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Architectural Review Officer

 

 

 

Establishment (161.01)

There is established an architectural review office (ARO) consisting of one person to be appointed by the city manager with the approval of council. (Ord. 85 2l, passed 9 23 85)

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Powers and Duties (161.02)

The architectural review office shall have the following powers and duties:

 

  1. The ARO shall review all proposed exterior construction and alteration plans in the city Business Districts A, B, O, Manufacturing Districts, any parcels granted a variance for business use in any nonconforming areas utilized for business or manufacturing uses, subdivision development, and double letter zoning districts now in effect or hereinafter created.  No building permit will be granted by the city manager without the written approval of the ARO after such review.  The ARO shall also review all proposed signs or sign changes in all zoning districts in the city.
  2. The ARO shall assist and advise the planning commission on the design, amenities, quality, relationships to natural features, existing buildings, and all other aspects of a site development plan being considered by the planning commission which relate to the appearance of an entire project, and all of its parts and surroundings.  All standards, regulations, and criteria contained in the ordinances of the city shall be considered by the ARO in its review. (Ord. 85 2l, passed 9 23 85; Am. Ord. 88 58, passed 1 25 89)

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Terms and Qualifications (161.03)

The architectural review officer shall be appointed for a term of 2 years and shall be a registered architect skilled in the field of aesthetics and design. (Ord. 85 2l, passed 9 23 85)

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Appeal (161.04)

A building permit denied based upon input from the architectural review office may be appealed to the planning commission for an administrative hearing.  The decision of the planning commission shall be final. (Ord. 85 2l, passed 9 23 85)

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Conflict of Interest (161.05)

The person appointed to the architectural review office shall not participate in the review of, or give advice upon, any work in which a partner or professional associate or associates has any direct or indirect interest.  In the event that such a conflict of interest may arise, or the ARO is unable to participate in the review, a temporary ARO shall be appointed for such work in the same manner as the ARO is appointed. (Ord. 85 2l, passed 9 23 85)

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Compensation (161.06)

Compensation shall be paid the architectural review officer as is established by the city manager for professional services.  With the submission of each application the city manager shall require a deposit to be made to cover a review expense equal to at least 25% of the fee charged for the applicable building permit. (Ord. 85 2l, passed 9 23 85)

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Review Procedures of Applications (161.07)

  1. A preliminary review may be scheduled with the city manager and the architectural review office to establish the intent and scope of the proposed application and to review the proposal as evidenced schematically by sketch plans.  The city manager and ARO may furnish the applicant written comments regarding such conference including appropriate recommendations to inform and assist prior to the preparation of the formal plan.
  2. After receipt of a complete submission of an application for a building permit for construction or alteration in the districts designated in  l6l.02(A), the city manager shall refer such submission to the ARO.
  3. Within 30 days following receipt of such submission, the ARO shall advise the city manager in writing of the approval or disapproval.  If disapproved, such writing shall set forth the findings as to the basis for the determination.  Such writing shall be open to public inspection. (Ord. 85 2l, passed 9 23 85)

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Standards and Criteria (161.08)

  1. An application or a building permit shall be reviewed by the architectural review officer who shall consider the following:
    1. Materials:  Materials shall be appropriate for the use of building, for weathering, and for relationship to other materials including those used on buildings in surrounding areas.
    2. Colors and textures:  Colors and textures shall be appropriate for the size and scale of the building, for weathering, and for relationship to the site and surrounding buildings.
    3. Architectural details and ornaments:  Architectural details and ornaments shall be meaningful to the overall design and appropriate for the size and scale of the building and for weathering.
    4. Mechanical equipment:  Mechanical equipment shall be considered as it affects rooftop appearance, sidewall openings, sound levels, smoke, and other nuisance aspects.  Also, mechanical equipment shall be considered as it relates to overhead wires, gas and electric meter stations, and any other visible appurtenances.
    5. Approaches, drives, and parking areas:  Approaches, drives, and parking areas shall be considered as they affect the appearance from the street and from the site as well.  The relationship of paving to the building shall be appropriate considering factors such as safety, drainage, and landscaping.
    6. Landscaping:  Landscaping shall be appropriate for the size and use of the area, and for its relationship to building, street, parking area, walks, buildings, and surrounding areas.  An adequate plan for the maintenance of such landscaping shall be submitted.
    7. Lighting:  Lighting shall be considered for the appropriateness of nighttime illumination of the grounds, drives, walks, parking areas, the building, and its effect upon surrounding areas.
    8. Signs:  Signs shall be considered for appropriateness of size, scale, shape, color, content, text, and illumination in relation to building site.
    9. Utilities:  Adequate utilities, parking, access roads, drainage, landscape planting, and other essential facilities and amenities will be provided.
    10. Ingress and egress:  Adequate measures will be taken to provide ingress and egress designed so as to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets.
    11. Service:  All service, loading, and shipping areas of commercial and industrial buildings shall be screened by fences or walls and located so as not to create pedestrian or traffic congestion.
  2. The application shall otherwise comply with the standards and criteria of all appropriate and applicable ordinances of the city. (Ord. 85 2l, passed 9 23 85)

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Variances (161.09)

In the event a zoning variance is required by an applicant to comply with the requirements established by the architectural review office, the ARO may recommend to the planning commission as to the nature and extent of said zoning variance request.  The planning commission may consider the recommendation as constituting a hardship sufficient to comply with the Madeira Home Rule Charter. (Ord. 85 2l, passed 9 23 85)

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7141 Miami Ave. Madeira, OH 45243 Ph: 513-561-7228