(a)   The purpose of this chapter is to establish the procedures for site plan review, as well as provide general site planning guidelines in order to assure that all the elements required in this Zoning Ordinance are present in a site plan and that their design, location and relationship to one another, to the site and to adjacent properties are appropriate to achieve the intent and goals of this Zoning Ordinance. These site planning guidelines are intended to benefit both the developer and the Community.

   (b)   The site planning guidelines are not intended to dictate specific tastes and architectural styles, but are intended to make sure that significant design elements are considered in future development.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)

   The Planning Commission shall conduct a Site Plan Review for all projects to come before it, as set forth in this chapter and all other applicable sections of this Zoning Ordinance. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall conduct a Site Plan Review for all projects and/or development types that are appealing a decision to disapprove the proposed site plan by the Planning Commission. Site Plan Review shall be required for the following types of projects/developments:

   (a)   New construction or relocation of building for all development types, except for single- family and two-family dwellings, not a part of a platted subdivision or Planned Residential Development (PRD).

   (b)   Conversions of an existing structure to another permitted use and where no new exterior construction or site development is planned. “Use conversion status,” for the purposes of this Zoning Ordinance, is changing from a residential use to a commercial use or from a commercial use to a residential use.

   (c)   Projects covered by Section 1276.02(a), which are contemplating an addition or expansion, which have a least one of the following effects:

      (1)   Alterations or rearrangement of on-site parking which results in a reduction or increase in the number of parking spaces or placement within a required front yard area;

      (2)   Increasing floor area by 50% or more of the existing floor area;

      (3)   Alteration of vehicular traffic flows by way of ingress and egress or within the site itself; and

      (4)   The construction of public or private off-street parking areas where they are permitted under this Zoning Ordinance.

   (d)   Employment increases where such increase in employment requires additional parking to be provided in order to remain in compliance with the parking requirements of Section 1270.06.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)

   When the Zoning Inspector has determined that a proposed project requires Site Plan Review, an application shall be sent or given to the developer or agent. The application for Site Plan Review shall include the following items:

   (a)   Completed application form;

      (1)   General vicinity map;

      (2)   Property boundary lines and setback lines;

      (3)   Elevation contours (existing and proposed);

      (4)   Traffic and circulation plan;

      (5)   Adjacent streets;

      (6)   Parking and loading plan;

      (7)   Landscaping plan;

      (8)   Grading and erosion control, surface drainage plan;

      (9)   Proposed signage;

      (10)   Footprints of existing and proposed principal and/or accessory structures or buildings;

      (11)   Utilities plan; and

      (12)   All easements and rights-of-way affecting the site.

      All site plan drawings shall be clearly drawn and prepared by a professional engineer, architect or surveyor, as applicable and shall bear their professional seal on the plans.

   (d)   The application shall be accompanied by a fee as specified by the Village's Schedule of Fees (Exhibit V, Fee Schedule). Applications without fees will not be processed.

   (e)   A list of the name and addresses of all property owners within 200 feet of the property lines of the subject property, as they appear on the County Auditor's current tax list or Treasurer's mailing list.

   (f)   Copies of current tax map pages for the subject and above properties.

   (g)   Project cost estimates.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)

   Once a complete application for Site Plan Review has been filed, the Zoning Inspector shall:

   (a)   Circulate copies of the site plan to those officials and technicians that would have information and knowledge pertinent to the project such as the Planning Commission, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Village Engineer, Village Sanitary Engineer, and such other individuals as necessary for review and comment. After all of the comments are received, the Zoning Inspector shall arrange for a meeting with the applicant if there are any negative comments to discuss. Any necessary revisions should be made prior to the Planning Commission meeting.

   (b)   The Zoning Inspector shall notify the identified property owners, applicant and other interested parties by mail, no less than 15 working days prior to the Planning Commission meeting, or Board of Zoning Appeals meeting (if an applicant is contesting a decision of the Planning Commission), at which the subject site plan will be considered. The notice shall indicate an interested party may review a case file during normal business hours.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)

   The Planning Commission shall conduct a Site Plan Review so that it may determine that the specific requirements of this Zoning Ordinance are being satisfied in the planning of the proposed project. The Commission may also take into account comments from Village Council or the general public in its evaluation of the project. The Commission may attach such reasonable conditions to the approval of a site plan that if feels are necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the general public and to maintain the integrity of an existing neighborhood in proximity to the development.

   (b)   Decision. The Planning Commission shall approve or disapprove all site plans to come before it within 60 days of the initial Site Plan Review meeting. Such period may be extended by the Commission in the event that additional studies are required.

