CITY OF HIGHLAND HEIGHTS REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION HELD: NOVEMBER 27, 2017 8:00 PM Chair of Commission Adamus presiding. PRESENT: ABSENT: Commissioners Adamus, Mastrangelo, Urban, Warner; Recording Clerk Olson; Building Commissioner Grabfelder Commissioner Valentino MOTION ON THE MINUTES: The reading of the minutes of the regular meeting held November 13, 2017 was dispensed with. An amendment to the minutes was requested by Mr. Adamus as follows: Page 4, under Progressive Alpha Annex Office Building and Parking Garage, last sentence, change the spelling of imperious to impervious. Mr. Warner moved to accept the minutes as amended; seconded by Mr. Mastrangelo. VOTE: Ayes Adamus, Mastrangelo, Warner; abstain Urban. Motion carried. MOTION ON THE MINUTES: The reading of the minutes of the public hearing held November 13, 2017 for Rodger Smith was dispensed with. Mr. Warner moved to accept the minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Mastrangelo. VOTE: Ayes Adamus, Mastrangelo, Warner; abstain Urban. Motion carried. PZ17037 HIGHLAND WELLNESS CENTER, 5606 WILSON MILLS ROAD VARIANCE TO EXCEED MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SIGNAGE AREA Melinda Arko, YESCO Sign & Lighting Service, 38348 Apollo Parkway, Suite 1, Willoughby, Ohio 44094, appeared before the Commission to obtain a variance to exceed the maximum allowable signage area at Brainard Crossing plaza, located at the southeast corner of Wilson Mills Road and Brainard Road. The public hearing was held immediately prior to this regular meeting. Mr. Adamus advised the applicant of her right to be represented by an attorney. The applicant waived that right. He informed the applicant that only four of the five Commissioners were present and extended the option to defer the public hearing until such time when all Commissioners would be present because a concurring vote of three members of the Commission is necessary to grant a variance. The applicant chose to proceed. MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Urban to grant Highland Wellness Center, on property located at 5606 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights, Ohio 44143, a variance of 26.5 square feet from HHCO 1145.05(c): Total Permissible Sign Area, which establishes for setbacks in excess of 150 feet, that the total permissible sign area shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of building frontage with a maximum area not to exceed 200 square feet, to allow a total sign area of 226.5 square feet at Brainard Crossing plaza; seconded by Mr. Mastrangelo.
Mr. Adamus requested the clerk poll the Commissioners for their reasoning in the manner in which they voted. The consensus of the Commission for granting the variance is that the variance amount is minimal, the proposed sign is proportionally consistent in size with the existing signs of the other storefronts and Code does not account for signage of multiple tenants occupying one structure. PZ17040 PROGRESSIVE ALPHA ANNEX OFFICE BUILDING AND PARKING GARAGE, 747 ALPHA DRIVE VARIANCES FOR PROPOSED OFFICE BUILDING AND PARKING GARAGE Kevin McGrath, Director of Real Estate Development, and Rose Costanzo, Senior Regional Construction Manager, Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, 6300 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Village, Ohio 44143, and representatives from Bialosky Cleveland, 6555 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44103, appeared before the Commission to obtain variances for the proposed Alpha Annex office building and parking garage to be constructed at 747 Alpha Drive, Highland Heights, Ohio 44143. The public hearing was held immediately prior to this regular meeting. Mr. Adamus advised the applicants of their right to be represented by an attorney. The applicants waived that right. He informed the applicants that only four of the five Commissioners were present and extended the option to defer the public hearing until such time when all Commissioners would be present because a concurring vote of three members of the Commission is necessary to grant a variance. The applicants chose to proceed. The Commission is in receipt of the following letters of approval for the preliminary project plans: Police Department 11/13/17; Fire Department 11/27/17; and City ARB 11/3/17. Signage and preliminary site plan approval will be addressed at a later date. In response to Mr. Mastrangelo s inquiry regarding the retention basin, the applicants replied the existing retention basin is adequately sized but may need to be dug deeper. They stated there is less of a burden on the basin due to the increase in greenspace on the property. The City Engineer will review. MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Warner to grant Progressive Group of Insurance of 1 from HHCO 1141.05(a): Measurement Standards; Parking Space Dimensions, which requires that off-street parking space shall have a minimum rectangular dimensions of not less than 9 in width and 19 in length for ninety degree parking, to allow off-street parking space of 9 in width and 18 in length; seconded by Mr. Urban.
MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Warner to grant Progressive Group of Insurance of 1 from HHCO 1141.05(b): Measurement Standards; Driveway Circulation Aisles, which requires a minimum driveway aisle width of 25, to allow a driveway aisle width of 24 ; seconded by Mr. Urban. MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Warner to grant Progressive Group of Insurance of between 3 to 7 from HHCO 1143.03: Nonresidential Yard Schedule; Schedule of Yard Regulations, which requires a minimum side yard setback of 10 for adjoining lots within a Nonresidential District, to allow a northerly side yard setback of 7 at the northwestern most corner of the lot then tapering to a side yard setback of 3 at the northeastern most corner of the lot for the proposed extension of the existing parking lot; seconded by Mr. Urban. MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Warner to grant Progressive Group of Insurance of 7 10 from HHCO 1143.04: Nonresidential Height Limitation, which establishes that the maximum height of any structure in a Nonresidential District shall not exceed 35, to allow construction of stair towers to a height of 42 10 ; seconded by Mr. Urban. MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Warner to grant Progressive Group of Insurance of 2 6 from HHCO 1143.04: Nonresidential Height Limitation, which establishes that the maximum height of any structure in a Nonresidential District shall not exceed 35, to allow construction of a detached garage to a wall height of 37 6 ; seconded by Mr. Urban. Mr. Adamus requested the clerk poll the Commissioners for their reasoning in the manner in which they voted. The consensus of the Commission for granting the variances to the parking space length and driveway aisle width is that the variance amounts are minimal, appropriate and necessary; the variances to height limitations are localized and limited to the parapet and stair tower only and not the entirety of the parking garage and have the approval of the Fire Department; and the loss of greenspace for the expanded parking lot on the northerly lot line is remediated by the addition of greenspace between buildings.
PZ17041 CAROL CALTA, 389 WEST INVERNESS DRIVE AND 393 EAST INVERNESS DRIVE LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT Mark Kotoch and Ray Guerrini, Monarch Construction home builders, appeared before the Commission to request approval for a lot line adjustment of permanent parcels 821-23-032 (sublot 25A, 389 West Inverness Drive) and 821-23-033 (sublot 26A, 393 East Inverness Drive), located in Aberdeen Area A. The aforementioned parcels are both owned by Carol Calta. It was noted the plat incorrectly spells her last name as Carlta. Building Commissioner Grabfelder will advise the City Engineer the correct spelling is Calta. Monarch Construction is proposing to construct a sideby-side dwelling with half of the dwelling on each parcel that will share a middle, interior common wall with the other parcel. The common wall is also the side property line for each parcel. The applicants stated the outline of the common wall as approved and recorded by City Council was incorrect. They are seeking approval for the revised plat that correctly shows the outline of the common wall. The exterior lot lines will remain as originally recorded. Legal descriptions for each parcel were submitted to the Commission and approved by the City Engineer in a letter dated November 9, 2017. MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Warner to grant approval of a lot line adjustment for permanent parcels 821-23-032 and 821-23-033, per the plat of lot line adjustment dated November 6, 2017 and legal descriptions dated November 9, 2017 approved by the City Engineer; seconded by Mr. Urban. Mr. Mastrangelo stated Monarch Construction must submit a home portfolio and appear before the Commission for new home builder approval in the Aberdeen subdivision prior to construction. PZ17042 SKECHERS OUTLET, 6241 WILSON MILLS ROAD APPROVAL OF EXTERIOR BUILDING FAÇADE RENOVATION Scott Hull, Hauck Holdings, appeared before the Commission to obtain approval for the proposed exterior façade renovations to the front entrance of Skechers Outlet, 6241 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights, Ohio 44143, located at the rear of the 1.1 acre parcel where The Home Depot and Kohl s storefronts are located. No variances are required. The exterior brick wall between The Home Depot and Kohl s storefronts will be renovated with new glass storefronts and entrance for the forthcoming Skechers Outlet tenant. The applicant submitted conceptual drawings approved by the City ARB earlier today with changes to be made as cited in the minutes of the ARB meeting held November 27, 2017. The landlord, Hauck Holdings, will handle exterior renovations and basic interior finishes. Skechers is responsible for final installation of fixtures and specialty fabrications. Skechers has access to the back service
