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New architecture guidelines account for history
(by Barbara Christian - April 14, 2010)
New architecture guidelines account for history
By BARBARA CHRISTIAN
The Chagrin Falls planning and zoning commission worked for nearly three years on a design review procedure and regulations for the zoning code. Village Council voted unanimously Monday to make it official.
Councilman Adam Jacobs, commission representative, told council that the code speaks in length about regulations and review of historic buildings. The new guidelines address the compatibility of proposed changes or new buildings, signs and structures on the historical and architecture of existing buildings, signs and structures, he said.
They include limitations, administrative procedures, standards for review before the architectural review board, procedures for demolition and moving buildings and maintenance requirements.
Along with the new code, the planning and zoning commission, through Mr. Jacobs, offered additional ordinances, which also were approved unanimously.
One relates to the review of plans by the architectural review board and time limits for review of drawings, plans and complaints. The review board must act within 45 days of its initial consideration of plans and drawings but building permits for the project cannot be issued without written approval of the review board. If the board fails to act in 45 days, the plans will be considered approved. In addition, applicants are entitled to an unofficial review by the review board, but not a preliminary or final approval or a building permit.
Another piece of legislation clarifies an ordinance relating to the architectural review board's procedures. Most significant among them, according to planning consultant Julie Lindner, is it gives applicants review board guidance on their preliminary plan so there is expectation of success during the final approval process.
Specific language notes that if the board does not give preliminary approval, it "shall verbally advise the applicant of the reasons (and) may specify modifications which would make the plan acceptable."
The board also may give concurrent preliminary and final approval if applicants satisfy all requirements.
Additionally, the review procedures now permit public input and information relevant to any application, but the board can establish rules "necessary for the effective proceeding of any meeting."
Separate public hearings were held for each piece of legislation, but none of them brought public comment.
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