Ohio Balanced Growth Program Codes and Ordinances Workshop: Recommendations for Development and Site Layout Kirby Date, AICP, Cleveland State University

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Location of development for minimum impact Management and control of storm water and erosion Protection of stream and wetland areas so they can do their job as storm water infrastructure Protection of scenic, historic and natural resources to help retain our “great place” Local Governments Can Have a Big Impact on Watershed and Community Quality

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov RECOMMENDATIONS: Conservation Development A planned unit development with special standards for preserving resources Residential, commercial, institutional or mixed use Usually an option, with incentives Concentrates permitted development capacity on the site, while conserving the rest in open space Based on “neutral density” concept

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov ConventionalConservation Development 40-50% Permanent Open Space Quality Open Space Resource Protection Appropriate Development Intensity

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Benefits of Conservation Development Property values are enhanced or remain the same Diversity of housing product to accommodate diverse buyer market Protects natural, scenic and cultural resources Can reduce storm drainage, infrastructure costs Reduces impervious surface Open space provides options for riparian, wetland, and storm water protection Provides opportunity to restore/enhance vegetation

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Examples of Conservation Development 12 municipalities and 21 townships in Northeast Ohio alone, including: Aurora City Hudson City Hiram Village and Township Pittsfield Township …..

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Summary: Recommendations for Subdivision Design For sites greater than acres, adopt Conservation Development By-right, streamlined review Quality open space, permanently protected Appropriate density, moderate bonuses Dovetail with resource protection: stream setbacks, woodland protection, floodplain protection; priorities Include incentives

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Communities Summit County: supports conservation development -incentives: reduced road requirements -similar development process -open space is defined Coventry Township: no real places to apply City of Norton: does have areas where CD could apply

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov RECOMMENDATIONS: Common Access Drives Up to 5 lots on one common drive Requires management agreement Provides access management benefits Reduced pavement Retains frontage

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Communities Summit County: permits common access drives, discourages flag lots Coventry Township: n/a – typically a county issue Norton: RU-1 district might be a good place to implement (larger lots)

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov RECOMMENDATIONS: Compact Development Residential, commercial or mixed use Strong neighborhood design Pedestrian walkability Range of housing choices Range of transportation choices Development or redevelopment

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Benefits of Compact Development Provides diverse set of housing/commercial products for diverse buyer markets Helps to revitalize small towns and existing neighborhoods Fits well into new “lifestyle center” projects Provides an exciting civic environment, enhancing community character When implemented across a watershed, will improve overall runoff characteristics of the watershed

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Cottage Development Applies to small sites, 1-5 acres Focus on small homes, 1000 sf Good design, Central greenspace, room for storm water LID One parcel or separate parcels Infill or redevelopment Kansas City, northwest US

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Examples of Compact Development City of Hudson: First and Main City of Shaker Heights: Lee/Chagrin City of Cleveland Cleveland Heights Your town center!

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Summary: Recommendations for Compact Development Implement for new, redevelopment Density 6 to 8 units per acre Use design guidelines Mix uses/housing types Consider cottage development for small infill sites

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Communities Summit County: n/a Coventry Township: could consider cottage development (needs infrastructure) Norton: Compact development would be appropriate – cluster district, max. 10 units per acre, might be useful -IT district allows mixed uses - may want to broaden allowable commercial uses to assist revitalization in neighborhoods

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov RECOMMENDATIONS: Stream And Wetland Setbacks Zoning setback similar to front and side yards Improves storm drainage infrastructure function of creeks and waterways Width determined by drainage area of the sub watershed, or wetland category Typical setback provisions apply (variances, grandfathering, enforcement) Floodplain regs also matter

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Benefits of Riparian and Wetland Setbacks Provide free storm water and flood protection infrastructure Filter and settle out pollutants Reduce capital and maintenance costs Work better than constructed solutions Enhance design quality of development

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Riparian setback in a conservation development

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Wetland Protection in a Conservation Development

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Examples of Riparian Setbacks in Communities 49 communities and 4 counties have adopted setback regulations in NE Ohio Data pending in rest of Basin Auburn Township, 25 to 120 feet City of Independence, 25 to 300 feet City of Aurora, 25 to 120 feet City of Green, 25 to 300 feet Lake County, 25 to 120 feet

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Communities Summit County: Riparian Setbacks – suitability for development regulation re: floodplain Coventry Township: Riparian Setback regulation Norton: Riparian Setback regulation All include wetlands County, city could consider floodplain regulation alignment

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov RECOMMENDATIONS: Woodland Protection Filter and manage storm water Reduce erosion Protect steep slopes, wetlands and riparian areas Critical to scenic site character Enhance property values

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Summary: Woodland Protection Adopt woodland protection code Address both pre- design and design phases Address construction and monitoring

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Communities Summit County: n/a Coventry Township: n/a Norton: may want to consider

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov RECOMMENDATIONS: Steep Slope Protection Generally protect steeply sloping areas, most often along stream and riparian corridors Provides for riparian area protection, reduces erosion, and helps with flood control

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Summary Do engineering study to identify vulnerable slopes and areas Require special construction conditions per study Expand stream setbacks to accommodate steep slopes

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Communities Summit County: development suitability restrictions Coventry Township: n/a? Norton: steep slopes are within riparian protected areas

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov RECOMMENDATIONS: Natural Areas Establishment Allowing natural areas instead of horticultural lawns, especially in larger open space areas, helps to reduce surface water flows, filter storm water, and enhance the community environment Controls are needed to ensure landscape quality

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Summary: Natural Areas Establishment Exempt natural areas from mowing ordinances Permit meadows, succession, young woodland, wetlands Provide an expert Perhaps provide a review body Provide community with authority to remedy problems Address education

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Communities Summit County: n/a Coventry Township: n/a? Norton City: consider for larger areas

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Best Local Land Use Practices – Resources Available Web site Best Local Land Use Practices document – issues, guidance, recommendations Example regulations UPDATE EARLY 2012 Ongoing technical assistance

balancedgrowth.ohio.gov Gail Hesse Executive Director Sandra Kosek-Sills Environmental Specialist Kirby Date, AICP Best Local Land Use Practices Program Manager