Resolution 90-23-
RECORD OF RESOLUTIONS
BARR.ETI BROTHERS-DAYTON. OHIO Form 6301
-90-23 Resolutzon No. _______ _ Passed ______________ _
ACCEPTANCE OF AMENDMENTS TO THE HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES
APPLICABLE TO HISTORIC DUBLIN AND OUTLYING HISTORIC
PROPERTIES ON APPENDIX G (CASE 23-097ADMC)
WHEREAS, it is necessary from time to time to update design guidelines to preserve
and enhance the high quality of life, community character, and fiscal well -being of those
who live or work in the Historic District and outlying historic properties; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Design Guidelines are intended to preserve and protect historic
structures and cultural landscapes while allowing for sensitive rehabilitation, new
construction, site modification and signs within Historic Dublin and outlying historic
properties; and
WHEREAS, Section 153.170 of the City of Dubl in Zoning Code sta t es that the
Architectural Review Board may make recommendations to the Planning and Zoning
Commission and City Counc il for reso lutions, and
WHEREAS, Section 153.232 of the City of Dublin Zon in g Code states that the Plann i ng
and Zoning Commission may make recommendation s to City Counci l for resolutions,
and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Dublin, State of
Ohio, 5 of the elected members concurring th at :
Section 1. The attached Historic Design Guidelines document is hereby adopted by
City Council as a policy guide for the revie w of proposa l within the Historic District and
outlying historic properties .
Section 2 . Pursuant to Section 4.04 of the Charter, this resolution shall take effect
immediately upon passage.
Passed this //k.. da yof ~ 1 2023.
To: Members of Dublin City Council
From: Megan O’Callaghan, City Manager
Date: December 5, 2023
Initiated By: Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP, Planning Director
Sarah Tresouthick Holt, AICP, ASLA, Senior Planner
Re: Resolution 90-23 – Acceptance of amendments to the Historic Design
Guidelines applicable to Historic Dublin and outlying historic properties
identified in Appendix G (Case 23-097ADMC)
Summary
This is a request for acceptance of amendments to the Historic Design Guidelines to address
City Council’s direction regarding preservation within the District, specifically focusing on the
contributing/non-contributing terminology and how the demolition criteria applies based on that
terminology. The proposed modifications to the Historic District Zoning Code and Historic Design
Guidelines represent Council’s direction, as well as public input and review and recommendation
by the Architectural Review Board and Planning and Zoning Commission. Resolution 90-23 for
the amendments to Historic Design Guidelines are accompanied by Ordinance 65-23 for the
Historic District Code.
Update
The Ordinance regarding the proposed Zoning Code amendments was introduced at the
November 27, 2023 City Council meeting, and it was requested that a minor modification be
made to the reference within the draft materials regarding the map identifying the landmark and
background resources. Staff has eliminated the year associated with the map within the Historic
Design Guidelines to allow for needed updates in the future and not require an amendment to
the Code. The updated version is included in the packet.
Background
City Council discussed the Historic District during their 2022 annual retreat focusing on the
preservation, composition, and management of the District. During the discussion, several
topics were raised of how properties within the District should be addressed primarily focusing
on a preservation perspective. At their April 18, 2022 Work Session, City Council discussed the
need to determine the period of significance, how to address contributing/noncontributing
structures, and the potential adjustment of the existing National Register District boundaries.
The topic was discussed further at the August 2022 City Council Work Session, staff and
consultant, Greg Dale (McBride Dale Clarion) facilitated a discussion centered on how District
properties should be addressed from a preservation perspective, specifically on the
contributing/non-contributing terminology and how the demolition criteria applies based on that
terminology. City Council highlighted concerns that demolition was too onerous based on the
contributing/noncontributing designations, and that another methodology should be considered
Office of the City Manager
5555 Perimeter Drive • Dublin, OH 43017-1090
Phone: 614-410-4400 • Fax: 614-410-4490 Memo
Memo – Resolution 90-23 – Historic Design Guidelines
December 5, 2023
Page 2 of 4
based on additional staff research. Additionally, Council confirmed the remainder of the recently
adopted Code and Guidelines should remain in effect to allow for proper time to see the
outcomes, but did request staff identify additional opportunities for administrative approvals to
streamline the process.
Based on this direction, staff prepared additional information regarding the historic inventory and
steps to address the direction provided, which was shared at a May 2023 City Council Work
Session. A revised map was prepared which reclassified the properties within the District based
on that request, which is detailed below. Staff also recommended replacement of the
contributing/non-contributing nomenclature and the subsequent implications for the demolition
criteria. City Council was supportive of the approach and requested staff proceed with proposed
amendments.
Staff conducted three opportunities for public engagement regarding the Historic District
generally and the proposed changes specifically. These included background about the current
Code and Guidelines, the review process, and the proposed amendments. The goal of these
sessions was to ensure continued dialogue with the residents and owners within the District.
These meetings were held in May, September and October and a detailed summary is attached
for reference.
On September 27, 2023, the Architectural Review Board reviewed and made a recommendation
of the draft Code and Guidelines language that include the new terminology of
“landmark/background” to replace contributing/non-contributing respectively. Additionally, the
Board requested that site stabilization requirements be included for demolition of background
buildings. The Board also requested that staff review Appendix G to ensure all City-owned
properties and cemeteries are represented, which is also included herein. Additionally, staff
clarified that the properties listed on Appendix G are considered “landmark” and subject to the
higher burden of demolition review. Staff has also taken the opportunity to update related
language and address minor scriveners’ errors.
On November 9, 2023, the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the proposed Code and
Guidelines and recommended approval to City Council for determination. Discussion centered on
the ability of the City to notify potential buyers of property within the District of historic status
prior to purchase.
Proposed Amendments
As referenced above, staff conducted research of properties within the District to determine their
preservation status and how the demolition criteria could be applied, which resulted in an
amendment to the Historic District Zoning Code requirements and Design Guidelines. Staff began
by confirming the buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as part of
the existing NRHP District and those individually listed, which was the basis of the
reclassification. Staff also identified any additional buildings that may not be listed, but that
should be given a higher burden of consideration regarding demolition. Staff created a map to
help demonstrate the results of this investigation with each property on the map individually
identified and numbered for reference regarding what the building looks like and the year it was
built.
The NRHP – Dublin High Street District contains properties constructed between 1833 and
1920, as shown in green. There are a few properties within that district that were built within
Memo – Resolution 90-23 – Historic Design Guidelines
December 5, 2023
Page 3 of 4
the last 50 years and would not be subject to the higher burden of consideration for demolition
(shown in grey). Additionally, the map indicates the NRHP-individually-listed properties within
the Architectural Review District, but outside the NRHP District, constructed between 1830 and
1901, shown in orange.
Based on the two ranges of dates, staff determined that an overall time period of 1830-1920
should be the baseline to identify additional properties that ought to have the higher burden of
consideration for demolition. This has resulted in the inclusion of addition properties shown in
dark blue:
• Map ID 2 – 144 W. Bridge Street (1919) – 1919 Building
• Map ID 9 – 41 W. Bridge Street (1890) – commercial
• Map ID 35 – 45 N. High Street (1880) - commercial (Harvest Pizza)
• Map ID 38 – 8-12 E. Bridge Street (1900) – commercial (Domino’s Pizza)
• Map ID 43 – 40 N. High Street (1956) – commercial (Dr. LaPierre’s office)
• Map ID 85 – 45 Short Street (1800) - barn
• Map ID 91 – 138 S. High Street (1860-90) commercial
• Map ID 93 – 25 S. Riverview Street (1900) - residence
• Map ID 95 – 55 S. Riverview Street (1900) - residence
• Map ID 96 – 61 S. Riverview Street (1894) - residence
• Map ID 103 – 137 S. Riverview Street (1890) - residence
• Map ID 116 – 40 E. Bridge Street (1850) - residence
• Map ID 118 – 27 N. Riverview Street (1890) - residence
• Map ID 119 – 37 N. Riverview Street (1890) - residence
• Map ID 120 – 45 N. Riverview Street (1880) - residence
• Map ID 122 – 62 N. Riverview Street (1910) – residence
• Map ID 124 – Dublin Cemetery and Related Structures/Objects (1858) - cemetery
Staff identified properties that are more recent than 1920 yet should be considered for the
higher burden given their context or character in the district (also shown in dark blue):
• Map ID 5 – 38 W. Bridge Street (1965) – Former Post Office
• Map ID 7 – 37 W. Bridge Street (1944) – Former Firehouse
• Map ID 33 – 24 Darby Street (1939) – Modern Male
• Map ID 80 – 155 S. High Street (1926) - residence
• Map ID 86 – 224 Dublin Road (1930) – Former Dr. Karrer Residence
• Map ID 117 – 17 N. Riverview Street (1927) - residence
• Map ID 121 – 53 N. Riverview Street (1932) – residence
Staff has also added the historic cabin reconstruction at the Dublin Arts Center to Appendix G:
• Map ID 21 – DAC Cabin (ca. 1830) - residence
The remaining properties within the Architectural Review District that are not outlined above
would not require the higher burden of consideration for demolition, as shown in grey. Notably,
this would include the houses on Franklin Street and S. Riverview Street, east side.
Nevertheless, all properties located within the District would remain under the purview of the
ARB, Code, and Guidelines. The ARB affirmed this map in September.
Additionally, staff recommends the replacement language for the contributing/non-contributing
Memo – Resolution 90-23 – Historic Design Guidelines
December 5, 2023
Page 4 of 4
nomenclature be “landmark” and “background”, respectively, to be used in both the Code and
the Guidelines. This, combined with the reclassifications and additions on the attached maps,
would result in the directed changes related to demolition criteria. “Landmark” is already a term
used by the City’s Code, with the definition “Any property or site which has special character,
archaeological, historical, aesthetic or architectural value as part of the heritage, development or
cultural characteristics of the city, state, or the United States designated as a landmark pursuant
to the provision of this chapter, and including all property located in the city listed on the
National Register of Historic Places”. An expansion of that definition includes the pertinent
language from the previous “contributing” definition as shown in the attached, proposed Code
updates.
In order to legally tie the new nomenclature and status to the Zoning Code and Guidelines, staff
recommends the acceptance of updated maps, which will replace the map in the Historic Design
Guidelines, page 11 for Appendix G, and page 37 for the district. Staff has also simplified the
terminology “building/s, property/ies” in appropriate locations in the Code to “resources”. This
allows an all-encompassing reference to either historic primary structures, historic outbuildings,
objects, and other items, based on the anticipated Future Amendments described below. Minor
scriveners’ errors are also addressed.
Future Amendments
Staff has identified the opportunity to address a number of additional minor items and
clarifications with the Guidelines that will be undertaken as Phase 2. This will allow the Council-
directed work to be completed first, and then staff and the Board may focus on: allowing
additional administrative approvals, addressing any additional scriveners’ errors, and providing
additional clarifications within the Code. The topic of how the Code and the Guidelines would be
applied to buildings newly considered “background” may also be discussed and altered as
needed in Phase 2.
As previously noted, staff, with consultant support, is in the process of identifying a number of
historic outbuildings and objects within the District that were not surveyed as part of the 2017
Historic and Cultural Assessment. The results of this research would also be included in Phase
2, thus providing greater clarity for the status of these resources, where currently none exists.
Recommendations
Staff recommends Council approval of Resolution 90-23.
Historic Design
Guidelines
Department of Development
Planning Division!tyof Dublin
OHIO, USA
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO2
Acknowledgments
Dublin City Council
Chris Amorose-Groomes, Mayor, At-Large
Cathy De Rosa, Vice Mayor, Ward 4
Greg Peterson, Ward 1
Jane Fox, Ward 2
John Reiner, Ward 3
Christina Alutto, At-Large
Andrew Keeler, At-Large
2020 Dublin Architectural Review Board
Kathleen Bryan, Chair
Gary Alexander, Vice Chair
Sean Cotter
Frank Kownacki
Amy Kramb
2019 Dublin Architectural Review Board
Shannon Stenberg, Chair
Gary Alexander, Vice Chair
Rob Bailey
Kathleen Bryan
Andrew Keeler
2018 Stakeholder Committee
Jay Eggspuehler, Commercial Property Owner
Rick Gerber, Historic Dublin Business Association
Tom Holton, Dublin Historical Society
Kathy Lannan, Residential Property Owner
Victoria Newell, Dublin Planning and Zoning Board Chair
David Rinaldi, Dublin Architectural Review Board Chair
Julie Seel, Residential Property Owner
Richard Taylor, Business Owner
Alex Vesha, Commercial Property Owner
Planning Division
Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP, Planning Director
Nichole M. Martin, AICP, Senior Planner
Mike Kettler, Planning Technician
Julia Brooks, Planning Assistant
Kenneth Ganter, Planning Assistant
Richard Hansen, Planning Assistant
Jimmy Hoppel, Planning Assistant
Landplan Studios
Daniel Phillabaum, AICP, RLA, Principal
McBride Dale Clarion
Greg Dale, FAICP, Principal
Preservation Designs
Christine Trebellas, AICP, LEED Green Associate, Principal
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 3
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview
Background
Historic District Map
Outlying Historic Properties (Appendix G) Map
Chapter 2: Context & Character
Cultural Landscape
Neighborhood Character
Building Types and Architectural Styles
Chapter 3: Guidelines - Users Guide
Using the Guidelines
Contributing Landmark vs. Non-Contributing
Background
Application of Guidelines
Chapter 4: Guidelines - Rehabilitation
General
Maintenance and Construction
Exterior Materials
Architectural Details
Foundations
Building Colors
Doors and Entrances
Windows
Porches
Roof, Gutter, and Downspout
Canopy and Awning
Building Additions
Outbuildings
Retrofitted Access for ADA
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Commercial Storefront Design
Chapter 5: Guidelines - New Construction
General
Building Placement
Form and Mass
Building Width
Façade
Doors and Windows
Architectural Details
Materials and Color
Outbuildings
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Chapter 6: Guidelines - Site Design
General
Natural Features
Landscaping
Walls and Fences
Access and Parking
Decks and Patios
Lighting
Mechanical Equipment and Waste Screening
Chapter 7: Guidelines - Signs
General
Color and Relief
Materials and Lighting
Avoid
Context Sensitive
Quality and Character
Ground Signs
Wall Signs
Window Signs
Projecting Signs
Awning Signs
Sandwich Board Signs
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Chapter 1Introduction
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO6
Historic Map of Dublin, 1872
1.0 Applicability
The Historic Design Guidelines (Guidelines) apply to all land
within the Historic District as outlined in Appendix F, as well
as other outlying historic properties as specified in Appendix
G of the City of Dublin’s Zoning Code. All properties located
within either of these designated areas require approval by
the Architectural Review Board (ARB) for certain activities
related to renovation, rehabilitation, or new construction,
as provided in the Zoning Code §153.170. The Guidelines
supplement the review standards contained in the code and
will guide the ARB in determining if requests for approvals by
the ARB will be granted in accordance with the code.
1.1 Overview
The City of Dublin is a thriving community located in
northwest Franklin County, southwest Delaware County,
and southeast Union County, Ohio. Dublin has undergone
tremendous growth in the last five decades, with the
population increasing from a village of approximately 700 in
1970 to 48,647 in 2018 (Quick Facts, US Census Bureau). Still,
Historic Dublin largely retains the character, scale, and feel of
a traditional village.
The history of Dublin and the surrounding Washington
Township are closely intertwined. Before Ohio became a
state in 1803, land was purchased in the area, along the
Scioto River, that was to become the Village of Dublin. Peter
and Benjamin Sells traveled from Huntingdon County,
Pennsylvania, to purchase land for their father, three
brothers, and themselves. The 400 acres purchased for their
brother, John Sells, were located on the high west bank of
the Scioto where Historic Dublin now stands. The brothers
also purchased land north and south of the original village
boundaries.
The settlement of Dublin started slowly, with John Sells and
his family settling in 1808 and his establishment of the first
tavern in the area in 1809. By 1810, Sells began to survey
lots to establish a town. He conferred the honor of naming
the new town to his surveyor, John Shields. Shields named
the future village after his birthplace, Dublin, Ireland. By
1818, Sells advertised 200 town lots for sale in the Columbus
newspaper. He listed the excellent building stone, clay
for brick and pottery, and an offer of three years’ credit as
inducements to purchase lots in the new town. Settlement
continued slowly as the community gained residences, a
gristmill, a distillery, sawmills and other businesses that
served the local population, as well as farmers from the
surrounding area. As evidence of Dublin’s permanence as a
settlement, a post office was established in 1820.
INTRODUCTION
Overview
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CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 7
INTRODUCTION
Overview
As the community and the township grew, better
transportation became a necessity. Lacking a railroad,
which spurred development in many Ohio communities in
the 19th century, Dublin was dependent on its system of
roads. The need for a bridge to span the Scioto River became
critical for Dublin so that it could be physically connected to
Worthington and Columbus to the east. The first bridge in
1840 was a wooden covered bridge. It was later replaced with
a steel span bridge in 1880, and the present Works Progress
Administration (WPA) concrete arch bridge was completed in
1935.
An effort was made in 1855 to incorporate the village and
establish a local government, but the idea was rejected.
The issue was revisited in 1881, and in September of that
year the Village of Dublin was incorporated. With local
government, public improvements became possible. Among
those undertaken in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
were the installation of gas street lamps in 1888, followed by
carbide lights in 1907 and finally electric lights in 1920. By
the early 20th century, the local economy was largely based
on agriculture and quarrying, and Dublin businesses were
largely dependent on the local population.
Dublin maintained a relatively stable population, with very
little growth during the first seven decades of the 20th
century. This changed abruptly in the early 1970s with the
construction of Interstate 270 around Columbus and the
development of Muirfield Golf Club and Muirfield Village
by golf champion Jack Nicklaus. This innovative planned
community was located about four miles north of the village
core. During the last five decades, the City has grown to fill
in the land between the historic center of Dublin and
Muirfield Village, as well as expanding to the south, east
and west. The current boundaries of Dublin encompass
approximately 26 square miles.
In spite of the tremendous growth that has taken place
in recent decades, the physical form of Historic Dublin
is distinctive and clearly reflects the early history of the
community. The form is still very much in evidence today.
The major north-south road, High Street (also known as SR
745), runs parallel to the river on a high bluff with another
parallel road, Riverview Street, running along the Scioto
River. The main intersection is High and Bridge Streets, as
it was historically, and the bridge crossing the Scioto still
connects east and west Dublin.
Dublin residents and public officials have long appreciated
the special character of Historic Dublin. A part of the district
and individual properties, as well as other historic properties
in Washington Township, were listed in the National Register
of Historic Places in 1979, based on both architectural and
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO8
INTRODUCTION
Background
historic significance. The City of Dublin took further steps
to protect and preserve the historic core of the community,
as well as other historic sites throughout the community
in 1970 through the establishment of the ARB. Credit for
the preservation of Historic Dublin’s special character must
also be given to the stewardship of generations of Dublin
property owners who have maintained and improved the
buildings and their physical environment.
Historic Dublin continues as the historic heart of
the community and a walkable, thriving mixed-use
neighborhood with residences concentrated along Riverview
and Franklin Streets and retail, cultural/civic, and residential
uses intermingled along High and Bridge Streets. Outlying
historic properties exist throughout Dublin as examples of
the City’s rich agricultural history.
1.2 Background
There are significant economic and social benefits in
preserving historic areas and properties. Dublin’s efforts
to promote the preservation of Dublin, while promoting
historically appropriate development and investment, began
over 50 years ago. Success requires a partnership among
the City, land owners, residents, business owners, and
stakeholders.
Dublin has recognized the importance of preservation in a
number of policy documents, including the City’s Community
Plan, which details the unique character of Historic Dublin and
many outlying historic properties. The plan provides many
recommendations about preservation and enhancement of
the Historic District’s character. The plan also recommends
further efforts to identify and recognize historic properties
outside the district.
In 2016, the City conducted a Historic and Cultural Assessment
of the built resources, landscape features, and archaeological
sites throughout Dublin. The goal of the assessment was
to gain a greater understanding of the historic resources
that exist and how those resources contribute to the
City’s sense of place. The assessment produced a detailed
inventory of over 900 properties resources considered to
be relevant, an assessment of the contributing landmark
and non-contributing background status, and strategies
and recommendations to encourage and fund historic
preservation efforts.
Additionally, the City has taken the initiative to revise and
update the Zoning Code on a series of occasions to ensure
new development and redevelopment meet the desired
character by the community and its stakeholders. The Zoning
Code requirements, these Guidelines, and the applicable
policy documents collectively contribute to protecting the
Dublin Community Church, 81 West Bridge Street, 1930s (Constructed
in 1877)
Home of Isaac Walter, 37 South Riverview Street, 1842
Dublin Firehouse, 37 West Bridge Street, 1945
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 9
Mansfield Buggy Co. & Post Office, SW Corner - Bridge Street at High
Street, 1890s
Christie Methodist Church, South High Street, 1870s (Built in 1838 and
Destroyed by Tornado in 1912)
32 South High Street, 1932, (Built in 1830s and Operated until 1972)
NE Corner - Bridge Street at High Street, 1880s
Coffman’s Corner, SW Corner - Bridge Street at High Street, 1879
Washington Local School, 75 North High Street, 1871
INTRODUCTION
Background
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO10
INTRODUCTION
Historic District Map
Architectural Review District
Boundary
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 11
INTRODUCTION
Outlying Historic Properties (Appendix G) Map
Appendix G Properties
1. Brand, Asher Residence – 5281 Brand Road
2. Coffman, Fletcher House – 6659 Coffman Road
3. Cramer Homestead – 5927 Rings Road
4. Davis, James Barn & Farm – 5707 Dublin Road
5. Dun, John Homestead – 8055 Dublin-Bellepoint Road
6. Gelpi Residence (Dublin Arts Council) – 7125
Riverside Drive
7. Holder-Wright Earthworks – 6985 Emerald
Parkway
8. Llewellyn Farms Barn – 4845 Belfield Drive
9. Maroa Wilcox Memorial – Norn Street & Woerner-
Temple Road (PID 273009779)
10. Mitchell Barn (Earlington Park) – 5585 Brand Road
11. Mitchell Cemetery (on Cardinal Health Campus) –
Emerald Parkway (PID 273011174)
12. Mt. Zion Cemetery – Kinross Court and Memorial
Drive (PID 273000448)
13. Rings Farm – 6665 Shier Rings Road
14. St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery – Avery Road (PID
274000024)
15. St. John’s Lutheran Church & Sandy Corners Cemetery
– Rings Road (PID 274000155 and 274000031)
16. Summit View Farm – 8115 Conine Drive
17. Tuller Barn – Brand and Ashbaugh Roads
18. Washington Township School (Graham Residence) –
4915 Brand Road
19. Brown-Harris Cemetery – Lot 6, University Boulevard -
Phase II Final Plat (Resolution 43-20)
20. Ferris Cemetery – SR 257 (Riverside Drive) and
Bright Road
21. DAC Log Cabin - 7125 Riverside Drive
21
1212
1313
Chapter 2Context & Character
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO14
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Cultural Landscape
2.1 Background
Historic Dublin possesses a strong sense of place. The
combination of its eclectic architecture, intimate village
scale, pedestrian scale streets, and natural features create
an authentic environment worth preserving, protecting, and
celebrating.
Historic Dublin’s unique character is in part due to the very
gradual growth of the community up until the late 20th
century. Much of what was built in the 19th century still
defines the physical environment today.
2.2 Cultural Landscape
The Historic District’s unique visual character is attributable
to the beauty of its extensive natural landscape including
the striking topography and cultural sites that have been
shaped by previous generations. The Dublin Community
Plan calls for the protection of these valued natural and
historic landscape assets within Dublin, which contribute to
the cultural landscape of Historic Dublin.
The character-defining topography and the numerous
historic landscape assets within the Historic District embody
a “soul and sense of place”, creating a legacy that reveals our
past and the people that shaped and lived on our land.
The extraordinary and extensive landscape within Dublin’s
Historic District provides scenic, economic, ecological,
social, recreational, and educational opportunities, and the
preservation and protection of these unique landforms
provides an enriched quality of life for the community.
Among the valued natural assets that require sensitive
protection are: the distinctive topography; the Scioto
River; the Indian Run Ravine and Falls; the Dublin Spring;
abundant view sheds and vistas; natural ravines, caves and
outcroppings; native flora and fauna; wetlands and vernal
pools; hardwood forests; and landmark trees and woodlands.
The distinctive historic cultural sites that have been influenced
by the imprint of past generations include among others: dry
laid stone walls, stone quarries, historic cemeteries, the West
Bridge Street Bridge, Native American archaeological sites,
and appurtenances such as hitching posts, stone carriage
steps, stone work and retaining walls, artwork and memorials.
These defining historic landscape assets are the canvas of our
past and require dedicated preservation and maintenance.
The following guidelines provide direction in protecting
Dublin’s historic cultural landscape for the benefit of our
community and future generations.
Bridge Street Bridge, 1935
Indian Run Falls, 1899
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 15
Topography
One of the most dramatic features is the topography of the
area. John Sells selected the area for the settlement of a
town since it was on the high west bank of the Scioto River,
protected from flooding. The change in elevation between
High Street and Riverview Street is considerable, with a
further dramatic drop to the Scioto River. This change of
elevation leads to steep, sloping yards. Due to the varied
topography, not all areas are easily suited to development,
which has led to the preservation of natural vistas and views
of the river and valley.
Scioto River
The Scioto River is the most prominent natural feature,
providing a strong physical and visual connection to Dublin’s
early history.
The Scioto River corridor is unique due to its shallow river
bed with a wide floodway. In many locations, the edge of
the floodplain is defined by small limestone outcroppings.
The wide floodway has an extensive native deciduous tree
canopy.
Seasonal flooding of the river often makes areas of the
floodway inaccessible. Due to its shallow depth, the river
water is typically brown. Several tributaries feed the Scioto
River as it flows through Dublin. Typically, these streams are
narrow slivers carving ravines down to the river.
Ravines and Springs
The wooded ravines, Indian Run to the north and Cosgray
Ditch to the south, in conjunction with the Scioto River,
form natural boundaries for Historic Dublin. Indian Run Falls,
located within the Indian Run Ravine, is a pristine waterfall
once home to members of the Wyandot tribe and later home
to settlers of Dublin. The Falls remain an important cultural
resource today.
Natural flows of fresh water throughout the area form springs.
The Dublin Spring is located along the Scioto River where
Dublin’s founders drew clean drinking water. In the winter,
the weeps from underground springs leak water through the
stone and create beautiful ice patterns along the riverbanks.
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Cultural Landscape
1900s Historic Stone Wall, 2000
Scioto River, 2015
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO16
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Flora and Fauna
Dublin is ecologically diverse particularly along the
river corridor. Native plant species include Rock Cress,
Drummond’s Aster, Rattlesnake Fern, and Marsh Marigold.
Historically, Rock Cress has been found growing along the
Scioto River, although it can be overtaken by invasive plants
such as Honeysuckle and Garlic Mustard. Sycamore trees,
know for their large stature, white bark, and long life, are
prominent along the riverbanks. A number of animals thrive
in the area including birds, beavers, bats, chipmunks, deer,
ducks, geese, skunks, squirrels, turtles, and woodchucks.
Earthworks
Archaeological resources influence Dublin’s landscape today.
The Holder-Wright Earthworks, located within Ferris-Wright
Park, are significant to the Hopewell people. Earthworks
were places for ceremony, marriages, to honor relatives
and neighbors who died, to make alliances, for celebration,
feasting, and sacred games. Three earthworks exist at the
site, two circles and a square, and five burial mounds. The
tallest mound once stood five feet tall, and the others were
approximately three feet tall. The earthworks at Ferris-Wright
Park are the northernmost earthworks in the Scioto Valley.
Many tribes are represented at this site, with the oldest
dating back to Clovis times, or about 12,000 years ago.
Quarries
At the southern end of Historic Dublin, adjacent to the Scioto
River, is a former stone quarry which played an important
role in the physical development of Dublin and Washington
Township, as evidenced by the extensive use of limestone
for building purposes. The limestone in this region is
characterized by a prevalence of Devonian Period fossils.
The limestone, known as Columbus Limestone, is highly
fossilized, which gives it a rough texture that is distinctive
when used either in its natural state or as cut and finished
building stone. The extensive use of limestone in the
construction of dry-laid low stone walls, foundations, stoops,
and entire buildings is a distinguishing feature of Historic
Dublin and many other central Ohio communities.
Stone Walls
Similar to other central Ohio communities due to the ready
supply of limestone, Dublin possesses an abundance of
limestone in various applications including a number of low,
dry-laid stone walls. Many date from the early 19th century,
although even the more recent examples contribute to the
character of the area. These walls are a significant historic
element in the community’s past and present physical
environment.
Butterflyweed (Asclepias Tuberosa) at Dublin Cemetery, 2017
Holder-Wright Earthworks, 2020
Cultural Landscape
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 17
Daily Chores by Michael Tizzano, 2012
Indian Run Cemetery, 2015
Cemeteries
Historic Dublin contains two cemeteries, the Indian Run
Cemetery and the Dublin Cemetery. The Indian Run
Cemetery, established in 1814, was the first burial ground in
Dublin. It is located in the northern portion of the Historic
District, along the Indian Run Ravine, adjacent to the Grounds
of Remembrance. The Indian Run Cemetery was active for
over 40 years, until the Dublin Cemetery was established
in 1858. The Dublin Cemetery is located at the western
entrance into the Historic District and remains active today.
Both cemeteries are located within a park-like setting where
the community can visit and pay their respects to those
interred, which include a number of Dublin’s historic families.
Historic Details
Remnants of historic life remain today as a reminder of the
past and can be seen throughout Historic Dublin. Hitching
posts and carriage stones are located along High Street and
provide a reminder of the way of life in years past.
