application on that date for consideration of the action(s) requested.
(4) Respond to questions concerning applications for amendments to the Zoning Code text and the official Zoning Map.
(5) Maintain permanent and current records required by this Code, including but not limited to zoning approval, inspection documents, and records of all variances, amendments, conditional uses, and similar use determinations.
(6) Make such records available for the use of Council, the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, the Zoning Enforcement Officer and the public.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1135.03 ZONING COMPLIANCE OFFICER.
(a) Establishment. A Zoning Compliance Officer, appointed by the Mayor, shall enforce this Zoning Code, and may be provided with the assistance of such other persons as the Mayor may direct.
(b) Powers and Duties. For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the Zoning Compliance Officer shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) Enforce the provisions of this Zoning Code.
(2) Conduct inspections of buildings and uses of land to determine compliance with this Code and, in the case of any violation, to notify in writing the person(s) responsible, specifying the nature of the violation and ordering corrective action.
(3) Determine the existence of any violations of this Code and cause such notifications, revocation notices, stop work orders, or tickets to be issued, or initiate such other administrative or legal action as needed, to address such violations.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1135.04 PLANNING COMMISSION.
(a) Composition and Organization. The composition, terms of members, organization and meetings of the Planning Commission shall be in compliance with and as provided in Article X of the City Charter.
(b) Proceedings of Planning Commission. Subject to the provisions of Article X of the City Charter, all meetings of the Planning Commission shall be open to the public. The presence of three or more members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business, and action by the Commission on any matter shall be effected by the concurring votes of at least three members.
(c) Powers and Duties of the Commission. For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the City Planning Commission is given the following powers and duties that are in addition to those conferred upon it by the laws of Ohio.
(1) To adopt and recommend to Council a Comprehensive Plan for the physical development of the City, or the redevelopment of any area or district therein which shall include the location of streets and other public ways, parks, playgrounds, recreation areas and other public places.
(2) To review and recommend to Council plans and maps for dividing the City or any portion thereof into zones or districts representing the recommendations of the Commission in the interest of the public health, safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity or general welfare for the regulation and restriction of the location of buildings and other structures and of premises to be used for trade, industry, residence or other specified uses; the regulation and limitation of height of buildings and other structures to be erected or altered; regulation of bulk and location of buildings and other structures to be erected or altered, including the percentage of lot occupancy, setback building lines, and the area of yards, courts and other open spaces in such zones or districts.
(3) To review all site plans required by this Code, and make recommendations to City Council as provided in this Code.
(4) To review all applications for conditional uses for a particular zoning lot according to provisions and criteria stated in this Code and make recommendations to City Council.
(5) To review applications for variances from the terms of this Zoning Code pertaining to uses requiring site plan review or conditional use approval, except as otherwise specified in this Code, as will not be contrary to the public interest and where:
A. The proposal results in a development of equivalent or higher quality than that which could be achieved through strict application of such standards and requirements; or
B. Owing to the special conditions, a literal enforcement of this Code will result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship; and make recommendations to City Council.
(6) To recommend to Council that a proposed use that is not listed or provided for in this Code is substantially similar to a principal or conditionally permitted use that is listed and provided for in this Code.
(7) To review all proposed amendments to the Zoning Code Text and/or Map and to submit to Council the Commission's recommendations with respect to such proposed amendments.
(8) To investigate and to propose on its own initiative such amendments to the Zoning Code as it may deem consistent with the purposes of this Zoning Code and which further the public health, safety and general welfare of Stow.
(9) To review plans for the completion, restoration, reconstruction, expansion, extension or substitution of nonconforming uses, buildings or site conditions for all uses except single-family residential uses where the enforcement of the regulations pertaining to nonconforming lots, buildings, or uses will result in unnecessary hardship.
(10) To adopt rules and bylaws for the holding of regular and special meetings, for the transaction and disposition of its business and the exercise of its powers. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1135.05 BOARD OF ZONING AND BUILDING APPEALS.
(a) Composition and Organization. The composition, terms of members, organization and meetings of the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals shall be in compliance with and as provided in Article XI of the City Charter.
(b) Proceedings of the Board. Subject to the provisions of Article XI of the City Charter, all meetings of the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals shall be open to the public . The presence of three or more members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business and action by the Board shall be effected by the concurring votes of at least three members.
(c) Powers and Duties of the Board. For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals is given the following powers and duties:
(1) To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, interpretation or determination made by an administrative official in the administration or enforcement of this Zoning Code, unless otherwise provided in this Code.
(2) To authorize such variances from the terms of this Zoning Code pertaining to single-family residences in Residential Districts, except as otherwise specified in this Code, as will not be contrary to the public interest where, owing to the special conditions, a literal enforcement of this Code will result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship, and so that the spirit of this Code shall be observed and substantial justice done.
(3) To permit the completion, restoration, reconstruction, expansion or extension of a nonconforming single-family residence in a Residential District where the enforcement of the regulations pertaining to nonconforming lots or buildings will result in unnecessary hardship.
(4) To provide a finding in writing that the reasons set forth in an application for a variance justify the granting of the variance.
(5) To adopt rules or bylaws for the holding of regular and special meetings, for the transaction and disposition of its business and the exercise of its powers.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1135.06 CITY COUNCIL.
For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the City Council shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Approve the appointments of members to the Planning Commission.
(b) Approve the appointments of members to the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals.
(c) Act upon a site plan upon a recommendation of the Planning Commission.
(d) Act upon a request for a conditional use certificate, upon a recommendation of the Planning Commission.
(e) Initiate or act upon proposed amendments to the Zoning Code text or Zoning Map. Final action upon a proposed zoning amendment shall be taken at or after a public hearing.
(f) Override a recommendation of the Planning Commission provided that such legislative action is passed according to the procedure set forth in Section 10.06 of the City Charter.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.01 PURPOSE.
In order to accomplish the purposes for which this Code is adopted, it is essential that its regulations be soundly and consistently applied, and that this Code be vigorously administered.
Administrative provisions are accordingly established in this chapter to carry out the purposes and other substantive provisions of this Code, and in particular:
(a) To establish procedures for the administration of this Code.
