Code Piqua

The City of Piqua Development Department has published a complete draft of its Development Code update and a corresponding draft zoning map for public viewing. Development codes provide minimum standards for construction in the city and guide development toward the stated goals of the community’s plans. This code will help Piqua achieve greater walkability, downtown growth and revitalization, adaptive reuse opportunities, and greater design quality and beauty within the city.

The Development Code is divided into eight articles that encompass all topics currently found in the Code of Ordinances, Title XV: Land Usage, including subdivision standards, floodplain regulations, sign code, historic preservation, and zoning code standards.

ArticleDescription
General Provisions
Displays the legal requirements of the code.
Zoning DistrictsIntroduces a pallet of 26 districts, compared to the current code, which has 11 districts. These additional districts facilitate the context-sensitivity required to protect and enhance Piqua's neighborhoods and business districts. 
Use Standards
Provides clear standards for individual uses that may require additional consideration over and above the form-based characteristics of the zoning district. 
Development StandardsIllustrates additional site and building-specific design standards, installing landscaping, drive-thru and parking lot construction, permissible building materials and elements, permitted signage, and other site features. Fence installations will now require a permit, which will help the City and the homeowner communicate plans and expectations to prevent future issues with neighbors. 
Environmental Protection 
An introduction of a balanced approach to tree preservation ensures that tree canopy can be maintained for future generations and a minimum development buffer for riparian areas like streams and rivers to prevent erosion and promote the growth of native trees and plants.
Subdivision and StreetsDeveloping greenfield lands into completed places with functioning roads, buildings, and infrastructure begins with planning the layout of lots, future right-of-ways, and the locations of other necessary infrastructure. Standards within this article ensure the long-term viability of the decisions made in the early stages of development and serve to protect the interests of the future users and owners of the site, as well as affected neighbors. 
Administration 
Outlines the administration of the code.
DefinitionsProvides a single glossary of terms for easy navigation. 
Adoption Timeline
March 14, 2023Planning Commission Hearing
March 21, 2023City Commission Ordinance 1st Reading
April 4, 2023City Commission 2nd Reading
April 18, 2023City Commission 3rd Reading & Adoption
May 18, 2023Code Piqua goes into effect. Applicants may submit permit applications for Code Piqua April 19, 2023, and permit issuance on May 18, 2023.