02/22/2017 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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NEW BUSINESS Zoning Code Update Ms. Wenger stated that the 2015 Master Plan was that the North Olmsted community aspires to be a more attractive place to live, visit and invest. She believed the zoning project would help the vision to become reality. Also, the zoning map addresses some of the split-zoned properties so zoning would match up with property lines to help property owners know which zoning applies to their property. Residents expressed concern about certain businesses considered to be undesirable and the potential that they may impact property values or negatively impact nearby neighborhoods. Zoning cannot exclude these uses, but conditions have been included, such as separation distances to ensure that concentrations of those businesses do not develop. The updates will be a good tool for the Planning Department and developers to use so everyone knows what is expected. Ms. Wenger suggested that areas be added to the proposed zoning map that were overlooked. Several parcels between Wedgewood and Industrial Parkway currently zoned commercial should be B-2. Some parcels on the north side of Lorain are split by the CEI easement, but are single parcels. The northern portion of the parcels will remain industrial but were not shown in the proposed map. A parcel owned by the Metroparks has a small portion zoned commercial that was to be rezoned residential, as is the rest of the parcel. This parcel is currently shown unaffected but will be affected. A small parcel north of Great Northern Boulevard currently zoned commercial did not show up on the map and should be included in B-3. Two parcels on the east end currently zoned commercial that did not show up on the map and should be included in B-1. See attached list for parcels numbers and current and proposed zoning. Mr. DiFranco stated that the zoning code updates do not change the City storm water regulations, which were updated last year to stay in compliance with EPA requirements. He mentioned that the storm water issues are based on development size and amount of impervious surface, rather than zoning. The parking lot requirements have been reduced which will reduce parking lot size, increase green space and reduce water runoff. There will be more stringent requirements for access management, driveway spacing and separation with intersections, while encouraging shared access and shared parking. Mr. O'Malley said the State of Ohio recognizes the authority of cities to regulate zoning to enhance the general health, safety and welfare of its citizens. The City would not be "taking" property from the owners. The zoning of a property can be challenged if it removes all economically viable uses of the property. He expressed gratitude for the commissioners who volunteer because of their professional backgrounds and their concern for their community. Jim Burns, representative for the Chamber of Commerce on the zoning committee, stated that the Chamber voted to support the proposed zoning update effort primarily due to the administrative and plan review process changes that are proposed. Mr. Grusenmeyer, architect and Building Commissioner, stated that the changes straighten out the relationship between the Building and Planning. When the current zoning was approved, there was no Planning Department so all of the zoning authority was granted to the Building