(b) To establish procedures for considering and acting upon applications for zoning certificates, and conditional use certificates; appeals from administrative actions; requests for variances; and determination of similar uses.
(c) To establish procedures for adopting amendments to this Code.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.02 ZONING CERTIFICATES.
(a) Zoning Certificate Required. No building or other structure, except as provided for in this Code, shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, moved or structurally altered, nor shall any excavation or site improvements be commenced, nor shall any existing structure or zoning lot be occupied by a new commercial or industrial use until a zoning certificate has been applied for and received by the owner of the property involved or a person having an interest in such property and acting under written authority of the owner, and/or condominium association, if applicable, and such certificate has been issued by the Planning Director. A zoning certificate shall be issued only when:
(1) The Planning Director finds that all applicable requirements and standards of this Code have been complied with.
(2) A site plan as required in this Code has been approved by Council based upon a recommendation by the Planning Commission according to the procedures set forth in Section 1137.03.
(3) A conditional use has been approved by Council based upon a recommendation by Planning Commission according to the procedures set forth in Section 1137.04. Approval by Council shall authorize the Planning Director to issue a conditional use certificate in compliance with said approval. Such conditional use certificate shall set forth any conditions, stipulations, safeguards and variances that have been approved by Planning Commission and Council. The Conditional Zoning Certificate may be transferred to a new property owner or person having an interest in such property for a similar use provided they agree to any applicable conditions, stipulations or safeguards included in the original conditional zoning certificate.
(4) A request for a variance from a numerical standard pertaining to single-family has been approved by the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals in accordance with the limitations, procedures and requirements of Section 1137.06(b).
(5) The Planning Commission has made a determination and Council has confirmed in accordance with the procedures in Section 1137.07 that a proposed use is substantially similar to a principal or conditionally permitted use in the zoning district in which such use is located.
(Ord. 2011-121. Passed 1-12-12.)
(b) Submission of Applications for Zoning Certificates. Application forms for zoning certificates shall be available in the office of the Planning Director. All completed applications accompanied by the required fee and all other applicable submission requirements established in this chapter shall be submitted to the Planning Director.
(c) Review for Completeness by Planning Director. Upon receipt of an application, the Planning Director shall within a reasonable period review the application and any accompanied proposed plan for completeness and compliance with all applicable technical requirements of the Zoning Code. If the requirements have not been satisfied, the application is returned to the applicant with the deficiencies noted, and such application shall not be further processed until determined complete by the Planning Director.
(d) Transmittal to Planning Commission. When an application for a zoning certificate requiring review by the Planning Commission and Council has been determined complete, it shall be transmitted to the Planning Commission to begin the appropriate review process established in this chapter.
(e) Expiration of Zoning Certificates. A zoning certificate shall become void at the expiration of one year after the date of issuance unless construction is begun. If no construction is begun or use changed within one year of the date of the certificate, a new application and certificate shall be required. Construction is deemed to have begun when all necessary excavation and piers or footings of one or more principal buildings included in the plan shall have been completed. Construction shall be completed within 12 months of project commencement for residential projects and within 18 months for commercial and industrial projects.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.03 SITE PLAN REVIEW.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide adequate review by the Planning Commission and Council of proposed development in those zoning districts where the uses permitted are of such a nature because of their size, scale or effect on surrounding property, that review of specific plans is deemed necessary to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the community. Site plan review shall be required for the following:
(1) New construction of all permitted and conditional uses in a commercial or industrial district; and
(2) Any existing or previously approved development which proposes to alter, reconstruct or otherwise modify a use or site including expanding the floor area of permitted use, or changing the use which requires an increase in the amount of parking or a change in the site's circulation except that the following are exempt from Site Plan Review provided they comply with all applicable regulations of the Planning and Zoning Code:
A. Additions of 300 sq. ft. or less to two family or multi-family dwellings;
B. Accessory uses 600 sq. ft. or less in size for two family or multi-family dwellings that comply with the accessory use regulations set forth in Section 1143.07; and
C. Fences erected on a two family or multi-family development that are consistent with Section 1143.07(e).
D. Additions or accessory structures in a commercial or industrial district that have a total square footage that is 25% or less of the ground floor area of the existing principal building or parking lot and that complies with the requirements of this zoning code, and all building and fire codes. (Ord. 2011-121. Passed 1-12-12.)
(b) Administrative Review. The developer or owner of any proposed development, use or structure requiring site plan review pursuant to Section 1137.03(a) is encouraged to meet informally with the staff of the Planning, Engineering, and Fire Departments to review preliminary plans prior to preparing final a site plans pursuant to Section 1137.03(c). The purpose of such preliminary review is to establish a mutual understanding of the provisions of this Code and the development objectives of the City as expressed through the Comprehensive Plan.
(c) Site Plan Approval. The applicant for any use requiring Site Plan approval shall submit 20 copies of the site plan to the Planning Director and payment of the required fee. The site plan shall be prepared by a qualified professional and drawn to an appropriate scale and shall disclose all uses proposed for the development, their location, extent and characteristics and shall include, unless parts are not applicable or necessary and are waived by the Planning Director for certain types of projects, the following maps, plans, designs and supplementary documents:
(1) An accurate legal description prepared by or certified by a registered surveyor of the state;
(2) A property location map showing existing property lines, easements, utilities and street rights-of-way;
(3) A development plan indicating:
A. Use, location and height of existing and proposed buildings and structures, including accessory buildings, structures and uses, along with notation of the development standards for building spacing, setback from property lines, and maximum building heights;
B. Location and configuration of off-street parking and loading areas, the arrangement of internal and in-out traffic movement including access roads and drives; lane and other pavement markings to direct and control parking and circulation; and the location of signs related to parking and traffic control;
C. Adjacent streets and property including lot lines, buildings, parking and drives within 200 feet of the site;
D. Proposed and existing fences, walls, signs, lighting;
E. Location and layout of all outdoor storage areas including storage of waste materials and location of trash receptacles;
F. Sanitary sewers, water and other utilities including fire hydrants, as required, and proposed drainage and storm water management;
G. Dimensions of all buildings, setbacks, parking lots, drives and walkways.
(4) Topographic maps with sufficient elevations to show existing and generally proposed grading contours, and major vegetation features, including existing trees over three inches in diameter and wooded areas;
(5) Proposed landscaping and screening plans indicating the preliminary description of the location and nature of existing and proposed vegetation, landscaping and screening elements and the existing trees to be removed;
(6) Building elevations from all sides showing proposed colors, signage and building materials;
(7) Summary table showing total acres of the proposed development; number of acres devoted to each type of residential and/or non-residential use including streets and open space; number of dwelling units by type;
(8) Description of any variance requested along with a narrative statement establishing and substantiating the justification for the variance;
(9) Other features necessary for the evaluation of the development plan as deemed necessary by the Planning Director or Planning Commission;
(10) Planning Director may require photometric plans of the entire parcel including location, height and type of lighting fixtures.
