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West St Paul City Zoning Code

ADMINISTRATION AND

ENFORCEMENT

§ 153.025 ENFORCING OFFICER.

   (A)   Zoning Administrator. This chapter shall be administered and enforced by the Zoning Administrator, who shall be appointed by the City Manager. In furtherance of the authority, the Zoning Administrator shall:
      (1)   Determine that all building permits comply with the terms of this chapter;
      (2)   Conduct inspections of buildings and use of land to determine compliance with the terms of this chapter;
      (3)   Maintain permanent and current records of this chapter including but not limited to, all maps, amendments and conditional uses, variances, appeals and applications therefor;
      (4)   Receive, file and forward all applications for appeals, variances, conditional uses or other matters to the designated official bodies;
      (5)   Institute in the name of the city any appropriate actions or proceedings against a violator as provided by law; and
      (6)   Serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of the Planning Commission and the Committee of Adjustments.

§ 153.026 APPEALS.

   (A)   Appeal to Committee of Adjustments. Within 60 days after the decision of the Zoning Administrator, except in connection with criminal prosecutions for violations thereof, the applicant or other person or officers of the city affected thereby may appeal to the Committee of Adjustments by filing a written notice with the City Clerk stating the action from which the appeal is made and the specific reasons for the appeal.
   (B)   Appeals from decisions by the Committee of Adjustments.
      (1)   The City Council may review and revise any decision of the Committee of Adjustments, and shall review the decision upon written request of the Zoning Administrator, a member of the City Council, or any affected person. The request for review of the decision must be made to the City Council in writing within 20 days after the decision is made by the Committee of Adjustments. The request for review shall be served on the City Clerk or the Mayor. In reviewing the decisions, the City Council shall set a date for hearing thereon not less than 15 days after nor more than 45 days after the service of the request for Council review.
      (2)   Notice of hearing before the City Council shall be mailed to all affected persons, including the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Committee of Adjustments. In all cases involving determination of district boundary lines, or interpretation of the text of the ordinance, ten days published notice of hearing in the official newspaper shall be given.
      (3)   In the absence of an appeal, the Committee of Adjustments’ decision shall be final.
(Ord. passed 10-11-1963)

§ 153.027 VARIANCES.

   (A)   Purpose/standards.
      (1)   Authority. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 462.357(6), as it may be amended from time to time, the Committee of Adjustments may grant a variance from the terms of this chapter.
      (2)   Criteria for granting a variance. A variance may only be granted by the Committee of Adjustments when:
         (a)   The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this chapter;
         (b)   The terms of the variance are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; and
         (c)   The applicant for the variance establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with this chapter.
      (3)   Definition of practical difficulties. PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES, as used in connection with the granting of a variance, means that:
         (a)   The property owner proposes to utilize the property in a reasonable manner;
         (b)   The plight of the property owner is due to circumstances unique to the Property that were not created by the property owner; and
         (c)   The variance will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood.
      (4)   Restrictions on granting variances. The following restrictions shall be applied when considering granting a variance:
         (a)   Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties; and
         (b)   The Committee of Adjustments may not permit as a variance any use that is not allowed in this chapter for property in the district where the affected person’s land is located (i.e., a use variance).
      (5)   Imposition of conditions. The Committee of Adjustments may impose conditions when granting a variance, however, conditions imposed must be directly related to and must bear a rough proportionality to the impact created by the variance.
      (6)   Written findings. In granting a variance, the Committee of Adjustments shall make written findings stating the grounds upon which the variance is justified.
   (B)   Exhibits. In addition to the application, the following exhibits shall be required:
      (1)   Map or plat as listed on the application;
      (2)   Plans and drawings showing the proposed variance; and
      (3)   Other documents as required by the Zoning Administrator.
   (C)   Public hearings. The Committee of Adjustments shall hold a public hearing on all applications for a variance.
      (1)   Notice of the public hearing shall be given not less than ten days nor more than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing by publication in the designated legal newspaper of the city. The notice shall contain the date, time and place of the hearing and a description of the land and the proposed variance. At least ten days before the hearing, the City Clerk shall mail a notice to the owner and to each of the property owners within 150 feet of the property for which the variance is sought. Failure of the City Clerk to mail the notice or failure of the property owners to receive the notice shall not invalidate the proceedings.
      (2)   Action by Committee of Adjustments: the Committee of Adjustments shall consider the application at the scheduled hearing.
         (a)   Within 60 days after the date of receipt of the completed application by the Committee of Adjustments, the Committee must approve or deny the application. Failure of the Committee to deny a request within 60 days or any extension thereof as provided in division (C)(2)(c) below is approval of the request.
         (b)   The time limit begins upon the receipt of a completed application. A completed application shall mean a written request containing all information required by law, or by a previously adopted rule, ordinance or policy of the city. If the Zoning Administrator receives an application that does not contain all the required information, the City Clerk shall send notice within 15 business days of the receipt of the request telling the applicant that the application is not accepted and indicating what information is missing. The 60-day time limit begins again after receipt of a completed application, as in division (C)(2)(a) above.
         (c)   The city may extend the time limit before the end of the initial 60-day period by providing written notice of the extension to the applicant. The notice must contain the reasons for the extension and its anticipated length, which may not exceed 60 days unless approved by the applicant.
         (d)   The applicant may waive the 60-day period by providing a written waiver.
   (D)   Denial. The Committee of Adjustments may deny an application for a variance upon a written finding of legally sufficient reasons with a factual basis. No application for a variance which has been denied wholly or in part shall be resubmitted for a period of six months from the date of the order of denial, except on grounds of new evidence or proof of changes of conditions found to be valid by the Committee of Adjustments.
   (E)   Lapse of variance. A variance shall lapse and become null and void one year following the date on which the variance became effective, unless prior to the expiration of one year the work or improvement described in the variance is commenced and diligently pursued on the subject site. A variance may be extended once by the City Council for a period of six months. For any commercial use, failure to maintain the property may result in revocation of any extension.
   (F)   Revocation. A violation of any condition set forth in granting a variance shall be a violation of this chapter and shall terminate the variance. A revocation resulting in termination of a variance may be appealed as set forth in § 153.026(B).

