Plain City officials are asking council to determine the process for Uptown building changes, whether or not they decide to keep the Design Review Board.
“Staff is recommending that we move forward with legislation one way or another,” Village Administrator Haley Lupton told council at its most recent meeting.
In November, council voted to table the first reading of a proposed ordinance that would delete Chapter 1327, which establishes and governs the Uptown Plain City Historic District, from the village’s codified ordinances.
Instead, the “Uptown Commercial Overlay District” would be created.
At the November meeting, Village Planner Derek Hutchinson explained that the zoning overlay would aim to keep the historic look and feel of the area but would remove the historic design guidelines and Design Review Board (DRB).
A first reading of the ordinance appeared before council again Monday.
Lupton said, due to expiration of terms and resignation of board members, DRB cannot currently process applications for Certificates of Appropriateness, which are required for the majority of exterior changes to Uptown buildings.
“It’s a great example of why we’re suggesting the new process,” Lupton said.
Lupton noted that the village has received one application since Dec. 6 that would need to be reviewed by DRB according to the current process.
She said the business owner has been waiting for weeks for approval to add a sign to their business.
“It’s a simple sign for a successful Uptown business that we want to help support in any way possible,” she said.
Difficulty obtaining a quorum for DRB meetings was mentioned throughout 2023 as one of the issues that sparked discussion about changing the review process. Council members also noted the number of appeals filed against DRB decisions as reason to consider changes.
Since the overlay would eliminate DRB, major exterior modifications would go before the Planning and Zoning Commission to ensure they are compatible with surrounding buildings.
Minor changes would be reviewed by staff and approved or denied administratively.
The proposed zoning overlay includes a written code that details design standards and guidelines to be followed within the area. It is accompanied by a “style guide” that includes photo examples of the types of building designs and features that have been approved by the village.
Council member Tyler Harriman, who sat on the Planning and Zoning Commission when the zoning overlay was recommended to council, before he was elected, said he is in favor of the legislation.
He noted that the commission “spent a lot of time going over it” and used “anchor buildings” that encompass the historic style of the Uptown as a model.
“I think (the proposed legislation) does a nice job of having pictures (indicating)… this is the style we’re wanting to have for the Uptown area,” Harriman said.
Mayor Jody Carney noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended council approve the Uptown Commercial Overlay District.
“They see the vision for this legislation,” she said.
A second reading of the ordinance will come before council at its next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22 in the municipal building. At that time, council will vote on the measure.