Public Art
Art in public spaces contribute to the sense of place. Art may
invoke an emotion, a question, or an interaction. A number of
art pieces are located within the Historic District and provide
a lens into the past. Dublin’s historic water pump, originally
located at the intersection of High and Bridge Streets,
inspired Michael Tizzano’s “Daily Chores” bronze sculpture in
2012. The Grounds of Remembrance, located within Dublin
Veterans’ Park at the northern end of the Historic District,
provides recognition to Dublin’s veterans.
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Cultural Landscape
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO18
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Neighborhood Character
2.3 Neighborhood Character
Historic Dublin contains a series of neighborhood areas that
coincide with the Historic Zoning Districts outlined in the Zoning
Code §153.170. While Historic Dublin is a relatively small district,
it contains distinct neighborhood areas defined by historic
character, architectural design, primary uses, and development
pattern. The historic street grid and the pattern of the blocks
contribute to the established character of Historic Dublin. This
development pattern results in a smaller lot size, with buildings
located along the street edge, and vehicular access through alleys
at the rear of the properties.
Each neighborhood area utilizes the development pattern
in various ways depending on the uses and layout of each
property. The neighborhood descriptions outlined below provide
background and guidance regarding the desired character for
each of these distinct areas.
Construction Materials
Brick masonry and wood siding appear extensively throughout
Historic Dublin. Brick is used as a building material as well as a
paving material. Wood siding appears in a number of applications,
including horizontal, vertical, shake, and shiplap siding. Wood is
also used for fencing, porches, and decorative ornamentation
on buildings. Wrought iron and stone fences are prevalent in
landscape design.
Scale and Form
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Historic Dublin is
its intimate, small village scale. The buildings are located close
together with shallow front yard setbacks and generally range
from one to two stories in height. A majority of the buildings
have a residential quality, in contrast to the centers of many other
historic Ohio communities that have a continuous streetscape of
commercial buildings with storefronts, cornices, and shared party
walls. The spaces between the buildings offer owners and tenants
opportunities to create small gardens, seating areas, and open
space.
Street Character
The traditional streetscape character and street design are
another integral element of the visual character of Historic
Dublin. The tight street pattern, coupled with the size and scale
of the buildings and their relationship to the street, define Historic
Dublin’s pedestrian-scaled environment. Narrower street widths,
on-street parking, buildings facing the street, sidewalks, and
mature street trees contribute to the character of the area. The
cohesive design of these elements contribute to the success of
the District by connecting the commercial and the residential uses
and providing inviting environment for residents and visitors.
South Riverview Street, Historic Residential Neighborhood, 2019
South High Street, Historic South Neighborhood, 2010
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 19
2.4 Historic Core
The Historic Core applies to the historic center
of Dublin at the intersection of West Bridge
and North High Streets. The Historic Core
contains largely commercial uses within historic
buildings, along with a number of new, more
contemporary buildings. The area serves as a
major gateway into the Historic District, setting
the tone for the neighborhood character. The
neighborhood layout promotes a walkable
environment, while accommodating vehicular
access given its proximity to a major intersection.
A challenge for this neighborhood is balancing
the preservation of historic buildings while
providing the opportunity for infill that is
sensitive to the existing scale and character of
the surrounding area.
General design principles for the Historic Core
neighborhood include:
X Connecting and enhancing the historic grid
street pattern.
X Promoting a walkable environment through
quality streetscape design.
X Preserving and rehabilitating contributing
landmark structures resources to maintain the
historic fabric of Historic Dublin.
X Allowing sensitive redevelopment consistent
with surrounding character.
X Providing opportunities to enhance the street
edge and reinforce the building envelope.
X Requiring architectural design, scale, and
building materials that complement the
existing historic character.
X Locating buildings along the street edge with
parking and access to the rear.
X Creating opportunities for connectivity
throughout Historic Dublin and to adjacent
development, civic uses, and open space.
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Neighborhood Character
N High StN High StW Bridge StW Bridge St
SS High St High St
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO20
2.5 Historic South
The Historic South district contains smaller,
cottage-scale buildings located along South
High Street, south of the Historic Core and
surrounded by the Historic Residential
neighborhood to the south, east, and west.
The area contains the majority of the historic
structures and sites found within Historic Dublin
with a fewer number of new structures. The area
includes a mix of commercial and residential
uses. The buildings are consistent with the
historic development pattern and support a
highly walkable setting because of the proximity
of buildings located closely together.
General design principles for the Historic South
neighborhood include:
X Maintaining the historic grid street pattern.
X Promoting a walkable environment through
quality streetscape design.
X Preserving and rehabilitating contributing
landmark resources to maintain the historic
fabric of Historic Dublin.
X Allowing sensitive redevelopment consistent
with surrounding character.
X Requiring architectural design and scale,
and building materials that complement the
existing historic character.
X Maintaining a smaller building scale and mass
consistent with the development pattern of the
area.
X Retaining open areas at the rear of the
properties, particularly adjacent to residential
properties.
X Creating opportunities for connectivity
throughout Historic Dublin and to adjacent
developments and open space. S High StS High StPinney Hill LnPinney Hill Ln
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Neighborhood Character
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 21
2.6 Historic Residential
The Historic Residential neighborhood surrounds
the Historic South area to the east along South
Riverview Street and west along Franklin Street,
and south along High Street. This area supports
the preservation and development of houses
on existing or new lots that are comparable in
size, mass, and scale, while maintaining and
promoting the traditional residential character
of Historic Dublin.
General design principles for the Historic
Residential neighborhood include:
X Preserving and rehabilitating contributing
landmark resources to maintain the historic
fabric of Historic Dublin.
X Allowing for development of new residential
structures that complement the scale, mass, and
design of the surrounding historic residential.
X Encouraging comparable building height
and lot coverages, similar to the surrounding
historic structures.
X Encouraging new residential structures to have
consistent setbacks and similar lot coverage to
surrounding residential development.
X Promoting rear accessed lots where feasible.
X Encouraging outbuildings and detached
buildings be to located at the rear of a property.
X Promoting preservation of open rear yards,
green space corridors, and river views
throughout the neighborhood.S Riverview StS Riverview StCONTEXT & CHARACTER
Neighborhood Character
Franklin SFranklin SttDublin RdDublin Rd
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO22
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Neighborhood Character
2.7 Public
The Historic Public neighborhood
contains a series of civic spaces and
natural areas located throughout
Historic Dublin, including Riverside
Crossing Park West, Indian Run
Falls, Indian Run Cemetery, Dublin
Veterans’ Park, Dublin Cemetery,
Karrer Barn, and Dublin Springs Park.
These spaces preserve the historic
character and natural environment
found throughout the District and
serve as an amenity to residents and
visitors.
General design principles for the
Historic Public neighborhood
include:
X Continuing efforts to preserve the
sites and amenities.
X Ensuring connectivity and access
to these areas.
X Providing greenway connections
and access to the Scioto River.
X Increasing public access to the
natural amenities.
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 23
2.8 Outlying Properties and Historic
Farmsteads
A series of sites and structures located outside of Historic
Dublin contribute to the history of Dublin. These properties,
identified on Appendix G of the Zoning Code, include historic
farmsteads, barns, churches and former schoolhouses. The
character of each of these sites is unique, but help tell the
story of the history of Dublin.
Karrer Barn, 225 South High Street
5600 Bristol Parkway
5623 Dublinshire Drive
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Neighborhood Character
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO24
2.9 Overview
The architecture of Historic Dublin spans a period of over
two centuries, which contributes to the architectural variety
of the District. Some of the buildings possess characteristics
of a specific architectural style; however, the vast majority
are “vernacular” in character and are best identified by
building type. Vernacular architecture is defined as “a mode
of building based on regional forms and materials” (Harris,
Cyril M. Historic Architecture Sourcebook. New York: McGraw-
Hill, 1977).
Building type is based on form, function, floor plan,
configuration (shape), and stories (height). Architectural style
is based on design details and ornamentation. Building type
does not determine architectural style. Some architectural
styles have a predominate building type, although
architectural styles can include a number of building types
over time. Buildings may include elements of more than one
architectural style.
Dublin’s historic buildings often demonstrate the original
owner’s personal tastes, availability and affordability of
materials, and design influences at the time of construction.
While many of the same building types and architectural styles
can be found elsewhere in Central Ohio, the combination of
building materials, physical setting, and spatial relationships
create the unique historic character of Historic Dublin.
Identified as part of the Historical and Cultural Assessment, a
series of building types and architectural styles are present
in Dublin. The characteristics of the predominate building
types and architectural styles, identified herein, are based
on the A Field Guide to American Houses (McAlester, Virginia,
A. Lee McAlester, Lauren Jarrett, and Juan Rodriguez-Arnaiz.
A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf,
1993); and, How to Complete the Ohio Historic Inventory
(Gordon, Stephen C., et al. How to Complete the Ohio Historic
Inventory. Columbus, Ohio: Ohio Historic Preservation Office,
Ohio Historical Society, 1992.)
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) identifies 19
building types under ‘House Types’ and 35 architectural
styles found in Ohio. Many structures in Historic Dublin were
constructed as residential buildings. Therefore, most of the
building types in Dublin are represented under the ‘House
Types’ category recognized by SHPO. Not all building types
are present in Dublin. Similarly, many architectural styles
are not found in Dublin. Many of the historic structures in
Dublin are of “No Academic Style – Vernacular.” Academic
styles are considered high style, which exemplify a particular
architectural movement. Only the building types and
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Building Types & Architectural Styles
109 South Riverview Street, built ca. 1827, is an example of Federal architecture.
Note the Federal-style elements such as the two-story height, rectilinear form,
five-bay façade composition with symmetrical window and door placement,
and a side-gable roof.
The Washington Township Centralized School at 150 West Bridge Street was
built in 1919 in the Art Deco style. Elements of the style include the smooth wall
surface and decorative concrete panels with stylized or geometric motifs.
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 25
architectural styles present in Historic Dublin and the
outlying historic properties (Appendix G) are included below.
The building types and architectural styles are arranged
chronologically. Each building type and architectural style
includes a general description, typical design characteristics,
and a graphic example.
Building Types
X Hall and Parlor
X I-House
X Saltbox
X Gabled Ell
X Bungalow
X Cape Cod Cottage
X Ranch/Split-Level
Architectural Styles
X No Academic Style - Vernacular
X Federal
X Greek Revival
X Gothic Revival
X Romanesque Revival
X Italianate
X Queen Anne
X Colonial Revival
X Craftsman/Arts and Crafts
X French Colonial/Norman Revival
X Art Deco
X Modern Movements
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Building Types & Architectural Styles
167 South High Street, built in 1897 in the Queen Anne style. Elements of the
style include the asymmetrical massing, irregular floor plan, bay windows,
decorative gable ends, wrap-around front porch with decorative spindle work,
and decorative shingles in the roof.
St. John Lutheran Church at 6135 (6115) Rings Road, built ca. 1860, is an
example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Note the elements such as the
masonry construction, round arches, brick corbeling, and square tower.
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO26
2.10 Hall and Parlor
A rectangular, two room floor plan with a side gable roof
form, the Hall and Parlor building type was popular between
1800-1870. Additional characteristics include:
X 1 to 1.5-stories in height
X 1-room deep
X Symmetrical, 3-bay wide façade
X Central entry
X One or two chimneys, central or at both ends
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Building Types
2.11 I-House
A rectangular, two room floor plan with a side gable roof
form, less commonly a flat or hipped roof, the I-House
building type was popular between 1820-1890. Additional
characteristics include:
X 2-stories in height
X 1-room deep
X Symmetrical, 3 or 5-bay wide façades; select 4-bay examples
X Central entry
X Front porch, 1 or 2-stories in height
X One or two chimneys, central or at both ends
2.12 Saltbox
A rectangular floor plan with an asymmetrical sloping
roofline, mimicking a ‘saltbox’, the Saltbox building type
was popular between 1830-1900. Additional characteristics
include:
X 1.5 to 2-stories in height
X 3 or 4-bay wide façades
X One or two chimneys, central or at both ends
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 27
Caption
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Building Types
2.13 Gabled Ell
An irregular ‘L’ or ‘T’ floor plan with intersecting gable roof
forms at the same height, the Gabled Ell building type was
popular between 1865-1885. Additional characteristics
include:
X 1 to 2-stories in height
X 1 or 2-bays wide, wing and block
X Front facing entry
X Front porch, 1-story in height
2.14 Bungalow
A rectangular floor plan with a gabled or hipped roof form,
with or without a front dormer, the Bungalow building
type was popular between 1905-1930. Characteristics for a
Dormer Front Bungalow include:
X 1-1.5, and 2-stories in height
X 3-bay wide façade
X Central entry
X Overhanging eaves
X Full-width front porch, 1-story in height with columns
X Interior or exterior chimney
2.15 Cape Cod Cottage
A rectangular floor plan sometimes with an attached one-
car garage. Typified by a side gable roof form, the Cape Cod
Cottage building type was popular between 1925-1950
Additional characteristics include:
X 1 to 1.5-stories in height
X Dormer windows
X Symmetrical, 3 or 5-bay wide façades
X Central entry
X One central chimney
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1
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HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO28
2.16 Ranch/Split-Level
An elongated irregular floor plan with a low gabled or hipped
roof and overhanging eaves, the Ranch building type was
most popular between 1940-1970, although still remains
relevant today. Additional characteristics include:
X 1 to 1.5-stories in height
X Symmetrical or asymmetrical façade
X Attached garage or carport
X Off-center entry, may be hidden
X Large picture window
The Split-Level building type, having multiple stories with at
least a half story below grade, was most popular between
1940-1970. Additional characteristics include:
X 1 to 2-stories in height
X Symmetrical or asymmetrical façade
X Attached garage
X Off-center entry
X Large picture window
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Building Types
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 29
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Architectural Styles
2.17 No Academic Style - Vernacular
No Academic Style - Vernacular is by far the most prevalent
style of architecture in Historic Dublin. Vernacular
buildings are “influenced by the local climate, available
building materials, ethnic building traditions rather than by
contemporary architectural fashions and styles” (Gorden,
76).
2.18 Federal
Federal architecture is a post-Colonial style that sought
to stress independence from England, rejecting earlier
English-based Georgian architecture, by establishing a new
national style. Federal style buildings retain the symmetry
of earlier architecture, and stress dignity, restraint, and
simple ornamentation (Walker, 96-97). Since Dublin was just
being settled in the early 19th century, this is one of the first
architectural styles to appear in the area.
2.19 Greek Revival
Greek Revival architecture rose as a response to the Greek
War of Independence from Turkey. The style became popular
in public and private contexts. The style is typified by a Greek
temple aesthetic with Greek columns that were carefully
detailed. Everything was usually painted white to simulate
the color of a Greek temple (Walker, 106-109). Regional
variants of this style exist with farmhouses incorporating
elements of Greek Revival style. Architectural details such
as cornices with returns, moulding beneath the cornice,
and front doors with rectangular transom and sidelights are
common.
119 South High Street
109 South Riverview Street
63 South High Street
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO30
75 South High Street
Coffman Homestead, 6659 Coffman Road
St. John Lutheran Church, 6115/6135 Rings Road
2.20 Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival architecture began in England as a revolt
against classical styles and symmetry in favor of picturesque
and irregular shapes. In the United States, the style is visible
in rural, domestic architecture from 1840-1880. Gothic
Revival style homes are often stone or brick construction
transitioning to wood framing in the later 19th century.
Variants of the style include Cottage Gothic, Carpenter
Gothic, and Steamboat Gothic (Walker, 120-131). Fanciful or
decorative ornamentation, barge boards under the gables,
and pointed arches, and window crowns define the style. The
Gothic Revival style can be seen in Dublin in steeply pitched
gable roofs and pointed arch windows.
2.21 Romanesque Revival
Romanesque Revival architecture rose in popularity in
Ohio during the mid-19th century. The style is most often
applied to churches, public buildings, and institutional
buildings. Inspired by James Renwick’s Smithsonian
Castle in Washington, DC., these buildings typically have
monochromatic brick or stone walls with round-arch window
and door openings and square or polygonal towers with
brick corbelling (Gordon, 81).
2.22 Italianate
Italianate style began in England as a revolt against classical
styles and symmetry in favor of the picturesque and irregular
shapes. The style emphasized rural, rambling, informal Italian
farmhouses and dominated American house construction
from 1850 to 1880. In Ohio, the Italianate style was among
the most popular Romantic style of the 19th century, gaining
favor as the state’s population nearly doubled in this time
period. Early examples are square or rectangular box-shaped
homes with three visual bays and tall windows, usually topped
with a segmental arch or window hood. Large overhanging
eaves with decorative brackets were also common (Gordon,
85). Italianate architecture in Dublin followed this trend.
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Architectural Styles
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 31
25 South Riverview Street
114 South High Street
56-58 North High Street
2.23 Queen Anne
Queen Anne architecture first appeared in England and
subsequently adapted in the United States. Blumenson’s
Identifying American Architecture describes the style as the
“most varied and decoratively rich style. The asymmetrical
composition consists of a variety of forms, textures, materials,
and colors. Architectural parts include towers, turrets, tall
chimneys, projecting pavilions, porches, bays and encircling
verandas. The textured wall surfaces occasionally are
complimented by colored glass panels in the windows” (63).
In Ohio, Queen Anne architecture was the dominant style of
house construction from 1880 to 1900 (Gordon, 91). As such,
there are several examples of this style in Dublin.
2.24 Colonial Revival
Colonial Revival style is strictly an American movement
inspired by nostalgia for the past. It started around the turn
of the 20th century and includes tremendous variety in
terms of scale, details, and application. Later examples, from
the mid-20th century, are usually side-gable buildings with
simple stylized door surrounds, cornices, or other details that
allude to colonial architecture rather than replicate it. Dublin
has a variety of Colonial Revival style homes ranging from
the traditional Colonial Revival to Dutch Colonial Revival
architecture.
2.25 Craftsman/Arts and Crafts
Craftsman/Arts and Crafts architectural style was inspired
by the English Arts and Crafts movement and subsequently
became popular in the United States. In the United States,
Craftsman-style first appeared in California at the turn of the
20th century. Craftsman homes emphasize low, horizontal
lines and a design that becomes part of its natural setting.
Wide projecting eaves, overhanging gables with exposed
rafters, open porches with heavy square porch piers (often
on top of masonry bases) give these homes a sense of solid
construction.
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Architectural Styles
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO32
150 West Bridge Street
7125 Riverside Drive
2.27 French Colonial/Norman Revival
French Colonial/Norman Revival architecture is a subcategory
of Colonial Revival architecture based on 16th and 17th
century French countryside style growing in popularity post
World War I (Gorden, 110). The style is typified by steeply
pitched roofs, round towers with turrets, and an asymmetrical
entrance.
2.28 Art Deco
Art Deco architecture is common in public and commercial
buildings built in the 1920s and early 1930s (McAlester, 464-
466). The style rejected historical precedent in favor of modern
materials and industrial-inspired design. Buildings designed
in this style usually had rectilinear massing, futuristic images,
stylized ornament, and polychromatic effects. Walls tended
to have smooth, polychromatic surfaces of brick or concrete
with rounded or angular corner windows. While Art Deco was
popular among skyscrapers built in this period, the design
was also applied to low-scale buildings such as schools, post
offices, and apartment buildings (Gordon, 112). In Dublin,
this style appears in commercial and institutional buildings
such as the Washington Township Centralized School at 150
West Bridge Street, built circa 1919.
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Architectural Styles
170 South Riverview Street
2.29 Modern
Post World War II brings the advent of Modern architecture.
The first post-war house styles to emerge were the Cape
Cod and Minimal Tradition, which were based on earlier
house styles of the 20th century, but with new materials and
building methods developed during the war. By the1950s,
these house styles were replaced by the Ranch house, which
dominated American residential architecture throughout
the 1960s and is still popular today. The Split-Level house
style followed the ranch and retained the low-pitched roof
and broad, rambling façade of the period. Less common
in this period was the Mid-Century Modern architecture,
which rejected traditional forms in favor of a more modern
expression with wide overhanging eaves, flat or low-pitched
roofs with broad, low front-facing gables, and exposed
structural members such as beams or slender metal columns
(McAlester, 447). All of these building styles can be seen in
Dublin’s residential areas, and even in some of its commercial
and institutional structures.
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 33
CONTEXT & CHARACTER
Building Types & Architectural Styles
83 South Riverview Street, built in1824, is an example of an I-House building
type with Federal architectural style elements. The building is of stone
construction with a standing seam metal roof.
Former Post Office at 38 West Bridge Street, built in 1965, is in a Modernist
Movement architectural style. The one-story brick and stone building has a
rectilinear footprint with flat roof and a large glazed storefront window.
87 South High Street, built ca. 1840, in a Greek Revival architectural style
has a rectilinear footprint with stone foundation, front gable façade clad in
horizontal siding accented by a decorative frieze.
55 South Riverview Street, built ca. 1900, is an example of the Gabled Ell
building type with No Academic Style. The front block and wing are identifying
forms with the spindle work suggesting an increased accessibility of millwork
at the turn of the century.
3434
3535
Chapter 3Users Guide
GUIDELINES
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO36
NRHP - District Properties
NRHP - Individually Listed
Additional Properties Recommended
Not Recommended
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W BRIDGE ST N HIGH STS HIGH STDublin Historic District S RIVERVIEW STN RIVERVIEW
STFRANKLIN STSHORT ST
PINNEYHILL LN
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WING HILLDARBY ST3.1 Intent
The Guidelines help protect the overall character of Dublin
by emphasizing preservation of architectural styles, details,
and streetscape elements that define the community’s
unique character. They help guide appropriate rehabilitation
work and alterations of existing buildings. For additions,
new construction and site work, the Guidelines emphasize
compatibility of new buildings or features with the District’s
historic character.
3.2 Using the Guidelines
The intent of the Guidelines is preservation and rehabilitation:
retaining and stabilizing the significant buildings and features
that define a historic building or streetscape. That is why
terms such as repair, retain, maintain, and preserve are used
throughout the Guidelines. Repairing, retaining, maintaining,
and preserving the original or historic architectural features
of a contributing structure is preferred to replacement or
modification. For that reason, the rehabilitation Guidelines
always begin with the most conservative approach (repair)
and then move to other more intrusive treatments.
The Guidelines also offer guidance to ensure new buildings
align with the character of the District, and building additions
are compatible and use appropriate design elements. The
Guidelines are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s
Standards (U.S. Department of the Interior).
The purpose of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
for the Treatment of Historic Properties and Guidelines for
Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring and Reconstructing
Historic Buildings is to provide guidance to historic building
owners and building managers, preservation consultants,
architects, contractors, and project reviewers prior to
beginning work. It is always recommended that preservation
professionals be consulted early in any project.
3.3 Contributing Landmark vs. Non-
Contributing Background Buildings Resources
Buildings Resources within the City have been classified
as either “contributing landmark” or “noncontributing
background” to the historic character of the district in the
Historic and Cultural Resources Assessment (2017). according
to their historic character, as shown on the Historic District
Map and Appendix G Map. This distinction is pertinent for the
following reasons:
X The emphasis for contributing landmark buildings resources
is preservation and rehabilitation. These are buildings
resources that contribute to the historic value of the district
GUIDELINES
Users Guide
Historic District Map
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CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 37NRHP - District Properties
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WING HILLDARBY STand in fact, were important to the Federal designation of the
National Register district and/or individual property listings.
Maintaining or restoring the historic integrity of contributing
landmark buildings resources is the highest policy objective
of these Guidelines.
X Contributing landmark buildings and cultural resources
resources within the Historic District are defined as adding
to the historic associations, historic architectural qualities, or
archaeological value of the area as expressed in the Historic
and Cultural Assessment. Buildings and resources Resources
are designated contributing landmark for a variety of reasons
including National Register eligibility, period of significance,
and sufficient integrity.
X Noncontributing background buildings and cultural
resources resources within the Historic District are those that
do not add to the historic associations, historic architectural
qualities, or archaeological value of the area as expressed in
the Historic and Cultural Assessment. Buildings and resources
are designated noncontributing background for a variety of
reasons including National Register ineligibility, irrelevance to
the period of significance, and insufficient integrity.
3.4 Application of Guidelines
Overview
These Guidelines provide the ARB with guidance in reviewing
applications for approvals related to modifications of existing
buildings or structures and the construction of new buildings
or structures. They are intended to communicate either a
desired or undesired outcome or preference. As Guidelines,
interpretation is discretionary on the part of the ARB within
the parameters of the regulations that establish and govern
the Board.
The terms “should”, “should not”, and “avoid” used in the
Guidelines signify a desired or undesired outcome or
preference. For the purpose of applying these Guidelines
by the Board, the terms “should”, “should not”, and “avoid”
will include consideration by the Board of feasibility and
practicality, guided by consideration of factors such as
the context of the proposed improvements, availability of
materials, site conditions, building conditions, and other
applicable City policies and plans. In exercising discretion
in applying the Guidelines, the Board will consider and
weigh these and other factors as circumstances require. Each
project is reviewed on an individual, case-by-case basis, and
there are times when more flexibility or creative solutions are
needed in applying the Guidelines. When those situations
occur, the Board will be clear in stating the reasons for its
decision.
Zoning Regulations
The Design Guidelines supplement the regulations contained
in the Dublin Zoning Code. In the event of a conflict between
these Guidelines and zoning regulations, the zoning
regulations will apply unless specifically modified through
GUIDELINES
Users Guide
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Chapter 4Rehabilitation
GUIDELINES
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO40
4.0 Applicability
The following Guidelines are applicable to both residential
and commercial properties, except where otherwise noted,
as well as are applicable to properties located in Historic
Dublin and outlying historic properties.
4.1 General
A. Preservation of original architectural features and
materials are the first preference in rehabilitation. Such
features and materials should be retained in place and/
or repaired.
B. Repair of existing features (or replacement when
supported by the Board) should be based on an
accurate replication of the materials or features, and
where possible substantiated by historic, physical or
pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or
the availability of different architectural elements from
other buildings or structures.
C. If it is not practical to retain the original materials or
features due to the condition, unavailability, safety, or
energy efficiency of original materials, then quality,
contemporary, substitute materials, when approved by
the Board, should replicate the material being replaced
in composition, design, color, texture, and other visual
qualities. Contemporary materials may be used if it
is demonstrated that they have the same quality and
character as historic materials.
4.2 Maintenance and Construction
Following are common considerations regarding property
maintenance and construction. The recommendations are
not comprehensive in nature.
A. Brick and stone masonry should be tuckpointed every
20 to 30 years, or when holes, gaps, or cracks form in the
mortar. Tuckpointing of masonry should be done in a
way that duplicates the color, texture, and joint tooling
of the building’s historic tuckpointing.
B. Foundations should be kept free of moisture-retaining
materials such as excess mulch, firewood, and
overgrown plantings to ensure longevity.
C. Avoid abrasive cleaning of historic masonry and siding,
specifically power washing, sandblasting, and harsh
detergents.
D. Flashing, gutters, and downspouts should be in good
repair. Aging roofs should be replaced if there are
significant bulges, dips, or gaps.
GUIDELINES
Rehabilitation
4.3 Exterior Materials
A. Original wood siding should not be covered over.
B. Wood siding should be used in one of the traditional
forms as found on the building (e.g. shingle, board-and-
batten, shiplap, or beveled siding).
C. Masonry walls that have not previously been painted
should remain unpainted. Masonry which has been
painted in the past should remain painted.
D. Tuckpointing of masonry should match the color,
texture, joint tooling, and physical composition of the
building’s historic pointing.
E. Historically stuccoed surfaces should remain stuccoed.
Stucco should not be applied to a wall which has not
been previously stuccoed.
4.4 Architectural Details
A. Significant architectural elements that have
deteriorated should be repaired rather than replaced.
B. Avoid adding cornice or frieze elements as extra
ornamentation on a building if not originally present
on the building.
C. Original architectural elements should not be covered,
especially when located on a front elevation.
4.5 Foundations
A. Avoid cutting openings in foundation walls to create
basement windows or doors on elevations visible from
a street.
B. Avoid painting or stuccoing the exterior of a foundation.
C. Previously-painted or stuccoed foundations should be
kept that way, as long as they do not show evidence of
moisture retention.
Original architectural details, 138 South High Street
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 41
D. If original basement windows are to be covered, avoid
filling them permanently.
4.6 Building Colors
A. Colors should be selected based on documented
research of a building’s original paint colors.
B. If original colors cannot be identified or are
unacceptable to the applicant, alternate colors should
be selected according to the time-period of building
construction.
C. Late 19th century buildings should have a maximum
of three different colors (the body color and one trim
and one accent color); those from earlier and later
periods should have no more than two, unless historic
precedent suggests otherwise.
D. The Architectural Review Board may delegate approval
of colors to staff based upon a color palette approved
by the Board.
Original stone foundation, 167 South High Street
GUIDELINES
Rehabilitation
4.7 Doors and Entrances
A. The functional, proportional, and decorative features of
a primary entrance should be preserved.
B. If interior alterations make an existing entrance
redundant, the door and entrance should be left intact
on the exterior.
C. Color should be compatible with historically appropriate
colors already on the building.
D. Avoid treatments that attempt to “dress up” a door or
entrance or give it a character that was never original.
E. Surviving original storm doors should be retained.
Original storm door, 63 South High Street
Historic building color, 76-78 South High Street
Historic building color, 113 South High Street
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO42
G. Windows that have an original storm sash should be
repaired and retained.
4.9 Porches
A. Wrought or cast-iron supports should not be used
to replace original porch columns unless such iron
elements were part of the original design; the same is
true for wrought iron railings.
B. Avoid enclosing porches to create permanent interior
space, particularly on front elevations.
C. If a porch is proposed to replace an original, missing
porch, the characteristics of original porches on similar
buildings, such as height, materials, roof slope, and
width of original porches, are preferred.
D. If a porch is to be added where a porch never existed, a
simple design should be used.
E. Avoid ornamentation such as spindles and scrollwork
unless they were traditionally used on the porches of
similar buildings.
4.10 Roof, Gutter, and Downspout
A. Re-roofing a building that currently has asphalt shingles
should be simple in design.
