06/10/2009 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

commercial sites and the area in question is being cleaned and seeded additional buffering would not be required. The area does not buffer the line of site of commercial activity and will be maintained as green space in lieu of parking within a fence, therefore additional plantings are not warranted. He questioned the projected completion date and Mr. Moreno said once city approval is given his intent is to have the plan completed as quickly as possible. Mr. Lasko moved, seconded by Mr. Malone, to approve COMS09-04: NOAC (North Olmsted Auto Collection) of 28545 Lorain Road which consists of modiflcations to previously approved plans as shown on sheet C1-04 with the following conditions: 1. Landscaping plan shall take into account Mr. Malone's recommendations. 2. Mr. Moreno will discuss the maintenance issues addressing the residential side of the fence with the property owners. 3. The applicant agrees to remove the two parking spaces shown on the east curb cut in the front yard of the Realty One building. The landscaping along the front of the Realty One site will follow the previously approved campus landscape plan. 4. The 5aab landscaping plan includes cleaning and improving the existing landscaping across the front of the building. The motion was unanimously approved 5-0. COMMUNICATIONS Ordinance No. 2009-63 creating a new Chapter 1153 (Wind Energy Conversion Systems) of the North Olmsted Zoning Code in order to permit and establish regulations for the use of wind energy conversion systems (WECS) in the City of North Olmsted. Ms. Wenger said the City's zoning code is often revised and updated to reflect new types of development and technologies not addressed or available when it was initially drafted. Ordinance 2009-63 will establish a new chapter in the zoning code to regulate wind energy conversion systems, commonly called wind turbines. At the federal and State level benchmarks for the incorporation of renewable, alternative energy sources on a utility scale have been established. The State of Ohio has left regulating wind power under 5 MW to be addressed in local zoning regulations and incentives to incorporate alternative energy uses are being made available on a smaller scale at local levels. Proposals for wind, solar or other technologies can and will be submitted, it's a matter of time. She noted that within the past week two new wind projects had been installed within the region. Community benefits include reduced pressure and pollutants from traditional energy sources, reduced peak energy demand and increased choices for local residents. The benefits to property owners include energy independence, recouping electricity costs, reliable electricity and promoting sustainable energy choices. The zoning regulations drafted are an effort to balance the rights of participating and non participating property owners. The new chapter creates three categories of WECS: small wind energy systems, medium wind energy systems, and building integrated systems. She noted that the terms small and medium WECS were local definitions. The standards developed are common amongst them, and regulate items such as design, appearance, blade clearance, signage, lighting and access. Additional standards provide for use regulations, minimum lot sizes, height and setbacks depending on which type of system is proposed. Small and medium systems are