§ 153.028 CONDITIONAL USES.

   (A)   Purpose/standards.
      (1)   In order to give flexibility to the district use regulations of this chapter, which is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, conditional uses are permitted in certain districts subject to the granting of a use permit.
         (a)   Because of their unusual characteristics, conditional uses require special consideration so they may be located properly with respect to the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and with respect to their effects on surrounding properties. In order to achieve these purposes, the City Council is empowered to grant and to deny applications for conditional use permits and to impose reasonable conditions upon the granting of these permits.
         (b)   Uses authorized by conditional permit under this section shall be considered a conforming use, but only in accordance with the conditions set forth in the conditional use permit.
      (2)   A conditional use permit may be granted by the City Council after demonstration by evidence that:
         (a)   The proposed location of the conditional use is in accord with the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, and the purposes of the district in which the site is located;
         (b)   The establishment, maintenance or operation of the conditional use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort or general welfare;
         (c)   The conditional use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purpose already permitted, nor substantially diminish and impair property values within the surrounding area;
         (d)   The establishment of the conditional use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the district;
         (e)   Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and other necessary facilities have been or will be provided;
         (f)   Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress or egress so designated as to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets; and
         (g)   The conditional use shall, in all other respects, conform to the applicable regulations of the specific district in which it is located, and of this chapter in general.
      (3)   The Planning Commission may recommend, and the City Council may stipulate the conditions and restrictions upon the establishment, location, construction, maintenance and operation of the conditional use as deemed necessary for the protection of the public interest and to secure compliance with the requirements specified in this chapter.
   (B)   Exhibits. The following exhibits shall be required:
      (1)   Map or plat as listed on the application form;
      (2)   Plans and drawings as listed on the application form; and
      (3)   Other documents as required by the Zoning Administrator.
   (C)   Hearings.
      (1)   The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the application. Notice of the public hearing shall be given not less than ten days nor more than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing by publication in the designated legal newspaper of the city. The notice shall contain the date, time and place of the hearing and a description of the land and the proposed conditional use. At least ten days before the hearing, the City Clerk shall mail an identical notice to the owner and to each of the property owners within 350 feet of the property for which the conditional use permit is sought. Failure of the City Clerk to mail the notice or failure of the property owners to receive the notice shall not invalidate the proceedings.
      (2)   Action by City Council: The City Council must approve or deny the application within 60 days after receipt of all information requested by the city. The time limitation and extension of time are the same as set forth in § 153.027(C)(2).
   (D)   Denial. The City Council may deny an application for a conditional use permit upon a written finding of legally sufficient reasons with a factual basis. No application for a conditional use permit which has been denied wholly or in part shall be resubmitted for a period of six months from the date of the order of denial, except on grounds of new evidence or proof of changes of conditions found to be valid by the City Council.
   (E)   Lapse of conditional use permit. A conditional use permit shall lapse and become null and void one year following the date on which the conditional use permit became effective, unless prior to the expiration of one year a building permit is issued by the Building Official and construction is commenced and diligently pursued toward completion on the subject site, or a certificate of occupancy is issued by the Building Official for the subject site or structure. A conditional use permit may be extended once for a period of six months by the City Council. For any commercial use, failure to maintain the property may result in revocation of any extension.
   (F)   Revocation. A violation of any condition set forth in a conditional use permit shall be a violation of this chapter and shall terminate the conditional use permit.
   (G)   Filing. A certified copy of any conditional use permit shall be filed with the County Recorder or Registrar of Titles.
(Ord. 04-14, passed - -; Ord. 06-11, passed - -; Ord. 12-30, passed - -; Ord. passed 10-11-1963; Ord. 22-002, passed 2-14-2022)

§ 153.029 INTERIM USES.

