University of Virginia Library

City Strengthens
Building Standards

By NEILL ALFORD III

Charlottesville City Council has passed
an ordinance requiring that all major
building projects in the city be approved
by the city planning department.

The ordinance, which was adopted in
July, authorized the planning department
to review site plans for large new
commercial buildings, apartment
and other large-scale developments "to ensure
that such activities are developed in the interest
of the general welfare."

The new law denies issuance of a building
permit to a developer if, in the opinion of the
planning department, the proposed site plan is
not harmonious with the surrounding area,
neglects the preservation of tree or historic
sites, creates traffic problems, or does not
provide sufficient open space.

Before passage of the ordinance, the city
placed fewer limitations on development of
property zoned for business use.

Commercial Complex

The present law, however, empowers the
planning department to regulate developments
such as the commercial complex which was
proposed last year to be built across Jefferson
Park Avenue behind Cabell Hall.

The planning department will use a guideline
for high-rise structures which sets a relationship
between the number of floors and the amount
of open space around the building, according to
Roger York, a spokesman for the department.

The developer may build a higher structure
on the site only if he leaves open a greater
surrounding land area, not including parking
facilities.

The ordinance provides that a site plan
submitted to the planning department include
the locations of all trees more than eight inches
across on the property at the time of planning.

The planning department hopes to ensure
that builders attempt to preserve the natural
environment of the site, according to Mr. York.
He said that the department will not prohibit
cutting of trees, but that if their locations are
mapped, there will be less chance of needless
and wasteful cutting.

Sidewalk Construction

Other proposals by the planning department
which have not yet been introduced to City
Council include plans for sidewalk construction
and the development of bicycle paths along city
streets.

Mr. York said that many major streets in the
city do not have sidewalks, particularly near
city schools. The planning department proposal
provides for money to be spent by the city,
without financial aid from residents of the
streets, to build sidewalks in these areas.

At present the city builds sidewalks at the
request of a resident along his property front.
The resident pays 50 percent of the cost.
Sidewalks thus predominate in upperclass outer
residential sections of the city rather than in
inner residential areas, where they may be
needed.

Bicycle Paths

The planning department has also drawn up
a preliminary proposal for bicycle paths to
accommodate growing bicycle traffic in the
city. The plan calls for the paths along major
city streets to provide safe and convenient
two-wheeled transportation.

According to the plan, the city would create
paths five to ten feet wide, preferably with a
gravel base. The paths would extend both
radially from the center of the city and also
between the radial paths.

Mr. York said that the planning department
hopes that growing enthusiasm for bicycles and
convenient paths on which to use them may
help reduce growing automobile traffic problems
in the city.