B. Avoid staggered-butt or other shingle patterns that try
to create an older look.
C. If a building does not have gutters and downspouts and
is to have them installed, design and color should be
compatible with the design and color of the building.
D. On existing structures, avoid roofline additions such
as dormers, skylights, or penthouses. However, these
features may be appropriate on a new addition. If such
elements are proposed, they should be placed toward
F. New storm doors should be of simple design. The
design should be a full-height glass section that permits
viewing the main door.
G. Avoid storm doors with decorative features such as
scalloped window edges, strap hinges, or “crossbuck”
designs.
4.8 Windows
A. The position, number, and arrangement of original
windows in a building should be preserved.
B. If original windows are extensively deteriorated, only
the deteriorated windows should be replaced. Avoid
removing any that are still repairable.
C. Avoid enlarging or downsizing window openings to
accommodate stock replacement window sizes.
D. Replacement windows should match the appearance
of the historic originals in number of panes, dimensions
of sash members, and profile of sash members and
muntins. Windows should simulate the operating
characteristics of the originals. The same material as the
original windows, usually wood, should be used.
E. Real through-the-glass exterior and interior muntins
with spacer bar (simulated divided lite) should be used.
Windows should not use sandwiched, applied, or snap-
in artificial muntins.
F. Interior or exterior storm windows may be used to
increase energy efficiency of existing windows. These
should be either a single pane or, if they have an upper
and a lower pane, the division between the two should
be at the meeting rails of the original exterior windows.
Storm windows should match the color of the existing
window trim.
Porch, 83 South High Street
True divided lite window, 31-33 South High Street
GUIDELINES
Rehabilitation
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 43
Figure 4.1: Appropriate Additions.
Figure 4.2: Inappropriate Additions.
Note: Graphic figures are intended to illustrate one or more
of the recommendations identified in the Guidelines and
do not represent the only or preferred solution to meet the
Guidelines.
the rear or along a rear slope where visibility is minimal.
Skylights should be flat and low in profile.
4.11 Canopy and Awning
A. Fabric awnings should have a matte rather than a glossy
surface.
B. Avoid fixed, permanent canopies unless it can be
documented through research that a building had one
in the past and that the canopy design is compatible
with the original character of the building and the
district.
C. Each window or door should have its own awning,
rather than a single full-width awning covering an
entire façade.
D. A traditional flat, sloped awning design should be used.
Selection of open-end versus closed-end awnings
should be historically based.
E. Awning color(s) should complement the building and
be compatible with historically appropriate colors used
on the building, but avoid overly ornate patterns and
too many colors. A simple pattern using no more than
two colors is preferred.
4.12 Building Additions
A. Additions should be clearly distinguishable from
the original structure by designing additions to be
subordinate and secondary to the primary structure. If
the additions or alterations were removed, the essential
form and integrity of the original structure should be
unimpaired.
B. Additions should be located to the rear of the original
building so that the most significant and visible faces
(e.g. front elevations) of historic properties are given
priority. If space needs or lot conditions require that the
addition be placed farther forward, the façade of the
addition should be set back from the original façade.
C. A break or reveal should be provided between the
original building and the addition, so it is apparent that
they are two separate structures.
D. The design for additions to existing properties should
not destroy significant historic, architectural, or cultural
materials. The design should be compatible with the
size, scale, color, material, and character of the property,
neighborhood, or environment.
E. Avoid duplicating the original building’s architecture
and design in the addition. The addition should take its
major design cues such as form, massing, roof shape,
Rehabilitation
GUIDELINES
PLAN VIEW
FRONT
ELEVATION
PERSPECTIVE
PLAN VIEW
FRONT
ELEVATION
PERSPECTIVE
EXISTING
STRUCTURE
(TYP.)
L J
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO44
4.14 Retrofitted Access for People with
Disabilities (ADA)
A. Designs should be kept simple and unobtrusive within
the requirements of compliance with ADA standards.
B. Ramps or lifts should be located at side or rear entrances
to minimize impact on the main façade.
C. The design of ramps and handrails should be simple
and contemporary and should not try to mimic historic
handrails.
D. Materials should be the same as, or similar to, those
used in the building. Avoid exposed treated wood that
is unpainted.
E. If providing access to a building’s front entrance is only a
matter of overcoming a few inches difference between
sidewalk and entrance, a portion of the sidewalk should
be designed so that it is sloped upward to overcome
the height difference to avoid a handrail. If the building
entrance or sidewalk is located within the right-of-way,
Engineering approval may be required.
4.15 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
A. The visual impacts of equipment as seen from the street
should be minimized.
B. The smallest and least obtrusive equipment necessary
and available should be used.
C. The equipment should be located in an area where it is
not visible along any street frontage.
D. Equipment should be installed in a manner that is
reversible and does not permanently alter or damage
original building materials
window proportions and spacing, door types, and kind
of ornamentation from the original building, but it
should be a simplified structure.
F. Materials for additions should be consistent with those
identified in 4.1.C and complementary to the district,
but need not match those of the original structure to
which the addition is attached. Avoid materials that are
not typically from the mid-19th to the early 20th century
(e.g. concrete block, rough-sawn siding, or logs). Brick,
stucco, and beveled siding or board-and-batten all may
be appropriate, depending upon the materials in the
original building.
G. Roofline additions should be placed and designed to
have the least amount of visual impact. Refer to 4.9.D
H. The height and roofline of the addition should be below
those of the original building.
4.13 Outbuildings
A. Original outbuildings such as garages, sheds, outhouses,
and barns should be repaired and retained.
B. When outbuildings need repair or replacement of
deteriorated elements, new materials should match the
old.
Outbuilding repurposed for commercial use, 109 South High Street
(Rear)
Rear ADA ramp with masonry wall, 129 South High Street
GUIDELINES
Rehabilitation
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 45
Commercial storefront, 14 South High Street
4.16 Commercial Storefront Design
A. Designs should be consistent with the historic storefront
character, including window sizes and architectural
features.
B. Storefronts should retain ornamentation and trim
consistent with the historic architectural style of the
building.
C. Avoid “theme” restorations (e.g. Colonial, Bavarian, Art
Deco, Post Modern, etc.) unless historically true to the
building.
D. Materials should be consistent with the historic
architectural style of the building. Inappropriate designs
and materials should be avoided such as diagonal
wood siding, vinyl or aluminum siding, mansard roofs,
and fixed metal canopies.
Recessed entry and bulkheads, 52 South High Street
Figure 4.3: Commercial Storefront Design Elements.
Note: Graphic figures are intended to illustrate one or more of the recommendations identified in the Guidelines and do not represent the only or
preferred solution to meet the Guidelines.
Rehabilitation
GUIDELINES
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Chapter 5New Construction
GUIDELINES
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO48
5.0 Applicability
The following Guidelines are applicable to residential
and commercial properties as well as to outlying historic
properties. New construction differs from the construction
of new additions to historic structures. New construction
includes primary and accessory structures like houses,
commercial buildings, garages, sheds, and other similar
structures.
5.1 General
A. New construction should not be a replica of historic
buildings, but also should not be taken to the extreme
of modern architecture. There are places in the City of
Dublin where modern architecture is appropriate and
desired, but within the Historic Districts it is important
to provide a sense of continuity and compatibility so
that both a sense of historic place and historic time
is respected. Continuity and compatibility are more
valued than making a bold design statement.
B. New construction should be similar to existing
contributing landmark buildings resources in the
District. New buildings should be obviously new to
GUIDELINES
New Construction
the observer, but there should be continuity and
compatibility with surrounding historic structures.
They should share underlying principles of design,
form, mass, height, scale, and lot coverage as prevails
on adjacent lots.
5.2 Building Placement
A. Buildings should be sited sensitively to the varying
topography of the District and established grade of the
site.
B. The site should be designed to be consistent with the
original block, street, and site patterns of the District in
which the building is located.
C. The placement of the building should be similarly to the
placement, orientation, and setbacks of surrounding
structures. The placement should reinforce the street
wall.
D. The building should be sited similarly to the
development pattern of surrounding properties. Lot
Figure 5.1: Commercial Infill Development Pattern.
Note: Graphic figures are intended to illustrate one or more of the recommendations identified in the Guidelines and do not represent the only or
preferred solution to meet the Guidelines.
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CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 49
GUIDELINES
New Construction
coverage should be similar to surrounding properties.
5.3 Form and Mass
A. The building should be similar in form, mass, and
lot coverage, and in proportion and scale to other
surrounding buildings.
B. Roof pitch and form should be similar to surrounding
buildings.
C. The building should reinforce a sense of human scale
through the design of pedestrian entrances, porches,
door and window openings, and façades.
D. The form and mass of the building should be responsive
to the site topography and similar in overall height to
Figure 5.2: Building Height Scale and Proportion.
Figure 5.3: Residential Infill Development Pattern.
Note: Graphic figures are intended to illustrate one or more of the recommendations identified in the Guidelines and do not represent the only or
preferred solution to meet the Guidelines.
I STORY
l c ///
/
/
"' 2 STORIES
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c
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO50
surrounding buildings. Buildings should step-down
following the topography of the site.
5.4 Building Width
A. The building width should be similar to other buildings
in the District.
B. If a building is wider than other structures in the
District, the façade should be divided into subordinate
sizes that are similar to the width of other structures in
the District. Sections of the wall should be stepped to
further reinforce the visual impression of widths similar
to other structures in the District.
5.5 Façade
A. Façade proportions, including width to height ratio,
should be similar to other buildings in the district.
B. The primary entrance to the building should front the
street.
C. Avoid blank façades and monotony of materials. Avoid
large surfaces of glass.
D. Avoid concrete block foundations or exposed poured
concrete. Foundations should be clad with brick or
stone.
E. Where multi-story buildings are permitted, the façade
should incorporate a three-part composition including
a base, a middle, and a top.
5.6 Doors and Windows
A. The pattern and proportions of window and door
openings should be proportional to the building façade
and reflect the pattern of other buildings in the District.
B. The window-to-wall ratios should be similar to other
buildings in the district.
C. Windows and doors should be framed in materials that
are similar in scale and character with other buildings
in the district.
5.7 Architectural Details
A. Architectural elements such as eaves, window design
and moldings, door surrounds, porches, and soffits,
should be modern interpretations of historic details,
Figure 5.4: Pattern and Proportions of Window/Door Openings.
Finished foundation, 73 South Riverview Street
Modern interpretation of historic details, not replication of historic
styles/details, 113 South High Street
GUIDELINES
New Construction
Note: Graphic figures are intended to illustrate one or more of
the recommendations identified in the Guidelines and do not
represent the only or preferred solution to meet the Guidelines.
,,
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 51
not replications of historic styles.
B. Skylights should be flat and low in profile and placed
toward the rear where visibility is minimal.
5.8 Materials and Color
A. The building should use materials traditional to historic
Dublin: wood, brick, and stone; although may use
contemporary materials with characteristics similar to
historic materials, as approved by the ARB.
B. Materials that have a proven durability for the Central
Ohio climate should be used.
C. Colors should be similar to other buildings in the
district.
5.9 Canopy and Awning
A. Fabric awnings should have a matte rather than a glossy
surface.
B. Each window or door should have its own awning,
rather than a single full-width awning covering an
entire façade.
C. A traditional flat, sloped awning design should be used.
Materials and color traditional to the District, 31-33 South High Street
D. Awning color(s) should complement the building and
be compatible with historically appropriate colors used
on the building but avoid overly ornate patterns and
too many colors. A simple pattern using no more than
two colors is preferred.
5.10 Outbuildings
A. Detached garages are encouraged and should be
located to the rear and side of the primary structure.
B. Newly-constructed outbuildings should be compatible
and subordinate in scale to the main building, using
design cues from contributing landmark outbuildings
resources and nearby structures, and especially the
principal building on the site.
C. Forms, massing, roof shape, roof pitch and height,
materials, window and door types, and detailing
similar to those found on nearby historic or traditional
outbuildings should be used.
5.11 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
A. Energy-generating devices, such as solar collectors,
should remain visually subordinate to the character of
the building, and should not be visible along any street
frontage.
B. Buildings should incorporate elements such as operable
windows for natural ventilation and light.
Historic outbuilding, 83 South Riverview Street
GUIDELINES
New Construction
5252
5353
Chapter 6Site Design
GUIDELINES
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO54
C. Foundation plantings should be provided to soften the
appearance of buildings along the street.
6.4 Walls and Fences
A. Original stone walls and fences should be maintained,
retained, and not be modified in any way.
B. Historic stone walls should be preserved on private
property and City owned property.
C. Where possible, degraded stone walls should be
rehabilitated without compromising the integrity and
character.
D. Replacement of historic stone walls with new stone
walls is discouraged.
E. If replacement is necessary due to the condition, or a
new fence is proposed, traditional fence and wall types
are preferred. These should include low stone walls in
the traditional and distinctive Dublin design, low picket
fences, iron fences or, in backyard areas, board fences
with straight or “dog-eared” top edges, or rows of trees
and shrubs.
F. The design of landscaping, including walls and fences,
should address the public rights-of-way in a similar
manner to surrounding properties in the district.
G. Non-traditional materials such as concrete or “cyclone”
fencing and composite wood fencing, and non-
traditional wood fencing designs like basket-weave,
shadow-box, or stockade fences are not appropriate.
H. For fences, paint or an opaque stain should be applied
to wood fencing, rather than leaving it natural.
6.5 Access and Parking
A. Vehicular access should be visually complementary to
the site and building design; it should be secondary to
the appearance of the building and not dominating its
design.
B. Pedestrian and bicycle access and storage should be
incorporated into the site design.
C. Parking should be accessed from a side street or an
alley rather than from the main street. Parking lots or
curb cuts in front of a building at the sidewalk should
be avoided.
6.0 Applicability
The following Guidelines are applicable to residential
and commercial properties as well as to outlying historic
properties.
6.1 General
A. Site design should be sensitive to the surrounding
context, particularly to natural features and cultural
resources.
B. Sites should be designed to preserve elements that
contribute to the historic character of the site and
District.
6.2 Natural Features
A. Site topography should be preserved. Buildings should
be sited in a manner that is respective to the existing
topography. Regrading of sites should be limited.
B. Landmark trees (over 24 caliper inches) on commercial
and residential properties should be maintained in
good health and preserved from harm. All trees should
be preserved, whenever practicable.
C. Buildings, accessory structures, and patios should be
sited outside of the critical root zone of mature trees.
6.3 Landscaping
A. Open green space, including landscape areas, should
be preserved free of buildings, accessory structures,
and patios.
B. Landscape designs should provide year round interest.
Plant materials should be species native to Central Ohio.
Commercial landscaping, 35-39 South High Street
GUIDELINES
Site Design
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 55
Wood fence, 35-39 South High Street
Hairpin wrought iron fence, 91 South High Street
GUIDELINES
Site Design
D. The visual impacts of service and loading areas should
be minimized. They should be located to the rear of
the building and screened from public rights-of-way
consistent with code screening requirements.
6.6 Decks and Patios
A. Decks and patios should be located to the rear or side
of the building.
B. Decks should be architecturally integrated and treated
with paint or an opaque stain to match the color of the
building or its trim.
C. Railings should be traditional in character, constructed
of wood, metal, or other similar material. Vinyl, PVC, and
polyurethane should not be used as a deck or railing
material.
6.7 Lighting
A. Lighting should enhance the site and the building’s
design in a manner that is sensitive to surrounding
properties. Light fixtures should be scaled appropriately
based on the use and character of surrounding
properties.
B. Light fixtures should be simple in design. Subdued,
soft, warm lighting should be used. Avoid large, ornate
light fixtures.
6.8 Mechanical Equipment and Waste
Screening
A. Mechanical equipment, utility equipment, and waste
facilities should be screened from view of any public
right-of-way or adjacent property and located to
the rear of the building. Such equipment should be
screened from view with landscaping or screen walls.
B. For buildings with rooftop equipment or ventilation,
the equipment should be centrally located and fully
screened from view using a primary building material.
Roof penetrations should be painted to match the roof.
Eberly Hill Lane and South Riverview Street stone wall
5656
5757
Chapter 7Signs
GUIDELINES
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO58
7.1 General
A. Signs should have a minimal visual impact on the site,
and the sub-district in which the building is located.
B. Signs should be subordinate and complementary to
the building.
C. Graphics and messages should be simple.
D. New signs should be pedestrian in scale (see the Zoning
Code). Signs should relate more to the sidewalk than
to the street and should be intended for viewing by
people who are walking rather than driving.
7.2 Color and Relief
A. The color scheme should be simple and unobtrusive.
Accent colors or corporate identity colors or logos
should be used with restraint, and such colors should
not dominate a sign.
B. Letter sizes and styles should be easily readable. One
letter size and one type style is preferred.
C. Signs should be dimensionally routed.
7.3 Materials and Lighting
A. Signs should be constructed of durable natural
materials, consistent with material used for other signs
in the sub-district in which the building is located.
B. Signs should be externally illuminated in a way that is
subordinate to the design of the building.
7.4 Avoid
A. Many bright colors, intended to draw attention rather
than add visual interest to the tenant space.
B. Thin, flat signs that appear flimsy and temporary.
C. Clunky “off the shelf” sign cabinets with no architectural
character.
D. Homemade signs and designs without professional
guidance.
E. Using a sign contractor that is not registered with the
City of Dublin.
7.5 Context Sensitive
7.6 Quality and Character
A. Signs should coordinate with the architectural character
of the building and of the sub-district.
A. Signs should contribute to the character of the sub-
district by providing interest to the pedestrian realm.
B. Signs should be constructed of high-quality materials
and finished with attention to design details.
7.7 Ground Signs
A. Ground signs should be compact and highly
coordinated with their surroundings in terms of
materials, architectural character, color, and details.
B. Signs should have three-dimensional elements. Flat
designs are discouraged.
C. Sign bases should be structurally integrated and
coordinate with the overall design of the sign.
GUIDELINES
Signs
Note: Sign images are intended to illustrate one or more of
the recommendations identified in the Guidelines and do not
represent the only or preferred solution to meet the Guidelines.
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES 59
7.10 Projecting Signs
A. Three-dimensional elements are strongly encouraged,
along with the creative use of textures and shadows to
give the sign dimensionality and interest.
B. The bracket or attachment device should be
architecturally appropriate to the building design. Only
use traditional brackets with traditional architecture.
7.11 Awning Signs
A. Awning sign designs should be coordinated with
the architectural character of the storefront. The use
of stripes and scalloped edges should be minimized
unless there is substantial evidence that the detail is
historically appropriate.
B. Awning signs should include simple text and logos on
subdued backgrounds.
7.12 Sandwich Board Signs
A. Sandwich Board signs should be constructed of a high-
quality wood frame with chalkboard and white-board
elements. The frame should not be constructed of
plastic.
B. Signs should have a clean, simple frame without a
handle or additional ornamentation.
C. Signs should incorporate whimsical, one-of-a-kind,
artistic designs that cater to pedestrians. Graphics
should be simple, bold, and symbolic.
D. Sandwich Board signs should be maintained in good,
working condition. Signs should be brought inside at
night and during inclement weather.
7.8 Wall Signs
A. Wall signs in pedestrian environments should
be interesting to look at, adding vibrancy to the
streetscape.
B. Wall signs should be three dimensional, with routed
letters.
C. Letters should be individually pin-mounted or
incorporated into a sign panel. Internally illuminated
channel letters should be avoided.
D. Signs should be illuminated in a way that is subordinate
to the design of the building. External illumination is
preferred.
7.9 Window Signs
A. Permanent window signs should ensure visibility
through the window into the tenant space beyond.
B. Doors and windows should not be obscured by signs.
C. Minimal colors and simple graphics are recommended.
Dimensionally routed wall sign, 39 West Bridge Street
Projecting and awning sign, 55 West Bridge Street
Window sign, 48 South High Street
GUIDELINES
Signs
Council Adopted Resolution 28-21
May 24, 2021
PLANNING 5200 Emerald Parkway Dublin, Ohio 43017 phone 614.410.4600 dublinohiousa.gov
RECORD OF ACTION
Planning & Zoning Commission
Thursday, November 9, 2023 | 6:30 pm
The Planning and Zoning Commission took the following action at this meeting:
4. Historic District – Code and Guidelines Update
23-097ADMC Code and Guideline Amendment
Proposal: Proposal for amendments to the Historic District Zoning Code and Historic
Design Guidelines.
Request: Review and recommendation of approval to City Council for the Code and
Guideline Amendments under the provisions of Zoning Code Section
153.170.
Applicant: Megan O’Callaghan, City Manager, City of Dublin
Planning Contact: Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP, Director of Planning
Contact Information: 614.410.4690, jrauch@dublin.oh.us
Case Information: www.dublinohiousa.gov/pzc/23-097
MOTION#1: _________ moved, Ms. Harter seconded, to recommend approval to City Council of the
proposed amendments.
VOTE: 5 – 0.
RESULT: The proposed amendments were recommended for approval and forwarded to City Council.
RECORDED VOTES: Motion #1
Rebecca Call Yes
Mark Supelak Yes
Kim Way Absent
Kathy Harter Yes
Jamey Chinnock Yes
Warren Fishman Yes
Lance Schneier Absent
STAFF CERTIFICATION
_____________________________________
Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP, Director of Planning
To: Members of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP, Director of Planning
Date: November 9, 2023
Initiated By:
Sarah Tresouthick Holt, AICP, ASLA, Senior Planner
Re: Historic District Code and Guidelines Updates, Case 23-097ADMC
Summary
At the August 2022 City Council Work Session, staff and our consultant, Greg Dale (McBride Dale
Clarion) presented information to address City Council’s 2022 goal regarding the preservation,
composition, and management of the District. The discussion centered on how District properties
should be addressed from a preservation perspective, specifically on the contributing/non-
contributing terminology and how the demolition criteria applies based on that terminology. City
Council requested additional information regarding the historic inventory and steps to address the
direction provided. A revised map has been prepared which reclassifies the buildings within the
district based on that request.
After initial research, staff brought the discussion to ARB in May and September of 2023. In May,
the Board supported the replacement of the contributing/non-contributing nomenclature and the
subsequent implications for the demolition criteria. The Board was also interested in exploring
additional administrative approval responsibilities for staff.
On September 27, 2023, the Board reviewed and made a recommendation of the draft Code and
Guidelines language (attached) that include the new terminology of “landmark/background” to
replace contributing/non-contributing respectively. Additionally, the Board requested that site
stabilization requirements be included for demolition of background buildings. The Board also
requested that staff review Appendix G to ensure all City-owned properties and cemeteries are
represented, which is also included herein. Additionally, staff clarified that the properties listed on
Appendix G are considered “landmark” and subject to the higher burden of demolition review. Staff
has also taken the opportunity to update related language and address minor scriveners’ errors.
Staff requests the Planning and Zoning Commission review the proposed Code and Guidelines and
make a recommendation to City Council for determination.
Background
City Council’s previous discussion centered on concerns that demolition review criteria are too
onerous based on the contributing/non-contributing designations, and a different approach should
be considered based on staff research. Council also confirmed the remainder of the recently-
adopted Code and Guidelines should be in effect to allow for adequate time to evaluate outcomes,
but did request staff identify additional opportunities for administrative approvals to streamline
processing. That portion of the project is now intended as a second phase, in order to allow the
Planning Division
5200 Emerald Parkway • Dublin, OH 43017-1090
Phone: 614-410-4600 • Fax: 614-410-4495 Memo
Memo re. Historic District Code/Guidelines Updates
November 9, 2023
Page 2 of 4
primary goals of contributing/non-contributing terminology and associated demolition requirements
to be addressed most quickly.
The additional research performed by staff results in the attached maps. The NRHP – Dublin High
Street District contains properties constructed between 1833 and 1920, as shown in green. There
are a few properties within that district that were built within the last 50 years and would not be
subject to the higher burden of consideration for demolition (shown in grey). Additionally, the map
indicates the NRHP-individually-listed properties within the Architectural Review District, but
outside the NRHP District, constructed between 1830 and 1901, shown in orange.
Based on the two ranges of dates, staff has determined that an overall time period of 1830-1920
should be the baseline to identify additional properties that ought to have the higher burden of
consideration for demolition. This has resulted in the inclusion of addition properties shown in dark
blue:
• Map ID 2 – 144 W. Bridge Street (1919) – 1919 Building
• Map ID 9 – 41 W. Bridge Street (1890) – commercial
• Map ID 35 – 45 N. High Street (1880) - commercial (Harvest Pizza)
• Map ID 38 – 8-12 E. Bridge Street (1900) – commercial (Domino’s Pizza)
• Map ID 43 – 40 N. High Street (1956) – commercial (Dr. LaPierre’s office)
• Map ID 85 – 45 Short Street (1800) - barn
• Map ID 91 – 138 S. High Street (1860-90) commercial
• Map ID 93 – 25 S. Riverview Street (1900) - residence
• Map ID 95 – 55 S. Riverview Street (1900) - residence
• Map ID 96 – 61 S. Riverview Street (1894) - residence
• Map ID 103 – 137 S. Riverview Street (1890) - residence
• Map ID 116 – 40 E. Bridge Street (1850) - residence
• Map ID 118 – 27 N. Riverview Street (1890) - residence
• Map ID 119 – 37 N. Riverview Street (1890) - residence
• Map ID 120 – 45 N. Riverview Street (1880) - residence
• Map ID 122 – 62 N. Riverview Street (1910) – residence
• Map ID 124 – Dublin Cemetery and Related Structures/Objects (1858) - cemetery
Staff identified properties that are more recent than 1920 yet should be considered for the higher
burden given their context or character in the district (also shown in dark blue):
• Map ID 5 – 38 W. Bridge Street (1965) – Former Post Office
• Map ID 7 – 37 W. Bridge Street (1944) – Former Firehouse
• Map ID 33 – 24 Darby Street (1939) – Modern Male
• Map ID 80 – 155 S. High Street (1926) - residence
• Map ID 86 – 224 Dublin Road (1930) – Former Dr. Karrer Residence
• Map ID 117 – 17 N. Riverview Street (1927) - residence
• Map ID 121 – 53 N. Riverview Street (1932) – residence
Staff has also added the historic cabin reconstruction at the Dublin Arts Center to Appendix G:
• Map ID 21 – DAC Cabin (ca. 1830) - residence
The remaining properties within the Architectural Review District that are not outlined above would
not require the higher burden of consideration for demolition, as shown in grey. Notably, this would
Memo re. Historic District Code/Guidelines Updates
November 9, 2023
Page 3 of 4
include the houses on Franklin Street and S. Riverview Street, east side. Nevertheless, all properties
located within the District would remain under the purview of the ARB, Code, and Guidelines. The
ARB affirmed this map in September.
Additionally, staff recommended the replacement language for the contributing/non-contributing
nomenclature be “landmark” and “background”, respectively, to be used in both the Code and the
Guidelines. This, combined with the reclassifications and additions on the attached maps, would
result in the directed changes related to demolition criteria. “Landmark” is already a term used by
the City’s Code, with the definition “Any property or site which has special character, archaeological,
historical, aesthetic or architectural value as part of the heritage, development or cultural
characteristics of the city, state, or the United States designated as a landmark pursuant to the
provision of this chapter, and including all property located in the city listed on the National Register
of Historic Places”. An expansion of that definition includes the pertinent language from the
previous “contributing” definition as shown in the attached, proposed Code updates. The ARB
affirmed this approach in October as well.
In order to legally tie the new nomenclature and status to the Zoning Code and Guidelines, staff
recommends the acceptance of updated maps, which will replace the map in the Historic Design
Guidelines, page 11 for Appendix G, and page 37 for the district. Staff has also simplified the
terminology “building/s, property/ies” in appropriate locations in the Code to “resources”. This
allows an all-encompassing reference to either historic primary structures, historic outbuildings,
objects, and other items, based on the anticipated Future Amendments described below. Minor
scriveners’ errors are also addressed.
Public Engagement
Staff has conducted three opportunities for public engagement regarding the Historic District
generally and the proposed changes specifically. These included background about the current
Code and Guidelines, the review process, and the proposed amendments. The goal of these
sessions has been to ensure continued dialogue with the residents and owners within the District.
On May 20, 2023, staff attended a neighborhood meeting to review City Council’s direction
regarding the contributing/noncontributing language and how that applies to demolition. Staff also
shared background about the existing Code and Guidelines and the changes that have been made
over time to address the development pressures facing the District. Discussion points and
acknowledged challenges were:
• That recent amendments to the Code and Guidelines in 2021 followed a significant public
engagement process and were approved by City Council. Discussion about how these
documents direct actions of both staff and ARB within the District.
• That review process is too rigorous, challenging, and subjective.
• That there is frustration with the level of detail and scrutiny needed to get individual
projects approved and the length of time to gain approval.
• Discussion about what could be built in place of a demolished structure, when demolition of
one of the properties not requiring greater scrutiny occurs.
• Questions about whether properties that don't require greater scrutiny for demolition
should continue to be located within the Historic District.
Memo re. Historic District Code/Guidelines Updates
November 9, 2023
Page 4 of 4
• Concerns about the subjective nature of reviews and a desire for clearer requirements.
Discussion about the eclectic nature of the District and the difficultly of defining a one-size-
fits-all solution.
On September 13, 2023, staff and Greg Dale conducted an informational meeting for all
commercial and residential owners within the Historic District as a follow up to the May meeting.
The meeting included a more detailed overview of: the Code, Guidelines, and review processes;
the City Council-requested modifications regarding demolition and contributing/noncontributing
language; the staff initiatives to address previous concerns and questions by residents; and an
opportunity for attendees to provide feedback. See included presentation for reference. The
following comments were provided:
• General concern about the discretionary nature of the process, especially for buildings that
would not be considered “landmark” (fka contributing)
• Discussion about preservation versus transformation of the District
• Desire for staff to have greater latitude in decision-making
• Concerns about submission and review timelines. Opportunity for the Board to meet more
often
• Concerns that additions and alterations reflect a faux history, instead of a progression of
history
• Discussion about how the Code and Guidelines are applied to buildings that are not
considered under the new landmark designation.