   (A)   Purpose/standards.
      (1)   In order to give flexibility to the district use regulations of this chapter, which is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, interim uses are allowed in certain districts subject to the granting of an interim use permit. Because of their temporary characteristics, interim uses require special consideration so they may be located properly with respect to the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and with respect to their effects on surrounding properties. In order to achieve these purposes, the City Council is empowered to grant and to deny applications for interim use permits and to impose reasonable conditions upon the granting of these permits. Uses authorized under this section shall be considered a conforming use, but only in accordance with the conditions set forth in the interim use permit.
      (2)   The City Council may grant an interim use permit for the interim use of property if:
         (a)   The use conforms to the zoning regulations;
         (b)   The date or event that will terminate the use can be identified with certainty;
         (c)   Permission of the use will not impose additional costs on the city if it is necessary for the city to take the property in the future; and
         (d)   The user agrees in writing to any conditions that the City Council deems appropriate for permission of the use.
   (B)   Exhibits. The following exhibits shall be required:
      (1)   Map or plat as listed on the application form;
      (2)   Plans and drawings as listed on the application form; and
      (3)   Other documents as requested by the Zoning Administrator.
   (C)   Hearings.
      (1)   The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the application following notice of the time, place and purpose of the hearing published in the official newspaper of the city at least ten days prior to the day of the hearing. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall forward its recommendation to the City Council. The Planning Commission may recommend and the City Council may stipulate conditions and restrictions upon the establishment, location, construction, maintenance and operation of the interim use as deemed necessary for the protection of the public interest and to secure compliance with the requirements specified in this chapter.
      (2)   The City Council shall approve or deny the application pursuant to § 153.028(C)(2).
   (D)   Denial. The City Council may deny an application for an interim use permit upon a written finding of legally sufficient reasons with a factual basis. No application for an interim use permit that has been denied wholly or in part shall be resubmitted for a period of six months from the date of the order of denial, except on grounds of new evidence or proof of changes of conditions found to be valid by the City Council.
   (E)   Lapse of interim use permit. An interim use permit shall lapse and become null and void three months following the date on which the interim use permit became effective if it is not in use.
   (F)   Revocation/termination. A violation of any condition set forth in an interim use permit shall be a violation of this chapter and shall terminate the interim use permit.
   (G)   Exceptions. Notwithstanding the provision of division (C) above, an interim use shall not require a hearing before the Planning Commission or City Council and may be approved administratively, provided that:
      (1)   The application is a renewal of an interim use permit which was previously approved by the City Council pursuant to division (C);
      (2)   There have been no issues or violations with the existing interim use permit;
      (3)   There are no substantial changes to the interim use permit as determined by the Zoning Administrator;
      (4)   The Community Development Department has conducted an administrative review; and
      (5)    The property owner on which the interim use permit is located is current on all city fees.
(Ord. 01-15, passed - -; Ord. passed 10-11-1963; Ord. 16-07, passed 6-13-2016)

§ 153.030 AMENDMENTS TO A ZONING DISTRICT.

   (A)   Purpose/standards. This chapter may be amended and the boundaries of any district or text of this chapter may be changed in accord with the procedure prescribed in this section. Amendments may be made by an affirmative vote of four members of the City Council; however, the adoption or amendment of any portion of a zoning ordinance that changes all or part of the existing classification of a zoning district from residential to either commercial or industrial requires an affirmative vote of five members of the City Council.
      (1)   Proceedings for amendment of this chapter may be initiated by:
         (a)   A petition of the owner or owners of the actual property to be rezoned;
         (b)   The Planning Commission; or
         (c)   The City Council.
      (2)   All applications for amendments which are initiated by property owners shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator who shall forward the application to the Planning Commission.
      (3)   An amendment to this chapter may be granted by the City Council after demonstration by evidence that:
         (a)   The proposed location of the amendment is in accord with the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan; and
         (b)   The amendment will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property.
   (B)   Exhibits. If the application involves the changing of zoning districts and boundaries thereof, the application shall be accompanied by the following:
      (1)   Map or plat as listed on the application form;
      (2)   Written proof of ownership of the property for which the rezoning is requested; and
      (3)   Other documents as requested by the Zoning Administrator.
   (C)   Public hearings. The Planning Commission shall hold at least one public hearing on all applications for amendments.
      (1)   Notice of the public hearing shall be given not less than ten days nor more than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing by publication in the designated legal newspaper of the city. The notice shall contain the date, time and place of the hearing and a description of the land and proposed change in zoning, if relevant. When an amendment involves changes in district boundaries, at least ten days before the hearing, the City Clerk shall mail an identical notice to the owner and to each of the property owners within 350 feet of the property for which the amendment is sought. Failure of the City Clerk to mail the notice or failure of the property owners to receive the notice shall not invalidate the proceedings.
      (2)   Action by City Council: The City Council must approve or deny the application pursuant to § 153.028(C)(2).
   (D)   Denial. The City Council may deny an application upon a written finding of legally sufficient reasons with a factual basis that the proposed application is not in the best interest of the physical development of the city. No application which has been denied wholly or in part shall be resubmitted for a period of six months from the date of the order of denial, except on grounds of new evidence or proof of change of conditions found to be valid by the Planning Commission.
(Ord. passed 10-11-1963)

§ 153.031 SITE PLAN APPROVAL PROCEDURE AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.