alley through an 8 corridor. The plaza is 100% occupied with the addition of Skechers. Opening date is scheduled for March, 2018. Building Commissioner Grabfelder stated Hauck Holdings will appear before the Commission prior to beginning interior renovations at which time they will also submit proposed signage. Mr. Urban stated the signage as shown on the conceptual drawings is excessive. In response to Mr. Urban s inquiry as to any future plans for the front of the 1.1 acre parcel where Denny s and Michael Christopher Salon are located, Mr. Hull replied there are no specific plans at this time and that he will submit future development plans for the front area with regard to overlying parking relationships and zoning issues when finalized. MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Warner to grant Hauck Holdings, on property located at 6241 Wilson Mills Road, approval of the proposed exterior building façade renovation for Skechers Outlet per the conceptual drawings submitted November 27, 2017; seconded by Mr. Mastrangelo. FURTHER DISCUSSION: Mr. Adamus suggested the City ARB recommendations be included in the motion. Mr. Urban suggested a note that signage is not included be added to the motion. MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Warner to grant Hauck Holdings, on property located at 6241 Wilson Mills Road, approval of the proposed exterior building façade renovation for Skechers Outlet per the conceptual drawings submitted November 27, 2017, contingent on inclusion of the changes made by the City ARB on November 27, 2017 and signage is not included; seconded by Mr. Mastrangelo. APA Ohio Planning and Zoning Workshop Seminar: Messrs. Adamus and Warner commented the seminar they attended on Friday, October 27, 2017 was worth-while and they recommend some sections of City Code may need to be reviewed and updated. Board of Building and Zoning Appeals Hearing for Stephen and Deborah Sigetic: Building Commissioner Grabfelder stated the decision rendered at the BBZA appeal hearing held November 20, 2017 for Stephen and Deborah Sigetic, homeowners, 624 Bishop Road, was to reverse the decision of the Commission made October 23, 2017 which will now allow the homeowners to erect a proposed 6 high privacy fence forward of the rear building line in the northerly side yard. ADJOURNMENT: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Warner. Said meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Susan M. Olson, Recording Clerk Vince A. Adamus, Chair
CITY OF HIGHLAND HEIGHTS PUBLIC HEARING OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION HELD: NOVEMBER 27, 2017 8:00 PM Chair of Commission Adamus presiding. PRESENT: ABSENT: PZ17037 Commissioners Adamus, Mastrangelo, Urban, Warner; Recording Clerk Olson; Building Commissioner Grabfelder Commissioner Valentino HIGHLAND WELLNESS CENTER, 5606 WILSON MILLS ROAD VARIANCE TO EXCEED MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SIGNAGE AREA AT BRAINARD CROSSING PLAZA Public hearing was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Notices of this hearing were mailed in accordance with HHCO 1113.04. Variance is requested as follows: 1. Variance of 26.5 square feet from HHCO 1145.05(c): Total Permissible Sign Area, which establishes for setbacks in excess of 150 feet, that the total permissible sign area shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of building frontage with a maximum area not to exceed 200 square feet, to allow a total sign area of 226.5 square feet at Brainard Crossing plaza. Melinda Arko, YESCO Sign & Lighting Service, 38348 Apollo Parkway, Suite 1, Willoughby, Ohio 44094, appeared before the Commission to obtain a variance to exceed the maximum allowable signage area at Brainard Crossing plaza, located at the southeast corner of Wilson Mills Road and Brainard Road. The plaza consists of four storefronts. Three of the four existing storefronts (Fitworks, TNT Tanning, Harry Buffalo) have existing wall signs totaling 191 SF. The applicant is proposing a building wall sign of 35.5 SF for Highland Wellness Center which will exceed the total allowable signage area at the plaza by 26.5 SF. The Commission agreed this matter is due to a situation of circumstance as the other three tenants in the plaza have already received approval for their signs. The proposed 15 3 x 2 4 sign has an area of 35.5 SF (Code allows 48 SF for this size of storefront) and meets Code requirements for the lineal frontage of the Highland Wellness Center storefront and is proportionally consistent in size with the signs of the other storefronts. Sign letters are white and the logo is red and blue. The Commission agreed the proposed window signage does not require a variance. Public hearing opened to the public. No one spoke nor was any correspondence received from the public on this matter. Public hearing closed at 8:02 p.m. Susan M. Olson, Recording Clerk Vince A. Adamus
