At its meeting on May 12, 2008 at 7:00 pm, the Planning Commission will consider six proposals for work within Granville's historic district. Denison has 3 proposals before the Commission including a change in the lighting of Burke Hall. One of Denison's proposals is for an elevator addition to Curtis Hall on the campus within the Institutional District.

In the case of one application (139 W. Elm Street), the owners of the property have begun their project before review by the Planning Commission.

According to Chapter 1161, "The purpose of the Architectural Review Overlay District is to preserve and encourage good architectural styles within the Village, reflecting the distinct phases of the Village's history. Therefore, in addition to the other requirements of this Zoning Ordinance, all applications for Zoning and Architectural Permits in the Architectural Review Overlay District which propose new construction, exterior modification and/or structural alteration shall be subject to review by the Planning Commission to determine that the proposed new construction, exterior modification or structural alteration:

(a) Is stylistically compatible with other new, renovated and old structures in the Village District.

(b) Contributes to the improvement and upgrading of the historical character of the Village District.

(c) Contributes to the continuing vitality of the District.

(d) Protects and enhances examples of the physical surroundings in which past generations lived.

The Planning Commission, at its May 12, 2008 meeting, will consider the following applications:

Application #08-41: Submitted by Art Chonko, on behalf of Denison University, for the property located at 240 West Broadway (Burke Hall). The request is for approval of an exterior site lighting plan. The property is zoned Village Institutional District (VID) and is located within the Architectural Review Overlay District (AROD).

Click here to view Denison's Burke Hall application.

Click here to view Denison's Burke Hall lighting plan.

Click here to view Denison's Burke Hall lighting fixtures.

Application #08-42: Submitted by Art Chonko, on behalf of Denison University, for the property located at 100 Smith Lane, Curtis Hall. The request is for approval of an exterior elevator addition. The property is zoned Institutional District (ID).

Click here to view Denison's Curtis Hall application.

Click here to view Denison's Curtis Hall elevator location plan.

Click here to view Denison's Curtis Hall elevator design.

Application #08-43: Submitted by Art Chonko, on behalf of Denison University, for the property located at 334 East Broadway, College Town House. The request is for approval of a handicap ramp replacement. The property is zoned Village Business District (VBD) and is located within the Architectural Review Overlay District (AROD).

Application #08-44: Submitted by Ed and Donna Jenkins for their property located at 327 North Pearl Street. The request is for architectural review and approval of modifications to the existing enclosed porch. The property is zoned Suburban Residential District-B (SRD-B) and is located within the Architectural Review Overlay District (AROD).

Application #08-46: Submitted by John Noblick/Jerry McClain Construction, Inc., for the property owned by Jason and Dee Gay located at 317 North Granger Street. The request is for architectural review and approval of a three-car detached garage. The property is zoned Village Residential District (VRD) and is located within the Architectural Review Overlay District (AROD).

Application #08-47: Submitted by Sherry Russell, on behalf of Centenary United Methodist Church, located at 102 East Broadway (Methodist Church). The request is for approval of two sandwich board signs. The property is zoned Village Square District (VSD) and is located within the Architectural Review Overlay District (AROD).

Application #08-48: Submitted by David and Rebecca Schnaidt for their property located at 139 West Elm Street. The request is for architectural review and approval of re-roofing, specifically removal of the slate tiles and replacement with premium dimensional asphaltic shingles. The property is zoned Village Residential District (VRD) and is located within the Architectural Review Overlay District (AROD).

In making its decisions, the Planning Commission must evaluate each application according to the following Standards and Criteria as outlined in Chapter 1161.05 of the Planning and Zoning Code:

1161.05 STANDARDS AND CRITERIA.

In reviewing an application, the Planning Commission shall determine, based on submitted materials, whether the proposed architecture follows or exemplifies any one or a combination of the following architectural styles:

Colonial                                 Greek Revival
Dutch Colonial                       Victorian
French Colonial                      Italianate
Georgian                                Second Empire
Federal/Adamesque               Chateauesque
Jeffersonian/Roman                Revival
Homestead                            Richardsonian
Romanesque                         Queen Anne
American Foursquare            Craftsman
Tudor                                    Bungalow

These styles are considered consistent with existing architecture in the Village, and depict the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. So also must the Commission consider the "tout ensemble," or the totality of an architecturally or historically unique area.

In reviewing an application, the Planning Commission shall also consider the following:

(a) Height. The height of the building shall be measured at the ridge line or the parapet. All new construction should be within ten percent (10%) of the average height of the existing adjacent buildings, unless the structures are of a potential landmark character, or the Planning Commission finds that it is not in the best interest of the community that a common height be maintained.

(b) Building Massing. In evaluating building massing, such characteristics as the building width, height, surrounding setbacks and style shall be considered in relationship to all other structures within 100 feet. This relationship between buildings should allow for consistency of style, size and density in each given neighborhood area.

(c) Roof Shape. Roof shape is particularly significant in low buildings or buildings which will be seen from a distance or from above. Roof forms and materials may relate to surrounding buildings. Tall building roof shapes should be evaluated from the logical point or points from where they would be viewed rather than from a straight elevation.

(d) Materials and Texture. Materials and texture are particularly important in terms of their relationship to surrounding buildings and the use of natural materials should be encouraged. Brick color from actual samples should be evaluated. In many cases, through the skillful use of color, significant compatibility with the surrounding environment can be developed.

(e) Use of Details. In evaluating building details, the primary concern is for appropriateness to the scale and overall design concept of the building and its environment. Building details may attempt to recall the spirit of an earlier period detailing in contemporary application. If the applicant chooses to reproduce historic details, such as colonial window treatment, etc., it becomes important that some historical authenticity is maintained. In older structures, detailing may be highlighted through painting.

(f) Use of Live Plant Material. Planting materials should be evaluated on their use for accentuating and highlighting the architectural details of screening undesirable areas such as vacant lots, parking and mechanical equipment. Planting and landscaping are particularly important where parking lots are utilized. Mounding may be developed to partially screen automobiles from the pedestrian view or driving views. In addition, larger parking lots (over fifteen cars) should be broken up by interior landscaping, preferably at the ends of parking aisles. Where year-round screening is required, evergreen planting is appropriate.

(g) Use of Landscape Design. Other elements of exterior design, such as walls, become a part of the building and tie it to adjoining structures or give it additional character. Lighting is particularly important, both from the standpoint of providing light to the pedestrian as well as affecting the view of the building in the evening hours. Where possible, lighting should be either low level or screened from any potential of shining directly into pedestrians' or auto drivers' eyes. When appropriate, the applicant should provide a lighting plan as seen at night.

(h) Enhancement of Pedestrian Environment. Where possible, elements which can contribute to the quality of the pedestrian environment and other public amenities should be promoted. Included among these may be benches, water fountains, seating areas, arcades, awnings or canopies. Increasing the quality of the pedestrian environment is one of the major themes of this Zoning Ordinance. Improving circulation and developing new pedestrian routes, such as mid-block connections, are particularly desirable.

(i) Signage. As regulated by the sign regulations, signage will be most significant in communicating the character of the building. Signage should be discreet and minimal. Signs oriented to the pedestrian should be small in scale; those oriented toward automobile traffic may be larger. Color should be subdued, and where appropriate, the architectural character of the sign should be consistent with that of the building. Signs flush on the building face are in many cases preferable to projecting signs.

(j) Other elements necessary to determine appropriateness of the proposed changes.