JANUARY 2018
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP LAND CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION TOOL KIT FOR LAND CONSERVATION
INTRODUCTION
MISSION
To preserve the rural character and natural beauty of Jefferson Township, Franklin County, Ohio.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thank you to those who were affiliated with the creation of this document. Jefferson Township Land Conservation Association Members Working Group Steve Wittmann Sally Crane Cox John Albers Linda Mosbacher Mike Rowan Jefferson Township Board of Trustees and staff Planning Consultant team MKSK Chris Hermann, AICP Arin Blair, AICP Chris Will Brittany Harris Sarah Lilly A Special Thank You to those who supported the production of this document
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Jane and Stan Ackley
Linda Mosbacher
Liz and John Albers
Simona and Mike Rowan
Brett & Cecily Alexander
Teckie and Don Shackleford
Carroll & Joe Bowman
Jeri Block & Robert H.
Ann and Don Casto
Schottenstein
Cary Cox & Sally Crane Cox
Tom Szykowny and Susan
Jack Davis and Vivian Witkind
Dutton
Davis
Ellen L. Tripp
Donald G. Dunn
Liz & Webb Vorys
Kristin Kirk Foley
Will and Mary Vorys
Sandy and Bill Heifner
Lisa M. Westwater
Sandra and Gil Kirk
Rod Willcox
John S. and Catherine Chapin
Holly and Steve Wittmann
Kobacker
Stephanie and Ric Zimmerman
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE
CONTENTS
The purpose of this document is to analyze and diagram key defining elements of subdivision planning in Jefferson Township along its Scenic Byways. The following analysis and definitions may be useful to individuals or organizations working in Jefferson Township or affiliated with the Land Conservation Association, as well as landowners and developers considering projects in the township. The contents are in alignment with the Jefferson Township comprehensive plan update, in progress as of January 2018.
1. Jefferson Township defining features 2. Defining features tool kit
The document begins with a photo-array of defining physical elements of Jefferson Township and follows with descriptions and diagrams of key features.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP Jefferson Township is known for its rural character, quiet atmosphere, and abundance of open space. Historically, this character developed organically as a result of agricultural and large-lot land owners choosing to keep their land in multi-acre parcels, often up to 20 and 30 acre parcels. The character of the township has been protected, with success largely attributable to innovative planning practices employed in the 1990s, in anticipation of the threat of annexation posed by the growth of surrounding municipalities. In 1996, Township Trustees adopted a comprehensive plan to guide development with regulations to protect resources, open space, and to buffer between adjacent land uses, while allowing for a variety of compatible land uses. The Township remains dedicated to this type of planning, updating the comprehensive plan in 2018.
Jefferson Township Land Conservation Association
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DEFINING FEATURES
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP DEFINING FEATURES – THE DETAILS WE AIM TO PRESERVE AND ENHANCE
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DEFINING FEATURES
woodlands & wild places
water features
scenic views
bridle trails Jefferson Township Land Conservation Association
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DEFINING FEATURES
historic homes & barns
natural split rail fences
heavy wooden guardrails
scenic corridors 6
DEFINING FEATURES
neighborhood signage
carefully planned development
private drives
wildlife, fields & pasture Jefferson Township Land Conservation Association
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DEFINING FEATURES ANALYSIS
DEFINING FEATURES ANALYSIS Below are descriptions and diagrams of key defining features of Jefferson Township character. These are features that define the unique and distinctive character of the Township and create a common language for the built and natural environment. These defining features should be taken as best practices and referenced in discussions of land conservation, planning, zoning, growth, and development. Applying these best practices to future public and private development can allow development while also preserving the much-loved character of Jefferson Township.1
SCENIC BYWAYS
OPEN SPACE
SETBACK TO FENCE
ROADWAY
SETBACK TO FENCE
SETBACK
DEVELOPMENT
100’ – 150’
Figures 1 and 2 include a section of Clark State Road that is typical of the state-designated Scenic Byways in Jefferson Township.