On October 11, 2023, a final public meeting was conducted with staff and Greg Dale to ensure that
all issues had been heard from both residents and business owners within the district. See
attached presentation for reference. Those attending confirmed that modifications should be
considered to streamline the review process, affirmed the comments and concerns raised at the
September meeting, and agreed staff office hours within the district would be beneficial. Staff and
the consultant are reviewing the comments and recommendations.
Future Amendments
Staff has identified the opportunity to address a number of additional minor items and clarifications
with the Code that we will be undertaking as Phase 2. This will allow the Council-directed work to
be completed first, and then staff and the Board may focus on: allowing additional administrative
approvals, addressing any additional scriveners’ errors, and providing additional clarifications
within the Code. The topic of how the Code and the Guidelines would be applied to buildings newly
considered “background” may also be discussed and altered as needed in Phase 2.
As previously noted, staff, with consultant support, is in the process of identifying a number of
historic outbuildings and objects within the District that were not surveyed as part of the 2017
Historic and Cultural Assessment. The results of this research would also be included in Phase 2,
thus providing greater clarity for the status of these resources, where currently none exists.
Recommendations
Staff recommends the Planning and Zoning Commission review the proposed amendments and
make a recommendation of approval to City Council. Staff also welcomes feedback or discussion
about other topics that should be discussed as part of Phase 2.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
§ 153.170 HISTORIC DISTRICTS APPLICABILITY.
The regulations contained within this chapter apply to all properties resources within the boundaries of Historic Dublin, as
identified on Appendix F, as well as designated outlying historic properties resources as specified in Appendix G of the City
of Dublin’s Zoning Code, and amendments or additions as approved by City Council. All properties resources located
within these designated areas require approval by the Architectural Review Board (ARB) for certain activities related to
renovation, rehabilitation, new construction, or demolition as provided in this chapter. The purpose and duties of the ARB
are contained in § 153.175.
The designated properties resources are subject to the regulations of the zoning district in which they are located. Historic
Dublin contains the city’s four Historic Zoning Districts but may also contain properties resources that have other zoning
designations. The regulations for the Historic Zoning Districts are contained within this subchapter.
The Historic Design Guidelines also apply to all properties resources within Historic Dublin and properties resources identified
on Appendix G. The Guidelines supplement the review standards contained within the City of Dublin’s Zoning Code and will
guide the ARB in determining requests for approvals. While the Guidelines are not zoning regulations, they are critical to
interpreting the intent of these regulations and should be used in unison with them. The Guidelines provide additional detail
and explanation of the regulations and provide important guidance in applying the regulations. The Guidelines are critically
important in ARB’s consideration of conditions of approval as authorized in § 153.176.
(Ord. 03-21, passed 2-22-21)
§ 153.171 HISTORIC ZONING DISTRICTS PURPOSE AND INTENT.
(A) Purpose. The following Historic Zoning Districts are hereby created to promote the preservation and maintenance of
the city’s historic sites and landmarks and to ensure compatibility and consistency of new development proposals with
applicable Zoning Code provisions, the Historic Design Guidelines, and the historic context of the districts.
(B) Intent. The titles of each zoning district are intended to describe the predominant land use character and/or special
geographic locations rather than a single type of use within Historic Dublin. The following further describes the intent of each
of the Historic Zoning Districts.
(1) Historic Core. This district applies to the historic center of Dublin. The district focuses on ensuring sensitive infill
development and providing an improved environment for walking while accommodating vehicles.
(2) Historic South. This district applies to the smaller, cottage-scale buildings on the southern end of South High Street
in the historic core of Dublin. The district focuses on ensuring sensitive infill development and redevelopment and providing
an improved environment for walking while accommodating vehicles.
(3) Historic Residential. The district applies to the residential area of Historic Dublin and encourages the preservation
and development of homes on existing or new lots that are comparable in size, mass, and scale, while maintaining and
promoting the traditional residential character of the Historic Dublin area.
(4) Historic Public. This district applies to a variety of public spaces and facilities, including but not limited to schools,
cemeteries, parks, open spaces, and places for recreation.
(Ord. 03-21, passed 2-22-21)
§ 153.172 USES.
(A) Intent. This section establishes the desired uses for land and buildings in each of the four Historic Zoning Districts.
This is achieved through the variety of permitted, conditional, accessory, and temporary uses allowed in each district. In
some cases, special siting and size limitations to establish the desired development character apply.
(B) General provisions.
(1) Permitted and conditional uses available in each of the Historic Zoning Districts are shown in Table 153.172A.
Permitted and conditional uses may be restricted by location, size, period of operation, or other use-specific standards as
designated herein and within the Historic Design Guidelines.
(2) Table 153.172A – Explanation of Terms.
(a) Listed uses are defined in §153.002: Definitions.
(b) A “P” in a cell indicates a use that is permitted by right in that zoning district, subject to compliance with any use
specific standards referenced in Table 153.172A and the applicable provisions herein.
(c) A “C” in a cell indicates a use that is allowed in that zoning district only upon approval of a conditional use as
described in § 153.236 and compliance with any use specific standards referenced in Table 153.172A and the applicable
provisions herein.
(d) A “S” in a cell indicates a use that is allowed in that zoning district only if limited in size, subject to compliance with
any use specific standards referenced in Table 153.172A and the applicable provisions herein.
(e) A “T” in a cell indicates a use that is allowed in that zoning district for a limited period of time pursuant to a permit
from the city, subject to compliance with any use specific standards referenced in Table 153.172A and the applicable
provisions herein.
(f) A blank cell indicates that the use is prohibited in that district.
(3) Use specific standards. Additional standards may apply to either permitted or conditional uses in the Historic Zoning
Districts. These additional standards are cross referenced in the last column of Table 153.172A .
(4) Existing uses.
(a) All permitted or conditional uses under the zoning applicable to a property immediately prior to its rezoning into a
Historic Zoning District shall continue to be allowed as permitted or conditional uses on the property, including any
expansions of uses or structures as permitted by this chapter, in addition to the permitted and conditional use under the
applicable Historic District, provided at least one of the permitted or conditional uses under the prior zoning has been
operated continuously in an existing structure and/or associated use area on the property within the 12 months prior to the
rezoning of the property into the Historic Zoning District.
(b) Once a use that complies with the Historic Zoning District is established on a lot or parcel, no non-Historic Zoning
District use permitted in the prior zoning district may be reestablished. For multiple tenant buildings in existing districts, no
non-Historic Zoning District use permitted in the prior zoning district may be reestablished after the entire multiple tenant
building is abandoned or all tenant spaces have established uses that comply with those listed for the applicable Historic
Zoning District.
(5) Similar use determination.
(a) When a proposed land use is not explicitly listed in Table 153.172A, the Director shall determine whether it is
reasonably included in the definition of a listed use, or that the proposed use meets the following criteria to the extent that it
should be treated as a permitted or conditional use in the district.
1. The use is not specifically listed in any of the Historic Zoning Districts.
2. The use is generally consistent with the intent of the Historic Zoning Districts and this chapter.
3. The use will not materially impair the present or potential use of other properties resources within the same
district or bordering districts.
4. The use has no greater potential impact on surrounding properties resources than those listed in the district in
terms of aesthetics, traffic generation, noise, potential nuisances, and other impacts related to health, safety, and
welfare.
5. The use will not adversely affect the relevant elements of the Community Plan, the Historic Design Guidelines,
and any other relevant plans or documents.
(b) The Director’s written determination shall be provided to the applicant and may be appealed to the Architectural
Review Board.
(6) Principal uses. Any property is permitted any combination of principal uses in accordance with the requirements of
this section and other applicable provision of this section.
(7) Accessory uses.
(a) Accessory uses are permitted only in connection with a permitted or approved conditional use on the same
property and must be clearly subordinate and incidental to that use.
(b) Temporary uses are governed by time limits as provided by this code.
(c) Any principal use listed in a zoning district in Table 153.172A shall be permitted as an accessory use in the same
zoning district.
(8) Use table.
TABLE 153.172A: HISTORIC ZONING DISTRICT - USE TABLE
P=Permitted
C=Conditional
S=Size Limited
T=Time Limited
Historic Core
(HC)
Historic South
(HS)
Historic
Residen tial
(HR)
Histo ric
Publi c
(HP)
Use Specific
Standar ds
TABLE 153.172A: HISTORIC ZONING DISTRICT - USE TABLE
P=Permitted
C=Conditional
S=Size Limited
Historic Core
(HC)
Historic South
(HS)
Historic
Residen tial
(HR)
Histo ric
Publi c
(HP)
Use Specific
Standar ds
T=Time Limited
Residential Permitted Uses
Dwelling, Single Family P P YES
Dwelling, Live-Work P P YES
Dwelling, Two-Family P P
Civic/Public/Institutional Permitted Uses
Cemetery P
Community Garden P P P P YES
Day Care, Adult and Child P P YES
Educational Facility P P P
Elementary or Middle School P
Government Services, Safety P
Civic/Public/Institutional Permitted Uses
High School P
Library, Museum, Gallery P P P YES
Municipal Parking Lot P P P
Religious or Public Assembly C/S C/S C/S YES
Parks and Open Space P P P P
Transportation, Park & Ride C
Transportation, Transit Station C
Commercial Permitted Uses
Animal Care, General Services,
Veterinary Offices, and Veterinary
Urgent Care and Animal
Hospitals
P
P
YES
Artisan Production P P
Bank P P
Bed and Breakfast P P YES
Conference Center P/S YES
Eating and Drinking P P P YES
Entertainment/Recreatio n, Indoor C C C YES
Office, General P P
Office, Medical P P
Parking, Structure C C
Parking, Surface Lot C YES
Personal Repair, & Rental
Services P/S/C P/S/C YES
Commercial Permitted Uses
Research & Development P P
Retail, General P/S/C P/S/C YES
Wireless Communications
Refer to
Chapter
99
Accessory and Temporary Permitted Uses
ATM, Walk-Up P P
Bicycle Facilities P P P P
Community Activity and Special
Event T T T T YES
Construction Trailer/Office T T YES
Day Care, Adult or Child P P P P YES
Dwelling, Accessory P P P YES
Dwelling Administration, Rental,
or Sales Office P P YES
Eating & Drinking P P/S/C
Essential Utility Services P P P P
Exercise and Fitness P P P P
Farmers Market P P P
Food Trucks T T T T YES
Home Occupation P P P YES
Outdoor Dining and Seating P P P YES
Outdoor Display or Seasonal
Sales T T T YES
Accessory and Temporary Permitted Uses
Parking, Structure C C
Parking, Surface Lot P P P
Renewable Energy Equipment P P P P YES
Residential Model Home T T
Retail or Personal Services P P
Swimming Pool P P P YES
Transportation, Transit Stop P P P
Vehicle Charging Station P P P YES
Wireless Communications
Refer to
Chapter
99
(C) Use specific standards.
(1) Residential uses.
(a) Dwelling, single-family.
1. Single-family detached dwellings shall have no more than one principal building and its permitted accessory
structures located on each lot.
2. Single-family dwellings in the Historic Residential (HR) District shall meet the requirements of §153.173.
(b) Dwelling, live-work.
1. No more than two non-resident employees are permitted in addition to the resident(s) of the dwelling.
2. The non-residential use must be operated by a resident of the live-work dwelling unit.
3. Signs are permitted in accordance with § 153.173(M).
(2) Civic/public/institutional uses.
(a) Community garden.
1. Incidental sales of items grown on the premises are permitted. Areas used for sales shall be located at least ten
feet from the edge of the pavement of any street. Parking shall be located off-street or in permitted on-street locations.
2. Refuse and compost bins must be constructed to be rodent-resident and located as far as practicable from
abutting residential uses. Refuse must be removed from the site at least once a week.
3. No outdoor work activity that involves power equipment or generators may occur after 9:00 p.m. or prior to 7:00
a.m.
4. One accessory building, not exceeding 100 square feet in gross floor area, may be permitted, provided the
location meets all setback requirements applicable to accessory buildings as provided in § 153.074.
(b) Day care, adult and child.
1. The use shall at all times comply with the requirements of R.C. Chapter 5104.
2. Outdoor recreation areas shall be located to the side or rear of the principal structure and be enclosed with a
permitted fence. The outdoor recreation area shall be screened using fencing and/or landscaping to provide a minimum 50%
opaque screen.
3. All outdoor play equipment and shade structures visible from the right-of-way or surrounding properties resources
shall use subdued, earth tone colors.
(c) Library, museum, gallery. Incidental sales of refreshments and items related to exhibits or activities at the facility
are permitted.
(d) Religious or public assembly. Religious or public assembly structures shall be limited to no more than 100,000
square feet of gross floor area, not including associated parking structures.
(3) Commercial uses.
(a) Animal care, general services, veterinary offices, and veterinary urgent care, and animal hospitals. All activities
shall be conducted indoors. No outdoor animal exercise or activity areas shall be permitted.
(b) Bed and breakfast.
1. The property owner shall reside on the property and/or manage the facility. No more than eight guest units are
permitted.
2. Guest accommodations are limited to short-term stays of no more than 14 days.
(c) Conference center.
1. A one-half acre minimum site size.
2. A 3,000-square foot maximum building size.
3. All parking must be provided on-site.
4. An access management plan demonstrating the ability of the site to accommodate vehicular traffic during peak
periods must be approved by the Architectural Review Board.
5. Ground-story, street-facing transparency shall be a minimum of 40%.
(d) Eating and drinking.
1. Eating and drinking facilities shall be limited to no more than 3,500 square feet of gross floor area in the Historic
Core and Historic South Districts, unless otherwise approved by the Architectural Review Board.
2. Deliveries and refuse (such as but not limited to grease traps, recycling, and trash) pick-up in the Historic South
District shall be limited to between the hours of 8:00 a.m. local time and 5:00 p.m. local time.
(e) Entertainment/recreation, indoor.
1. Indoor entertainment or recreation uses in the Historic Public District must be owned and operated by either a
public or non-profit organization and may not exceed 20,000 square feet of gross floor area unless otherwise approved by
the Architectural Review Board.
2. Indoor entertainment or recreation uses in the Historic Core and Historic South Districts may not exceed 3,000
square feet of gross floor area unless otherwise approved by the Architectural Review Board.
(f) Parking, surface lot.
1. All surface parking lots shall meet the surface parking lot design requirements of §153.173(F).
2. When constructed as a principal use, surface parking lots shall not have frontage on or have direct access to
West Bridge Street or High Street unless permitted by the City Engineer.
(g) Personal repair, and rental services.
1. Personal, repair, and rental service establishments shall be limited to no more than 5,000 square feet for single
tenant buildings or for multi-tenant buildings in the Historic Core and Historic South Districts, unless otherwise permitted as
a conditional use.
(h) Retail, general. To avoid large, single tenant uses that detract from the urban, walkable intent of the Historic
Districts, general retail uses in the Historic Core and Historic South Districts shall be limited to no more than 5,000 square
feet of gross floor area, unless otherwise approved by the Architectural Review Board.
(4) Accessory and temporary uses.
(a) Community activity and special event.
1. The site of the activity or event shall be adequately served by utilities and sanitary facilities.
2. The activity or event shall not become a safety hazard or public disturbance and shall not cause substantial
adverse impacts on surrounding properties resources or land uses by creating excessive noise, glare, heat, dust, odors, or
pollutants as determined by the Chief Building Official, Fire Marshall, and/or Police Chief.
3. A permit shall be obtained for the community activity or special event from the City of Dublin Events
Administration.
(b) Construction trailer/office. Construction trailers and/or offices shall comply with the setbacks applicable to principal
structures on the property, but are not required to comply with street frontage requirements for building types. Construction
trailers and/or offices shall comply with the provision of § 153.097.
(c) Day care, adult or child.
1. The use shall at all times comply with the requirements of R.C. Chapter 5104.
2. Outdoor recreation areas shall be located to the side or rear of the principal structure and be enclosed with a
permitted fence. The outdoor recreation area shall be screened using fencing and/or landscaping to provide a minimum 50%
opaque screen.
3. All outdoor play equipment and shade structures visible from the right-of-way or surrounding properties shall use
subdued, earth toned colors.
4. Adult and/or child day care uses are prohibited in civic building types as the sole principal use.
(d) Dwelling, accessory. An accessory dwelling located in a single-family dwelling must comply with the following
standards:
1. No more than one accessory dwelling unit is permitted on a lot with a single-family dwelling.
2. An accessory dwelling unit shall be limited to no more than 800 square feet of gross floor area.
3. When accessory to a single-family dwelling, the accessory dwelling unit may be located either within the single-
family dwelling structure or in a permitted accessory structure.
4. When accessory to a single-family dwelling, the accessory dwelling unit shall have a separate entrance from the
principal dwelling unit, and that entrance shall not face the front lot line and shall not be located on the same building façade
as the principal building entrance closest to the street.
5. The owner of the dwelling must occupy either the principal dwelling unit or the permitted accessory dwelling unit.
6. Ownership of the accessory dwelling unit may not be separate from the ownership of the principal dwelling unit.
(e) Dwelling administration, rental, or sales office. These uses shall comply with the provisions of §153.073(B) and
setbacks applicable to principal structures on the property.
(f) Food trucks.
1. Each food truck shall maintain all valid licenses required by the city, county or state for operation of a business
including but not limited to all applicable licenses for a food service business.
2. Each food truck intended to be moved by a motorized vehicle shall maintain a valid registration within the most
recent 12-month period.
3. For property with a residential primary use, food trucks may operate on a property for no more than six hours per
calendar month, and in no case may be stored on a property outside an enclosed structure. No food truck shall operate
before 8:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.
4. For a property with a non-residential primary use, mixed-use, or a vacant commercial parcel, may not operate on
a property for more than 14 calendar days per month, and no food truck shall operate before 6:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.
5. Food trucks located within the right-of-way shall be subject to the City of Dublin Police regulations and
enforcement.
6. Each food truck shall provide a trash receptacle near the food truck, shall prevent the accumulation of litter or
containers from the food truck within 50 feet of the food truck, and shall remove and empty the trash receptacle in a
permitted location when the food truck ends sales for the day.
7. Food trucks shall not impede safe site circulation, as determined by the City Engineer.
8. Food trucks shall not use speakers or audio amplification. All associated equipment shall be contained within or
on the food truck.
(g) Home occupations. All home occupations in the Historic Districts shall comply with the provisions of §153.073.
(h) Outdoor dining and seating.
1. Outdoor dining and seating areas, furniture, and enclosures shall be set back at least five feet from the curb and
at least five feet from all street trees and street furniture. In no case shall these amenities be placed in a manner that would
provide less than six feet of clear area for pedestrian use.
2. The use of outdoor speakers shall comply with the provisions of §132.03(A)(6) of the Dublin City Code.
3. Advertising is not permitted on dining furniture, accessories, or other similar amenities.
4. Dining furniture shall be of the same design, material and color for all furniture associated with the use. When not
in regular use, outdoor furniture shall be stored in a location that is not visible to the public, unless the patio furniture is all-
weather material, set up for use and not covered in any way, and weather conditions make the use of furniture possible.
5. Any speaker emitting music or sound shall be oriented to direct the sound away from all surrounding properties
resources, parks, and open spaces.
6. Any speaker emitting music or sound shall not operate between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., unless
otherwise approved by the Architectural Review Board.
(i) Outdoor display or seasonal sales.
1. Outdoor seasonal plant display shall comply with the provisions of §153.099.
2. Outdoor sale of merchandise is permitted, and shall comply with the provisions of §153.099. Merchandise shall
only be displayed during the hours of operation for the principal use. No permit is required.
3. Outdoor sales of Christmas trees and pumpkins shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 116 of the Dublin
City Code.
(j) Renewable energy equipment.
1. In the Historic Zoning districts, only equipment for the collection of solar and geothermal energy is permitted.
2. Ground-mounted equipment shall adhere to the following requirements:
a. The collection of geothermal energy is permitted only to the rear of and within five feet of the principal structure.
b. Ground-mounted equipment for the collection of solar energy is permitted to the side or rear of the principal
structure, but not within five feet of a side or rear property line.
c. Ground-mounted renewable energy equipment shall be sited to minimize view from the public right-of-way and
surrounding properties resources and shall be camouflaged to the extent that the equipment can function normally.
3. Roof-top and building-mounted equipment shall adhere to the following requirements:
a. Rooftop equipment for the collection of solar energy is permitted provided it extends no more than 18 inches
beyond the maximum permitted height of the principal structure.
b. Building-mounted renewable energy equipment shall be integrated into the architectural character of the
principal structure.
(k) Residential model home. Residential model homes shall comply with the provisions of §153.073(B).
(l) Swimming pool. Residential swimming pools are permitted in accordance with §153.074(C).
(m) Vehicular charging stations.
1. The vehicle charging stations shall be integrated into a permitted or accessory structure, and shall avoid the
addition of freestanding structures and equipment to the maximum extent practicable.
2. Any sign or advertising located on the vehicle charging station or related structures shall be permitted a one-
square-foot sign. Additional sign area above the one-square-foot will be counted towards the sign allowance for that type of
sign applicable to the primary structure on that lot.
(Ord. 03-21, passed 2-22-21)
§ 153.173 SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(A) Intent. The intent of the Historic Zoning Districts is to foster appropriate development standards that preserve the
historic character of the area, emphasizing traditional development patterns and pedestrian-oriented design. The standards
encourage design of a comparable size, scale, and mass to the existing development and character.
(B) Applicability. The standards set forth in this chapter establish the regulation for the arrangement and development of
land and structures within the Historic Zoning Districts. These standards should be applied in connection with the guidelines
Guidelines and in consideration of the physical context in which the subject property is located and shall be applied to all
new development within the Historic Zoning Districts and the properties resources designated on Appendix G.
(C) General development standards. Table 153.173A outlines the general development regulations for land and
structures within the Historic Zoning Districts. The ARB may grant waivers of these standards or place conditions of
approval that exceed these standards based on consideration of the context and character of surrounding structures
pursuant to the provisions in § 153.176.
TABLE 153.173A: HISTORIC ZONING DISTRICTS - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Development Standard Historic
Core (HC)
Historic
South (HS)
Historic
Residential
(HR)
Historic
Public (HP)
TABLE 153.173A: HISTORIC ZONING DISTRICTS - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Development Standard Historic
Core (HC)
Historic
South (HS)
Historic
Residential
(HR)
Historic
Public (HP)
Minimum Lot Size 21,000 SF 21,000 SF 8,700 SF 21,000 SF
Minimum Lot Width 60 feet 60 feet 60 feet 60 feet
Maximum Lot Coverage 85% 65% 45% 85%
Maximum Building Height (Refer
to Building Height definition)
30 feet
24 feet,
unless within
25 feet of
the rear
property
line, then
maximum
height is 18
feet
24 feet
30 feet
Maximum Building Footprint
N/A
Not to
exceed a
total of
3,000 SF;
No single
building
shall exceed
1,800 SF
25%
N/A
Front Yard Setback 0 feet 0 feet See Table
153.173B 15 feet
Side Yard Setback 0 feet 3 feet See Table
153.173B 10 feet
Rear Yard Building Setback 5 feet 25 feet See Table
153.173B 20 feet
Rear Yard Pavement Setbacks 5 feet 5 feet N/A 5 feet
Parking Location Rear Rear See § 153.207 Side or Rear
(D) Setbacks.
(1) Table 153.173B establishes the setback standards for properties structures within the Historic Residential Zoning
District.
(2) Front property lines.
(a) Only one front property line shall be required to be designated on a lot.
(b) The front yard setback shall be applied to the front lot line, which is designated as the lot line that the building
fronts.
(3) The ARB may grant waivers of these standards or place conditions of approval that exceed these standards based
on consideration of the context and character of surrounding structures pursuant to the provisions in § 153.176.
TABLE 153.173B: HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT - SETBACKS
For properties
structures
Fronting onto:
Minimum Front
Setback
Minimum Side
Yard Setback (ft)
Minimum Total
Side Yards (ft)
Minimum Rear Yard
Setback Primary
Structure (ft)
Minimum Rear
Yard Setback
Detached
Accessory
Structure s (ft)
TABLE 153.173B: HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT - SETBACKS
For properties
structures
Fronting onto:
Minimum Front
Setback
Minimum Side
Yard Setback (ft)
Minimum Total
Side Yards (ft)
Minimum Rear Yard
Setback Primary
Structure (ft)
Minimum Rear
Yard Setback
Detached
Accessory
Structure s (ft)
Dublin Road 15 4 16 15
Franklin Street 25 4 12 25
High Street
(north and
south)
15
4
16
15
South
Riverview
Street (east
side)
0
3
12
15
South
Riverview
Street (west
side)
20
3
12
20% lot depth,
not to exceed 50
feet
15
North
Riverview
Street (east
side)
0
3
6
15
North
Riverview
Street (west
side)
20
3
6
15
Short Street 20 3 12 15
Roads not
otherwise
noted above:
20
3
12
15
(E) Location and scale of structures.
(1) Intent. The intent of this section is to ensure the appropriate siting of primary structures, building additions, and
accessory structures.
(2) General provisions.
(a) Primary structures shall be sited to address the street to contribute to the walkable nature of the district.
(b) Building additions to primary structures shall be subordinate and secondary to the original building.
(c) Building additions shall be clearly separated from the original structure in design.
(d) Accessory structures shall be located a minimum of 20 feet behind the front façade of the primary structure.
(e) Accessory structures shall be subordinate in height than the primary structure; and, shall be subordinate to the
primary structure in scale and size.
(3) Attached garages.
(a) Front loaded garages shall be a minimum of 20 feet behind the front façade of the home.
(b) Front loaded garages shall not exceed 35% of the linear distance of the front elevation of the home.
(c) Front loaded garage door openings shall be 18 feet or less in distance.
(F) Parking requirements.
(1) Intent. The intent of this section is to ensure the provision of adequate vehicular and bicycle parking facilities within
the Historic Zoning Districts for the use of occupants, employees, and patrons.
(2) General provisions.
(a) Parking area shall be readily accessible by vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
(b) Required parking shall be provided either on-site, on-street, off-site, or in a parking structure or surface parking lot
located within 600 feet of the subject parcel in which the parking lot or structure is located, unless approved by the required
reviewing body.
(c) Applicability to other regulations and guidelines:
1. The provisions of § 153.207, Parking in Residential Districts, shall apply to development with the Historic
Residential Zoning District.
2. All projects shall comply with the Historic Design Guidelines to the maximum extent practicable and consistent
with the standards set forth in this chapter.
(3) Parking location.
(a) On-site.
1. Surface parking provided on-site shall not be located between the principal structure and the public right-of-way,
unless permitted by Tables 153.173A and B.
2. Off-street parking may be provided within a principal structure.
3. Parking shall not be located within a setback, as outlined in Tables 153.173A and B, except that parking areas
may extend across contiguous lots in developments with coordinated site design, shared access points and/or shared
parking arrangements.
4. Where on-site surface parking is provided on a site included as part of a preliminary development plan, parking
may be permitted by the required reviewing body to encroach required setbacks to facilitate coordinated site design and
contiguous parking areas.
(b) Off-site parking.
1. The use of off-site parking to meet the minimum parking requirement shall require an approved parking plan.
2. If not under single ownership, provisions for off-site parking shall be made by binding agreements between two or
more property owners. Written easements which provide for continued use and maintenance of the parking shall be submitted
to the city for approval. Any agreement shall include provisions to address changes in use or ownership.
3. If an off-site parking agreement is severed or modified with the result of eliminating required parking for one or
more properties, parking for the affected properties shall be brought into full compliance as required by this section, and
approval of a new or modified parking plan shall be required.
4. If located off-site, distances to required parking areas shall be measured along a walkway from the nearest
pedestrian entrance to the parking area to the main entrance to the principal structure or use being served.
(c) On-street parking.
1. On-street spaces may be counted toward meeting the minimum parking requirement for a parcel.
2. On-street spaces shall be on the same side of the street and more than one-half the length of the parking space
lies between the two side lot lines of the parcel extended into the street right-of-way.
3. On corner lots, on-street spaces on both street frontages may be counted in the same manner.
4. Credit for on-street parking spaces shall apply to parking for all uses on the parcel rather than any specific use.
5. On-street parking spaces shall not be designated for exclusive use by any specific use, building or lot.
(4) Electric car charging points. Parking lots or structures are strongly encouraged to provide at least one electric plug-
in service point for every 200 parking spaces. Plug-in points shall be associated with an individual parking space and shall
be installed according to appropriate design standards, as approved by the Director. Plug-in points are exempt from the
service structure screening requirements of § 153.173(I).
(5) Parking lot/structure lighting. Parking lot and parking structure lighting shall comply with the requirements of §
153.173(J).
(6) Parking lot landscaping. Parking lot landscaping shall comply with the requirements of §153.173(H).
(7) Required vehicle parking.
(a) Minimum amount required and maximum amount permitted.
1. Each use shall provide the minimum amount of parking required for that use listed on Table 153.173C and shall
be permitted to provide up to the maximum amount of parking on-site, as indicated for that use in Table 153.172A, except as
may be modified by the required reviewing body.
2. When calculating minimum and maximum parking requirements, fractional numbers shall be increased to the
next whole number.
3. Unless otherwise noted, all square footage requirements are based on indoor gross floor area.
4. Except as noted in Table 153.173C, no additional parking is required for accessory or temporary uses when the
square footage of the uses is included in the parking calculation for the gross floor area of the principal use.
5. Parking and loading spaces for uses not addressed in Table 153.172A shall be determined by the Director based
on the anticipated parking impacts of the proposed use, its similarity to characteristics of other listed uses, and supporting
documentation that may be provided by the applicant.