   (A)   Purpose/standards.
      (1)   It is declared to be the policy of the city to preserve, protect and promote attractive and well-maintained residential environments for its citizens.
      (2)   For the protection of residential areas, imaginative site design concepts shall be employed in the development of respective sites.
      (3)   To promote the general welfare, health, safety and order of residential neighborhoods.
   (B)   Exceptions to the site plan procedure.
      (1)   With the exception of single-family dwellings and two-family dwellings, this site plan approval process applies to all new construction in the R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 zoning districts.
      (2)   Murals in R District are subject to the following:
         (a)   Murals are prohibited on the primary street facing façade of the building, commonly identified as the front yard. For corner lots, where more than one abutting street facing façade exists, murals are prohibited on both primary street facing facades, commonly identified as the front and the side yard adjacent to the street.
         (b)   Murals shall not directly face adjacent residential structures and shall not cover or detract from architectural features. Eaves, cornices, and other architectural features shall keep their character and remain painted to match the rest of similar architectural features on the building.
         (c)   Murals shall not cover more than one continuous side of the residential structure.
         (d)   When no alternative location exists for a mural pursuant to this subsection, a mural, not to exceed six feet in height as measured from where the exterior wall meets the ground, shall be allowed on the back exterior wall of the residential structure as long as the mural does not exceed six feet in height, and is screened by a six foot high fully opaque screening, such as a wall, a fence, landscaping or screening otherwise approved by city.
         (e)   Property owner may register the mural by providing the following information to the Community Development Department:
            1.   Address and location of the building, structure or lot to which or upon which the mural is to be painted;
            2.   A set of drawings detailing the mural specifications, including reasonably accurate and scaled dimensions;
            3.   A written and signed statement including the following:
               (i)   A description of which of the following materials the mural will be painted with: an oil-based alkyd enamel or polyurethane enamel, or other Painting Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) industry standard exterior paint; and
               (ii)   The approximate start and end dates for the creation and completion of the mural.
         (f)   By registering the mural, the city can assist the property owner in ensuring compliance with design standards set forth in this section. Failure to comply with design standards may be subject to enforcement provisions set forth by this code or nuisance actions under this code or state law.
   (C)   Generally, approval required. The following rules shall govern applications for site plan approval:
      (1)   Application.
         (a)   Prior to commencing any construction, a “site plan approval” application shall be initiated by the owner of subject property or by an authorized agent. The applicant shall submit a “site plan approval” application to the Zoning Administrator, copies of which are available at the municipal offices, together with a fee in an amount established by City Council resolution. A completed application shall be filed at least 23 days prior to the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission.
         (b)   The Zoning Administrator shall refer the matter to the Planning Commission by placing the application upon the agenda of the Commission’s next regular meeting.
      (2)   Exhibits. In addition to the application, the following exhibits shall be required:
         (a)   A survey drawing by a registered engineer or land surveyor showing pertinent existing conditions showing an inventory of all existing trees six-inch caliper and larger by species and size. Trees shall be identified on the drawing as quality or non-quality type trees. Quality trees shall be those types as stated in division (C)(4)(b) below. The drawing will be accurately dimensioned; and
         (b)   A complete set of preliminary drawings prepared by a registered civil engineer or landscape architect showing:
            1.   An accurately scaled and dimensioned site plan indicating parking layout, including access provisions, location of structures, building elevations landscaping, including trees and shrubbery with indication of species, planting, size and location;
            2.   Fences or walls or other screening, including height and type of material;
            3.   Lighting provisions, including type and location; and
            4.   Curbs; and
            5.   Other documents as requested by the Zoning Administrator.
      (3)   Drive aisle/parking setback and curbing standards.
         (a)   All parking lots shall be curbed with B-6-12 or better concrete curbing.
         (b)   Curbed islands must be placed at the end of every row of parking spaces.
         (c)   Off-street parking and drive aisle setback standards:
 
Front yard
20 feet
Rear yard
10 feet
Rear yard abutting R District
20 feet
Side corner
20 feet
Side yard
10 feet
Side yard abutting R District
20 feet
 