(d) Planning Commission Review of Site Plans. A complete application shall be transmitted to the Planning Commission, at which time the Planning Department may then distribute the application to appropriate administrative departments for review and comment. Administrative review should be completed and the reports/comments available to the Planning Commission at the time of the Commission's review.
In reviewing a site plan the Planning Commission shall consider the location of buildings, parking areas and other features with respect to the topography of the lot and existing natural features such as streams and large trees; the efficiency, adequacy and safety of the proposed layout of internal streets and driveways, the location of the green area provided, bearing in mind the possible effects of irregularly shaped lots; the adequacy of location, landscaping and screening of the parking lots; and such other matters as the Commission may find to have a material bearing upon the stated standards and objectives of the various district regulations. In approving a site plan, the Planning Commission shall find that:
(1) The plan is consistent with any comprehensive plan for the orderly development of the City.
(2) The appropriate use and value of property within and adjacent to the area will be safeguarded.
(3) The development will result in a harmonious grouping of buildings within the proposed development and in relationship to existing and proposed uses on adjacent property.
(4) The development will have adequate public service, parking and open spaces.
(5) The plan, to the extent practical, will preserve and be sensitive to the natural characteristics of the site.
(6) Adequate provision is made for safe and efficient pedestrian and vehicular circulation within the site and to adjacent property.
(7) Adequate provision is made for storm drainage within and through the site so as to maintain, as far as practicable, usual and normal swales, water courses and drainage areas, and shall comply with any applicable regulations or design criteria established by the City or any other governmental entity which may have jurisdiction over such matters.
(8) If the project is to be carried out in progressive stages, each stage shall be so planned that the foregoing conditions are complied with at the completion of each stage;
(9) The project, if located in a C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, C-6, C-7, C-8 or RB District, complies with the design review standards set forth in Chapter 1182.
(e) Review of Variances. The Planning Commission shall consider each request for a variance described on the proposed plan to determine if it complies with the purpose and intent of this Zoning Code. The Planning Commission may consider a site plan which varies from the strict standards of this Code and act upon the proposed application as if in compliance with the standards and requirements set forth in this Code when it is determined that:
(1) The proposed development substantially complies with all specific requirements and with the purposes, intent and basic objectives of the applicable district and that through imaginative and skillful design in the arrangement of buildings, open space, streets, access drives and other features, as disclosed by the application, the proposal results in a development of equivalent or higher quality than that which could be achieved through strict application of such standards and requirements. The Planning Commission shall also find that the development, as proposed, will have no adverse impact upon the surrounding properties or upon the health, safety or general welfare of the community.
(2) The literal enforcement of the required standard(s) will result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship. In making such a determination, the Planning Commission shall consider and weigh the following factors:
A. Whether special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land or structure involved and which are not applicable generally to other lands or structures in the same Zoning District; examples of such special conditions or circumstances are: exceptional irregularity, narrowness, shallowness or steepness of the lot, or adjacency to nonconforming and inharmonious uses, structures or conditions;
B. Whether the property in question will yield a reasonable return or whether there can be any beneficial use of the property without the variance;
C. Whether the variance is substantial and is the minimum necessary to make possible the reasonable use of the land or structures;
D. Whether the essential character of the neighborhood would be substantially altered or whether adjoining properties would suffer substantial detriment as a result of the variance;
E. Whether the variance would adversely affect the delivery of governmental services such as water, sewer, trash pickup;
F. Whether special conditions or circumstances exist as a result of actions of the owner;
G. Whether the property owner's predicament feasibly can be obviated through some method other than a variance;
H. Whether the spirit and intent behind the zoning requirement would be observed and substantial justice done by granting a variance; and
I. Whether the granting of the variance requested will confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this regulation to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district.
The Planning Commission may further prescribe any conditions and safeguards that it deems necessary to ensure that the objectives of the regulations or provisions to which the variance applies will be met.
(f) Action by Planning Commission.
(1) The Planning Commission may either approve the site plan as submitted; approve the site plan subject to specific conditions not included in the plan as submitted, such as, but not limited to, improvements to the yard layout, open space arrangement, on-site control of access to streets or such features as fences, walls and plantings to further protect and improve the proposed and surrounding developments; or deny the site plan. If the Commission finds that a proposed plan does not meet the purposes of these regulations, it shall deny the plan and shall submit its findings in writing, together with the reasons therefore, to the applicant.
(2) Failure of the Planning Commission to act within 60 days, exclusive of summer vacation and holidays, from the date the application was deemed complete, or an extended time period as may be agreed upon, shall at the election of the applicant be deemed a denial of the final development plan. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(g) Confirmation by Council.
(1) Following action by the Planning Commission, the application and the City Arborist's approved landscaping plan shall be submitted to Council for final action. Council, by majority vote, may confirm the recommendation of the Planning Commission for approval of the site plan, or confirm the recommendation of the Planning Commission for denial of the site plan. Council action which differs from or departs in substantive form from the recommendation of the Planning Commission shall not take effect unless approved by five members of Council, except that no ordinance or resolution may be enacted without the affirmative vote of at least four Council members. Failure of Council to act within 90 days after the introduction of a Council ordinance regarding a Planning Commission recommendation, shall be considered a denial of the final development plan.
