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Plain City Council leans toward adding residential design standards to zoning code
Summary
Council discussed implementing residential architectural design standards to improve consistency in new developments and debated whether to put standards into the Zoning Code or create a review committee. Several members favored placing standards in the code; Council asked staff to research models and add the topic to the March 4 work session.
Mayor Jody Carney opened a discussion on Feb. 23 about adding residential architectural design standards to give the Village and its Planning & Zoning Commission stronger enforcement authority for new residential developments.
Carney and Council President Tyler Harriman said rear elevations in new subdivisions often lack the design features found on front elevations; the proposal aims to increase consistency and overall design quality. Mr. Derek Hutchinson, Village Planner, recommended placing residential standards in the Zoning Code (as the Village has already done for commercial and multi‑family standards) rather than creating a new quasi‑judicial review board.
Council members debated options. Mr. Jim Eudaily and Mr. Harriman expressed support for placing standards directly in the Zoning Code to reduce subjective interpretation by a review committee; Mr. Terry and others raised procedural questions about variance appeals to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. Jamey Sintz cautioned that added regulations could raise housing costs. Mayor Carney and others asked staff to research how peer municipalities structure review committees and to return with recommendations. Council agreed to place further discussion on the March 4 work session agenda.
Next steps: staff to research implementation models (code vs. committee), return with draft language and examples, and present the topic again at the March 4 work session.