      (4)   Landscape standards.
         (a)   The off-street parking setback area shall be utilized as a protective buffer. The protective buffer shall not be used for parking, drive aisles, off-street loading or storage and shall be landscaped.
         (b)   Minimum landscape requirements in the protective buffer shall include the following “quality type trees,” one two and one-half inch diameter at four feet above grade caliper deciduous tree, which shall be, hardwood type trees such as, maple, seedless green ash, locust or basswood, or six-foot conifer type trees, such as Colorado blue spruce, white pine, red pine or pyramidal arborvitae, or other approved types. The number of trees required is the equivalent of one for every 40 feet lineal of property line on the subject site or as approved through the site plan process. The protective buffer shall also contain grass, ground cover or shrubs and shall be irrigated to facilitate maintenance of landscaped areas. No impervious surfaces such as concrete or asphalt shall be placed in the protective buffer.
         (c)   Minimum landscape requirements for each curbed island shall include one one and one-half inch diameter at four feet above grade caliper deciduous tree, all of which must be of “quality” types as listed in division (D)(4)(b) above. The curbed island shall also contain grass, ground cover or shrubs and shall be irrigated to facilitate maintenance of landscaped areas. No impervious surfaces such as concrete or asphalt shall be placed in the curbed island.
         (d)   When tree removal occurs, replacement trees shall constitute at least 30% of the total amount of the caliper inches of “quality trees” removed.
         (e)   All trees shall be placed around the site to promote the most efficient and effective use of the different types of trees installed.
         (f)   When located adjacent to a single family or two-family use, the provisions of § 153.381 shall apply, except that for the portion adjacent to the residential properties, screening from the front building line to the rear property line and along the rear property line shall be six feet in height.
      (5)   Hearings.
         (a)   The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the application. Notice of the public hearing shall be given not less than ten days nor more than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing by publication in the designated legal newspaper of the city. The notice shall contain the date, time and place of the hearing and a description of the land and the proposed conditional use. At least ten days before the hearing, the City Clerk shall mail an identical notice to the owner and to each of the property owners within 350 feet of the property for which the site plan approval is sought. Failure of the City Clerk to mail the notice or failure of the property owners to receive the notice shall not invalidate the proceedings.
         (b)   Action by City Council. The City Council must approve or deny the application within 60 days after the receipt of all information requested by the city. The time limitation and extension of time are the same as set forth in § 153.027(C)(2).
      (6)   Denial. The City Council may deny an application for site plan approval upon a written finding of legally sufficient reasons with a factual basis.
      (7)   Lapse of residential site plan. An approved residential site plan shall lapse and become null and void one year following the date on which the application was approved, unless prior to the expiration of one year, a building permit is issued by the Building Official and construction iscommenced and diligently pursued toward completion on the subject site. A residential site plan may be extended once for a period of six months by the City Council. For any commercial use, failure to maintain the property may result in revocation of any extension.
      (8)   Conditions and restrictions. The Planning Commission may recommend and the City Council may impose conditions and restrictions as deemed necessary to protect the public interest and to secure compliance with the requirements of this chapter. The conditions may include the execution and submission of a development agreement with a supporting financial guarantee that the subject property will be constructed, developed and maintained in conformance with the plans, specifications and standards.
(Ord. 00-06, passed - -; Ord. 01-06, passed - -; Ord. 04-12, passed - -; Ord. 04-13, passed - -; Ord. 05-04, passed - -; Ord. 05-05, passed - -; Ord. 06-13, passed - -; Ord. 07-07, passed - -; Ord. 08-14, passed - -; Ord. 12-30, passed - -; Ord. passed 10-11-1963; Ord. 22-002, passed 2-14-2022; Ord. 23-009, passed 6-26-2023)

§ 153.032 SITE PLAN APPROVAL PROCEDURE AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.