(2) In its review of the site plan, Council shall consider and weigh the same factors and criteria as established for Planning Commission review.
(3) Upon confirmation of site plan by Council, the Planning Director shall issue a zoning certificate. (Ord. 2018-61. Passed 1-25-18.)
(h) Term and Assignability.
(1) A Site Plan Approval shall be deemed to authorize a particular development on the specific parcel for which it was approved. The Site Plan Approval is nonassignable without review and recommendation by Planning Commission and approval by Council, and shall expire one year from the date of enactment, unless prior thereto the applicant commences actual construction and erection. There shall be no modification of a Site Plan Approval except after review and recommendation by Planning Commission and resolution of Council. Any changes in an approved plan shall be resubmitted for approval in accordance with this section. Construction is deemed to have begun when all necessary excavation and piers or footings of one or more principal buildings included in the plan shall have been completed.
(2) Extension of a Site Plan Approval shall comply with the following:
A. Extension of Site Plan Approvals without modification may be applied for during the month prior to the date of expiration, if the approval does not carry a prohibition against the extension. Extensions may be granted by the Planning Commission if the Commission finds the request to be consistent with the purpose, policies, and intent of the Comprehensive Plan, the specifications of the Zoning Code, and any specific conditions considered and applied by Council in its original granting of the original Site Plan Approval.
B. Applications for extensions shall be made to the Planning Commission and shall meet the provisions for applications for Site Plan Approval.
C. Requests for renewal of an expired Site Plan Approval shall be considered to be the same as an application for Site Plan Approval and shall meet all requirements for application, review by Planning Commission, and action by Council.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.04 CONDITIONAL USE PROCEDURES.
(a) Conditional Use Application Requirements. When a proposed use is permitted in a zoning district as a conditional use as set forth in the district regulations, an ordinance or resolution enacted by Council approving the conditional use is required prior to the issuance of a zoning certificate. The owner, or agent thereof, of property for which such conditional use is proposed shall file with the Planning Director an application accompanied by payment of the required fee established by Council.
For all districts the application for a conditional use certificate shall disclose all uses proposed for the development, their location, extent and characteristics.
In a C-5 Highway Services District, the owner of a multi-tenant building, or agent thereof, may, as an alternative, apply for a C-5 multi-tenant block conditional use zoning certificate. The application for a C-5 multi-tenant block conditional use zoning certificate shall disclose the following:
(1) The percent of the available space in the multi-tenant building that is reserved for personal services which percent shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the available building space;
(2) The percent of the available space in the multi-tenant building that is reserved for retail which percent shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the available building space, nor shall any individual retail business space exceed 4,000 square feet; and
(3) The combined total personal service and retail space shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the available building space.
A multi-tenant block conditional use zoning certificate once granted will allow a developer or owner of a multi-tenant building to lease/sell one hundred percent (100%) of the space in accordance with the limits stated above without requiring each individual user to apply for a conditional use certificate.
The application for a conditional use certificate in any district shall include, unless parts are not applicable or necessary and are waived by the Planning Director for certain types of projects, a site plan and associated documentation as required in Section 1137.03(c).
(b) Planning Commission Review of Conditional Uses.
(1) A complete application shall be transmitted to the Planning Commission, at which time the Planning Department may then distribute the application to appropriate administrative departments for review and comment. Administrative review should be completed and the reports/comments available to the Planning Commission at the time of the Commission's review.
(2) The Planning Commission shall review the proposed conditional use, as presented on the submitted plans and specifications, to determine whether or not the proposed use is appropriate and in keeping with the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan and this Zoning Code. In making such a determination, the Planning Commission shall find that both the general criteria established for all conditional uses and the specific requirements established for that particular use, as set forth in Title Nine of this Code, shall be satisfied by the establishment and operation of the proposed use.
(3) In addition, the Planning Commission shall review the site plan for the proposed conditional use according to the criteria set forth in Section 1137.03(d) and shall review any request for variances according to the criteria set forth in Section 1137.03(e).
(4) The Commission may require such additional information as deemed necessary including the carrying out of special studies and the provisions of expert advice.
(c) Action by Planning Commission.
(1) The Planning Commission shall take one of the following actions:
A. If the proposed conditional use is found to be appropriate, the Planning Commission shall recommend that Council, by ordinance or resolution, approve a conditional use certificate. As part of the recommendation, the Planning Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions, stipulations, safeguards and limitations on the duration of the use and recommend variances as it may deem necessary and in conformance with the intent and purposes of this Code for the protection of nearby property and the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community.
B. If the proposed use is found to be not in compliance with the specifications of this Zoning Code, or not appropriate to or in keeping with the purpose, policies, and intent of the Comprehensive Plan, the Planning Commission shall recommend the denial of the conditional use certificate.
(2) With the concurrence of the applicant, the Planning Commission may take such additional time as is necessary to further study the proposal and consider modifications thereto. These considerations may include the applicant's further preparation or modification of plans and specifications and any studies or expert advice sought by the Planning Commission to assist in their evaluation. Studies and expert advice may be provided by appropriate City officials; i.e., the City Engineer, the director of planning and development, building inspector, or by other recognized and duly certified experts. The cost of securing expert advice and studies, including the use of City officials' time in excess of that normally provided under these regulations, shall be borne by the applicant, who shall pay said costs prior to the issuance of the conditional use certificate.
(3) Failure of the Planning Commission to act within 60 days, exclusive of summer vacation and holidays, from the date the application was deemed complete, or an extended time period as may be agreed upon, shall at the election of the applicant be deemed a denial of the conditional use application. (Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(d) Council Review; Notice. Following action by the Planning Commission, the conditional use application, along with the Planning Commission's recommendation and the City Arborist's approved landscaping plan, shall be submitted to Council for review and approval. The City shall post on the subject site notice of Council's pending review of said conditional use application within one week after Council receives an application from the Planning Commission. In its review of the conditional use application and recommendation of the Planning Commission, Council shall consider and weigh the same factors and criteria as established for Planning Commission review.
(Ord. 2018-61. Passed 1-25-18.)
(e) Action by Council.