500’+ intermittent vistas FIGURE 1
TREES AND/OR PLANTINGS SETBACK
20’ – 30’ to fence
FENCE
TRAVEL LANES 11’ -12’
11’ -12’
Figure 1 is an aerial view diagram. On the left side of the roadway, a 100 – 150 foot setback preserves the old growth trees and screens development from the roadway. On the right, an open space/ agricultural area provides a scenic vista along the corridor, framed by woods and tree rows, creating “green rooms.” Figure 2 is an eye-level diagram. Each side of the road maintains a 20 – 30 foot setback edged by a split-rail fence. A consistent line of mature trees and plantings frame the street and screen development. The trees are natural groupings, not planted in an orderly fashion.
20’ – 30’
FIGURE 2
FENCES
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 4
Figure 3 is an example of a natural split rail, rural horse fence aesthetic that is typical in Jefferson Township. Figure 4 shows an alternate type fence, still a dark wood finish, found in some new development in the Township. This style is similar to the split rail aesthetic. Both are appropriate to the township’s character.
1 Figures 5 – 8 and 19 – 34 are selected from the adopted 2003 Jefferson Township Scenic Byway Management Plan
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DEFINING FEATURES ANALYSIS MANAGEMENT PLAN
FENCE/SETBACK/ROAD RELATIONSHIP, ROAD STRUCTURES Fence line to remain clean to allow open vistas over fields to distant woodlands.
Figures 5 – 8 are from the 2003 Jefferson Township Scenic Byways Management Plan. These sections and viewsheds are recommended for the preservation and management of these statedesignated important corridors. The Scenic Byways Management plan was updated in 2015. The goals and from the 2015 Scenic Byways Management Plan Update align with these diagrams from 2003.
Existing vegetation that is in good condition to remain. Addition of ornamental tree and shrub groupings that allow views to the water.
Ornamental grasses in swales adjacent to pasture grasses and fence line.
Rustic guard rail (standard for area) and ornamental grasses to create buffer between road and pathway. Proposed bike path to connect neighborhoods to surrounding parks and woodlands.
paved roadway
KEY FEATURES
road right-of-way
MANAGEMENT PLAN MANAGEMENT PLAN Proposed cross-section of open roadway condition to preserve views, FIGURE including optional 5 pathway. fence
open to fence
swale
pathway
guardrail
planted buffer
Preserve existing trees and natural landscape
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Fence line to remain clean to allow open vistas over fields to distant woodlands.
Existing vegetation that is in good condition to remain.
»» »» »»
Existing swales to be planted
Addition of ornamental tree and shrub groupings that allow views to the water.
Ornamental grasses in swales adjacent to pasture grasses and fence line.
wood edge to remain Figure 5: OpenExisting roadway with the addition of ornamental
Existing wood edge to remain with the addition of ornamental trees and shrubs.
with ornamental grasses.
trees and shrubs.
Setbacks open to fence line Existing swales to be planted with ornamental grasses. Planted buffer Optional pedestrian pathway
Figure 6: Wood-edged roadway
Rustic guard rail (standard for area) and ornamental grasses to create buffer between road and pathway.
Vegetation along fence line to be removed, except large established trees.
Preserve existing wood edge Minimal planting along fence Can enhance with Dogwood, Fence to be standard of area to RedBud along tree edge create unity. »» »» »»
Proposed bike path to connect Rustic timber guard rail and ornamental Vegetation along fence line grasses neighborhoods toexcept surrounding create a buffer path, while maintaining tofrom be removed, large parks and woodlands. trees. open views to established lake and neighborhood.
Ornamental plantings to accent existing trees, while maintaining clear views to adjacent fields.
Ornamental plantings to accent existing trees, while maintaining clear views to adjacent fields.
Figure 7: Preserved view
Fence to be standard of area to create unity.