TABLE 153.173C: REQUIRED VEHICLE PARKING
Use Minimum Required Maximum Permitted
PRINCIPAL USES
TABLE 153.173C: REQUIRED VEHICLE PARKING
Use Minimum Required Maximum Permitted
PRINCIPAL USES
Residential
Dwelling, Single-Family Dwelling, Two-
Family 2 per dwelling unit 2 per dwelling unit
Dwelling, Live-Work 2 per dwelling unit 2 per dwelling unit
Civic/Public/Institutional
Cemetery Per approved parking plan
Community Center Per approved parking plan
Day Care, Adult or Child
Per approved parking plan
demonstrating adequate
site circulation, including
pick-up and drop-off areas
Educational Facility
1 per 3 persons maximum
occupancy of largest
seating area, or maximum
building capacity, whichever
is higher, as shown on the
building permit
125% minimum
Elementary or Middle School
Per approved parking plan
demonstrating adequate
site circulation, including
pick-up and drop-off areas
Government Services, Safety 2 per 1,000 sq. ft. 150% of minimum
High School
Per approved parking plan
demonstrating adequate
site circulation, including
pick-up and drop-off areas
Library, Museum, Gallery
Library: 3.3 per 1,000 sq. ft.
Museum or Gallery: 1 per
1,000 sq. ft.
125% of minimum
Religious or Public Assembly
1 per 6 persons maximum
capacity in the largest
seating area, as shown on
the building permit
200% of minimum
Parks and Open Space Per approved parking plan
Transportation, Transit Station Per approved parking plan
Commercial
Animal Care, General Services,
Veterinary Offices, and Veterinary
Urgent Care and Animal Hospitals
2.5 per 1,000 sq. ft.
150% of minimum
Artisan Production 2.5 per 1,000 sq. ft. 125% of minimum
Bank 2.5 per 1,000 sq. ft. 125% of minimum
Bed and Breakfast 1 per guest bedroom, plus 1
for operator 150% of minimum
Conference Center
1 per 6 persons maximum
capacity in the largest
seating
area, as shown on the
building permit
125% of minimum
Eating and Drinking 10 per 1,000 sq ft. 125% of minimum
Entertainment/Recreation, Indoor
Theater: 1 per 4 persons maximum capacity in the
largest seating area, as shown on the building permit
150% of minimum
Sports courts: 2 per court
Other uses: Per approved parking plan
Office, General
Less than 50,000 sq. ft. 2.5 per 1,000 sq. ft.
125% of minimum
50,000 - 150,000 sq. ft. 3 per 1,000 sq. ft.
Greater than 150,000 sq. ft. 4 per 1,000 sq. ft.
Office, Medical 2.5 per 1,000 sq. ft.125% of minimum
Parking, Structure N/AN/A
Parking, Surface Lot N/AN/A
Personal, Repair & Rental Services 2 per 1,000 sq. ft.125% of minimum
Research & Development 2 per 1,000 sq. ft.125% of minimum
Retail, General 3 per 1,000 sq. ft.125% of minimum
Wireless Communications N/AN/A
Accessory and Temporary Uses No parking is required for accessory or temporary
uses, except as noted below.
Day Care, Adult or Child 2 per 1,000 sq. ft.125% of minimum
Dwelling Administration, Rental or
Sales Office 2
Residential Model Home 1 plus 1 per employee at
maximum use N/A
Swimming Pool Per approved parking plan
(8) Adjustments to required vehicle parking. The maximum on-site parking requirements may not exceed that permitted
by Table 153.173C unless approved by the ARB. The minimum amount of parking required by Table 153.173C may be
reduced by approval of the ARB.
(a) Shared parking calculations. Where a mix of land uses creates staggered peak periods of parking, shared parking
plans that have the effect of reducing the total amount of needed parking spaces may be approved. Parking spaces
included in shared parking plans should be equally accessible and available to each of the affected users. The collective
provision of off-street parking for two or more buildings properties or uses may be permitted subject to the following:
1. Shared parking plans may include any lot or structure meeting the parking location requirements. Surrounding
lots included in the shared arrangement shall be connected for vehicular passage and shall provide safe and efficient
pedestrian access to all uses served by the parking area(s).
2. A request for a shared parking reduction shall be based on a shared parking analysis, including, but not limited
to, the following factors:
a. The number of originally required spaces for different uses or facilities sharing the same parking areas as
noted in Table 153.173C; and
b. Documented percentages of required parking needed for different uses at different days and times.
3. The adjusted required parking for shared parking areas shall be the largest number of spaces needed for all uses
during the most intensive time period of use.
4. Demonstration of parking need. In addition to or in lieu of parking adjustments, the required reviewing body shall
be permitted to approve a parking plan for fewer than the minimum required parking spaces or more than the maximum
permitted parking spaces based on a demonstration of parking need by the applicant. The required reviewing body shall
consider:
a. The land use and development character of the area to be served by the parking facility;
b. The availability of other publicly available parking in the area;
c. The timing of parking use relative to other uses in the area;
d. The parking requirement for similar uses as may be determined by the Director;
e. Whether the all provided parking meets the location requirements;
f. Whether compliance with Table 153.173C is made to the maximum extent practicable;
g. Whether other adjustments as described in this section should apply in conjunction with or in lieu of the
requested need-based adjustment; and
h. Whether supporting documentation, if provided, adequately demonstrates that sufficient parking is available to
meet projected typical demand.
(9) Accessible parking spaces.
(a) Within the total number of off-street parking spaces provided, a minimum number of spaces shall be designated,
installed, and managed for use by the physically disabled in compliance with the Ohio Building Code, current edition, chapter
on accessibility and the referenced standards therein.
(b) All handicapped parking spaces shall be designated by freestanding signs as provided in the Ohio Manual of
Uniform Traffic Control Devices or as approved by the City Engineer.
(10) Off-street parking space and aisle dimensions. Parking spaces and maneuvering aisles shall comply withTable
153.173D.
TABLE 153.173D
OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE AND AISLE DIMENSIONS
Parking Pattern
Aisle Width Regular Space Compact Space*
1 Way 2 Way Width Length Width Length
Parallel 12 ft. 18 ft. 9 ft. 23 ft. 8 ft. 20 ft.
30 - 75 degrees 12 ft. 22 ft. 9 ft. 21 ft. 8 ft. 18 ft.
76 - 90 degrees N/A 22 ft. 9 ft. 18 ft. 8 ft. 16 ft.
*A maximum of 10% of parking spaces may be designed as compact parking spaces, and all
spaces shall be clearly marked and reserved for that use.
(11) Parking structure design. Parking structures shall be designed to comply with the minimum requirements outlined
below. In addition, parking structures shall be designed to comply with the Historic Design Guidelines to the maximum extent
practicable and not inconsistent with the standards in this chapter.
Figure 153.173A - Off-Street Parking Space and Aisle Dimensions
(a) Entrance/exit lanes.
1. One entrance lane shall be required for each 300 spaces or part thereof. One exit lane shall be provided for each
200 spaces or part thereof.
2. Single entrance and exit lanes from the street shall be no wider than 16 feet. Double entrance and exit lanes
shall be no wider than 24 feet at the street right-of-way. Where more than two entrance or exit lanes are required, a
separate entrance/exit shall be provided.
3. Locations of all proposed entrance and exit lanes shall be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer.
4. To reduce the width of sidewalk interruptions and promote walkability, only single entrance lanes may be used
unless access is provided from an alley/service street.
(b) Stacking spaces. Two vehicle lengths of stacking space, each measuring at least 20 feet long, shall be provided
between the street and the garage entry gate. The stacking area shall not be located across a sidewalk or in the public right-
of-way. Additional stacking may be required by the City Engineer based upon traffic patterns and street types or may be
requested by the applicant based on a circulation plan demonstrating need for the additional stacking spaces.
(c) Interior circulation. The interior of the structure shall comply with the following standards.
1. Maximum aisle length shall not exceed 400 feet without providing a cross aisle.
(d) Cross aisles shall be a minimum of 18 feet and no greater than 24 feet in width.
(e) A minimum ceiling clearance height of 12 feet is required where the parking structure has street frontage,
excluding the driveway opening, and the parking structure shall be designed and constructed to allow potential occupancy of
the first 20 feet of building depth by a commercial or a civic/public/institutional use permitted by Table 153.172A.
(f) Design of all other parking structures and upper levels shall include a minimum ceiling clearance height of eight
and one-half feet.
(g) Below-grade parking structure levels shall provide minimum clear heights as required by the Ohio Building Code
and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
(12) Surface parking lot and loading area design and construction.
(a) Grading. All off-street parking and loading areas including parking spaces, driveways, aisles and circulation drives
shall be graded and maintained so that water does not unreasonably accumulate on the surface areas or flow or drain onto
adjacent public or private properties and/or resources.
(b) Surfacing.
1. All off-street parking and loading areas including parking spaces, driveways, aisles and circulation drives shall be
hard-surfaced with asphalt, concrete or a combination of those materials approved by the City Engineer.
2. As an alternative, off-street parking areas may be surfaced with permeable asphalt, permeable concrete or turf
blocks, or some combination of permeable and non-permeable surfaces, subject to review by the City Engineer and the Fire
Chief. The City Engineer may approve an adjustment to the calculations for required stormwater management and retention
measures to reflect greater stormwater volume control through the use of permeable paving.
3. All parking and loading surfaces shall be maintained in compliance with §153.173(F)(14) at all times.
(c) Driveways.
1. Any driveways not provided for or regulated by these provisions shall be governed by §153.210. Where
conflicting regulations exist between § 153.210 and this section, this section shall prevail.
2. Adequate access to a parking lot shall be provided by clearly defined driveways designed so that vehicles
entering or leaving the parking lot will be traveling in a forward motion, unless the City Engineer confirms that an alternative
design will protect traffic flow and traffic safety.
3. No driveway shall be permitted directly onto a West Bridge Street and High Street, unless approved by the City
Engineer.
4. On other street frontages, driveways shall be limited to one per lot or parcel, whichever requires the fewer
number of access points, unless vehicular access is provided from an alley or service drive or the need for an additional
driveway on a street is documented based on an access management study approved by the City Engineer.
5. If it is determined that shared driveways will better protect traffic flow or traffic safety on surrounding streets, the
City Engineer may require that access to two or more adjacent surface parking or loading areas shall be provided through
one or more shared driveways.
6. Driveway aprons connecting parking lots to public roadways may not be constructed with permeable materials.
7. Driveways shall be no wider than 22 feet at the intersection with the adjacent street right-of-way.
8. Curb radii for driveways connecting parking lots to public roadways shall not exceed 20 feet.
(d) Curbs and wheel stops.
1. Raised or rolled concrete curbs or wheel stops at least five inches high shall be installed where necessary to
prevent vehicle conflicts with abutting landscape areas, sidewalks, streets, buildings, resources, or lot lines. There shall be a
minimum of four feet of clear walkway area and at least two and one-half feet between a curb or wheel stop and any property
line, planting area, street, or building.
2. Planted areas shall be installed at a lower grade than the parking lot pavement, include curbing at the edge of a
landscaped area and have openings or gaps allowing drainage from the pavement to enter and percolate through the
landscaped areas when used for stormwater management purposes, or if required by the City Engineer.
3. Wheel stops may be used in conjunction with accessible parking spaces where an adjacent walkway is installed
at the same grade as the parking space. Wheel stops may be used in addition to raised curbs where necessary to prevent
vehicle overhang onto adjacent walkways, or near buildings or resources, or in conjunction with curb breaks used for
stormwater drainage. Curbs shall be required in all other circumstances.
(e) Striping. Parking areas shall be striped and maintained in good condition to be clearly visible with lines to indicate
parking space limits. All striping shall comply with the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices unless an alternative is
approved by the City Engineer.
(f) Parking pedestrian circulation. For each surface parking area that contains over 100 vehicle parking spaces or
contains any parking spaces located more than 350 feet from the main entrance of the principal structure, a pedestrian
circulation plan shall be submitted and comply with the walkability and pedestrian circulation standards applicable to parking
areas in the design guidelines.
(13) Required loading spaces.
(a) Location.
1. Off-street loading spaces may only be located on areas of a lot that are not required to be occupied by a principal
or accessory structure.
2. Off-street loading areas may not be located on any parking spaces or parking aisles designated to meet the
minimum parking requirements of this section, unless approved in a required parking plan demonstrating that the location
and timing of loading activities will not conflict with typical parking use on the site or with vehicular or pedestrian circulation.
3. An alley or service street may be used instead of a separate off-street loading space, subject to approval as part
of a required parking plan demonstrating that the loading and delivery activities will be coordinated with other users of the
alley to minimize access and circulation conflicts.
4. On-street parking spaces may be counted toward meeting the minimum loading space requirement for a parcel
provided that the spaces meet the requirements for parking location, and subject to approval as part of a required parking
plan demonstrating that the on-street spaces are of adequate size, number and availability to serve the intended delivery
vehicle(s) without creating conflicts with surrounding vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic and circulation.
5. Required fire access zones may not be used to meet loading space requirements.
6. No loading dock, or any loading area used for the storage or staging of materials being transported to or from the
site associated with commercial uses, shall be located closer than 50 feet to any lot in a residential district unless entirely
contained within a completely enclosed building, or screened as required by § 153.173(H), nor shall any loading dock or
loading area directly face a residential district.
(b) Number required.
1. The minimum number of off-street loading spaces required is listed in Table 153.173F.
TABLE 153.173F:
MINIMUM LOADING SPACES REQUIRED PER PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE
25,000 sq. ft. GFA or less 1 space
25,001 - 50,000 sq. ft. GFA 2 spaces
50,001 - 100,000 sq. ft. GFA 3 spaces
2. A loading space plan demonstrating the frequency and type of loading activities will be required to be approved
by the Architectural Review Board as part of a Minor Project or Final Development Plan.
3. The required number of loading spaces may be increased or reduced by the required reviewing body when it is
demonstrated that the frequency and type of loading activities at that location warrant a different number.
4. For principal structures of 25,000 square feet or less in gross floor area, loading and delivery activities may be
conducted using an alley or service street, on-street parking spaces, or other on-site parking area, unless the required
reviewing body determines that a dedicated off-street loading space is necessary based on the frequency and type of
loading activities anticipated for the use.
(c) Loading space dimensions and screening.
1. All off-street loading spaces shall be at least 12-feet wide and 30-feet long with a height clearance of 14 feet,
unless the required reviewing body determines that the typical delivery vehicle(s) designated in an approved parking plan
can be adequately accommodated by reduced loading space dimensions.
2. Refer to § 153.173(I) for off-street loading area screening requirements.
3. Truck loading and unloading docks and maneuvering areas shall be designed so that truck movements do not
interfere with traffic on public streets or off-street parking when vehicles are parked for loading and unloading. Loading areas
requiring vehicles to back in from the street are prohibited on West Bridge Street and High Street, unless otherwise
permitted by the City Engineer. Vehicles loading or unloading may not extend over any sidewalk or into any public right-of-
way between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and midnight, unless located entirely within a designated on-street parking lane or
within the vehicular travel lane of an alley or service street as permitted in an approved parking plan.
(14) Maintenance and use.
(a) General provisions.
1. Unless an equal number of required spaces conforming to Table 153.173C are provided, parking and loading
areas shall be maintained and not used for any other purpose while the principal structure or use remains in operation.
Other parking arrangements for temporary community activities and special events may be permitted with approval from the
City of Dublin Events Administration.
2. All parking lots shall be maintained free of potholes, litter, debris, glass, nails or other dangerous materials.
3. Surfacing, curbing, wheel stops, lighting fixtures, signs, and related appurtenances shall be maintained in good
condition. The visibility of pavement markings delineating parking spaces and directional control shall be maintained.
4. Except on a temporary basis in the event of heavy rainfall or snowfall, all off-street parking and loading facilities
shall be maintained free of accumulated snow or standing water which may prevent their full use and occupancy.
5. All permeable paving materials shall be maintained in an unbroken condition and shall be regularly swept and
vacuumed to prevent blockages of sand, sediment, or other materials that would impair their permeability to water as
originally designed.
6. Signs designating the use of individual private parking spaces for specific users, buildings or lots shall not be
legible from a public right-of-way, except where such a sign is otherwise required by this chapter.
(b) Use restrictions.
1. It is unlawful for any person to park or store any vehicle in a parking lot or parking structure without the consent
of the owner, holder, occupant, lessee, agent or trustee of the property.
2. All vehicles parked in a parking lot or parking structure shall be capable of being started and driven and have a
valid registration and license within the most recent 12-month period.
3. A recreational and utility vehicle may be located outside of an enclosed structure for up to 72 hours in any 30-day
period, provided the owner or person in charge of the recreational and utility vehicle is the owner or a guest of a resident of
that property. The vehicle shall be parked on a hard surface and shall not be used for overnight sleeping or living.
4. Off-street parking and loading areas may not be used for material storage, storage or display of vehicles and/or
merchandise, or for vehicle or machinery repair or maintenance. If located within an off-street parking or loading area, refuse
storage stations and dumpsters shall be located and screened in accordance with § 153.173(I) and shall not interfere with
driveway circulation or access to parking spaces and loading areas.
5. Except on parcels where the sale of vehicles is a permitted or approved conditional use of the property, no
vehicle may be parked in any off-street parking or loading area for the sole purpose of displaying the vehicle for sale.
6. Unless no other parking area is reasonably available, no vehicle that, at the determination of the Director, is
intended for the display of advertising to the public may be parked so as to be visible to traffic on a public street or parking
area.
(15) Bicycle parking.
(a) Applicability.
1. Bicycle parking is required for any development or use with six or more required vehicle parking spaces.
(b) Minimum number of bicycle parking spaces required.
1. Bicycle parking spaces shall be required as follows:
a. For residential uses, except attached and detached single-family, one space for every two dwelling units. Up to
50% of required spaces may be provided within garages for multiple-family uses provided the ARB determines that the
garage size and dedicated bicycle parking facilities are generally adequate to accommodate these spaces.
b. For civic/public/institutional uses, one space for every 20 required vehicle parking spaces.
c. For commercial uses, one space for every ten required vehicle parking spaces.
2. Provided that bicycle parking is not completely eliminated, required bicycle parking may be increased or reduced
by the ARB when it is demonstrated that the level of bicycle activity at that location warrants a different amount.
(c) Facility type.
1. Bicycle parking racks, docks, or posts shall be designed and installed to allow a bicycle to be locked to a
structure, attached to the pavement, building, or other permanent structure, with two points of contact to an individual bicycle
frame. Racks, docks, and posts shall be designed to allow the bicycle frame and one or both wheels to be locked with a U-
lock when used as intended. Facility types, designs and locations within the street-right-of-way shall require approval by the
City Engineer.
(d) Location.
1. Required bicycle parking shall be located within a reasonable walking distance of the principal building entrances
being served. The location and design shall ensure that bicycle parking and facilities do not obstruct vehicle parking or
pedestrian walkways as required by the Ohio Building Code, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other applicable state
and federal laws, policies and guidelines. Bicycle facilities and parking areas shall meet the sight visibility requirements of this
code.
2. Outdoor bicycle parking areas shall be located in well-lit areas.
3. A pedestrian-accessible walk shall be available between the outdoor bicycle parking area and the principal
building entrance. Public sidewalks may be used to meet this requirement.
4. Bicycle lockers shall be located inside or to the side or rear of the principal structure, but not within any required
setback or required building zone.
5. A property that contains a shared bicycle rental pick-up/drop-off facility that is available and accessible to the
public and is part of a system of such facilities designed to encourage bicycle use in the city or region shall be exempt from
on-site bicycle parking requirements for the lot on which the shared bicycle facility is located, and for any lots in common
ownership located wholly or partially within 1,000 feet of the shared bicycle facility.
6. Public bicycle parking provided by the city and located within the street right-of-way may be counted toward
meeting the minimum bicycle parking requirement for a parcel provided that the spaces are on the same block face as the
subject parcel.
7. Public bicycle parking spaces shall not be designated for exclusive use by any specific use, building or lot.
(e) Installation.
1. Bicycle parking shall be installed according to the dimensional requirements set forth by the manufacturer and
the latest edition of the APBP Bicycle Parking Guidelines, or similar industry publication acceptable to the Director.
(G) Stormwater management.
(1) Stormwater management practices, such as storage and retention facilities, may be integrated into open spaces.
Refer to Chapter 53 for design requirements.
(2) Stormwater features. Stormwater features in open spaces may be designed as formal or natural amenities with
additional uses other than stormwater management alone, such as an amphitheater, sports field, or a pond or pool as part of
the landscape design. Stormwater features shall not be fenced and shall not be designed or placed so as to impede public
use of the land they occupy.
(3) Qualified professional. Stormwater management features incorporated into open spaces shall be designed by a
licensed design professional.
(H) Landscaping and tree preservation.
(1) Intent. The intent of this section is to improve the appearance of the Historic Dublin, and designated outlying
properties resources, reduce noise and air pollution, reduce heat island impacts, protect the character and value of
surrounding neighborhoods, and promote public health and safety through appropriate landscaping or street frontages
and surface parking lots. This section is also intended to ensure buffering between significantly different land uses, and
that trees are preserved and replaced in a manner appropriate to urban environments.
(2) General.
(a) The provisions of §§ 153.132 through 153.148 shall apply to Historic Dublin and designated outlying properties
resources, unless specifically modified or waived by the ARB.
(b) Each application for development or redevelopment shall include a landscape plan showing compliance with
applicable provisions. The siting of buildings shall avoid the removal of desirable trees in good or fair condition where
alternatives consistent with the provisions of this chapter are available.
(c) Protected trees, as defined in this chapter, removed from any portion of a lot consistent with an approved minor
project, preliminary or final development plan shall be replaced in accordance with § 153.146, except as provided by §
153.173(G).
(d) Existing trees which are incorporated into the landscape plan shall be protected during construction as required by
§ 153.145.
(e) Landscape plans shall exhibit diversity in tree selection, as determined to be appropriate by the City Forester and
the Director of Parks and Open Space.
(f) In all areas where landscaping is required, the surface area of any landscape bed shall be predominantly covered
within four years after installation by living materials, rather than bark, mulch, gravel or other non-living materials. Areas
included in rain gardens or other vegetated site features to meet stormwater management requirements are excluded from
this requirement with prior approval from the Director.
(g) Areas included in rain gardens or vegetated site features created to meet stormwater management requirements
may be counted towards any landscaping required by § 153.173(H) if landscaped to meet the requirements.
(h) All irrigation systems shall be designed, installed, and operated to minimize runoff and over-spray of irrigation
water onto roadways, sidewalks, and adjacent properties resources, and shall be installed with rain sensors to turn the
system off during rainy conditions.
(i) Shrubs and plants that exceed two and one-half feet in mature height are prohibited in required sight visibility
triangles for site access points as defined in Appendix C and are prohibited in required sight visibility triangles for street
intersections as defined by the City Engineer.
(j) If two or more conflicting landscape requirements apply to the same area, the one requiring the most landscaping
shall apply.
(k) A registered landscape architect shall be used to prepare landscape plans required for applications for final
development plan.
(3) Street trees. When a property is developed or redeveloped in Historic Dublin the applicant shall be required to plant
and maintain trees in the street right-of-way pursuant to the following requirements. No existing street trees shall be required
to comply with the following requirements unless they are required to be removed and replaced consistent with an
appropriate approved application as provided in § 153.176.
(a) A minimum of one tree is required per 40 linear feet of street frontage or fraction thereof. Refer to Table
153.173G, Street Tree Spacing Requirements, for spacing based on tree size and site characteristics.
(b) Street trees shall be planted within streetscape planting zones in tree wells, tree lawns based, or open planting
beds based on the applicable street type design requirements.
(c) Street trees shall be planted in topsoil approved by the Director of Parks and Open Space or the City Forester.
Structural soil or an equivalent material approved by the City Forester shall be placed under paved areas adjacent to tree
wells or planting beds, parallel to and behind the curb, and connecting planting beds or tree wells to one another beneath
the paved surface within the streetscape planting zone. The City Forester may require additional structural soil to extend
horizontally beyond the planting zone beneath sidewalks or other paved surfaces, as necessary to ensure the long term
health of street trees, depending on the planting and paving conditions within individual street types. Structural soil shall not
be used in planting beds.
(d) Species and sizes:
1. Street trees shall be from the approved Urban Street Tree List for Dublin, Ohio or other species approved by the
City Forester.
2. Street trees shall have a clear trunk of at least seven feet above the ground. The minimum trunk caliper
measured at six inches above the ground for all street trees shall be no less than two and one-half inches. Existing trees in
good or fair condition may be used to satisfy these requirements with prior approval of the City Forester.
3. Small tree species are permitted for use in planting zones where overhead utility lines exist. Small tree species
may also be planted in medians, in addition to medium and/or large tree species, where medians are provided.
(e) Spacing and location. Street trees shall be spaced as set forth in Table 153.173G below unless modified by the
City Forester based on unusual site conditions or obstructions.
TABLE 153.173G STREET TREE SPACING REQUIREMENTS
Small
Tree
Medium
Tree Large Tree
Spacing range between trees 20 - 25 ft. 30 - 35 ft. 40 - 45 ft.
Minimum distance between trunk and face of curb (at
planting) 3 ft. 3 ft. 3 ft.
Minimum distance from intersection 20 ft. 20 ft. 20 ft.
Minimum distance from fire hydrants and utility poles 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft.
May be planted within 10 lateral feet of overhead
utilities Yes No No
(f) Maintenance and replacement by property owner. The property owner shall be required to maintain the street trees
for one year after the trees are planted and replace any tree which fails to survive or does not exhibit normal growth
characteristics of health and vigor, as determined by the City Forester. The one-year period after the approval of the City
Forester shall begin at each planting and shall recommence as trees are replaced.
(g) Prohibited activities.
1. No person shall top any tree within the public right-of-way unless specifically authorized by the City Forester.
Topping is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than three inches in diameter within the tree’s crown to
such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree, as determined by the City Forester.
2. Unless specifically authorized by the City Forester, no person shall intentionally damage, cut, carve, transplant,
or remove any tree or shrub; attach any rope, wire, nails, advertising posters, or other contrivance to any tree or shrub, allow
any gaseous liquid, or solid substance which is harmful to trees or shrubs to come in contact with them; or set fire or permit
fire to burn when fire or heat will injure any portion of any tree or shrub.
3. No person shall excavate any tunnels, trenches, or install a drive-way or sidewalk within a radius of ten feet from
the trunk of any public tree or shrub without first obtaining the prior written approval from the City Forester.
4. No person shall remove a tree or shrub from the city owned tree lawn, streetscape planting zone or other public
property without first obtaining the prior written approval of the City Forester.
5. No person shall by any type of construction reduce the size of a tree lawn or streetscape planting zone without
prior written approval of the City Engineer.
6. Decorative lights, strings of lights, electrical cords or wires are not permitted to be attached to any tree for more
than four consecutive months.
(h) Municipal rights.
1. The city shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees, plants and shrubs within public rights-of-
way and other public grounds as may be necessary to ensure public safety or to preserve or enhance the environmental
quality and beauty of public grounds. This section shall not prohibit the planting of street trees by surrounding property
owners providing that the prior written permission of the City Forester has been granted.
2. The City Forester may cause or order to be removed any tree or part of a tree that is in an unsafe condition or
which by reasons of its nature is injurious to sewers, electric power lines, gas lines, water lines, or other public
improvements, or is affected with any injurious fungi, insect or other pest.
3. The City Forester shall have the right to enter private property to access trees adjacent to public areas for the
purposes of proper pruning, after reasonable prior written notice has been given to the property owner.
4. Wherever it is necessary to remove a tree(s) or shrub(s) from a public planting zone or other public property, the
city shall endeavor to remove and replant or replace the trees or shrubs. No protected tree within the public right-of-way or
on other public grounds shall be removed without prior review by the City Forester, and the trees shall only be removed if the
City Forester determines there are no other means available to preserve the tree.
5. The City Forester shall have the right to cause the removal of any dead or diseased tree(s) located on private
property within the city and/or cause the removal of branches of trees located on private property that overhang or impede
access to public property, when those trees constitute a hazard to life and property, or harbor an epiphytotic disease which
constitutes a potential threat to other trees within the city. The City Forester shall notify in writing the owners of the trees to
be removed. Removal shall be done by the owners at their own expense within 60 days after the date of service of written
notice, unless a longer period is agreed to in writing by the City Forester, to allow time to attempt to treat and cure a
salvageable diseased tree. In the event of failure of owners to comply within 60 days, the City Forester shall notify in writing
the owners of the trees of the city’s authority to remove any tree(s) and charge the cost of removal to the owner as provided
by law.
(4) Perimeter landscape buffer.
(a) Perimeter landscape buffer is required when a non-residential land use is adjacent to a parcel containing only
single-family detached buildings (regardless of whether there is an intervening street, alley, or driveway).
(b) These requirements apply when a site subject to these requirements is developed or redeveloped. No existing
development shall be required to install perimeter landscape buffering because of a change in the nature, character, or
zoning classification of an adjacent parcel.
(c) The required perimeter landscape buffer area may be located within a utility or other easement with the prior
approval of the City Engineer provided all of the landscape requirements are met.
(d) Required buffer materials must be placed on the parcel where development or redevelopment is occurring, unless
both the parcel providing the buffering and the parcel being buffered are in common ownership, in which case the buffer
may be provided on either or portions of both properties.
(e) Vehicles or other objects shall not overhang or otherwise intrude upon the required perimeter landscape buffer.
Refer to § 153.173(F)(12)(d) for curb and wheel stop requirements.
(f) Existing landscape material in good or fair condition may be used to satisfy these requirements with the prior
approval of the Director.
(5) Surface parking and circulation area landscaping. All surface parking lots containing ten or more parking spaces and
other vehicular use areas shall provide landscaping as required by this section.
(a) Street frontage screening. Surface parking lots and other vehicular use areas located within 40 feet of a public
street shall either be landscaped, or a street wall shall be installed in accordance with § 153.173(I) along the parking lot
boundary facing the street to create a visual edge along the public right-of-way.
(b) Perimeter buffering. Where a surface parking lot is located within 30 feet of a side, corner side, or rear lot line, and
the adjacent property contains only single-family detached building types, the property owner shall install perimeter buffering
meeting the requirements of § 153.173(H)(4).