   (A)   Purpose/standards.
      (1)   It is declared to be the policy of the city to preserve, protect and promote attractive and well-maintained commercial and industrial districts for its citizens.
      (2)   To preserve and promote attractive and stable business environments for its citizens through encouraging well-conceived, high-quality developments.
      (3)   To encourage community while, at the same time, promoting the general welfare, health, safety and order of commercial and industrial districts.
   (B)   Generally; approval required.
      (1)   Approval required. It is declared to be the policy of the city to preserve and promote attractive and stable business environments for its citizens through encouraging well-conceived, high-quality developments. To this end, imaginative site design concepts shall be employed in the development and redevelopment of respective sites. The following provisions shall apply to the site and building plan approval process, if it is related to the scope of the proposed construction. This provision applies to all properties in commercial, industrial and planned development districts that involves:
         (a)   Construction of a new building;
         (b)   Construction or reconstruction resulting in the enlargement of an existing building or any modification to the existing footprint or structural height of an existing building;
         (c)   Construction or reconstruction involving modification or replacement of the exterior materials on the building; or
         (d)   Construction or reconstruction involving modification or enlargement of the parking area.
      (2)   Exceptions. Notwithstanding the provision of division (B)(1) above, the following shall not require site plan approval:
         (a)   Any conformity, including the lawful use of or occupation of land or premises may be enlarged by less than 10% of its gross floor area, or 10,000 square feet, whichever is less, provided that:
            1.   There is no variance involved; and
            2.   The Community Development Department has conducted an administrative review. If the site includes any nonconformity, including the lawful use or occupation of land or premises then, regardless of the size of the enlargement, a variance is necessary.
         (b)   Modification of existing exterior materials on the building that does not alter more than 25% of the building, provided that:
            1.   The modification complies with the construction design requirements of this chapter; and
            2.   The Community Development Department has conducted an administrative review.
         (c)   Replacement of exterior materials on the building with same or similar materials in an attempt to retain the existing look of the building, provided that the Community Development Department has conducted administrative review.
         (d)   Murals are allowed on either: (i) one continuous side of the building; or (ii) up to 25% of the cumulative wall area of the building on which they are painted provided that the Community Development Department has reviewed the mural information and the mural complies with the following:
            1.   Murals shall not directly face adjacent residential structures and shall not cover or detract from architectural features. Eaves, cornices, and other architectural features shall keep their character and remain painted to match the rest of similar architectural features on the building.
            2.   Materials used for the mural shall be an oil-based alkyd enamel; polyurethane enamel, Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) industry standard exterior paint; or some other maintenance free materials approved by the Zoning Administrator.
            3.   The property owner registers the mural by providing the following information to the Community Development Department:
               (i)   Address and location of the building, structure or lot to which or upon which the mural is to be painted;
               (ii)   A set of drawings detailing the mural specifications, including, to the extent possible, accurate and scaled dimensions;
               (iii)   A written and signed statement including the following:
                  a.   A description of which of the following materials the mural will be painted with: an oil-based alkyd enamel; a polyurethane enamel; a Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) industry standard exterior paint; or another maintenance free material approved by the Zoning Administrator; and
                  b.   The approximate start and end dates for the creation and completion of the mural.
            4.   By registering the mural, the city can assist the property owner in ensuring compliance with design standards set forth in this section. Failure to comply with design standards may be subject to enforcement provisions set forth by this code or nuisance actions under this code or state law.
         (e)   Any conformity, including the lawful use of or occupation of land or premises may enlarge its total parking area by less than 10%, provided that:
            1.   There is no variance involved; and
            2.   The Community Development Department has conducted administrative review.
         (f)   If the site includes any nonconformity, including the lawful use or occupation of land or premises then, regardless of the size of the enlargement, a variance is necessary.
      (3)   Other provisions. The following provisions shall govern the site and building plan approval process, as they relate to the scope of the proposed construction.
   (C)   Application.
      (1)   Prior to commencing any construction, a “site and building plan approval” application shall be initiated by the owner of subject property or by an authorized agent. The applicant shall submit a “site and building plan approval” application to the Zoning Administrator, copies of which are available at the municipal offices, together with a fee in an amount established by City Council resolution. A completed application shall be filed at least 25 days prior to the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission.
      (2)   The Zoning Administrator shall refer the matter to the Planning Commission by placing the application upon the agenda of the Commission’s next regular meeting.
   (D)   Exhibits. In addition to the application, the following exhibits shall be required:
      (1)   A survey drawing by a registered engineer or land surveyor showing an inventory of all existing trees six-inch caliper and larger by species and size.
         (a)   Trees shall be identified on the drawing as quality or non-quality type trees.
         (b)   Quality trees shall be those types as stated in division (F)(2) below.
         (c)   The drawing will be accurately dimensioned survey drawing by a registered engineer or land surveyor showing pertinent existing conditions, accurately dimensioned.
      (2)   A complete set of preliminary drawings prepared by a registered civil engineer or landscape architect showing:
         (a)   An accurately scaled and dimensioned site plan indicating parking layout, including access provisions, location of structures, building elevations, landscaping, including trees and shrubbery with indication of species, planting, size and location;
         (b)   Fences, walls or other screening, including height and type of material;
         (c)   Lighting provisions, including type and location; and
         (d)   Curbs.
      (3)   Other documents as requested by the Zoning Administrator.
   (E)   Drive aisle, building, parking and curbing standards. Except for auto-related uses in § 153.382, all drive aisle, building, parking and curbing standards are as follows.
      (1)   All parking lots shall be curbed with B-6-12 concrete curbing.
      (2)   An equivalent of one curbed island at least eight feet by 20 feet in size must be placed at the end of every 20 parking spaces.
      (3)   In the B-1 and B-2 Zoning Districts, off-street parking, building and drive aisle setback standards are as follows:
 
B-1, B-2
Building
Parking
Front yard
10 to 40 feet
Not permitted
Rear yard
20 feet minimum
10 feet minimum
Side yard
0 feet
0 feet
Side adjacent to “R”
10 feet minimum
10 feet minimum
Side adjacent to street
*10 to 30 feet
*10 feet minimum
*On corner lots, traffic sight lines must be preserved and maintained to ensure safety. Buildings and parking lots must not be constructed within “sight triangles.” A SIGHT TRIANGLE is defined as that portion of a corner lot being within a triangle, the apex of which is the intersecting point of the two street right-of-way lines, extended 25 feet from the apex along each right-of-way line. At driveway entrances, site obstructions will be reviewed for safety as part of the site plan review process.
 
      (4)   In the B-3, B-5, B-6 Zoning Districts, off-street parking, building and drive aisle setback standards are as follows:
 
B-3, B-5, B-6
Building
Parking
Front yard
10 to 40 feet
Not permitted
Rear yard
20 feet minimum
10 feet minimum
Side yard
0 feet
0 feet
Side adjacent to “R”
10 feet minimum
10 feet minimum
Side adjacent to street
*10 to 30 feet
*10 feet minimum
*On corner lots, traffic sight lines must be preserved and maintained to ensure safety. Buildings and parking lots must not be constructed within “sight triangles.” A SIGHT TRIANGLE is defined as that portion of a corner lot being within a triangle, the apex of which is the intersecting point of the two street right-of-way lines, extended 25 feet from the apex along each right-of-way line. At driveway entrances, site obstructions will be reviewed for safety as part of the site plan review process.
 
