Label
Zoning & Planning Committee
Title
Amending Toledo Municipal Code (TMC), Part Eleven, Subsection 1109.0205, Planning and Zoning Code, Building Design Standards; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The proposed text amendment to TMC?1109.0205 Building Design Standards is designed to strengthen the design requirements for commercial buildings by requiring windows and a door facing the right-of-way.
The purpose of the proposed text amendment is to make newly constructed commercial buildings more attractive and more walkable by meeting a threshold of transparency along the right-of-way-facing elevation(s). Historically, commercial storefronts were designed to have as many large windows as possible with clear, accessible entranceways, allowing merchants to showcase their products and services. This made the buildings more attractive and accessible, improving the experience for customers. Requirements like those being presented today were not historically necessary. However, newer construction practices make these requirements necessary.
Currently, the Zoning Code requires that the primary fa?ade be subdivided and proportioned using features such as windows, entrances, arcades, and awnings. However, the code does not state how many entrances and windows need to be provided, or where. As a result, developers have constructed stores that have either no windows or fake windows, and doors that face the rear or the side of the building.
On March 12, 2020 the Toledo City Plan Commission considered and recommended approval of the requested text amendment.
On June 17, 2020, Toledo City Council, Planning and Zoning Committee reviewed, and sent without recommendation the requested text amendment.
Summary
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1 That Toledo Municipal Code Subsection 1109.0205, Building Design Standards, which reads as follows:
1109.0205 Building Design Standards
The intent of buil...
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