CITY OF HIGHLAND HEIGHTS PUBLIC HEARING OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION HELD: NOVEMBER 27, 2017 8:00 PM Chair of Commission Adamus presiding. PRESENT: ABSENT: PZ17040 Commissioners Adamus, Mastrangelo, Urban, Warner; Recording Clerk Olson; Building Commissioner Grabfelder Commissioner Valentino PROGRESSIVE ALPHA ANNEX OFFICE BUILDING AND PARKING GARAGE, 747 ALPHA DRIVE VARIANCES FOR PROPOSED BUILDING AND PARKING GARAGE Public hearing was called to order at 8:03 p.m. Notices of this hearing were mailed in accordance with HHCO 1113.04. Variances are requested as follows: 1. Variance of 1 from HHCO 1141.05(a): Measurement Standards; Parking Space Dimensions, which requires that off-street parking space shall have a minimum rectangular dimensions of not less than 9 in width and 19 in length for ninety degree parking, to allow off-street parking space of 9 in width and 18 in length. 2. Variance of 1 from HHCO 1141.05(b): Measurement Standards; Driveway Circulation Aisles, which requires a minimum driveway aisle width of 25, to allow a driveway aisle width of 24. 3. Variance of between 3 to 7 from HHCO 1143.03: Nonresidential Yard Schedule; Schedule of Yard Regulations, which requires a minimum side yard setback of 10 for adjoining lots within a Nonresidential District, to allow a northerly side yard setback of 7 at the northwestern most corner of the lot then tapering to a side yard setback of 3 at the northeastern most corner of the lot for the proposed extension of the existing parking lot. 4. Variance of 7 10 from HHCO 1143.04: Nonresidential Height Limitation, which establishes that the maximum height of any structure in a Nonresidential District shall not exceed 35, to allow construction of stair towers to a height of 42 10. 5. Variance of 2 6 from HHCO 1143.04: Nonresidential Height Limitation, which establishes that the maximum height of any structure in a Nonresidential District shall not exceed 35, to allow construction of a detached garage to a wall height of 37 6. Kevin McGrath, Director of Real Estate Development, and Rose Costanzo, Senior Regional Construction Manager, Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, 6300 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Village, Ohio 44143, and representatives from Bialosky Cleveland, 6555 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44103, appeared before the Commission to obtain variances for the
proposed Alpha Annex office building and parking garage to be constructed at 747 Alpha Drive, Highland Heights, Ohio 44143. The Progressive site at 747 Alpha Drive currently consists of a two-story office building to the north (Alpha North) and a one-story office building to the southeast (Alpha South). The proposed two-story, 100,000 SF Alpha Annex office building will be located east of the Alpha North building and will house 700 employees. A proposed four-story parking garage with 673 parking spaces will be constructed south of the Alpha Annex building. The proposed campus appearance will be similar in architecture to the two existing campuses in Mayfield Village. Construction will begin in March/April, 2018 with occupancy in May, 2019. The applicants brought projector equipment and gave a visual presentation including building and garage elevations and parking lot modifications. Both the office building and parking garage will be built on existing concrete. The drawings show a recessed loading dock with trash receptacles, compactor and generator that blend into the façade located at the northwest corner of the proposed building. The existing retention basin owned by Progressive located in the northeast corner of the campus will be reviewed by the City Engineer. Greenspace will increase from 26% to 27% and be added between buildings and in common areas so as not to impede traffic flow. Greenspace amount may vary if some of the landbanked areas in the front yards are paved for parking. Some driveway entrances and parking aisles will be moved or eliminated to prevent congestion and allow for better truck traffic flow and safety. Progressive s northerly side lot line is shared with the adjacent property Alpha Park Inc. Progressive s current side yard setback from that lot line is 10 feet. Progressive proposes to expand the existing parking lot at that location by adding a row of parking closer to the north lot line to provide an additional 94 spaces. Mr. McGrath stated Progressive maintains the existing 10 strip of grassy area dividing their property from Alpha Park and will continue to do so without encroaching on Alpha Park s property. The northerly parking lot boundary line will remain curbed to control storm runoff. In addition to the aforementioned variances, Mr. McGrath stated they are requesting a variance to allow employee parking in the front yard which is designated by Code for visitors and executives only. He said this is necessary to add more parking spaces to provide the 1,708 spaces necessary to meet their parking demand. Public hearing opened to the public. Kerry Klotzman, President, Alpha Park Inc., 340 Alpha Park, Highland Heights, Ohio 44143, adjacent property to the north, stated he owns and maintains the fire hydrants located on his property approximately five feet north of the Progressive northerly lot line. He informed everyone there are underground fiber and communication lines in the 5 strip of land between the hydrants and Progressive s northerly lot line and expressed concern that the expansion of the Progressive northerly parking lot may disrupt communication services in the Alpha Park complex. He will exchange contact information with the Progressive representatives.
No one else spoke nor was any correspondence received from the public on this matter. Public hearing closed at 8:20 p.m. Susan M. Olson, Recording Clerk Vince A. Adamus, Chair