(c) Interior landscaping. In addition to required street frontage and perimeter buffering described in the above
sections, a minimum of 5% of the interior parking lot area, (including all parking spaces, interior drives, loading docks, drop-
off/pick-up lanes, and access drives beyond the right-of-way), shall be landscaped.
(6) Foundation planting. Building foundation landscaping is required along all sides of a building facing a public or
private street or open space or facing a surface parking area located on the same lot but is not required for portions of the
front or corner side building façades located within ten feet of the front property line and where a streetscape or patio
treatment is provided.
(7) Credit to preserve existing trees.
(a) Credit available. Property owners who demonstrate they have preserved mature, non-diseased trees with a three-
inch caliper as measured at diameter breast height (DBH) during development or redevelopment may obtain credits toward
required landscaping. Trees intended to be preserved shall be indicated on the landscape plan and shall be protected during
construction through use of tree protection fencing around the critical root radius. The total amount of tree credits shall not
exceed 50% of the required tree landscaping requirement.
(b) Amount of credit. Credit for preserved trees is shown in Table 153.173H. Any preserved trees for which credit is
given and that are lost to damage or disease within five years after the credit is awarded, shall be replaced by the land
owner with the number of trees for which the credit was granted.
TABLE 153.173H:
TREE PRESERVATION CREDITS
DBH of Preserved Tree (inches) Number of Trees Credited
Over 12 3
6 inches to 11.9 2
3 inches to 6 1
(8) Tree preservation.
(a) General provisions.
1. Tree preservation plan required.
a. Due to unique and/or noteworthy characteristics including size, species, age, and historical significance,
landmark trees and significant groups of mature, healthy trees are community amenities that shall be preserved to the
maximum extent feasible.
b. Applicants shall submit a tree preservation plan for approval by the required reviewing body that demonstrates
the site landscaping complies with the provisions of § 153.173(H). At the preliminary development plan, the property owner
shall submit a copy of the tree preservation plan to the appropriate public utilities in order to alert those public utilities to the
proposed placement of the trees in relation to utility service lines.
c. A tree survey prepared by a certified arborist shall be submitted with the tree preservation plan for all final
development plan and/or minor project review applications for lots containing existing trees. The tree survey shall include the
location, size, condition and species of all existing trees over four-inch caliper as measured at DBH.
d. The tree preservation plan submitted as part of the final development plan and/or minor project review
application shall identify all landmark trees and/or significant tree stands on the site, including critical root zones to establish
the limits of tree preservation zones, as determined by the required reviewing body.
e. The property owner shall replace inch for inch any protected trees that are removed or lost due to damage,
regardless of their location on the lot, except as provided in § 153.173(H)(8)(a)4.
2. Site layout and design. Where practicable, site design and architectural layout activities shall preserve existing
protected trees and avoid risk of protected tree loss through changes of grade and soil moisture, both on the subject parcel
and on surrounding parcels. This includes, but is not limited to, the layout and design of buildings and any associated site
improvements including auguring, jacking, or boring to install utilities (as opposed to open cutting). The critical root zones of
protected trees on the subject parcel and adjacent parcels shall be reviewed and land disturbance within those zones
avoided to the extent reasonable.
3. Tree removal permit. The provisions of § 153.143 shall apply, except as provided in section §153.173(H)(8)(a)4.
a. Protected trees used as credit to meet a required tree landscape requirement which die shall be replaced by
the land owner with the number of trees for which the credit was granted. Replacement trees may count to-wards the credit
amount for the development.
b. Replacement trees provided pursuant to §153.173(H)(8) shall count towards landscaping required under other
portions of this section if they meet the size, type, and location standards for the landscaping required.
4. Exemptions. The following activities are not subject to the tree replacement requirements for protected trees as
described in § 153.146 provided the proposed tree removal is included in the required application as described in §153.176.
a. Removal of trees that, at the determination of the City Forester, are deemed hazardous or undesirable with
respect to structure, species, and/or condition;
b. Removal of trees on any portion of a site required to be occupied by a public street as approved by the City
Engineer and the required reviewing body with a development plan review application;
c. Removal of trees which are an obstruction to traffic signals or traffic signs, power lines, or other utilities;
d. Removal of trees necessary for rescue in an emergency or for cleanup after a natural disaster; and
(b) Maintenance and replacement.
1. Street trees and public trees. Each property owner shall comply with those standards for maintenance,
replacement, protection and management of street trees and public trees in § 153.173(H)(3).
2. Other required landscaping on private property. For landscaping other than public trees and street trees, each
property owner shall:
a. Maintain all required landscaping in good condition, as determined by the City Forester;
b. Remove any landscaping or tree that dies or is required to be removed due to damage or disease within three
months after the loss of that landscaping or tree; and
c. Replace the landscaping or tree within three months of its removal.
3. The City Forester may extend times for performance if weather or other conditions prevent performance within
the times stated above.
(c) Alternative landscaping. In lieu of compliance with the specific requirements of §153.173(H) an owner may
propose alternative approaches consistent with the intent of this section to accommodate unique site conditions, abutting or
surrounding uses, or other conditions, as deemed appropriate by the required reviewing body. Requests for alternative
landscaping shall be reviewed by the required reviewing body with the minor project or final development plan application
and approved only if the proposed alternative is equal to or better than the aesthetic, environmental, and buffering functions
anticipated with the provisions of this section.
(I) Fences, walls, and screening.
(1) Purpose and intent. The purpose of these provisions is to establish regulations outlining the use and type of fences,
walls and screening. This is for the conservation and protection of property, the assurance of safety and security, the
enhancement of privacy, and the improvement of the visual environment.
(2) Prohibited materials.
(a) Chain link, vinyl and temporary plastic fences (such as snow fences) are prohibited except during construction as
security for construction sites and materials. Fences that are electrically charged, constructed of barbed wire, and razor wire
are prohibited. No fence, wall or retaining wall shall be constructed of materials not designed to be used for that purpose.
High quality synthetic materials may be approved with the minor project or final development plan by the ARB with examples
of successful, high quality installations.
(3) Fence standards.
(a) Fences shall be permitted between the principal structure on a lot and the front, side and/or rear property lines;
and shall not exceed four feet in height or be more than 50% opaque unless otherwise required by this section or approved
by the Architectural Review Board.
(b) The height provisions or the previous sections shall not apply to fences or walls required to comply with the
screening standards of this section.
(c) The height provisions shall apply to all portions of retaining walls that extend above grade level, as measured form
the elevated side of the retaining wall. Where a fence is located on top of a retaining wall, the combined height of the
retaining wall and fence shall not exceed the maximum height permitted for a fence, as measured from the elevated side of
the retaining wall.
(4) Stone wall standards.
(a) Stone walls are intended to screen vehicular use areas or service areas and/or to define the pedestrian realm.
(b) Stone walls shall be constructed as dry-laid stone.
(c) Stone walls shall be permitted between the principal structure on a lot and the front, side and/or rear property
lines; and shall be a minimum of 22 inches in height and shall not exceed 36 inches in height.
(d) Stone walls are prohibited in required sight visibility triangles for site access points and street intersections, as
determined by the City Engineer.
(e) Existing stone walls shall be preserved, unless otherwise approved by the Architectural Review Board.
(5) Roof-mounted mechanical equipment.
(a) All roof-mounted mechanical equipment (including but not limited to HVAC equipment, exhaust fans, cooling
towers, and related guardrails or safety equipment) shall be fully screened from view at ground level on all sides of the
structure and, to the extent practicable, from surrounding buildings resources of similar height.
(b) The standards of § 153.173(I)(4)(a) shall not apply if the only feasible location for screening would impede the
functioning of solar, wind or geothermal energy equipment or systems.
(c) The roof-mounted screening shall not be permitted to exceed the maximum permitted building height, unless
approved by the Architectural Review Board.
(6) Ground-mounted mechanical equipment.
(a) All ground-mounted mechanical equipment shall be incorporated within the footprint of a principal or accessory
structure or shall be fully screened from view on all sides.
(b) The standards of § 153.173(I)(4)(a) shall not apply if the only feasible location for screening would impede the
functioning of solar, wind or geothermal energy equipment or systems.
(7) Outdoor waste and storage container enclosures.
(a) All waste, refuse, and recycling containers and enclosures shall be incorporated within the footprint of a principal
or accessory structure to the maximum extent practicable. If incorporation within the building footprint is not practicable,
outdoor waste and storage containers and enclosures shall be fully screened from view on all sides by landscaping or by a
decorative wall or fence finished and constructed to match the materials and design of the nearest wall of the principal
structure and shall be fully opaque year round.
(b) The wall or screen shall be one foot taller than the height of the waste or storage container or enclosure being
screening, up to a maximum of 12 feet.
(c) Chain link, vinyl, EIFS, and unfinished or non-decorated CMU are prohibited screening materials.
(d) Enclosures that contain access doors to accommodate servicing of equipment and emptying of containers shall be
self-closing, be constructed out of materials the coordinate with the design and materials of the enclosure and shall remain
closed and all containers fully within the structure when not being used.
(8) Access doors. Screening structures may contain access doors to accommodate servicing of equipment and
emptying or replacement of containers. The access doors shall be self-closing and shall remain closed and all containers
fully within the structure when not being used.
(9) Vegetative screening. Vegetative screening that complies with the design guidelines may be used to meet the
requirements of this § 153.173(I).
(10) Alternative screening. In lieu of compliance with the requirements of §153.173(I), an alternative approach to
accommodate unique site conditions or surrounding uses may be approved if the required reviewing body determines that
the proposed alternative achieves the aesthetic, environmental, and screening results as well or better than compliance with
the standards of § 153.065(I).
(J) Lighting. The lighting standards within this section are intended to allow adequate night time lighting to protect public
safety while also protecting residential uses from excessive night time light and glare, protecting motorists from glare along
public rights-of-way, reducing consumption of electricity for lighting purposes, and prohibiting excessive light trespass
beyond property lines.
(1) Exemptions.
(a) Lighting for single-family detached and single- family attached dwellings.
(b) Pedestrian walkway ground lighting.
(c) Lighting for designated sports fields.
(d) Street lighting.
(2) Fixture power and efficiency.
(a) All light fixtures shall meet the standards in Table 153.173I for power and efficiency.
TABLE 153.173I:
FIXTURE POWER AND EFFICIENCY
Maximum permitted initial lamp lumens per sq. ft. 9.7 lumens/sq. ft.
Maximum lamp allowance 44,000 lumens
Minimum lumens per watt or energy consumed (as
documented by manufacturers specifications or results of an
independent testing laboratory)
80 lumens/watt
(3) Shielding.
(a) All exterior light sources and lamps that emit more than 900 lumens shall be concealed or shielded with an
Illuminations Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) full cut-off style fixture with an angle not exceeding 90 degrees
to minimize the potential for glare and unnecessary diffusion on surrounding property. No portion of the lamp, reflector, lens,
or refracting system may extend beyond the housing or shield, with the exception of pedestrian lighting.
(b) All light sources shall be designed, located, and installed so that the light source is not directly visible from any
surrounding property in a residential district.
(4) Lighting uniformity.
(a) Lighting across a horizontal surface shall have an average range from one to three footcandles.
(5) Light trespass.
(a) Light generated on site shall not add more than one footcandle to illumination levels at any point at grade level ten
feet beyond the property line.
(6) Lighting plans.
(a) Lighting plans submitted as part of applicable minor projects or final development plans shall include existing
lighting from streets and surrounding buildings resources developed under these standards, and proposed lighting generated
from light poles and building lighting.
(7) Light poles.
(a) The base of light poles in parking areas shall be flush with grade. The base of light poles in non-parking areas
shall be either flush with grade or mounted on a concrete foundation projecting no more than six inches above grade.
(b) Light poles should be a maximum of 12 feet in height.
(8) Wall lighting.
(a) Decorative wall lighting may be used to provide uplighting, downlighting, or other types of lighting accents for
buildings resources within the Historic Zoning Districts and Appendix G. Decorative lighting shall not exceed 900 lumens
unless installed and shielded in accordance with this section.
(b) Ground or pole-mounted floodlights are not permitted for façade lighting.
(9) Canopy lighting.
(a) All canopy lighting shall use recessed luminaire fixtures and shall be designed and located so as to prevent glare
onto surrounding properties resources.
(b) Highly reflective material shall not be installed on the underside of the canopy.
(10) Prohibited lighting types.
(a) Sodium vapor light fixtures are prohibited in Historic Dublin.
(K) Utility undergrounding and screening.
(1) In Historic Dublin, all utility lines including but not limited to water supply, sanitary sewer service, electricity,
telephone and gas, and their connections or feeder lines shall be placed underground.
(2) All utility connections shall be kept to the rear or the side of the building, out of view or screened. Applicants shall
coordinate with utility providers to site transformers and other similar utility structures to the rear or sides of buildings
resources, or otherwise out of view or screened.
(3) Existing above-ground utility lines shall be required to be buried with the provision of new streets, or as otherwise
required by the City Engineer.
(L) Public art.
(1) Site development may include the installation of public art in accordance with city policies and procedures.
(M) Signs.
(1) Purpose.
(a) The purpose of signs in the Historic Zoning Districts is to provide identification with high visual quality in a manner
that respects the character and scale of residential areas and match the general character and scale of Dublin’s original
village commercial center. Signs should provide business identification in a manner consistent with the historic appearance
and character of the districts, while encouraging a more interesting streetscape.
(b) Signs should provide high quality awareness through graphics that effectively assist in navigation, information,
and identification for both pedestrians and vehicles.
(2) General provisions.
(a) All applicable requirements of §§ 153.150 through 153.162 shall apply to the signs within Historic Dublin, except
as modified herein. In the event of a conflict with the provisions of the Signs Subchapter (§§ 153.150 through 153.162), the
provisions of this section shall govern.
(b) Where noted for the purposes of permitted signs, street frontages shall apply only to public streets.
(c) Approval authority.
1. All new ground and building signs within Historic Dublin shall be subject to review and approval by the
Architectural Review Board.
2. All signs shall require a permanent sign permit unless otherwise exempted for a specific sign type.
3. Required reviewing bodies shall not address the content of the sign message.
4. Off-premises signs are only permitted with the approval of a master sign plan.
5. All signs located within or projecting over the public right-of-way shall be approved by the City Engineer prior to
placement.
6. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, the design and placement of city sponsored banners for special
events or public announcements affixed to public facilities in the right-of-way within the Architectural Review District shall be
approved by the City Manager prior to placement.
7. Master sign plan.
a. Any applicant may request approval of a master sign plan that departs from the requirements of this section,
provided the purpose and intent of the sign and graphic standards for the Historic Zoning Districts and the Historic Design
Guidelines are maintained. The ARB shall determine the appropriateness of signs and their placement given the
architecture of buildings resources within these districts.
b. A master sign plan may be reviewed concurrently with a final development plan or minor project review.
c. A master sign plan shall include, at a minimum: the proposed locations, types, number, heights and sizes of
signs, indicated on scaled plans and/or building elevation drawings; proposed materials to be used for sign structures and
sign faces; and proposed types of illumination.
d. Where applicable, all signs located within a development shall meet the requirements established in an
approved master sign plan. All requirements of this section shall continue to apply except as modified by the master sign
plan.
(3) Sign design and lighting. All permitted sign types shall be designed with the maximum of creativity and the highest
quality of materials and fabrication. It is strongly recommended that all signs be designed by a professional sign designer
and be installed by a qualified sign builder or contractor.
(a) General. All signs shall have dimensional letters, raised or routed with a minimum one-half inch relief; and shall be
constructed of a high-quality, durable material. The provisions of § 153.156(C)(3): Limitations on Sign Shape shall not apply
to properties resources within the Historic Zoning Districts.
(b) Prohibited sign designs. Channel letter signs and cabinet signs shall be prohibited. Signs constructed with a
raceway shall be prohibited. The provisions of § 153.153 shall apply.
(c) Illumination. The illumination of signs is strongly encouraged to help add a sense of liveliness and activity to the
area. Unless otherwise noted, signs may be externally illuminated, provided that all exterior lighting meets the requirements
of § 153.153(J). Awning signs and sandwich board signs may not be illuminated. Illuminated signs shall be constructed so
that conduit and piping for electrical sources are not exposed to view.
(d) Sign colors and logos/secondary images. Logos or images used to convey information about the business or use
of the building or lot shall be compatible with the size, design, and scale of the sign. Complementary, colorful logos and
signs are encouraged to help add character and interest to the building and streetscape.
1. Signs shall be limited to three colors. Black and white are considered colors. The background color shall be
considered one of the three permissible colors, unless individually mounted letters are used, in which case the building
façade is not considered one of the three colors.
2. Colors used in a registered corporate trademark or symbol shall not be limited in number but shall be considered
as one of three permissible colors.
(4) Sign materials.
(a) All signs shall be fabricated with high quality, durable, and weather resistant materials. The material shall be
compatible with the primary building materials of the structure to which the sign is associated.
(b) All signs shall be fabricated, constructed and installed to conceal fasteners.
(c) The following materials shall be permitted to be used for the construction of sign. The required reviewing body
may approve other materials if determines that the material provides the same quality, durability, and weather resistance as
a permitted sign material.
1. All signs except window signs.
a. Permitted materials: HDU, cedar, redwood, and treated lumber.
2. Window signs.
a. High performance, pressure sensitive, fade resistant vinyl.
(5) Permitted sign types.
(a) All sign types permitted for properties resources within the Historic Core, Historic South, and Historic Public Zoning
Districts are listed in Table 153.173J. Refer to § 153.173(M)(5) for number of signs permitted and § 153.173(M)(6) for
requirements for specific sign types.
(b) Different sign types may be used on the same frontage.
(c) Where required, setbacks shall be measured from the public street right-of-way or lot line, as applicable.
TABLE 153.173J:
SIGN TYPES PERMITTED IN THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW DISTRICT
Sign Type Code Section
Reference Sign Type Intent
TABLE 153.173J:
SIGN TYPES PERMITTED IN THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW DISTRICT
Sign Type Code Section
Reference Sign Type Intent
Ground Sign
Ground Sign § 153.173(M)(6)( a);
Table 153.173K
Ground signs are intended primarily for buildings
resources with greater front and corner setbacks.
Building-Mounted Signs
Wall Sign
§ 153.173(M)(6)( b);
Table 153.173L
Building-mounted signs are intended to provide
visibility for pedestrians and vehicles approaching
from different directions and to create a diversity
of signs along an active streetscape.
Awning Sign
Projecting Sign
Window Sign
Other Permitted Signs
Directory Sign
§ 153.173(M)(6)( c);
Table 153.173M
Directory signs are intended to provide
identification for upper story tenants and/or
tenants that are otherwise not permitted an
individual identification sign. Directory signs may
also be used for restaurant menus and other
similar uses.
Display Sign
Display signs are intended to advertise goods or
services. Display signs may change frequently
and may be attached to or located within 3 feet of
a window on the interior of the building. Examples
include products for sale or display, and signs that
show or describe goods or services offered.
Sandwich Board
Sign
Sandwich board signs are intended to be used in
areas with high pedestrian and commercial
activity.
(6) Number of permitted signs.
(a) Single tenant buildings resources. A combination of two different sign types, including ground signs and building-
mounted signs, are permitted for the building. For lots with more than one street frontage, one additional ground or
building-mounted sign is permitted along the second lot frontage, not to exceed a total of three signs.
(b) Multiple tenant buildings resources. A combination of two different sign types, including ground signs and building-
mounted signs, are permitted for each ground floor tenant with a storefront.
(c) An additional building-mounted sign is permitted for each tenant with a storefront where the tenant also has a
dedicated public entrance facing an off-street parking area or parking structure in the same block, provided that the
secondary public entrance is located on the side or rear façade of the building.
(d) Tenant spaces located above the ground floor may be identified by a directory sign or by a window sign or
projecting sign located adjacent to a common public entrance providing access to the upper floor tenant spaces.
(7) Specific sign type requirements.
(a) Ground signs.
1. Ground sign height is measured from established grade of the base of the sign to the top of the sign or its
frame/support, whichever is taller. The height may not be artificially increased.
2. All ground signs shall comply with the provisions of Table 153.173K: Ground Sign Requirements.
TABLE 153.173K:
GROUND SIGN REQUIREMENTS
TABLE 153.173K:
GROUND SIGN REQUIREMENTS
Number Refer to § 153.173(L)(5): number of signs permitted
Size Maximum 8 sq. ft.
Location Minimum setback of 8 ft. from the street right-of-way or any property line.
Height Maximum 6 ft.
General
Permitted ground signs may be attached to a freestanding wall or other similar
structure on the same lot as the building or use.
Sign foundations may not be exposed. They shall either be mounted on a
masonry base or clad in material compatible with the material used for the sign
and the principal structure containing the use with which the sign is associated.
Ground signs shall be landscaped where appropriate to site conditions.
(b) Building-mounted signs.
1. Building-mounted sign types and measurements.
a. Building-mounted signs include wall signs, awning signs, projecting signs, and window signs.
b. Wall sign height is measured directly beneath the sign from the established grade at the base of the structure
to which the sign is attached to the top of the sign.
c. Wall sign areas for buildings with storefronts shall be determined by taking the length of the storefront
applicable to each tenant and computing sign requirements for that portion of the total wall.
d. Projecting sign height is measured directly beneath the sign from the established grade at the base of the
structure to which the sign is attached to the top of the sign but shall not include brackets or equipment which are necessary
to attach the sign to the structure. Necessary brackets or equipment shall not be counted as part of the sign area.
2. All building-mounted signs shall comply with the provisions of Table 153.173L: Building-Mounted Signs, except
that:
a. Any building-mounted sign associated with a secondary public entrance shall not exceed six square feet in size
and shall be located within six feet of the secondary public entrance, as measured horizontally along the building façade.
b. Any projecting sign associated with a common public entrance providing access to upper floor tenant spaces
shall not exceed eight square feet and be located within six feet of the common public entrance.
TABLE 153.173L:
BUILDING-MOUNTED SIGN REQUIREMENTS
TABLE 153.173L:
BUILDING-MOUNTED SIGN REQUIREMENTS
Wall Sign
Number Refer to § 153.173(L)(5): number of signs permitted
Size Maximum 8 sq. ft.
On walls facing public streets
Location
Signs shall be located on the portion of the wall associated with the tenant space
or storefront, and/or within 6 ft. of the common public entrance, where not
associated with a storefront.
Wall signs shall not extend more than 14 inches from the face of the structure to
which it is attached.
Height Maximum 15 feet and shall not extend above the roofline.
TABLE 153.173L:
BUILDING-MOUNTED SIGN REQUIREMENTS
TABLE 153.173L:
BUILDING-MOUNTED SIGN REQUIREMENTS
Awning Sign
Number Refer to § 153.173(L)(5): number of signs permitted
Size 20% of the cumulative surface of the awning area, not to exceed 8 sq. ft.
Location Awning signs may be on any portion of the awning, and affixed flat to the surface
and shall not extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limit of the awning.
Height Maximum 15 feet. The lowest portion of an awning sign shall be at least 8 feet
above the sidewalk.
Projecting Sign
Number Refer to § 153.173(L)(5): number of signs permitted
Size Maximum 8 sq. ft.
Location
Within 6 ft. of the principal entrance. Projecting signs shall be separated by at
least 10 ft. from another projecting sign, as measured along the building façade.
Projecting signs shall not extend more than 6 ft. from the face of the structure to
which it is attached and maintain at least 8 ft. of clearance above the sidewalk. A
projecting sign shall be located within 6 ft. of the principal entrance of the building
or storefront, as measured horizontally along the building façade.
Height
Maximum 15 feet, or not extending above the sill of the second story window,
whichever is lower. The lowest portion of an awning sign shall be at least 8 feet
above the sidewalk.
Window Sign
Number Refer to § 153.173(L)(5): number of signs permitted
Size 20% of the surface area of the window to which it is attached, not to exceed 8 sq.
ft.
Location Ground floor only, except as permitted by this section
General
Window signs shall only be permitted in lieu of display signs affixed to a window.
Refer to Table 153.173M, Requirements for Other Permitted Signs, for Display
Sign Requirements.
(c) Other permitted signs.
1. Directory signs, display signs, and sandwich boards shall be permitted in accordance with Table 153.173M.
TABLE 153.173M:
REQUIREMENTS FOR OTHER PERMITTED SIGNS
TABLE 153.173M:
REQUIREMENTS FOR OTHER PERMITTED SIGNS
Directory Signs
Number 1 per public entrance
Location Located within 6 ft. of the entrance and mounted flat to the wall
Size Maximum 4 sq. ft.
Height Ground floor only
Display Signs
Size
Display signs located within 3 feet of the window shall not exceed 20% of the
surface area of the window on which the signs are displayed.
Display signs affixed to a window shall not exceed 20% of the surface area and
shall not be permitted if a window sign is used.
Height Ground floor only.
Sandwich Board Signs
Number 1 per ground floor storefront tenant
Location
Sandwich board signs are permitted only immediately in front of the ground
story tenant space.
Signs shall be placed within 6 ft. of the primary ground floor public entrance of the
business. Signs shall maintain a minimum unobstructed 5-ft. clearance on
sidewalks and shall not impede the safe movement of pedestrians or the safe
operation of vehicles.
Sandwich board signs shall be removed and stored indoors or in a location not
visible to the public during non-business hours.
Size 6 sq. ft. per side
Height 3 ft.
General
Sandwich board signs shall be constructed with a wood or metal frame with a
chalkboard or whiteboard face. The sandwich board sign frame shall be finished in
subdued colors.
Sandwich board signs constructed of plastic, PVC, vinyl, and other similar
materials as determined by the Planning Director are prohibited. Tracked line slide
letters are prohibited.
Review Sandwich board signs require approval of a Certificate of Zoning Plan Approval
prior to use/installation.
(Ord. 03-21, passed 2-22-21)
§ 153.174 DESIGN STANDARDS.
(A) Intent. The design standards in this section outline required building details for alterations, additions and new
construction, which serve to reinforce the traditional development character of the Historic Zoning Districts.
(B) Roof type requirements.
(1) Pitched, hipped, gabled, or a combination are also permitted within the Historic Zoning Districts subject to
conformance with the Historic Design Guidelines and subject to approval of the ARB.
(2) Flat roofs.
(a) Flat roofs are permitted within Historic Dublin, except for properties buildings that are zoned Historic Core, unless
otherwise determined by the ARB to be architecturally appropriate.
(b) Eaves are encouraged on street-facing facades.
(c) Flat roofs are permitted to use a roof material appropriate to maintain proper drainage.
(3) Parapets.
(a) Parapets shall be provided on flat roofs that are high enough to screen the roof and any roof appurtenances from
view from the street(s) and from any adjacent building of similar height or lower, provided that parapets shall be no less than
two feet and no more than six feet high. Where a six-foot parapet is insufficient to screen rooftop mechanical equipment a
screening structure shall be required.
(b) Parapets shall wrap around all sides of the building.
(4) Pitched roofs.
(a) Hipped and gabled roofs are permitted, in addition to roofs with combinations of hips and gables with or without
dormers.
(b) Permitted pitch roof materials include dimensional asphalt composite shingles with a 25-year or greater warranty,
wood shingles and shakes, metal tiles or standing seam, slate, and ceramic tile. Other high quality simulated examples of
these materials may be approved by the ARB with examples of successful, high quality installations in comparable climates.
(c) Pitch measure.
1. The principal roof shall have a pitch appropriate to the architectural style of the building. Roofs shall not be
sloped less than a 6:12 (rise: run) or more than 12:12, unless otherwise determined to be architecturally appropriate by the
ARB.
2. Slopes greater than 12:12 may be used on pitched roofs without a closed ridge to accommodate mechanical
equipment within the roof structure and screened from view. These roofs must be designed with the appearance of closed
ridges when viewed from all directions at street level and, to the maximum extent practicable, from buildings resources of
similar heights in close proximity. The use of this roof configuration and pitch shall be based on the appropriateness of
the roof design to the architectural style.
3. Unless determined to be appropriate to the architectural style of the building, a pitch greater than 3:12 is required
on roofs of dormers, porches, balconies, or other minor roofs.
(5) Gambrel and mansard roofs.
(a) Gambrel and mansard roofs are permitted only for single-family detached buildings, unless otherwise determined
by the ARB to be architecturally appropriate for other uses.
(b) Gambrel and mansard roofs shall be dimensional shingles, cedar shake, slate, or metal. Other high quality
simulated examples of these materials may be approved by the ARB with examples of successful, high quality installations
in comparable climates.
(6) Other roof types.
(a) Other roof types not listed as a specific type but are deemed architecturally appropriate to the proposed building
may be approved by the required reviewing body.
(b) Roof terraces and roof plantings are permitted within the Historic Zoning Districts.
(c) Decorative towers that are incorporated into a building design may be permitted in the Historic Zoning Districts
subject to approval of the ARB. Decorative towers are additional to and may exceed the maximum building height in the
district in which it is located. The maximum width of the tower shall be one-third the width of the front façade of the building
or 30 feet, whichever is less. No rooftop appurtenances are permitted on tower roofs.
(7) Roof elements.
(a) Parallel ridge lines.
1. When appropriate to the architectural character of the building, and where the principal ridge line of any building
type runs parallel to any street, gabled ends, perpendicular ridge lines or dormers shall be incorporated to interrupt the mass
of the roof.
2. Perpendicular ridge lines are not required to intersect the primary ridge line (i.e. the secondary roof mass may be
physically lower than the primary ridge line), provided the appearance is determined to be architecturally appropriate by the
required reviewing body.
(b) Dormer design.
1. Dormers shall be scaled and detailed appropriate to the architectural character of the building type. Dormer
windows should be sized in relation to the windows used in the upper story, and dormers should be no wider than necessary
to accommodate the window and coordinated trim. Visibility into permanently unfinished space is prohibited where dormer
windows are installed.
(c) Gable ends.
1. An architecturally appropriate element such as a vent, window, or other decorative element is required on street
facing gable ends.