      (5)   In the B-4 Zoning District, off-street parking, building and drive aisle setback standards are as follows:
 
B-4
Building
Parking
Front yard
10 to 40 feet
10 feet minimum
Rear yard
20 feet minimum
10 feet minimum
Side yard
10 feet minimum
0 feet
Side adjacent to “R”
20 feet minimum
10 feet minimum
Side adjacent to street
20 feet minimum
20 feet minimum
 
      (6)   In the I-1 and I-2 Zoning Districts, off-street parking, building and drive aisle setback standards are as follows:
 
I-1, I-2
Building
Parking
Front yard
20 to 90 feet
10 feet minimum
Rear yard
20 feet minimum
10 feet minimum
Side yard
10 feet minimum
0 feet
Side adjacent to “R”
20 feet minimum
10 feet minimum
Side adjacent to street
20 feet minimum
20 feet minimum
 
      (7)   Parking located in a front, side or rear yard must provide a wall, railing or fence that physically prohibits vehicles from extending over the property line
   (F)   Landscape, lighting and sign standards. Unless modified as part of a site and building plan approval process, the following requirements apply.
      (1)   The setback area shall be utilized as a protective buffer. The protective buffer shall not be used for parking, drive aisles, off-street loading or storage and shall be landscaped up to the building.
      (2)   Minimum landscape requirements in the protective buffer shall include the following “quality type trees,” one two and one-half inch diameter at four feet above grade caliper deciduous tree, which shall be hardwood type trees such as maple, seedless green ash, locust or basswood, or six-foot conifer type trees, such as Colorado blue spruce, white pine, red pine or pyramidal arborvitae, or other approve types. The number of trees required is the equivalent of one for every 20 feet of lineal property line on the subject site or as approved through the site plan process. The protective buffer shall also contain grass, ground cover or shrubs and shall be irrigated to facilitate maintenance of landscaped areas. No impervious surfaces such as concrete or asphalt shall be placed in the protective buffer.
      (3)   Minimum landscape requirements for each curbed island shall include one two and one-half inch diameter at four feet above grade caliper deciduous tree all of which must be of “quality” types as listed in division (F)(2) above. The curbed island shall also contain grass, ground cover, mulch or shrubs and shall be irrigated by an underground irrigation system to facilitate maintenance of landscaped areas. No impervious surfaces such as concrete or asphalt shall be placed in the curbed island.
      (4)   When a commercial or industrial development is located adjacent to or across from any “R” use, screening must comply with § 153.381, except that for the portion adjacent to the residential properties, screening from the front building line to the rear property line and along the rear property line shall be six feet in height. Required screening will be at least 95% opaque throughout the year. One or a combination of the following will satisfy the required screening:
         (a)   A decorative fence;
         (b)   A masonry wall; and/or
         (c)   Landscaping.
      (5)   Lighting levels must not exceed zero foot-candles at the abutting property line. No direct glare may extend onto the public street, public open space or neighboring properties.
      (6)   Regardless of the scope of the proposed construction, all signs must comply with the provisions of §§ 153.430 through 153.438 and §§ 150.105 through 150.110.
      (7)   When tree removal occurs, replacement trees shall constitute at least 30% of the total amount of the caliper inches of “quality trees” removed.
      (8)   All trees shall be placed around the site to promote the most efficient and effective use of the different types of trees installed.
   (G)   Construction design requirements.
      (1)   Exterior building materials. Exterior building materials are classified as primary or secondary. Primary materials must comprise at least 60% of the building facade. Secondary materials must comprise no more than 40% of the building facade.
         (a)   Primary materials in the B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5 and B-6 Zoning Districts. Primary exterior building materials in the B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5 and B-6 Districts include brick, stone, stucco or glass. Materials must be colored only by means of a pigment integral to the material, not applied to the surface.
         (b)   Primary materials in the B-4, I-1 and I-2 Zoning Districts. Primary exterior building materials in the B-4, I-1 and I-2 Districts include brick, stone, stucco or glass, concrete masonry units (CMU) which are textured, burnished or decorative. Materials must be colored only by means of a pigment integral to the material, not applied to the surface.
         (c)   Secondary materials in the B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5 and B-6 Zoning Districts. Secondary exterior building materials in the B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5 and B-6 Districts include, textured, burnished or decorative integrally colored block, or synthetic stucco above eight feet. Materials must be colored only by means of a pigment integral to the material, not applied to the surface. Other secondary exterior building materials include wood or metal. Any metal surface must be coated or anodized with a non-reflective glare-free finish.
         (d)   Secondary materials in the B-4, I-1 and I-2 Zoning Districts. Secondary exterior building materials in the B-4, I-1 and I-2 Districts include synthetic stucco above eight feet, wood or metal. Any metal surface must be coated or anodized with a non-reflective glare-free finish.
      (2)   In the B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5 and B-6 Districts, all exterior vertical surfaces must be treated as a front and be equally attractive on all sides of the structure.
      (3)   Window coverage in B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5 and B-6 Zoning Districts, buildings containing office and retail uses must maintain at least 40% window coverage on each first floor front that faces a street, parking lot or open space.