      (1)   Disapproval. In the event that the Commission does not approve a proposed site plan, the Commission shall notify the applicant in writing of its decision. When a site plan is not approved, it may not be resubmitted to the Commission unless correcting revisions have been made to the original plans. All re-submittals shall follow the application requirements set forth in this chapter.

      (2)   Approval. In the event that the Commission recommends the approval of a proposed site plan, the Commission shall notify Village Council of its recommendation in writing. The Chairperson of the Commission, or his or her designee, shall sign and date a copy of the approved plans and this copy shall become the officially approved site plan. Upon approval, the applicant shall have one year from the date of approval to obtain a zoning permit. The zoning permit shall be obtained in accordance with Chapter 1260. Should this one-year period elapse without the applicant having obtained the zoning permit, the Site Plan Approval shall become null and void. Should this become the case, the applicant may resubmit the application in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)

   Where a proposed site plan indicates a staged site development approach, the later stages of the proposed development may be constructed within five years of the initial approval providing that the initial stage is completed in conformance with this Zoning Ordinance. Upon the expiration of this five-year period, any and all development which has not commenced shall be subject to the application and review requirements stated within this chapter and amendments thereto.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)

   In additional to the Site Plan Review process set forth within this chapter, proposed project plans may also undergo a Technical Plan Review coordinated by the Village Superintendent. In no way shall a Site Plan Review be construed as a substitute or a waiver for the Technical Plan Review.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   Prior to issuance of zoning or building permits, a cash performance bond or other acceptable financial guarantee shall be placed on deposit with the Village to ensure that site improvements, landscaping, surface drainage, sidewalks, etc. are installed in conformance with the approved site plan. The cash bond or guarantee shall be for the total construction cost estimate of the site improvements plus 10% of the estimate, in lieu of increased costs, and shall be for a period not to exceed two years, providing for the complete construction of the site improvements within that period. If the development is to be developed in stages, each stage shall have a separate financial guarantee.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   The design guidelines in the following sections are intended to encourage creativity, imagination and skill in site and building design. Site plans shall be prepared in accordance with, and review and action on site plans by the Planning Commission and Village Council shall be based on, the design guidelines listed in Sections 1276.10 through 1276.15 below. The design guidelines of this chapter are intended to supplement the specific requirements of the applicable Zoning District, as well as the Subdivision Regulations of the Village.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   (a)   Plans. The site plan should reflect all adopted Village plans and policies affecting the site.

   (b)   Purpose Statement. The Site Plan should be consistent with the purpose statement for the Zoning District in which it is located.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   See Section 1240.01, Definitions.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   (a)   Privacy. As development intensities increase, greater opportunities for privacy should be provided by utilizing fences or walls to enclose internal views. Consideration shall be given in building design and location to the privacy of occupants of adjacent buildings.

   (b)   Site Amenity. The primary living area of a dwelling or the primary activity area of a building should be oriented toward a natural site amenity where possible.

   (c)   Building Placement. Buildings should be placed in an orderly, non-random fashion. Excessively long, unbroken building façades should be avoided.

   (d)   Context. New development and infill development should be viewed in the context of a cluster, block, neighborhood, or the entire community. Developments should be designed to be architecturally compatible with nearby structures or to screen incompatible elements of nearby development.

   (e)   Compatible. Within the requirements of the applicable Zoning District, the height, scale and setback of each building should be compatible with existing or proposed adjoining buildings. Architectural style should not necessarily duplicate adjoining structures, but should be compatible in overall form, texture, color and rhythm. Compatibility can be enhanced by the use of building materials and roof lines comparable to nearby development.

   (f)   Consistency. Consistency in architectural style should be provided within a development or a fill-in area.

   (g)   Style. The architectural style should be carried out in as authentic manner as possible.

   (h)   Variety. Variety can be provided within a particular architectural style by subtly varying building form, setbacks, colors and materials.

   (i)   Off-Site Impacts. Building and landscape design should be used to reduce adverse off-site visual impacts resulting from mechanical or service areas.

   (j)   Bulk. The apparent bulk of a building may be lessened with the use of façade articulation and pitched roofs.

   (k)   Service Areas. Service and storage areas, dumpsters, mechanical equipment and other utility features shall be screened from view from the street and neighboring properties using materials harmonious with the building.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   (a)   Street Network. Short loop streets, cul-de-sacs and residential streets should be used for access to low-density residential land uses in order to provide a safer living environment and a stronger sense of neighborhood identity. Access to arterial streets should be limited, where possible, to high-intensity land uses.

