Uhrichsville weighs proposal to eliminate downtown design standards
UHRICHSVILLE — The future of Uhrichsville’s downtown design standards is uncertain as city officials consider a proposal to eliminate the rules that govern the appearance of buildings in the historic district.
Councilman Bob Baker, who chairs the Downtown Development Standards Committee, has introduced legislation that would remove the guidelines from city code. The standards currently regulate acceptable building materials, colors, façade styles and other architectural elements.
Baker argues the city should not control cosmetic decisions for private businesses. He says the International Property Maintenance Code is sufficient to address structural or blight-related concerns.
Mayor Jim Zucal is pushing back against the proposal, saying design standards are common in historic downtowns across the country and help maintain a cohesive look. Uhrichsville’s guidelines were established to reinforce a “clay theme,” a reference to the city’s heritage as the former Clay Capital of the World.
The proposed legislation is expected to appear on the agenda for an upcoming City Council meeting.