(1) Council, by majority vote, may enact a resolution granting a conditional use certificate recommended by the Planning Commission. Council action which differs from or departs in substantive form from the recommendation of the Planning Commission shall not take effect unless approved by five members of Council, except that no ordinance or resolution may be enacted without the affirmative vote of at least four Council members.
(2) Failure of Council to act within 90 days after the introduction of a Council ordinance regarding a Planning Commission’s recommendation, shall at the election of the applicant be deemed a denial of the conditional use certificate.
(f) Supplementary Conditions. Council may impose such additional conditions and safeguards as deemed necessary for the general welfare, for the protection of individual property rights and for ensuring that the intent and objectives of this Zoning Code are observed.
(g) Term and Assignability.
(1) A conditional use certificate shall be deemed to authorize a particular conditional use, on a specific parcel for which it was approved. The conditional use certificate is nonassignable and shall expire one year from the date of enactment, unless prior thereto the applicant commences actual construction and erection. There shall be no modification of a conditional use certificate except by resolution of Council. Any changes in an approved plan shall be resubmitted for approval in accordance with this section. Construction is deemed to have begun when all necessary excavation and piers or footings of one or more principal buildings included in the plan shall have been completed.
(2) Extension of a conditional use certificate shall comply with the following:
A. Extension of conditional use certificates without modification may be applied for during the month prior to the date of expiration, if the certificate does not carry a prohibition against the extension. Extensions may be granted by the Planning Commission if the Commission finds the request to be consistent with the purpose, policies, and intent of the Comprehensive Plan, the specifications of the Zoning Code, and any specific conditions considered and applied by Council in its original granting of the original conditional use certificate.
B. Applications for extensions shall be made to the Planning Commission and shall meet the provisions for applications for conditional use certificates.
C. Requests for renewal of expired conditional use certificates shall be considered to be the same as an application for a conditional use certificate and shall meet all requirements for application, review by Planning Commission, and action by Council.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.05 APPEALS.
(a) Appeals to the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals. Any person adversely affected by any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the administration or enforcement of this Zoning Code may appeal to the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, unless otherwise provided for in this Code.
(1) Initiation of Appeal. An appeal shall be made by filing with the secretary of the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, within 20 days from the receipt of the adverse order, requirement, decision, or determination, a written notice of appeal specifying therein the grounds and reasons for the appeal. Upon the filing of any such appeal, the secretary shall forthwith notify the administrative official whose action is so appealed. Within 24 hours the official shall transmit to the secretary all data pertaining to the subject matter upon which the action so appealed was taken.
(2) Public Hearing by the Board. The Board shall select a reasonable time and place for a public hearing of the appeal. Notice of the public hearing shall be given according to the following:
A. Public notice of the date, time and place of the public hearing shall be given at least 10 days before the date of such hearing pursuant to Section 4.12 of the City Charter.
B. Written notice of the date, time, and place of the public hearing shall be mailed, by first class mail, at least 10 days prior thereto, to the owners of property within or contiguous to the area which is the subject of the appeal to the addresses of such owners appearing on the current county tax duplicate.
C. Written notice shall be given to the appellant and to the administrative official concerned.
Any person in interest may appear at the public hearing in person or by attorney.
(3) Decision of the Board. The Board shall render a decision on the appeal without reasonable delay. The secretary of the Board shall notify the appellant in writing of the decision of the Board. The Board shall keep minutes of all proceedings upon appeal, showing the vote of each member thereon, and shall keep records of its official actions.
Failure of the Board to act within 60 days, exclusive of summer vacation and holidays, from the date the appeal was received by the Board, or an extended period of time as may be agreed upon, shall at the election of the appellant be deemed a denial of the appeal.
(b) Appeals to City Council. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1137.05(a), any person adversely affected by a decision made by an administrative official that is based on an interpretation of the Planning Commission's and/or Council's directive, subsequent to site plan review or conditional use approval, may appeal such decision to Council by submitting such appeal in writing to the Clerk of Council.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.06 VARIANCES.
(a) Authority to Grant Variances. Authority to consider variance(s) from the terms of this Zoning Code is granted to the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals and to City Council according to the following:
(1) The Board of Zoning and Building Appeals may authorize a variance from the terms of this Code pertaining to single-family residences in residential districts, except as otherwise specified in this Code.
(2) Council, based on a recommendation of the Planning Commission, may authorize a variance from the terms of this Code pertaining to uses requiring site plan review, or conditional use approval, except as otherwise specified in this Code.
(b) Variances Reviewed by the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals. The Board of Zoning and Building Appeals may authorize, in specific cases, such variance from the terms of this Code as specified in Section 1137.06(a) as will not be contrary to the public interest according to the following procedures:
(1) Application Requirements. An application for a variance shall be filed with the Planning Director for review by the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals upon the forms provided, and shall be accompanied by the following requirements necessary to convey the reason(s) for the requested variance:
A. Name, address and phone number of applicant(s);
B. Proof of ownership, legal interest or written authority;
C. Description of property or portion thereof;
D. Description or nature of variance requested;
E. Narrative statements establishing and substantiating the justification for the variance pursuant to subsection 1137.06(b)(2);
F. Site plans, floor plans, elevations and other drawings at a reasonable scale to convey the need for the variance;
G. Payment of the application fee as established by Council;
H. Any other documents deemed necessary by the Planning Director. Upon receipt of a written request for variance, the Planning Director shall within a reasonable amount of time make a preliminary review of the request to determine whether such application provides the information necessary for review and evaluation. If it is determined that such application does not provide the information necessary for such review and evaluation, the Planning Director shall so advise the applicant of the deficiencies and shall not further process the application until the deficiency is corrected.