      (4)   Building facades in B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5 and B-6 Zoning Districts, all exterior building walls adjacent to a street, parking lot or open space must not exceed 60 feet in length without visual relief of two or more of the following:
         (a)   The facade is divided architecturally with different materials or textures;
         (b)   There are horizontal offsets of at least two feet in depth;
         (c)   There are vertical offsets in the roof line of at least two feet; and
         (d)   The windows on the first floor are recessed horizontally at least one foot.
      (5)   Mechanical protrusions.
         (a)   All mechanical protrusions visible to the exterior will be screened so they are not visually obvious and are compatible with the surrounding development.
         (b)   Satisfaction of this requirement will be demonstrated by the screening of the equipment in such a manner so that it is not visible from a point six feet above any common property line or street right-of-way.
         (c)   Screening will consist of either a parapet wall along the roofs edge or by an opaque screen constructed of the same material as the building’s primary vertically exposed exterior finish.
         (d)   The Zoning Administrator may determine that screening of the equipment may be satisfied by painting, which is compatible with the development or design of the building or that the equipment by designing the equipment to be compatible with the architectural treatment of the building.
         (e)   All mechanical protrusions shall be highlighted on the Site and Building Plan.
      (6)   Trash enclosures.
         (a)   Trash enclosures may not be located in the front or side yard adjacent to a street.
         (b)   All trash areas that are visible from any public right-of-way will be screened on all sides.
         (c)   Trash must not exceed the height of the screening.
         (d)   Required screening will be at least 95% opaque throughout the year, unless otherwise specified. Screening will be designed to be compatible with the architectural treatment of the principal building. All screening is subject to the regulations of § 153.381 governing fences.
         (e)   One or a combination of the following will satisfy the required screening:
            1.   A decorative fence;
            2.   A masonry wall; and
            3.   A hedge.
   (H)   Hearings.
      (1)   The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the application. Notice of the public hearing shall be given not less than ten days nor more than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing by publication in the designated local newspaper of the city. The notice shall contain the date, time and place of the hearing and a description of the land and the proposed conditional use. At least ten days before the hearing, the City Clerk shall mail an identical notice to the owner and to each of the property owners within 350 feet of the property for which the site plan approval is sought. Failure of the City Clerk to mail the notice or failure of the property owners to receive the notice shall not invalidate the proceedings.
      (2)   Action by City Council. The City Council must approve or deny the application within 60 days after receipt of all information requested by the city. The time limitation and extension of time are the same as set forth in § 153.027(C)(2).
   (I)   Denial. The City Council may deny an application for site and building plan approval upon a written finding of legally sufficient reasons with a factual basis.
   (J)   Lapse of commercial and industrial site plan. An approved commercial or industrial site plan shall lapse and become null and void one year following the date on which the application was approved, unless prior to the expiration of one year, the Building Official issues a building permit and construction is commenced toward completion on the subject site. A commercial or industrial site plan may be extended once for a period of six months by the City Council. For any commercial use, failure to maintain the property may result in revocation of any extension.
   (K)   Conditions and restrictions.
      (1)   The Planning Commission may recommend and the City Council may impose conditions and restrictions as deemed necessary to protect the public interest and to secure compliance with the requirements of the ordinance.
      (2)   The conditions may include the execution and submission of a development agreement with a supporting financial guarantee that the subject property will be constructed, developed and maintained in conformance with the plans, specifications and standards.
(Ord. 12-4, passed - -; Ord. 12-30, passed - -; Ord. passed 10-11-1963; Ord. 21-014, passed 11-8-2021; Ord. 22-002, passed 2-14-2022; Ord. 23-009, passed 6-26-2023)

§ 153.033 FILING WITH COUNTY RECORDER.

   A certified copy of every ordinance, resolution, map, regulation adopted or variance granted under the provisions of this chapter shall be filed with the County Recorder.
(Ord. passed 10-11-1963)

§ 153.034 FEES.

   (A)   Generally. The fees to be paid for each zoning application shall be as prescribed by the City Council in § 34.03. Fees shall be payable at the time applications are filed with the Zoning Administrator and are not refundable unless application is withdrawn prior to legal publication and notice. There shall be no fee in the case of applications filed in the public interest by City Council or by the Planning Commission. Fees shall include application fees, filing fees, consultant, legal, planning and engineering fees.
   (B)   Escrow payment. All reasonable expenses and fees in excess of the deposit, shall be paid by the applicant to the city within 30 days of final action on the matter by the city. If not paid within 30 days, the account shall be deemed delinquent. If the fees and expenses incurred by the city from any consultant and Attorney are less than the amount on deposit, the excess shall be returned to the applicant following final action by the city in the matter.
   (C)   Application agreement. The application shall contain a provision wherein the applicant agrees to pay all reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the city from the city’s consultants’ investigation, report and recommendation, concerning the land use matter.