   (b)   Public Safety. On-site circulation shall be designed as to make possible adequate Fire and Police protection.

   (c)   Street Alignment.

      (1)   Natural features. A combination tangent/curve street network should be used to respect the existing natural features of a site, provide visual interest and create a more practical alignment for efficient site planning of building clusters.

      (2)   Grading. Horizontal and vertical alignment of streets should be designed to minimize grading. This includes working with the existing grade rather than against the grade to avoid excessive cut or fill. Particular effort should be directed toward securing the flattest possible grade near intersections.

   (d)   Pedestrian Circulation.

      (1)   Sidewalks shall be designed as networks, which provide safe pedestrian connections between buildings and parking areas, recreation areas, transit shelters, streets and other destinations. Walks shall be provided between buildings and the street and between buildings and parking areas.

      (2)   Separation. Pedestrian and vehicular circulation should be separated as much as possible, either through crosswalk/pavement markings, signalization or complete grade separation.

      (3)   Widths. Walkways which provide access to parking, trash disposal facilities, mailboxes, service areas and community facilities, should generally be four feet in width. Common area paths designed to carry heavier pedestrian traffic should generally be five to six feet in width in order to accommodate two pedestrian lanes or one pedestrian lane and one bicycle lane.

      (4)   Crossings. Path and sidewalk crossings should be located where there is good sight along the road. Street crossings should occur at intersections.

      (5)   Parking. Off-street parking areas should be located within convenient walking distance to the use being served. Handicapped parking should be as near as possible to the structure to avoid crossing parking aisles.

   (e)   Parking Lots and Garages.

      (1)   Parking lot design. Parking areas shall contribute positively to overall site design through the use of landscaping, decorative walls, berms and other design features. Traffic islands should be provided to define circulation paths and to break up the monotony of continuously paved areas.

      (2)   Access points. When locating points of ingress and egress, consideration should be given to the location of existing access points, adjacent to and directly across the street from the site. Curb cuts should be shared by adjoining uses whenever possible.

      (3)   Drive-thru establishments. Drive-thru establishments, such as banks, should be located to allow stacking space for peak hours of operation and not restrict other parking lot circulation.

      (4)   Garages. Detached residential garages and carports should respect the location of adjacent garages and driveways and should be architecturally compatible with the principal structures on the site. When possible, garages should be incorporated as a screening element in the overall site plan and used to create private outdoor spaces and block objectionable views.

   (f)   Other Modes. In addition to the above, site design shall also consider other transportation modes, including public transit and bicycles. Large retail and other major destinations shall provide transit shelters. Bicycle parking and racks shall be provided where appropriate.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   (a)   Scale. All signs, including wall, free-standing and window display, should be an integral part of the overall building and site design, not as an afterthought. All signs shall be of a complimentary scale and proportion in design and in visual relationship to the site and its structures. Signs within a development should be compatible with each other, and signs should not compete for attention with signs on adjoining premises.

   (b)   Harmonious. The colors, materials and lighting of every sign should be restrained, and harmonious with the building site to which it relates. Signs should define or enhance architectural elements of the building, not obscure or destroy them.

   (c)   Graphic Elements. The number of graphic elements on each sign should be held to the minimum level needed to convey the sign's major message. The graphic elements should reflect simplicity, neatness and minimum wording to avoid visual clutter and to improve legibility. Signs should identify the name and type of establishment and not advertise products or brand names.

   (d)   Coordination. Signage on each building should be coordinated and consolidated.

   (e)   All signs shall also comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 1280.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)

   (a)   Heating Periods. Consideration should be given to both over and under heated periods of the year when determining building locations. Desirable slope exposure is south, southeast.

   (b)   Winter and Summer Sun. To maximize the effect of solar radiation in winter months and maximize shade in the summer months:

      (1)   Deciduous trees should be used for summer shade and winter warmth;

      (2)   Active living spaces should be oriented to the south for winter warmth; and

      (3)   Building overhangs should be designed to shield the high summer sun and expose the area to the lower winter sun.

   (c)   Winter and Summer Wind. To reduce the impact of winter winds but maximize summer breezes:

      (1)   Steeply pitched roofs should be used on the windward side to deflect wind and reduce the roof area effected by the winds;

      (2)   Blank walls, garages or storage uses should be used on north exposures;

      (3)   North entrances should be protected with earth mounds, evergreens, and walls and fences; and

      (4)   Natural ventilation with prevailing summer breezes should be allowed for whenever possible.

(Ord. 2013-01. Passed 2-5-13.)