(2) Review by the Board. According to the procedures established for appeals in Section 1137.05(a), the Board shall hold a public hearing and give notice of the same. The Board shall review each application for a variance to determine if it complies with the purpose and intent of this Code and evidence demonstrates that the literal enforcement of this Code will result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship. The following factors shall be considered and weighed by the Board in determining practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship:
A. Whether special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land or structure involved and which are not applicable generally to other lands or structures in the same Zoning District; examples of such special conditions or circumstances are: exceptional irregularity, narrowness, shallowness or steepness of the lot, or adjacency to nonconforming and inharmonious uses, structures or conditions;
B. Whether the property in question will yield a reasonable return or whether there can be any beneficial use of the property without the variance;
C. Whether the variance is substantial and is the minimum necessary to make possible the reasonable use of the land or structures;
D. Whether the essential character of the neighborhood would be substantially altered or whether adjoining properties would suffer substantial detriment as a result of the variance;
E. Whether the variance would adversely affect the delivery of governmental services such as water, sewer, trash pickup;
F. Whether special conditions or circumstances exist as a result of actions of the owner;
G. Whether the property owner's predicament feasibly can be obviated through some method other than a variance;
H. Whether the spirit and intent behind the zoning requirement would be observed and substantial justice done by granting a variance; and
I. Whether the granting of the variance requested will confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this regulation to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district.
(3) Additional Conditions and Safeguards. The Board may further prescribe any conditions and safeguards that it deems necessary to ensure that the objectives of the regulations or provisions to which the variance applies will be met.
(4) Action by the Board. The Board shall either approve, approve with supplementary conditions as specified in subsection c, or disapprove the request for variance. The Board shall further make a finding in writing that the reasons set forth in the application justify the granting of the variance that will make possible a reasonable use of the land, building or structure.
(c) Variances Reviewed by Planning Commission and Council. An application for a variance pertaining to a use requiring site plan review or conditional use approval, shall be reviewed by Planning Commission and Council according to the procedures established for site plan review in Section 1137.03, or for conditional use approval in Section 1137.04, whichever is applicable. When an application for a variance is submitted separate from a site plan for building construction or site modifications, the application requirements shall be as required for variance reviewed by the Board of Appeals as set forth in Section 1137.06(b)(1).
(d) Term and Extension of Variance. Variances shall be nonassignable prior to the commencement of construction and shall expire one year from the date of their enactment, unless prior thereto, the applicant commences actual construction in accordance with the granted variance. There shall be no modification of variances except by further consideration of the appropriate review body.
(1) Extension. Extension of variances, without modification, may be applied for during the month prior to the expiration, if the variance does not carry a prohibition against the extension. Extensions may be granted by the appropriate review body if that body finds that the requested extension is consistent with the purpose, policies, intent and specifications of the zoning code, and with any specific conditions considered and applied in the original granting of the original variance.
Application for extension shall be made according to the provisions for application for variances pursuant to Section 1137.06(b).
(2) Renewal. Requests for renewal of expired variances shall be considered to be the same as an application for a variance and shall meet all requirements for application and review pursuant to Section 1137.06(b).
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(e)Reasonable Accommodation. Pursuant to the Federal Fair Housing Act, as Amended in 1988, the City of Stow is obligated to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to secure reasonable accommodations with respect to housing rules, policies, practices, and procedures of the City of Stow and Housing Providers to guarantee equal access to housing for those individuals.
(1)Definitions. For purposes of this Code, the following terms are defined below:
A. Disability: A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of having such an impairment or being regarded as having such impairment. Individuals who are currently using illegal substances are not covered under the Act, unless they have a separate disability.
B. Authorized Agent: A person or persons designated by individual(s) with a disability to make decisions for the individual(s).
C. Reasonable Accommodation: For purposes of this ordinance, Reasonable Accommodations include reasonable modifications and accommodations. A reasonable modification is a change made to residential property occupied by a person with a disability to afford such a person the full enjoyment of the premises. A reasonable accommodation is a change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy or practice.
D. Reasonable Accommodation Request: A request to modify land use, zoning, and building regulations, policies, practices, or procedures to give individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.
E.Property Owner: The individual or company that is responsible for the payment of any rates and taxes that arise on the property in question or exercises owners’ rights to the property such as a block of the property in question.
F. Reasonable Accommodation Review Process: The process, consisting of approval of the Law Director and the Planning Director, designated to make determinations on fair housing accommodation requests pursuant to these Regulations. The Law Director and the Planning Director shall undertake appropriate training in Fair Housing Law on a biannual basis, and shall retain record of such training until superseded by new training.
(2)Requesting Reasonable Accommodation.
A. An Individual with a disability or an Authorized Agent of individual(s) may request a Reasonable Accommodation to the City of Stow’s land use regulations, zoning regulations, policies, practices and procedures.
B. A Reasonable Accommodation can be made in writing or verbally. The information provided must include:
1. Name and address of the Individual(s) with a disability whom are requesting the accommodation.
2. Address of the property for which a Reasonable Accommodation is requested.
3. Description of the Reasonable Accommodation requested and the City of Stow’s land use regulation, zoning regulation, policy, practice or procedure to which a change is required for the person with a disability.
4. Name, address, and phone number of the Property Owner.
C. A Reasonable Accommodation Request may be made at any time when the Reasonable Accommodation is necessary to ensure equal access to housing.
D. The Reasonable Accommodation Request must not be made available to review to anyone who is not a member of the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process.
E. While a Reasonable Accommodation Request is pending, all of the City of Stow’s land use regulations, zoning regulations, policies, practices and procedures that apply to the property in question are in full effect.
F. The grant of a Reasonable Accommodation Request by the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process does not affect an individual’s obligations to comply with any other applicable City of Stow land use regulations, zoning regulations, policies, practices and procedures.
(3)Reasonable Accommodation Review Board.
A. Reasonable Accommodation Requests must be reviewed by the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process.
B. The Reasonable Accommodation Review Process must jointly issue a written decision on a Reasonable Accommodation Request within thirty (30) days of their Receipt of the Reasonable Accommodation Request.
C. The Reasonable Accommodation may grant the Reasonable Accommodation Request, grant the Reasonable Accommodation Request with modifications, or deny the Reasonable Accommodation Request based on one or more of the Factors for Consideration of Reasonable Accommodation Request.
D. If the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process needs additional information in deciding how to rule on the Reasonable Accommodation Request, the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process may make specific and detailed requests of the further information needed from the Individual(s) with a disability. If this request is made, the thirty (30) day period within which the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process must decide is stayed until the Individual(s) with a disability responds to the request.