(d) Roof penetrations.
1. Roof penetrations (fans, exhaust, vents, etc.) shall be concealed and shall not be visible from the public street
frontage, unless otherwise approved by the Architectural Review Board.
(C) Entrance design.
(1) Principal entrances on all buildings shall be at a pedestrian scale, effectively address the street, and be given
prominence on the building façade. This may be satisfied through the use of architectural features including, but not limited
to, entranceway roofs; sidelight windows, transom window, or other adjacent windows; additional moldings with expression
lines; a bay of unique width; or a raised stoop.
(2) Principal entrances on all single-family detached and single-family attached building types shall incorporate open
porches or stoops unless otherwise determined by the ARB to be architecturally appropriate.
(3) Doors for commercial uses along all street frontages shall be consistent with the design of principal entrances and
include glass and full operating hardware in the design of the door. Exterior doors for residential uses shall also include
glass, but this requirement may be met through the use of transom and/or sidelight windows.
(4) Roll-up security grilles shall not be permitted.
(D) Windows.
(1) Windows may be wood, metal-clad wood, or vinyl-clad wood. The Architectural Review Board may approve other
high quality synthetic materials with examples of successful, high quality installations in comparable climates.
(2) Highly reflective glass is prohibited. For the purposes of this section, highly reflective glass has an exterior visible
reflectance percentage greater than 20%.
(3) Spandrel glass, or heavily tinted glass that impedes views into the interior of the building is prohibited.
(4) Windows shall have architecturally appropriate lintels and projecting sills.
(5) Windows shall have vertical proportions with architecturally or historically appropriate window divisions.
(E) Shutters.
(1) If installed, shutters shall be sized to provide complete coverage to the windows when closed, appear operable, and
include functioning hardware.
(2) Shutters shall be wood or engineered wood. The ARB may approve other materials with examples of successful,
high quality installations in comparable climates.
(F) Canopies and awnings.
(1) Awnings and canopies may be used if they function as suitable protection from the elements. To provide suitable
protection an awning or canopy may encroach over the sidewalk, provided the lowest portion is at least eight feet above the
sidewalk.
(2) Awnings and canopies may be mounted inside frames, above openings and/or below transoms, but installation
methods shall be consistent on a building.
(3) Awnings and canopies shall be designed to be consistent with the architecture of the building and other existing
awnings and canopies on a building.
(a) Awnings.
1. Awnings shall be open on the underside.
2. Awnings shall be made of durable and fade-resistant canvas, decorative metal with metal used for the internal
structure, or an alternative, high-quality, durable material, if determined to be architecturally appropriate by the required
review body.
3. Awnings shall not be internally illuminated but may be lighted from above by downcast fixtures mounted to the
building wall.
(b) Canopies.
1. Canopies may be clad with glass, metal, wood, or a combination of these materials.
2. Canopies may be cantilevered or supported from the building wall by metal cables or rods.
3. Canopies may include downward casting light fixtures and may be lighted from above by downcast fixtures
mounted to the building wail.
(G) Balconies.
(1) General.
(a) Balconies shall be a minimum open area of six- feet deep and five-feet wide.
(b) Balconies may be recessed into a building façade. Balconies that are not recessed into the façade shall be
independently secured and unconnected to other balconies above and below. Balconies may not extend into a right-of-way.
(2) Juliet balconies.
(a) Juliet balconies are permitted only on upper floors of buildings where windows extend to the floor or where doors
are present.
(b) Juliet balconies may project up to 24 inches and shall not extend more than six inches past the fenestration.
(c) Juliet balconies used with windows must be secured to the outside window jamb.
(H) Stoops.
(1) Stoops may be located on the front and/or corner side façades of the building.
(2) Stoops and steps shall not encroach within the right-of-way.
(I) Chimneys and vents.
(1) Chimneys on exterior walls shall be treated as architectural elements.
(2) Chimneys on exterior walls shall extend full height from the ground and vertically past the eave line and must be
finished in brick or stone. Cantilevered and shed-type chimneys are prohibited.
(3) Vents shall be finished to match the color of the exterior wall.
(J) Exterior building material standards.
(1) Façade materials.
(a) Permitted building materials shall be high quality, durable materials including but not limited to stone,
manufactured stone, full depth brick, brick veneer, wood siding, glass, and fiber cement siding.
(b) Other high quality synthetic materials may be approved by the required reviewing body with examples of
successful, high quality installations in comparable climates.
(2) Roof materials.
(a) Permitted roof materials include dimensional asphalt composite shingles with a 25-year or greater warranty, wood
shingles and shakes, metal tiles or standing seam, slate and ceramic tile.
(3) Color.
(a) Colors for all building materials shall be selected from appropriate historic color palettes from any major paint
manufacturer, or as determined appropriate by the required reviewing body.
(K) Accessory uses and structures. Accessory buildings, resources and uses are regulated per the requirements
set forth in § 153.074.
(Ord. 03-21, passed 2-22-21)
§ 153.175 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD.
(A) Purpose. The purpose of the Architectural Review Board (ARB) shall be to:
(1) Promote the educational, cultural and economic wellbeing of the community through the preservation and
maintenance of the historic sites as landmarks and tangible reminders of early architecture in Dublin.
(2) Prevent the deterioration of Historic Dublin and historic sites.
(3) Improve the quality of life in the city.
(4) Implement the recommendations and standards set forth in the Historic Design Guidelines.
(5) Record, protect and preserve cultural resources affected by, or adjacent to, any project.
(B) Duties. The Architectural Review Board shall have the following duties:
(1) Review and act upon all applications for alteration, additions, new construction, and demolition within Historic Dublin
and designated outlying properties resources, as outlined in this chapter.
(2) Make recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council for revisions to this chapter or
recommend other legislation that would best serve to develop, preserve, restore, and beautify Historic Dublin, and
designated outlying properties resources, as established in § 153.170.
(3) Maintain the Historic Design Guidelines concerning the conservation of historic areas, buildings and resources.
Insofar as practicable, these Guidelines shall be considered in the ARB’s decisions with respect to alterations,
demolitions, and new construction, as appropriate.
(4) Maintain an inventory of all landmarks and preservation districts. The Board may use existing inventories by the
Ohio Historic Preservation Office or other recognized agency to fulfill this requirement. The inventory shall be updated
periodically to reflect changes, alterations, and demolitions. All inventory materials shall be recorded on Ohio Historic
Inventory and/or Ohio Archaeological inventory forms and shall be available through duplicates to the Ohio Historic
Preservation Office. This inventory shall be made available to the public upon request.
(5) Make determinations of contributing landmark or noncontributing background status based on the City of Dublin
Historical and Cultural Assessment, updated Dublin 2023 Historic District Map and Appendix G Map in the Historic Design
Guidelines, and other applicable and relevant documentation.
(6) Conduct, cause to be conducted, or assist in a continuing survey of all properties resources, sites, or areas of
architectural, archaeological, historic, and aesthetic interest in the city when it deems necessary.
(7) Undertake efforts to improve the education of the citizens of the city with respect to Dublin’s architectural and
historical heritage.
(8) Act as a liaison as directed by City Council on behalf of the city to individuals and organizations concerned with
historic preservation.
(9) When requested by the city, review all proposed historic registry nominations for properties resources within the
city. When expertise not represented on the ARB is necessary for review of a proposed nomination, the ARB shall seek
expert academic or consulting advice before rendering a decision.
(10) Provide a written annual report to the City Council, which shall address at a minimum the Board’s activities, cases,
decisions, and special projects. The annual report shall be kept on file and available for public inspection.
(C) Membership.
(1) The Architectural Review Board shall consist of five voting members appointed by City Council.
(2) Membership of the ARB shall consist of the following, unless otherwise authorized by City Council:
(a) A member of the Dublin Historical Society who is recommended by the Society.
(b) A person who maintains his or her personal residency within Historic Dublin or one of the designated outlying
properties resources, as outlined in § 153.170.
(c) A person who owns commercial property within Historic Dublin.
(d) A person who has architectural training or has extensive building or building inspection experience.
(e) A person who operates a commercial business within Historic Dublin.
(3) Members shall have a demonstrated interest, knowledge, or expertise in historic preservation. At least two members
should be preservation related professionals, to the extent they are available, such as the professions of architecture,
architectural history, history, archaeology, landscape architecture, planning or related disciplines.
(4) Members shall serve without compensation unless otherwise provided by City Council.
(5) Each member shall hold office from the date of his or her appointment for a term of three years. Any member may
continue in office after his or her term expires until an appointed successor takes office; or until 60 days have elapsed,
whichever occurs first.
(6) All vacancies created by the expiration of the terms, resignations, or other means shall be filled in accordance with
the requirements of division (C)(2) above. In the event the requirements of division (C)(2) cannot be met, City Council may
fill vacancies as it may deem appropriate. Vacancies shall be filled within 60 days as prescribed in Article VII of the City
Charter. A member appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve out the term of the previous member.
(7) The ARB shall establish its rules and regulations, and guidelines with approval from City Council.
(8) The ARB shall elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson as set forth in its rules and regulations.
(9) The ARB will hold a regular monthly meeting unless there is no business to come before the ARB. Special meetings
may be called as set forth in the ARB’s rules and regulations. All meetings of the ARB shall be open to the public as
prescribed in Article VII of the City Charter.
(Ord. 03-21, passed 2-22-21)
§ 153.176 REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA.
(A) Intent. The intent of this section is to provide an efficient, predictable, and context-based review process for
development applications in Historic Dublin and designated outlying properties (Appendix G) resources, as outlined
in § 153.170.
(B) Required approvals.
(1) This section outlines the requirements and procedures for the development review specifically within Historic Dublin
and designated outlying properties resources. The review procedures of this section shall be used for all development
applications in Historic District and designated outlying properties resources, as outlined in this section.
(2) The Architectural Review Board shall review and make a determination regarding the following application requests:
(a) Requests for alterations or changes to architectural features of existing sites and structures.
(b) Requests for additions or new construction to existing sites and structures.
(c) Signs.
(d) Demolition.
(3) Applications for review by the Architectural Review Board are not required for the following:
(a) Ordinary maintenance to correct any deterioration, decay, or damage to a structure or site and to restore the
structure as nearly as practicable to an original state prior to its deterioration, decay or damage.
(b) Interior building improvements that do not involve any exterior changes, alterations, or modifications, including
minor mechanical items such as residential roof vents and plumbing pipes.
(c) Landscaping for single-family dwellings.
(4) No building permit or certificate of zoning plan approval shall be issued by the Chief Building Official or the Director
and/or their designees for any proposal which is subject to the Architectural Review Board’s review unless approval has
been granted in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
(5) All other applicable requirements of §§153.170 through 153.178 apply to all development within the areas under the
jurisdiction of the Architectural Review Board, as provided in this subchapter.
(C) Abbreviations. The following abbreviations and terms are used in this section:
(1) BZA: Board of Zoning Appeals;
(2) CC or Council: City Council;
(3) ARB: Architectural Review Board;
(4) PD or Director: Planning Director; and
(5) PZC or Commission: Planning and Zoning Commission.
TABLE 153.176A: SUMMARY PROCEDURE TABLE
R=Recommendation D=Decision A=Administrative Appeal RF=Review & Feedback
Type of Application PD ARB BZA PZC Council Zoning Code Reference
TABLE 153.176A: SUMMARY PROCEDURE TABLE
R=Recommendation D=Decision A=Administrative Appeal RF=Review & Feedback
Type of Application PD ARB BZA PZC Council Zoning Code Reference
Zoning Code Approvals
Zoning Map or Text Amendment R R R D § 153.234
Conditional Use R R D § 153.236
Special Permit R D § 153.231(G)
Use Variance R R D § 153.231(H)(3 )
Non-Use (Area) Variance R D § 153.231(H)(2 )
Other Approvals
Building Code Appeal D § 153.231(I)
Historic District Applications
Pre-Application RF § 153.176(D)
Informal Review RF RF § 153.176(E)
Concept Plan R D § 153.176(F)
Concept Plan with a Development
Agreement R R D § 153.176(D)
Preliminary Development Plan R D § 153.176(G)
Final Development Plan R D A § 153.176(H)
Minor Project R D A § 153.176(I)
Demolition R D A § 153.176(J)
Administrative Departure R D § 153.176(K)
Waivers R D § 153.176(L)
Master Sign Plan R D § 153.173(L)/
§ 153.176(M)
Administrative Approval D A § 153.176(N)
Certificate of Zoning Plan Approval D § 153.233/
§ 153.176(P)(3 )
(D) Pre-application.
(1) Purpose and applicability.
(a) The purpose of the pre-application submittal is to provide a potential applicant with a non-binding review of a
development proposal and to provide information on the procedures and policies of the city, including application review
procedures.
(b) Pre-application reviews do not result in a development decision or permit, and shall not obligate the city or the
developer to take any action on the proposal.
(2) Review procedures.
(a) A request for a pre-application review shall be made in accordance with the provisions of division (P)(1) of this
section.
(b) Requests shall be submitted to the Director, who shall be responsible for circulating any submittal material to the
applicable departments for input.
(c) The Director and staff shall use reasonable efforts to conduct an expeditious review of the submitted materials and
provide non-binding input and recommendations.
(d) The Director may schedule a meeting with the potential applicant to discuss the request or may provide a written
summary of the staff review.
(e) Additional staff reviews of the pre-application submittal may be requested by the applicant prior to filing a formal
application.
(f) Any and all written summaries of the pre-application review shall be forwarded to the required reviewing body.
(E) Informal review. Prior to submittal of an application for a Minor Project Review (MPR) or Concept Plan (CP), an applicant
may submit an Informal application for review of a development concept with the ARB. Such submittal shall include a
completed application form and supporting material sufficient to describe the development concept. The review of the
informal submittal shall be non-binding upon the ARB and the applicant, however, it is intended to provide feedback by the
ARB that should inform the preparation and subsequent review of the CP. The Planning Director shall prepare a brief
analysis and comments that will be submitted to the ARB with the application.
(F) Concept plan.
(1) Purpose and applicability.
(a) The purpose of the Concept Plan (CP) is to provide a general outline of the scope, character, and nature of the
proposed development that is consistent with the policy direction of the Community Plan, the Historic Design Guidelines, the
requirements of the Historic Zoning Districts and those applicable to designated outlying properties resources, other related
policy and regulatory documents, and the review criteria, and to consider the proposal within the context of existing and
planned development within the vicinity of the project.
(b) The CP allows the required reviewing body the means to ensure that the proposed concept is consistent with the
following:
1. That the proposed land uses are consistent with Community Plan, Historic Design Guidelines, and applicable
Zoning Code requirements;
2. That the proposed development and layout are generally compatible with the existing development pattern and
scale of development within Historic Dublin; or surrounding development for the designated outlying properties resources;
3. That the proposed development concept generally preserves and maintains the historic nature of a given site;
and
4. That the proposed development concept has the potential to create a walkable, pedestrian scale place.
(c) The CP review provides an opportunity for public input at an early stage of the development process.
(d) The CP review is intended to provide clear direction to the applicant by the required reviewing body resulting from
its review and approval of the application.
(e) If the CP is approved by the required reviewing body it shall serve as a basis for preparation by the applicant of
the Preliminary Development Plan (PDP) for the proposed development.
(f) For projects that will propose a development agreement due to the need for development timeframe, public
infrastructure, public and private contributions, development restrictions, or other related items, City Council shall serve as
the required reviewing body for the CP. In those cases, the Director and the Architectural Review Board shall each review
the CP and provide a recommendation to Council to approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove the CP.
(2) Review procedure.
(a) The CP is a mandatory step in the development review and approval process.
(b) An application for a CP shall be made in accordance with the provisions of divisions (P)(1) of this chapter.
(c) The ARB shall be the required reviewing body for the CP in Historic Dublin and any designated outlying property,
unless a development agreement is proposed in conjunction with a proposed project, then City Council shall be the required
reviewing body for the CP.
(d) The Director shall make a recommendation to the ARB for approval, approval with conditions, or denial of the CP
application under the criteria of division (F)(4) of this section.
(e) The ARB shall review the CP application, the minutes of the ARB meeting if an informal review was requested by
the applicant, the Director’s recommendation, and render its decision based on the criteria of division (F)(4). In the instance
the ARB is the required reviewing body, the Board will render a decision for approval, approval with conditions, or denial and
written record of the Board’s decision shall be provided.
(f) In the instance of a CP associated with a proposed development agreement, the Board will make a
recommendation of approval, approval with conditions, or denial to City Council.
(g) City Council shall review the CP application and the recommendations of ARB and the Director, and render its
decision based on the criteria of division (F)(4) of approval, approval with conditions, or denial.
(3) Submittal requirements. It is the intent of these regulations that the CP shall indicate overall design of the proposed
project. Information submitted should be comprehensive enough to enable the required reviewing body to understand the
existing site and concept for the proposed development, and to evaluate consistency with the review criteria in division (F)
(4). The applicant shall submit an application and supplemental materials as outlined in division (P)(1) and determined by
the Director.
(4) Review criteria. The required reviewing body shall make its decision on an application for a CP based on each of the
following criteria and may consider the recommendation of the Director and, if City Council is the required reviewing body, the
recommendation of the ARB. For applications associated with a development agreement, the ARB shall apply these
criteria in the formulation of its recommendation to City Council.
(a) The CP is consistent with the applicable policy guidance of the Community Plan, applicable Zoning Code
requirements, and other applicable city plans, and citywide administrative and financial policies;
(b) The CP is consistent with the Historic Design Guidelines;
(c) The CP conforms to the applicable requirements of the Code;
(d) The CP is consistent with surrounding historic context, character, and scale of the immediately surrounding area
and the district as a whole;
(e) The applicant or applicant’s representative has demonstrated that it has technical expertise and experience with
appropriate construction methods consistent with sound historic preservation practices;
(f) The illustrative lots, supporting street and pedestrian network, and internal circulation provide a coherent
development pattern and the conceptual locations of access points to surrounding streets will avoid adverse impacts on
surrounding neighborhoods and traffic infrastructure;
(g) The proposed land uses allow for appropriate integration into the community, consistent with adopted plans, and
align with the requirements of § 153.172 Uses;
(h) The conceptual buildings improvements are appropriately sited and scaled to create a cohesive development
character that complements the surrounding environment, and conforms to the architectural requirements of § 153.174
Design Standards and the Historic Design Guidelines;
(i) The conceptual design of open spaces, including location and relationship to surrounding buildings resources,
provides for meaningful public gathering spaces that benefit the community both within and outside the proposed
development; and
(j) The CP allows for the connection and or expansion of public or private infrastructure and the continued provision
of services required by the city or other public agency.
(G) Preliminary development plan.
(1) Purpose and applicability.
(a) The purpose of the Preliminary Development Plan (PDP) is to establish a framework for the proposed
development that is consistent with the requirements of the Community Plan, Historic Design Guidelines, applicable Zoning
Code requirements, other adopted plans, policies, and regulations, and the review criteria.
(b) The PDP allows the ARB to ensure that the proposed development is consistent with the following:
1. That the street network provides a coherent and rational development pattern, and provide for walkable
urbanism;
2. That the proposed building and site layout is appropriate to the location and surrounding neighborhood;
3. That planned open spaces and building types within the development are integrated in order to complement
each other;
4. That the building design considers the general massing, scale and arrangement of other structures in the
immediate vicinity;
5. That the architectural design be compatible the surrounding character and reflect key buildings resources and
landmarks within Historic Dublin.
6. That the proposed development is consistent with the general development requirements of the city with respect
to such elements as infrastructure, transportation, and environmental considerations;
7. That the proposed development will contribute to the creation of signature places in the city.
(c) The PDP is intended to establish the direction of the proposed development based on all applicable code
requirements and shall refine the approved CP.
(d) If a PDP is approved by the ARB, such action shall be binding and shall serve as the basis for submittal of the
Final Development Plan (FDP) for the proposed development or phases thereof.
(2) Review procedure.
(a) An application for a PDP may not be submitted prior to the review and approval of a CP.
(b) The PDP is a mandatory submittal requirement prior to filing a FDP. However, the PDP may be combined with the
FDP at the request of the applicant, by motion of the ARB following its approval of the CP, or if recommended by the
Director and agreed by the applicant.
(c) An application for PDP shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of divisions (P)(1) of this section.
(d) The ARB shall be the required reviewing body for the PDP within Historic Dublin and for designated outlying
properties resources.
(e) The Director shall make a recommendation for approval, approval with conditions, or denial of the PDP application
under the criteria of division (G)(4) of this section.
(f) The ARB shall review the PDP application and the recommendation of the Director and render its decision based
on the criteria of division (G)(4) of this section for approval, approval with conditions, or denial. A written record of the
Board’s decision shall be provided to the applicant.
(3) Submittal requirements. It is the intent of these regulations that a PDP shall provide information that is sufficient to
ensure general conformity with the regulations and that can serve as a basis for the future consideration of a FDP.
Information submitted should be sufficiently detailed to enable the ARB to understand the existing site and the PDP for the
proposed development, and to evaluate consistency with the review criteria in division (G)(4). The applicant shall submit an
application and supplemental materials as outlined in division (P)(1) and determined by the Director.
(4) Review criteria. The ARB shall make its decision on an application for a PDP based on each of the following criteria:
(a) The PDP shall be consistent with the approved CP, the record established by the required reviewing body, the
associated staff report, and the Director’s recommendation;
(b) The development is consistent with the Community Plan, the Historic Zoning Districts requirements, applicable
Zoning Code requirements, other adopted city plans, and related policies;
(c) The PDP is consistent with the Historic Design Guidelines;
(d) The proposed land uses align with all applicable requirements and use specific standards of §153.172 Uses;
(e) The proposed PDP is consistent with surrounding historic context, character, and scale of the immediately
surrounding area and the district as a whole;
(f) The proposed buildings improvements are appropriately sited and scaled to create a cohesive development
character that complements the surrounding environment, and conforms to the requirements of §§ 153.173 and 153.174,
and the Historic Design Guidelines;
(g) The proposed lots conform to the requirements of §153.173;
(h) The proposed street types conform to the requirements and standards;
(i) The proposed design of the internal circulation system, driveways, and any connections to the public realm provide
for safe and efficient access for pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles, and emergency services;
(j) The proposed design of buildings improvements conforms to the Zoning Code and is consistent with the
Historic Design Guidelines, while integrating with nearby development;
(k) The proposed open spaces are appropriately sited and designed to conserve or enhance natural features as
appropriate, enhance the community both within and outside the proposed development;
(l) The scale and design of the proposed development allows for the adequate provision of services currently
furnished by or that may be required by the city or other public agency including, but not limited to, fire and police protection,
public water and sanitary sewage services, recreational activities, traffic control, waste management, and administrative
services;
(m) The proposed development provides adequate stormwater management systems and facilities that comply with
the applicable regulations of this code and any other applicable design criteria or regulations as adopted by the city or
required by other government entities;
(n) The proposed development can be adequately serviced by existing and/or planned public or private infrastructure
consistent with the city's most recently adopted capital improvements program;
(o) If the development is to be implemented in phases, each phase has adequate infrastructure to serve the
development independently without the need for further phased improvements;
(p) The proposed development demonstrates consistency with the recommendations, principles, and intent of all
applicable design standards and guidelines, including but not limited to buildings resources, open spaces, and
streetscapes; and
(q) The applicant or applicant’s representative has demonstrated that it has technical expertise and experience with
appropriate construction methods consistent with sound historic preservation practices.
(H) Final development plan.
(1) Purpose and applicability.
(a) The purpose of the final development plan (FDP) is to confirm compliance with the PDP, all applicable
requirements of the Code, Community Plan, Historic Design Guidelines, and other adopted plans, policies, and regulations,
and the review criteria.
(b) The FDP allows the ARB to ensure that the proposed development is compliant with the following:
1. That the street network provides a coherent and rational development pattern, and provide for walkable
urbanism;
2. That the proposed building are appropriate to the location and neighborhood, including assuring that the
dimensions of a parcel meet the lot size requirements for the applicable zoning district;
3. That the architecture, building materials and colors, landscaping and buffering, and site layout create a
functional, aesthetically appealing urban place;
4. That planned open spaces and building are integrated in order to complement each other;
5. That the proposed development is consistent with the general development requirements of the city with respect
to such elements as infrastructure, transportation, and environmental considerations; and
6. That the proposed development will contribute to the creation of signature places in the city.
(c) The FDP is intended to verify the proposed development, or phases of development, is in compliance with all
applicable code requirements, and is consistent with the PDP.
(d) All development within Historic Dublin and designated outlying properties resources shall require an approved FDP
prior to applying for site disturbance approval, CZPA, and/or building permits. In addition, the following development activities
shall also require an approved FDP:
1. When a project involves the design or construction of new streets, or a proposed realignment or relocation of any
street that is required or permitted by the city;
2. When a project requires land subdivision in accordance with Chapter 152; or
3. When a project does not meet the criteria for a Minor Project (MP).
(e) Applications for a FDP shall be reviewed by the ARB, whose approval shall be binding and shall serve as the
regulatory and administrative document for zoning compliance.
(2) Review procedures.
(a) An application for a FDP shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of divisions (H)(4) and (P)(1) of this
section.
(b) The PDP may be combined with the FDP at the request of the applicant, by motion of the ARB at the time of CP
review and approval, or recommended by the Director.
(c) The ARB shall be the required reviewing body for the FDP within the Historic Zoning Districts, and other
designated outlying properties resources.
(d) The Director shall make a recommendation to the ARB for approval, approval with conditions, or denial of the final
development plan application under the criteria of division (H)(4) of this section.
(e) The ARB shall review the FDP application and the recommendation of the Director and render its decision based
on the criteria of division (H)(4) of this section for approval, approval with conditions, or denial. A written record of the
Board’s decision shall be provided.
(3) Submittal requirements. It is the intent of these regulations that a FDP shall provide final project information that is
sufficient to ensure general conformity to an approved PDP. In cases where the applicant has been authorized to submit a
combined PDP and FDP, then the submittal shall incorporate the required information for the PDP and as required below.
Information should be sufficiently detailed to enable the ARB to understand the existing site and the FDP for the proposed
project or a portion thereof, and to evaluate consistency with the review criteria in division (H)(4). The applicant shall submit
an application and supplemental materials as outlined in division (P)(1) and determined by the Director.
(4) Review criteria. The ARB shall make its decision on an application for a FDP based on each of the following criteria:
(a) The FDP shall be substantially similar to the approved PDP, and consistent with the record established by the
required reviewing body, the associated Staff Report, and the Director’s recommendation;
(b) The proposed development is consistent with the Community Plan, other adopted city plans, and citywide
administrative and financial policies;
(c) The proposed development is consistent with the Historic Design Guidelines;
(d) The proposed FDP is consistent with surrounding historic context, character, and scale of the immediately
surrounding area and the district as a whole;
(e) The proposed land uses conform to all applicable requirements and use specific standards of § 153.172 Uses;
(f) The proposed buildings improvements are appropriately sited and conform to the requirements of §153.173 Site
Development Standards and the Historic Design Guidelines;
(g) The proposed street layout and lots conform to the requirements;
(h) The proposed design of the internal circulation system, driveways, and any connections to the public realm
provide for safe and efficient access for pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles, and emergency services;
(i) The proposed design, architecture, and materials of buildings is consistent with the Historic Design Guidelines,
while integrating with nearby development, and avoids overshadowing of existing historic structures resources and
landmarks;
(j) The proposed site design, landscaping, screening, and buffering is consistent with the §153.173 and § 153.174,
and the Historic Design Guidelines;
(k) The proposed open spaces are appropriately sited and designed to conserve or enhance natural features as
appropriate, enhance the community, benefit the community both within and outside the proposed development;
(l) The scale and design of the proposed development allows for the adequate provision of services currently
furnished by or that may be required by the city or other public agency including, but not limited to, fire and police protection,
public water and sanitary sewage services, recreational activities, traffic control, waste management, and administrative
services;
(m) The proposed development provides adequate stormwater management systems and facilities that comply with
the applicable regulations of this code and any other applicable design criteria or regulations as adopted by the city or
required by other government entities;
(n) The proposed development can be adequately serviced by existing and/or planned public or private infrastructure
consistent with the city's most recently adopted capital improvements program;
(o) If the development is proposed to be implemented in phases, each phase has adequate infrastructure to serve the
development independently without the need for further phased improvements;
(p) The proposed development demonstrates consistency with the recommendations, principles, and intent of all
applicable design standards and guidelines, including but not limited to buildings resources, open spaces, and
streetscapes; and
(q) The applicant or applicant’s representative has demonstrated that it has technical expertise and experience with
appropriate construction methods consistent with sound historic preservation practices.
(I) Minor project.
(1) Purpose and applicability. The purpose of the minor project (MP) is to provide an efficient review process for smaller
projects that do not have significant community effects.
(2) Minor projects defined. The following projects shall be considered eligible for review and approval as an MP:
(a) Individual single-family detached dwelling units, including new construction, additions, alterations, and exterior
modifications.
(b) Development of mixed use and nonresidential principal structures of 3,000 square feet or less gross floor area
and associated site development requirements.
(c) Additions to principal structures that increase the gross floor area by not more than 25%, or not more than 1,500
square feet gross floor area, whichever is less, existing as of the effective date of this amendment, or when first constructed,
and associated site development requirements.
(d) Exterior modifications to principal structures, except as outlined in the Administrative Approval §153.176(N).
(e) Signs, landscaping, parking, and other site related improvements that do not involve construction of a new
principal building.
(f) Accessory structures and uses.
(g) Parking plans when not associated with a PDP or a FDP.
(3) Review procedure.
(a) An application for a minor project MP shall be made in accordance with the provisions of divisions (I)(5) and (P)(1)
of this section.
(b) The ARB shall be the required reviewing body for the MP.
(c) The Director shall make a recommendation to the ARB for approval, approval with conditions, or denial of the MP
under the criteria of division (I)(5).
