Council directs staff to draft residential design standards to preserve Plain City character

Development Director Jason Stanford presented on March 4 a proposal to adopt residential architectural design standards intended to preserve the Village’s character and give developers clear, enforceable expectations.

“[The primary goal is] to implement consistent, uniform design regulations for developers and to promote and preserve the character of the Village,” Stanford said, highlighting similarities to recently adopted commercial design standards.

Mayor Jody Carney emphasized that residential houses should be attractive from all elevations and that adequate landscaping barriers and buffers are a high priority. Carney said the goal is an enforceable guideline for new residential developments, not unenforceable wishes.

Council members debated whether to include a required materials list or broader enforceable standards and whether a separate architectural review board is needed versus relying on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Village Planner Derek Hutchinson cautioned that additional review requirements would increase review and approval timelines. Council Member T. Arnold urged inclusion of walking paths and multi-purpose trails in new development standards.

The council directed staff to draft residential architectural design standards consistent with the discussion and to evaluate whether existing review bodies are sufficient. Jason Stanford said staff will begin drafting standards and thanked Council for their direction. Council Member M. Terry excused himself at 7:31 P.M. for a prior commitment.