(4)Factors for Consideration of Reasonable Accommodation Request.
A. The Reasonable Accommodation Review Process’ jointly written decision to grant, grant with modifications, or deny a Reasonable Accommodation Request must be based on the following factors:
1. Whether the housing, which is the subject of the request for reasonable accommodation, will be used by Individual(s) with a disability;
2. Whether the requested accommodation is necessary to make housing available to Individual(s) with a disability;
3. Whether the requested accommodation would impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the City of Stow; and
4. Whether the requested accommodation would require fundamental alteration to the City of Stow’s land use and zoning or building program.
(5)Written Decision by Reviewing Authority.
A. The Reasonable Accommodation Review Process’ jointly written decision on a Reasonable Accommodation Request must explain the basis of the decision by using their findings with respect to the factors set forth in subsection (e)(4)A.1.-4.
B. All decisions by the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process must include notice to the Individual(s) with a disability who filed the Reasonable Accommodation Request’s ability to appeal.
C. Notice of the decision and a copy of the decision must be sent to the Individual(s) with a disability who filed the Reasonable Accommodation Request by certified mail within three (3) business days from the date of the decision.
D. The jointly written decision of the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process is a final appealable order unless it is appealed by the Individual(s) with a disability who filed the Reasonable Accommodation Request.
E. If the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process fails to render a written decision on the Reasonable Accommodation Request within the thirty (30) day period set forth in subsection (e)(5)B., the Reasonable Accommodation Request is automatically granted.
(6)Appeals.
A. The Individual(s) with a disability who made the Reasonable Accommodation Request or his or her Authorized Agent may appeal a decision by filing a written request for an appeal within sixty (60) days of the date of the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process’ written decision with the Board of Zoning Appeals, and notice given to the Reasonable Accommodation Review Board.
B. All appeals must contain a statement of the grounds for appeal.
(7)Reporting.
A. The Reasonable Accommodation Review Process shall provide a report to Council on an annual basis of the number of reasonable accommodations granted by the Reasonable Accommodation Review Process in the previous year. The number of the reasonable accommodations shall not list any identifying information, but shall include the number of reasonable accommodations granted in each of the Wards of the City.
(Ord. 2022-207. Passed 3-9-23.)
1137.07 DETERMINATION OF SIMILAR USES.
Where a specific use is proposed that is not listed or provided for in this Code, the Planning Commission and Council may make a determination that the proposed use is substantially similar to a specific use that is listed or provided for as a principal or conditionally permitted use in this Code or is determined to be consistent with the purpose statement for the District in which such use is proposed. If the Commission and Council find that a use is substantially similar to a specific use listed in this Code, the substantially similar use may be permitted as a conditional use or a use permitted by right in those districts which have the principal or conditionally permitted use most similar. (Ord. 2011-121. Passed 1-12-12.)
1137.08 AMENDMENTS
(a) Authority for Amendments. Whenever the public necessity, convenience, general welfare, or good zoning practices require, City Council may by ordinance amend, revise, rearrange, renumber or recodify this Zoning Code or amend, supplement, change or repeal the boundaries or classification of property according to the procedures set forth in Section 1137.08(b) to (e) and subject to the procedures provided by law.
(b) Initiation of Zoning Amendments. Amendments to the Zoning Code may be initiated in one of the following ways:
(1) By the filing of an application to the Planning Commission by one or more owners of property within the area proposed to be changed or affected by said amendment.
(2) By the adoption of a motion by the Planning Commission;
(3) By the passage of a motion by City Council;
(c) Map Amendments Initiated by Property Owner(s). A map amendment initiated by one or more owners of property within the area proposed to be changed or affected by said amendment shall be submitted and reviewed according to the following:
(1) Application Requirements. Applications for amendments to the Zoning Map adopted as part of this Code by Section 1141.02 shall contain at least the following information:
A. The name, address and phone number of the applicant and the property owner if other than the applicant;
B. Legal description of the parcel(s) to be rezoned, drawn by a registered surveyor;
C. A statement of the reason(s) for the proposed amendment;
D. Present use and zoning district;
E. Proposed use and zoning district;
F. A vicinity map at a scale approved by the Planning Director showing property lines, thoroughfares, existing and proposed zoning, and such other items as the Planning Director may require;
G. A list of all owners of abutting property including any abutting property located in abutting communities;
H. A statement on the ways in which the proposed amendment relates to the Comprehensive Plan;
I. The payment of the application fee as established by Council.
(2) Referral to Planning Commission. After the filing of an application by a property owner(s), said application shall be referred to the Planning Commission for its consideration and recommendation.
(3) Recommendation by Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall recommend one of the following:
A. That the amendment be granted as requested,
B. That the amendment be granted as modified by the Planning Commission, or
C. That the amendment be denied.
The decision of the Planning Commission shall indicate the specific reason(s) upon which the recommendation is based.
(4) Public Hearing and Notice by Council. Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Planning Commission, Council shall set a time for a public hearing on the proposed amendment. Notice of the public hearing shall be given by Council pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 10.05 of the City Charter. The published notice shall set forth the time and place of the public hearing and a summary of the proposed amendment. During such 30 days, the text of the proposed amendment, maps or plans, if applicable, and the recommendations of the Planning Commission shall be on file for public examination in the office of the Clerk of Council or in such other office as is designated by Council.
(5) Notice to Property Owners by Council. If the proposed amendment intends to rezone or redistrict ten or less parcels of land, as listed on the tax duplicate, written notice of the hearing shall be mailed by the Clerk of Council, by first class mail, at least 20 days before the day of the public hearing to all owners of property within 300 feet of such area proposed to be rezoned or redistricted to the addresses of such owners appearing on the County Auditor's current tax list or the Treasurer's mailing list, and to such other list or lists that may be specified by Council. The notice shall contain the same information as required of notices published in newspapers as specified in subsection d. above. In addition, the City shall post on the subject site notice of Council's pending review of such proposed map amendment within one week after Council receives the application from the Planning Commission.
