2024-10-14b_Diagnostic Report_Aurora

Aurora, Ohio

Zoning Diagnostic Report Version: October 14, 2024

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Zo n i n g D i a g n o s t i c R e p o r t This Zoning Diagnostic Report recommends amendments to the City of Aurora Zoning Code that would better align the code’s regulations with the community’s objectives and with general planning best practices.

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Redefine corner lot to include lots found along tight curves of a continuous street

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Improve clarity on the number of persons permitted to occupy a dwelling

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Use tables to more effectively and clearly indicate numeric requirements of the code, such as heights and setbacks

DEFINITIONS, TERMINOLOGY, AND CLARITY •

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Ensure consistency in land use terminology, and ensure that each land use term is defined Update the definitions of residential district, residential area, commercial district, manufacturing district, industrial district, and planned district with consideration for the mixed-use development district

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Replace gender-specific pronouns with gender-neutral pronouns

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Include the land use term “educational facility” rather than specifically “public” or “parochial”

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Use terms that differentiate the site plan requirements from subdivision types “minor” and “major”

Aurora, Ohio

ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES •

Make parking lot review an administrative process rather than a committee process

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Clarify ambiguities as they relate to nonconformities

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Include a section outlining specific processes for condominium developments

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Allow notices of public hearings to be published online rather than in print newspapers and allow public signage advertising public hearings to refer to online details, where allowed by state law

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Update and expand the fee schedule for subdivision administrative services

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Increase clarity on the Mixed-Use District Design Review Process

DISTRICTS AND DISTRICTSPECIFIC STANDARDS •

Update design guidelines in the Mixed-Use District to be more specific, including what elements contribute to the “Western Reserve aesthetic”

GENERALLY APPLICABLE REGULATIONS •

Review sign types and permitted sizes

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Permit Low Impact Development alternatives to traditional impervious paving materials for roadways and sidewalks; permit the use of curbless streets and vegetated swales/ditches

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Reconcile the requirements for fencing of multi-family dwellings with the fencing restrictions applicable to residential districts

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Consider facilitating low-impact home occupations throughout the residential districts; permit home occupations to be conducted within all types of garages, attached and detached Allow uses in the C-1 District that support the Master Plan’s economic development goals

Aurora, Ohio

Review and revise the requirements for the T-1 District to accommodate business development

LEGAL DEFENSIBILITY •

Review Section 1139.02 “Conditional Zoning Certificates” for compliance with applicable state and case law

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Review the restriction on places of worship for compliance with federal law and consider by-right development of such uses in any zone where other places of congregation are permitted

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Amend the Wireless Communication Antenna regulations to accommodate amateur radios where required by law

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Review sign provisions for compliance with Ohio Revised Code and applicable sign case law

ORGANIZATION

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT •

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Organize all districts, including the M1 Mixed-Use District, in one chapter of the code

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Correct the T1 District designation as a base district

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Combine Chapters 1173 and 1175 where appropriate

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Relocate Chapter 1111, 1113, 1115, and 1116 to a portion of the code

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that relates to all applicable developments, not only subdivisions

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Aurora, Ohio

Zoning Diagnostic Report

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