(d) The ARB shall review the MP application and the Director’s recommendation, and render its decision based on
the criteria of (I)(5) of this section for approval, approval with conditions, or denial. A written record of the ARB’s decision
shall be provided.
(e) If the application is not approved by the ARB, the applicant shall be given the opportunity to revise the application
in response to the ARB comments and resubmit for reconsideration.
(f) Decisions of the ARB are appealable to the BZA.
(4) Submittal requirements. It is the intent of these regulations that an application for a MP provides sufficient
information to ensure general conformity to the applicable provisions of this code. The information should be sufficiently
detailed to enable the required reviewing body to understand the existing site and the MP request for the proposed project or
a portion thereof. An archeological assessment should be included. The applicant shall submit an application and
supplemental materials as outlined in division (P)(1) and determined by the Director.
(5) Review criteria. The Architectural Review Board (ARB) shall make its decision on an application for a MP based on
each of the following criteria and the recommendation of the Director:
(a) The MP shall be consistent with the Community Plan, applicable Zoning Code requirements, Historic Design
Guidelines, and adopted plans, policies, and regulations;
(b) In cases where a MP is proposed within or as part of an approved PDP or FDP, the MP shall be consistent with
such approved PDP or FDP;
(c) The MP shall be consistent with the record established by the required reviewing body, the associated staff report,
and the Director’s recommendation;
(d) The proposed land uses meet all applicable requirements and use specific standards of §153.172 Uses;
(e) The proposed development is consistent with the Historic Design Guidelines;
(f) The proposed MP is consistent with surrounding historic context, character, and scale of the immediately
surrounding area and the district as a whole;
(g) The proposed buildings are appropriately sited and conform to the requirements of §153.173 Site Development
Standards and the Historic Design Guidelines; and
(h) The proposed site improvements, landscaping, screening, signs, and buffering shall meet all applicable
requirements of the code and respond to the standards of the Historic Design Guidelines.
(J) Demolition.
(1) Purpose and applicability.
(a) The intent of a demolition is to provide an efficient process to
demolish a structure resource within Historic Dublin or Appendix G a designated
outlying property.
(2) Demolition defined. The following projects shall be considered eligible for review and approval as a demolition:
(a) If the property resource that is to be demolished is categorized as a contributing landmark building resource
per a determination using the City of Dublin Historical and Cultural Assessment of the ARB using the Dublin 2023 Historic
District Map as shown in the Historic District Guidelines and all Appendix G properties, the property owner or applicant shall
demonstrate by credible evidence that the property owner will suffer economic hardship if the request to demolish is not
granted. In determining whether the property owner has demonstrated economic hardship the Board shall consider the
factors established in § 153.176(J)(5)(a).
(b) If the property that is to be demolished is categorized as a non-contributing background building resource per a
determination of the ARB using the City of Dublin Historical and Cultural Assessment of the ARB using the Dublin 2023
Historic District Map as shown in the Historic District Guidelines, the property owner or applicant shall demonstrate one of
the criteria outlined in § 153.173(J)(5)(b) is met.
(c) If a property owner believes that a property designated as a contributing landmark property resource by the ARB
is in fact non- contributing background, it they may present evidence to the ARB to that effect. Such a determination will
be considered a waiver under § 153.176(L) and shall be subject to the waiver procedures. The ARB will be guided in its
determination by the National Register of Historic Places criteria, including the National Register Bulletin 15 “How to
Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation”.
(3) Review procedures.
(a) An application for a demolition shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the divisions (J)(5) and (P)(1) of
this section.
(b) The ARB shall be the required reviewing body for applications for a demolition within Historic Dublin and for any
Appendix G designated outlying properties resources.
(c) The ARB shall review the request after receiving a complete application and make a decision to approve, approve
with conditions, or deny, a demolition application under the criteria of division (J)(5) of this section. A written record of the
Board’s decision shall be provided.
(d) The ARB may impose a waiting period not to exceed one year. During this period the ARB and the applicant
shall make every reasonable effort to find an alternative to demolition. During this period, the owner of the structure shall
maintain and preserve the structure to prevent further deterioration. If the Board and the applicant do not agree on a
means of preserving the structure within the specified waiting period, the application for demolition may be approved or
denied.
(e) A request for demolition may be transferred with the sale of the property. A new owner shall not be required to
re- apply. However, the requirements of this section shall continue to apply to any new owner(s).
(f) A contributing property landmark resource shall not be demolished until a replacement structure has been
approved by the ARB and until all necessary building permits for the replacement structure are granted.
(g) A background resource shall not be demolished until a site restoration plan has been approved by staff and an
anticipated timeline for construction has been presented to staff. Site restoration shall include erosion control
measures, site stabilization, and safety and security measures at a minimum, as determined by staff. Site
vacancy in excess of one year may require additional site improvements, to be determined by staff.
(h) The applicant or owner shall provide documentation of identified cultural resources as part of the assessment
outlined in § 153.174J(4) prior to demolition. Documentation shall be provided to Dublin Planning staff and may
include photo or video evidence.
(4) Submittal requirements. It is the intent of these regulations that a demolition shall provide adequate information
to justify the request to remove a structure. The information should be sufficiently detailed to enable the required
reviewing body to understand the existing site and the MP request for the proposed project or a portion thereof. An
assessment of cultural resources is required to be submitted with the application and supplemental materials as outlined
in division (P)(1) and determined by the Director.
(5) Review criteria. The Architectural Review Board (ARB) shall make its decision on an application for a
demolition based on each of the following criteria and the recommendation of the Director:
(a) If the property resource that is to be demolished is categorized as a contributing landmark building resource, per
the City of Dublin Historical and Cultural Assessment the applicant shall demonstrate by credible evidence that the
property owner will suffer economic hardship if the request to demolish is not granted. In determining whether the property
owner has demonstrated economic hardship the Board shall consider the following factors:
1. Will all economically viable use of the property be deprived without approval of the demolition.
2. Will the reasonable investment-backed expectations of the property owner be maintained without approval of
the demolition.
3. Was the economic hardship created or exacerbated by the property owner.
4. In evaluating the factors established in divisions (J)(5)(a)1. through (J)(5)(a)3. above, the ARB may consider any
or all of the following:
a. A property’s current level of economic return.
b. Any listing of the subject property for sale or rent, price asked, and offers received, if any, within the
previous two years, including testimony and relevant documents.
c. The feasibility of alternative uses for the property that could earn a reasonable economic return.
d. Any evidence of self-created hardship through deliberate neglect or inadequate maintenance of the property
resource.
e. Knowledge of landmark designation or potential designation at time of acquisition.
f. Economic incentives and/or funding available to the applicant through federal, state, city, or private programs.
(b) If the property resource that is to be demolished is categorized as a non-contributing background building
resource per the City of Dublin Historical and Cultural Assessment the property owner shall demonstrate one of the
following criteria are met.
1. By credible evidence the property owner will suffer economic hardship if the request to demolish is not granted.
In determining whether the property owner has demonstrated economic hardship the Board shall consider the factors
established in § 153.176(J)(5)(a).
2. The structure resource contains no features or architectural, historic, or archeological significance to the
character of the area in which it is located.
3. The location of the structure resource impedes the orderly development of the District, substantially interferes
with the purposes of the District, or detracts from the historical character of its immediate vicinity; or, the proposed
construction to replace the demolished structure resource significantly improves the overall quality of the Architectural
Review District without diminishing the historic value of the vicinity or the District.
(K) Administrative departures.
(1) Purpose and applicability.
(a) The intent of the administrative departure (AD) is to provide an efficient process to allow minor deviations from
the strict application of the code requirements caused by unusual site or development conditions or conditions unique to a
particular use or other similar conditions that require reasonable adjustments, but remain consistent with the intent of this
chapter.
(b) The AD shall not convey special rights or other approvals that would not otherwise result from a decision under
this code.
(2) Administrative departure defined. An AD shall be limited to any modification of no greater than 10% to a numeric
zoning standard related to building dimensions, lot dimensions or coverage, open space, landscaping, parking, fencing,
walls, screening, or exterior lighting.
(3) Review procedure.
(a) An application for an AD shall be made in accordance with the provisions of divisions (K)(5) and (P)(1) of this
section.
(b) The ARB shall be the required reviewing body for administrative departures.
(c) A request for an AD may be submitted with an application for a PDP, FD, MP, or at any other time as may be
necessary.
(d) A request for an AD may be processed simultaneously with a PDP, FDP, or MP to which it relates.
(e) The Director shall make a recommendation to the ARB for approval, approval with conditions, or denial of the AD
under the criteria of division (K)(5).
(f) The ARB shall determine whether each requested AD is approved, approved with conditions, or denied. A written
record of the ARB’s decision will be provided.
(g) Should the ARB find that the request does not meet the criteria for an AD, the applicant may request a waiver
under the provisions of division (I) of this section or submit a new application for a FDP or MP, as applicable.
(4) Submittal requirements. It is the intent of these regulations that an application for an AD provides sufficient
information to evaluate whether the request should be granted under divisions (K)(2) and (K)(5). The information should be
sufficiently detailed to enable the required reviewing body to understand the existing site, proposed AD, and the related
PDP, FDP or MP for the proposed project or a portion thereof. The applicant shall submit an application and supplemental
materials as outlined in division (P)(1) and determined by the Director.
(5) Review criteria. The ARB shall make its decision on the requested AD based on the following criteria:
(a) The need for the AD is caused by unique site conditions, conditions on surrounding properties resources, and/or
otherwise complies with the spirit and intent of the Community Plan, Historic Design Guidelines, other adopted city plans
and policies, and all applicable requirements within §§ 153.170 through 153.178;
(b) The AD is not being requested simply to reduce cost or as a matter of general convenience;
(c) The AD does not have the effect of authorizing any use, sign, building type, or open space type that is not
otherwise permitted in the applicable zoning district;
(d) The AD, if approved, does not adversely impact the pedestrian experience; and
(e) The AD, if approved, will ensure that the development is of equal or greater development quality with respect to
design, material, and other development features than without the AD.
(L) Waivers.
(1) Purpose and applicability. Under the provisions of this section, waivers are a process to allow deviations from
specific code requirements that may only be granted by the ARB.
(2) Waivers defined. The following shall be considered eligible for review and approval as an waiver:
(a) A deviation from a requirement of §§153.172(C) through 153.174, which do not otherwise qualify for an AD under
the provisions of division (K) of this section; or
(b) A request for determination of a contributing landmark versus non-contributing background structure resource.
(3) Review procedure.
(a) An application for a waiver shall be made in accordance with the provisions of divisions (L)(4) and (P)(1) of this
section.
(b) The ARB shall be the required reviewing body for waivers. In cases where a waiver is submitted with a Minor
Project (MP), the ARB shall be the required reviewing body for both the waiver and the MP.
(c) The waiver may be submitted with any application for a PDP or FDP.
(d) The Director shall make a recommendation to the ARB for approval, approval with conditions, or denial of the
waiver under the criteria of division (L)(5). Additional waivers determined by the Director during his/her review, may be
included for review by the ARB.
(e) The ARB shall review the requested waiver using the criteria of division (L)(5) of this section. Should other
waivers be necessary to resolve conflicts with other requirements of this chapter resulting from the requested waiver, those
waivers shall also be reviewed by ARB.
(f) The ARB shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the waiver request. A written record of the ARB decision
will be provided.
(4) Submittal requirements. It is the intent of these regulations that an application for a waiver provides sufficient
information to evaluate whether the waiver should be granted under divisions (L)(3) and (L)(5). The information should be
sufficiently detailed to enable the ARB to understand the existing site, proposed PDP, FDP, or MP, and the related waiver
request for the proposed project or a portion thereof. The applicant shall submit an application and supplemental materials
as outlined (P)(1) and determined by the Director.
(5) Review criteria. The ARB shall make its decision on an application for a proposed waiver based on all of the
following criteria:
(a) The need for the waiver is caused by unique site conditions, the use of or conditions on the property or
surrounding properties resources, or other circumstance outside the control of the owner/lessee, including easements and
rights-of- way;
(b) The waiver, if approved, will not negatively impact the historic context of the immediately surrounding area or the
district as a whole;
(c) The waiver, if approved, will generally meet the spirit and intent of the Community Plan, Historic Design
Guidelines, other adopted city plans and policies, and all applicable requirements in §§ 153.170 through
153.178;
(d) The waiver is not being requested solely to reduce cost or as a matter of general convenience;
(e) The waiver, if approved, will ensure that the development is of equal or greater development quality with respect
to design, material, and other similar development features than without the waiver;
(f) The requested waiver is better addressed through the waiver rather than an amendment to the requirements of
this chapter; and
(g) The waiver does not have the effect of authorizing any use that is not otherwise permitted in the applicable zoning
district.
(h) In the event of waivers from numeric or dimensional standards, the waiver does not exceed 20%.
(i) In the event of waivers from determinations of contributing landmark or noncontributing background status, the
provisions in §153.176(J)(2)(c) shall also apply.
(M) Master sign plan.
(1) Purpose and applicability.
(a) The purpose of the master sign plan (MSP) is to define the scope, character, and aesthetic quality of signs and
sign regulations for an individual tenant, multi-tenant building, or multi-building development; while allowing an
additional degree of flexibility and creativity in sign design and display.
(b) The MSP review is intended to confirm the proposed sign design or comprehensive sign plan is consistent with
the development context, architectural character, and the Historic Design Guidelines. MSPs are not intended to
permit larger or more visible signs, and are not intended to permit a greater number of signs without consideration
of the Historic Design Guidelines.
(c) The MSP allows the ARB the means to evaluate the proposal for its consistency with §§153.170 through 153.178,
the Community Plan, Historic Design Guidelines, and other adopted city plans, and the review criteria, and to
consider the proposal within the context of existing and planned development within the vicinity of the project
boundary.
(2) Review procedure.
(a) An application for a MSP shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of divisions (M)(3) and
(P)(1) of this chapter.
(b) The ARB shall be the required reviewing body for MSPs in Historic Dublin.
(c) The Director shall make a recommendation to the ARB for approval, approval with conditions, or
denial of the MSP application under the criteria of division (M)(4) of this section. The Director’s recommendation
shall be provided prior to the respective public hearing.
(d) The ARB shall review the MSP application and the recommendation of the Director, and render its
decision based on the criteria of division (M)(4) for approval, approval with conditions, or denial. A written record
of the Board’s decision shall be provided.
(e) The applicant may request additional review meetings with the ARB.
(3) Submittal requirements. It is the intent of these regulations that the MSP shall indicate general information, sign
design standards, and the area of applicability. Information submitted should be comprehensive enough to enable the ARB
to understand the existing site and design concept for the proposed MSP. The applicant shall submit an application and
supplemental materials as outlined in division (N)(1) and determined by the Director.
(4) Review criteria. The ARB shall render its feedback on an application for a MSP based on each of the following
criteria and the recommendation of the Director.
(a) The MSP is consistent with the Community Plan, Historic Design Guidelines, and other adopted city plans and
policies;
(b) The proposed signs are appropriately sited and scaled to create a cohesive character that complements the
surrounding environment and meets the intent of the architectural requirements of § 153.174 Design Standards and the
Historic Design Guidelines; and
(c) The proposed signs are not in conflict with public streets, open spaces, utilities, or rights-of-
way, and do not impede the continued provision of services required by the city or other public agency.
(N) Administrative approval.
(1) Purpose and applicability.
(a) The Director may authorize an Administrative Approval (AA) to an approved FDP or MP that is
required to correct any undetected errors or omissions, address conditions discovered during the permitting
process or construction, or that is necessary to ensure orderly and efficient development.
(b) Any approved AA must be consistent with the intent of the related approved FDP or MP.
(c) The Director may also authorize an AA to existing structures and associated site improvements that
are necessary to complete ordinary maintenance, refurbishment or Zoning Code compliance.
(2) Administrative approval defined. The following are considered AA’s:
(a) Adjustments to lot lines;
(b) Adjustments to the location and layout of parking lots;
(c) Adjustments of up to 10% in total building floor area or floor plan;
(d) Adjustments to building height up to 10% for no more than 10% of the floorplate of the highest
occupied floor when necessary to accommodate building equipment or features required to comply with
building code;
(e) Substitution of landscaping materials specified in the landscape plan;
(f) Redesigning and/or relocating stormwater management facilities;
(g) Relocating fencing, walls or screening (not including screening walls);
(h) Modifications to sign location, sign face, landscaping and lighting;
(i) Changes in building material;
(j) Changes in building color, in compliance with the approved Historic Paint Color palette;
(k) Changes required by outside agencies such as the county, state, or federal departments; and/or
(l) Other modifications deemed appropriate by the Director that do not alter the basic design or any
specific conditions imposed as part of the original approval.
(3) Review procedure.
(a) An application for an AA shall be made in accordance with the provisions of divisions (N)(4) and
(P)(1) of this section.
(b) The Director shall be the required reviewing body for applications for an AA.
(c) The Director shall review the request after receiving a complete application and make a decision to approve,
approve with conditions, or deny an AA application under the criteria of division (N)(5) of this section. The Director’s decision
shall be provided to the applicant in writing.
(d) The Director may forward any AA application to the ARB for consideration. In making such a determination, the
Director shall conclude that the application raises complex issues, including that the proposal is of such magnitude that it
has a detrimental effect on the approved development or there are neighborhood or community wide effects that may result
if the proposal is approved, that would benefit from a public review and decision by the ARB.
(e) If denied, or approved with conditions, the applicant shall be given the opportunity to revise the request in
response to the Director's comments and resubmit for further consideration.
(f) Requests not meeting the requirements for an AA shall require the filing and approval of a new
application for a FDP, MP or other application as applicable, in accordance with this section.
(g) Decisions may be appealed to ARB.
(4) Submittal requirements. It is the intent of these regulations that an application for an AA provides sufficient
information to ensure general conformity to the applicable provisions of this code and the approved FDP or MP, and to
evaluate whether the AA should be granted under division (N)(2) and (N)(5). The information should be sufficiently detailed
to enable the Director to understand the existing site and the AA request for the proposed project or a portion thereof. The
applicant shall submit an application and supplemental materials as outlined (P)(1) and determined by the Director.
(5) Review criteria. The Director shall make his or her decision on an application for a proposed AA based on all of the
following criteria:
(a) Adjustments to lot lines do not create additional lots, required setbacks and/or RBZs are maintained, and the
boundaries to any approved PDP, FDP, or MP are not altered;
(b) Adjustments to the location and layout of parking lots maintain the perimeter setbacks, yards, buffers, and
required parking;
(c) Adjustments for buildings do not alter the character or the use of the originally approved building, building
height(s), or floor plans except as provided for in division (K)(2);
(d) Substitution of landscaping materials shall be of an equal or greater size and quality as the approved materials;
(e) Redesigned and/or relocated stormwater management facilities shall maintain the approved general character of
said facilities and the approved stormwater capacities;
(f) Relocating fencing, walls, or screening (not including screening walls) shall maintain the same level and quality of
materials and screening;
(g) Modifications to sign location, sign face, and related landscaping and lighting, shall maintain the approved general
sign design, number of signs, and dimensional requirements;
(h) Changes in building material shall be similar to and have the same general appearance comparable to previously
approved material; such changes shall be of equal or higher quality than the previously approved material;
(i) Changes in color shall be complementary to the architectural design and character of the building;
(j) The modification is not being requested solely to reduce cost or as a matter of general convenience; and
(k) The requested modification would be better addressed through the modification rather than an amendment to the
requirements of this chapter or to the approved FDP or MP.
(O) Other applicable approvals.
(1) Conditional uses. The conditional use approval procedures in §153.236 shall apply in the Historic Zoning Districts.
The PZC is the required reviewing body for Conditional Use applications.
(2) Zoning map or text amendment. The amendment procedures of § 153.234 shall apply in the Historic Zoning
Districts. In addition, a recommendation from the Director shall be submitted for consideration by the PZC and City Council.
(3) Preliminary and final plats. Reviews of preliminary and final plats shall be governed by Chapter 152 of the Dublin
Code of Ordinances.
(4) Special permit. The special permit procedures in § 153.231(G) shall apply in the Historic
(5) Zoning variance. The zoning variance procedures in §153.231(H) shall apply in the Historic Zoning Districts. In
addition, a recommendation from the Director shall be submitted for consideration by the Board of Zoning Appeals, and for
City Council in the instance of a use variance.
(6) Public tree permit. The tree permit requirements of § 153.134(G) shall apply in the Historic Zoning Districts.
(P) General provisions.
(1) Applications.
(a) Each application required by this section shall be made in writing on a form provided by the city and shall be
accompanied by the fee as established by City Council.
(b) Applications shall include all information required by the city, unless deemed unnecessary by the Director based
on the nature and scale of the proposed development. No application shall be accepted and processed by the city until it is
deemed complete by the Director. If found to be incomplete, the Director shall inform the applicant of any additional
materials required to certify that the application is complete.
(c) After acceptance of a complete application, the Director and/or required reviewing body may request additional
materials if deemed necessary to evaluate the proposal.
(d) No application for a FDP that has been denied by the ARB shall be resubmitted for a period of one year from the
date of the decision, unless permitted by the Director after a demonstration by the applicant of a change of circumstances
from the previous application that may reasonably result in a different decision.
(e) The Director may approve the simultaneous review of applications required by this subchapter and/or a
subdivision plat required by the code, if the Director determines that simultaneous review will not adversely impact the
achievement of the purpose and intent of this subchapter. The provisions of § 153.176(G) and (H) govern relative to the
filing of a combined PDP and FDP.
(f) Where public reviews are required by this subchapter, a written notice of the public meeting shall be sent, not less
than ten days prior to the meeting, to the applicant, property owner, and owners of parcels of land within 300 feet of the
subject parcel(s), as listed on the County Auditor's current tax list. The notice shall, at a minimum, indicate the property that
is the subject of the request, describe the nature of the request, the time, date and location of the meeting at which the
application will be considered, and indicate when and where written comments will be received concerning the request.
(2) Decisions.
(a) Any application required to be reviewed under this section shall be approved, approved with conditions, or denied
by the required reviewing body based on the applicable review criteria as provided in this section and other applicable
provisions of this chapter. The recommending body and required reviewing body shall state the reasons for their decisions in
the minutes and provide a written record of the decision.
(b) Prior to reaching a decision, if the required reviewing body determines that an application does not meet the
applicable review criteria as provided in this section and other applicable provisions of this chapter, but determines that the
application could meet those criteria with modifications that could not be reasonably conditioned, the applicant may request
that the decision on the application be postponed to provide the opportunity to make those modifications.
(c) The ARB shall apply the standards and guidelines within the context of a site to either grant waivers or place
conditions of approval that impose additional restrictions. In considering waivers or conditions that impose additional
restrictions, the ARB shall consider the historic context of the immediately surrounding area and the district as a whole.
(d) Following the approval of a FDP or MP, the applicant may proceed with the process for obtaining a certificate of
zoning plan approval (CZPA) and building permit (BP), consistent with the approval as granted. All construction and
development under any BP shall comply with the approved FDP and MP, and any other approval, as applicable.
(3) Certificate of zoning plan approval. A CZPA issued by the Director verifying compliance with all applicable zoning
requirements is required prior to modification, extension, or alteration of sites and structures, and/or change of use in the
Historic Zoning Districts.
(4) Code administration. The ARB may evaluate and monitor the application of the requirements and standards of §§
153.170 through 153.178 by the Director. The ARB may advise the Director as to whether it finds that the requirements or
standards (including requests for an AA) are being applied correctly, and recommend to City Council any changes needed
to better implement the Community Plan, Historic Design Guidelines, and other related policy and regulatory documents
adopted by the city.
(5) Duration of approvals.
(a) Because the review of an informal application is non-binding on the city and does not result in a decision by the
ARB, the comments made during the informal application review do not expire. However, if the applicant makes any material
change in the informal application following the review, the applicant should not assume that the previous informal review
comments remain applicable to the revised application.
(b) An approved CP shall be valid for a period of no more than one year. If an application has not been filed for a PDP
for at least a portion of the site within that one-year period, then the CP shall no longer be valid. A new CP application shall be
required in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
(c) An approved PDP shall be valid for a period of no more than two years. If a FDP application for at least a portion of
the site has not been filed within that two-year period, then the PDP shall no longer be valid. A new PDP application shall be
required in accordance with this chapter.
(d) An approved FDP shall be valid for a period of no more than two years. If a building permit and/or CZPA has not
been filed for at least a portion of the project within the two-year period, the FDP shall no longer be valid. A new FDP
application shall be required in accordance with this chapter.
(e) An approved MP shall be valid for a period of no more than two years. If a building permit and/or CZPA for at least
one portion of the site has not been filed within that two-year period, then the MP shall no longer be valid. A new MP
application shall be required in accordance with this chapter.
(f) Abandonment.
1. Once a final approval is granted by the required reviewing body, if the Director of Building Standards determines
that work has been abandoned for a continuous period of six months, the approval shall lapse and cease to be in effect.
2. The Director of Building Standards shall make the determination of abandonment based on the presence of one
or more of the following conditions:
a. Removal of construction equipment or supplies;
b. Expiration of an active building permit issued by the city;
c. Evidence of a failure to maintain the property resource, such as overgrown weeds, failure to secure
buildings, broken windows, or other evidence of lack of maintenance;
d. Other actions documented by the Director of Building Standards and/or Director evidencing an intent to
abandon the construction of the project.
3. Once the Director of Building Standards makes a determination of abandonment, if a new application is not
submitted within 90 days from the date of the determination, the owner shall restore the site to its previous condition, and/or
remove any structures or other evidence of work on the site, within 180 days from the date of the determination of
abandonment. If the owner fails to restore the site to its previous condition within 180 days, the city may take any and all
actions necessary to restore the site to its previous condition, including removing any structures or other evidence of work,
and the costs of removal shall be assessed against the property.
(Ord. 03-21, passed 2-22-21)
§ 153.177 PROCEDURES FOR HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION, EXPANDING THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
DISTRICT, AND ESTABLISHING LANDMARKS.
(A) Requests to establish or remove an area, property, or properties resource not included in a Historic Zoning District,
or Appendix G, or to designate an individual property or site as a landmark for protection, or to remove or otherwise change
a designation, may be initiated by the ARB or the owner of the proposed property. Upon initiation of the request by the
ARB, the owner shall be notified by the city by registered mail of the request. The notification shall include a request for the
owner’s written comments and written consent for designation.
(B) In the event the owner(s) written consent to the proposed designation for the property resource is not received, the
ARB shall schedule a public hearing on the proposed designation with notice as provided for ARB hearings. In addition, the
ARB shall cause the notice to be published in a newspaper of general circulation of the city.
(C) In considering the designation of any area, place, building, structure, or similar object in the city as a landmark,
preservation site, or for inclusion in a Historic Zoning District or Appendix G, the ARB shall consider the proposal in terms
of the following criteria prior to making a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission:
(1) In character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City of Dublin,
State of Ohio, or United States.
(2) Its location as a site of a significant historic event.
(3) Its identification with a person who is significantly contributed to the culture and development of the region.
(4) Its exemplification of the cultural, economic, social, or historic heritage of the region.
(5) Its portrayal of the environment of a group of people in an era of history characterized by a distinctive architectural
style.
(6) Its embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen, or the embodiment of
distinctive styling features, or an example of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building and/or outbuilding.
(7) Its identification as the work of an architect or master builder whose individual work has influenced the development
of the region.
(8) Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which represent a significant
architectural innovation.
(9) The effect of the designated area on the surrounding areas, and the projected development of the community.
(10) Its unique location or singular physical characteristic representing an established and familiar visual feature of a
neighborhood, the community, or the city.
(D) After review the ARB shall forward a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission which shall review the
proposal, the recommendation of the ARB, and the criteria of division (C) above and mark make a recommendation to City
Council concerning the proposed designation.
(E) The City Council shall consider the findings and recommendations of the ARB and the Planning and Zoning
Commission in making its determination with respect to the proposed designation of an area, property, or site a resource as
a landmark or preservation district.
(F) The city shall notify any owner or any person having a legal or equitable interest in the affected property
resource of the decision by Council. All affected city departments, boards, and commissions shall also be notified.
(G) A request for demolition may be transferred with the sale of the property. A new owner shall not be required to re-
apply. However, the requirements of this section shall continue to apply to any new owner(s).
(H) If the ARB considers an application for demolition or removal of a historically and architecturally significant structure
landmark resource within the District, the Board may impose a waiting period not to exceed one year. During this period the
HCPC and the applicant shall make every reasonable effort to find an alternative to demolition. During the waiting period
the owner of the structure resource shall maintain and preserve the structure resource to prevent further deterioration. If the
Board and the applicant do not agree on a means of preserving the structure resource within the specified waiting period,
the application for demolition may be approved or disapproved. The imposition of the waiting period is subject to appeal in
accordance with the provisions of § 153.231(F).
(Ord. 03-21, passed 2-22-21)
§ 153.178 MAINTENANCE.
(A) Intent. The This section is intended to ensure the owner of a structure or property resource within Historic Dublin
or Appendix G designated outlying structure or property provide sufficient and reasonable care, maintenance and
upkeep appropriate to ensure any building's resource’s upkeep and to prevent its destruction by deterioration.
(B) Any parking area, pedestrian way, landscaping, sign, or other site element shall also be properly maintained in a safe
and functional condition, and be maintained to ensure its historical value. This provision shall be in addition to all other
applicable code provisions.
(C) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prevent any ordinary maintenance or repair of an exterior architectural
feature or site resource now or hereafter located within Historic Dublin or Appendix G on a designated outlying property which
involves no change in material, design, arrangement, texture or color; nor shall anything in this chapter be construed to
prevent the construction, reconstruction, alteration, modification, or demolition of any feature resource which the Chief
Building Official shall certify, pursuant to appropriate provisions of the Codified Ordinances or state law regarding public
safety, as being an unsafe or dangerous condition.
(D) The Architectural Review Board may present evidence of a violation to the city for appropriate action.
(Ord. 03-21, passed 2-22-21)