(6) Action by Council. After the public hearing required by subsection d. above, Council shall either adopt or deny the recommendation of the Planning Commission or adopt some modification thereof. In the event Council adopts the recommendations of the Planning Commission, concurrence by a majority of the full Council members shall be required. Any such proposal may be amended prior to the voting thereon by Council without further notice or postponement, if such amendment to the proposal shall be germane to the subject matter thereof and is in accordance with the recommendation of the Commission.
If no action has been taken by Council within 90 days after the introduction of a Council ordinance regarding a Planning Commission recommendation, then such proposed amendment shall be considered a denial.
(d) Amendments Initiated by Planning Commission. The Planning Commission on its own initiative may, by the passage of a motion, recommend to City Council changes in the Zoning Code and Zoning Map. After Planning Commission has made a recommendation to City Council, Council shall follow the procedures for review and hearing of the proposed amendment as set forth in Section 1137.08(c)(4) to (6).
(e) Amendments Initiated by Council. Amendments to the Zoning Code or Zoning Map initiated by the adoption of a motion by City Council shall comply with the following:
(1) Referral to Planning Commission. After the adoption of a motion by Council, said motion shall be referred to the Planning Commission for its consideration and recommendation.
(2) Recommendation by Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall recommend one of the following: (1) that the amendment be granted as requested, (2) that the amendment be granted as modified by the Planning Commission, or (3) that the amendment be denied. The decision of the Planning Commission shall indicate the specific reason(s) upon which the recommendation is based. If the Planning Commission does not make a recommendation on a motion adopted by Council within sixty days, and the time for responding is not extended by Council, Council may act as if the Planning Commission recommended approval.
(3) Public Hearing and Action by Council. After receiving a recommendation from the Planning Commission, Council shall follow the procedures for review and hearing of the proposed amendment as set forth in Section 1137.08(c)(4) to (6).
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.09 ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES.
(a) Enforcement by Zoning Compliance Officer. The provisions of this Zoning Code shall be enforced by the Planning Director or designee.
(b) Construction and Use Shall Be as Approved. Zoning certificates issued by the Planning Director on the basis of approved plans and applications authorize only the use and arrangement set forth in such approved plans and applications, or amendments thereto. Use, arrangement or construction contrary to that authorized shall be deemed a punishable violation of this Code.
(c) Complaints Regarding Violations. Whenever a violation of this Code occurs or is alleged to have occurred, any person may file a written complaint with the Zoning Compliance Officer stating fully the causes and basis of such complaint. The Zoning Compliance Officer shall record such complaint, investigate and, if a violation of this Code has in fact occurred, shall take appropriate action thereon to enforce this Code. Any building or land use considered a possible violation of any of the provisions of this Zoning Code which is observed by any official or citizen shall be reported to the Zoning Compliance Officer.
(d) Inspection and Correction of Property.
(1) The Zoning Compliance Officer shall inspect any building erected, altered, moved, razed or converted, or any use of land or premises carried on in violation of any of the provisions of this Zoning Code. The Zoning Compliance Officer shall declare each violation a nuisance and, in writing, order correction of all conditions which are found to be in violation of this Zoning Code.
(2) All violations shall be corrected within 15 days after the written order is issued or a longer period of time as indicated in the written order. For issues of impending danger to health and safety, a shorter compliance period will be ordered. Any violations not corrected within the specified period of time shall be cause for prosecution.
(e) Penalties and Fines.
(1) It shall be unlawful to:
A. Use or occupy any land or place; build, erect, alter, remodel, restore or rebuild thereon any building or structure; or permit any building or structure to remain on such land; or use, occupy, or operate such building or structure, in any way or for any use or purpose which is not permitted by the provisions of this Zoning Code; or
B. Use or occupy any parcel of land or use or occupy a new building or make an enlargement or substitution or other change in the use or occupancy of any land or building without having received a zoning certificate indicating compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Code from the Planning Director; or
C. Aid, assist, or participate with any person in placing, building, erecting, altering, remodeling, restoring or rebuilding any building or structure which is not permitted by the provisions of this Zoning Code; or
D. Violate or fail to perform any condition, stipulation or safeguard set forth in any certificate issued pursuant to this Zoning Code or continue to use or occupy the premises or building as previously authorized by such certificate beyond the duration limit therein stated; or
E. Continue construction, renovation, or improvements contrary to a Stop Work Order or Notice of Violation; or
F. Refuse to permit the Zoning Compliance Officer to enter any premises in the City to investigate a reported violation of the provisions of this Zoning Code or refuse or fail to furnish to such Zoning Compliance Officer a statement as to the number of persons occupying such premises; or
G. Knowingly make any materially false statement of fact in an application to the Planning Director for a zoning certificate or in the plans or specifications submitted to the Planning Director in relation to such application.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
(2) Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any provision of this Code, including any condition upon an approval granted under this code, may be found guilty of a minor misdemeanor, which includes a maximum fine of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) and no jail time. If the offender has been convicted of an offense under this code within two years before the violation, the offender may be found guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree which includes a maximum fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) and a maximum possible penalty of 30 days in jail. Each day such violation continues after receipt of a violation notice shall be considered a separate offense.
(Ord. 2020-142. Passed 10-8-20.)
1137.10 SCHEDULE OF FEES.
Council shall by Ordinance establish a schedule of fees for recreation impact fees, building permits, amendments, appeals, variances, conditional use permits, and other procedures and services pertaining to the administration and enforcement of this Code after considering the recommendations of the Planning Director with respect to actual administrative costs, both direct and indirect. The schedule of fees shall be available at City Hall, and may be altered or amended only by Council. Until all such appropriate fees, charges, and expenses have been paid in full, no action shall be taken on any application, appeal, or administrative procedure.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)
1137.11 PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS.
(a) The Planning Commission shall not make decisions, render any approvals or recommendations or take any other action in any other form pursuant to Chapter 1137 until the Planning Commission has complied with the following requirement:
(b) Upon the receipt of any application, request for an approval or recommendation, a request for any other action by the Planning Commission or if the Planning Commission initiates a proposal, the Planning Commission shall place a sign on the property no less than eighty-four hours before the Planning Commission acts on such matter.