§ 1284.10. REVIEW STANDARDS.

The standards set forth in this section shall be utilized by the Planning Commission to review all site plans. These standards are intended to provide a frame of reference for the applicant in the preparation of the site plans, as well as for the reviewing authority in making a judgment concerning them. These standards shall not be regarded as inflexible requirements. They are not intended to discourage creativity, invention or innovation.

(a)

Landscape Preservation . The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar as practical, by minimizing tree and soil removal, and any grade changes shall be in keeping with the general appearance of neighboring developed areas.

(b)

Relation of Buildings to Environment . Proposed structures shall be related harmoniously to the terrain and to the existing buildings in the vicinity that have a visual relationship to the proposed buildings. The achievement of such relationship may include the enclosure of space in conjunction with other existing buildings or other proposed buildings and the creation of focal points with respect to avenue of approach, terrain features or other buildings and structures and the neighboring properties.

(c)

Drives, Parking and Circulation . With respect to vehicular and pedestrian circulation, including walkways, interior drives and parking, special attention shall be given to location and number of access points, general interior circulation, separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic and arrangement of parking areas that are safe, convenient and, insofar as practical, do not detract from the design of the proposed buildings and structures and the neighboring properties. Sidewalks shall be constructed according to City specifications unless waived by the Planning Commission.

(d)

Surface Water Drainage . Special attention shall be given to proper site surface drainage so that removal of surface waters will not adversely affect neighboring properties or the public storm drainage system. If practical, storm water shall be removed from all roofs, canopies and paved areas and carried away in an underground drainage system. Temporary on-site storage to reduce rapid run-off from the site is encouraged. Surface water in all paved areas shall be collected at intervals so that it will not obstruct the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic and will not create puddles in the paved areas.

(e)

Utility Service . Electric and telephone distribution lines shall be underground. Any utility installations remaining above ground shall be located so as to have a harmonious relationship to neighboring properties and the site.

(f)

Advertising Features . The size, location and lighting of all permanent signs and outdoor advertising structures or features shall be consistent with the requirements of Chapter 1282.

(g)

Special Features . Exposed storage areas, exposed machinery installations, service areas, truck loading areas, utility buildings and structures, and similar accessory areas shall be subject to such setbacks, screen plantings or other screening methods as shall reasonably be required to prevent their being incongruous with the existing or contemplated environment and the surrounding properties.

(h)

Architectural Elevations . Elevations of the buildings, principal and accessory, shall be in harmony with the general character of the neighborhood, and the color of brick or other approved facing material shall be compatible with the surround area, as shown in the Architecture and Design Standards set for in Chapters 1270 and 1276.

(Ord. 195. Passed 4-9-90; Ord. 374. Passed 11-24-03.)