»»
Rustic timber guard rail
paved roadway
ce
open to fence
fence/meadow
road right-of-way
swale
guardrail
pathway
minimal planting along plantedfence buffer
swale
Figure 8: Preserved viewplanting in swale additional
paved roadway
wood edge
»» Rustic wood split rail fence cross-section of open roadway condition minimal to preserve views, including optional pathway. Proposed cross-section of wooded roadway condition to preserve tree rows and canopy. swale swale paved roadway additional planting in fence/meadow planting »» Swale planted with low wood edge along fence Preserved view example, including guard rail and pathway.
ornamental grasses
FIGURE 6
Proposed cross-section of wooded roadway condition to preserve tree rows and canopy. 33
Rustic wooden fence to be standard for area.
Rustic timber guard rail and ornamental grasses create a buffer from path, while maintaining open views to lake and neighborhood.
Fence line to be maintained clean, except for large trees and planted with ornamental accents. Ornamental grasses in swale to accent roadway.
Rustic wooden fence to be standard for area. Fence line to be maintained clean, except for large trees and planted with ornamental accents. Ornamental grasses in swale to accent roadway.
FIGURE 7
FIGURE 8 Example of fencing and swale treatment.
d view example, including guard rail and pathway. 33
Jefferson Township Land Conservation Association 34
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DEFINING FEATURES ANALYSIS SUBDIVISION ENTRANCE, PLACEMENT & SITING
CLAR K STAT E CROS SING
OPEN SPACE
800 ‘
CLUSTERED HOMES SET BACK FROM ROAD
OPEN SPACE
Figures 9 and 10 examine aerial views of two subdivisions in Jefferson Township. Defining characteristics of these developments include preserved open space along the scenic byway frontage and clustered home layouts screened from view. In this way, substantial neighborhood development can occur without negatively impacting Jefferson Township’s character along its public roadways. Figure 9 is Reserve at Clark State, also pictured in Figures 11, 14, and 17. Figure 10 is Kitsmiller’s Crossing, also pictured in Figures 12, 13, and 18.
CURVED ENTRY
KEY FEATURES
300 ‘
LARGE ESTATE LOTS
PRE SER VED TRE ES
SCE NIC BYW AY
CLARK STATE RD
FIGURE 9: CLARK STATE ROAD & CLARK STATE CROSSING
Figures 9 and 10: »» Preserved existing wooded street edge »» Preserved open space along majority of parcel frontage along scenic byway »» Clustered home sites with generous setback from the main roadway
OPEN SPACE
INGS
LARGE ESTATE LOTS SCE NIC BYW AY
T R E E PLAN T
700‘
PRE SER VED TRE E ROW
KE LT ON HU RS T DR
CLUSTERED HOMES SET BACK FROM ROAD
500‘
»» Large estate lots maintain rural character of the frontage between cluster home development and the roadway Figure 10:
OPEN SPACE HA VE NS RD
FIGURE 10: HAVENS ROAD & KELTONHURST DRIVE
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»» Curved entry allows some visibility from scenic byway to one or a few homes, but screens view of clustered development. In this way, travelers do not look down and see a typical subdivision street lined with homes.
»» Open space along frontage preserves rural, agricultural character of roadway »» Plantings along entry with appropriate subdivision signage (see fig 13 - 14.)
DEFINING FEATURES ANALYSIS SUBDIVISION ENTRANCE
FIGURE 11
Figures 11 – 12 correspond with Figures 9 – 10. Figure 11 is a view from Clark State Road looking down Clark State Crossing. Figure 12 is a view from Havens Road looking down Keltonhurst Drive. These views illustrate how trees, curved entry streets, and setbacks screen subdivisions from the scenic byways. Both entrances are not overly built with walls, bricks, metal, or folly structures.
FIGURE 12
SUBDIVISION ENTRANCE: SIGNAGE
FIGURE 13
Figures 13 – 14 correspond with Figures 9 – 10. Figure 13 shows the signage from the development in Figure 9 and Figure 14 shows the signage from the development in Figure 10. These images reflect how signage in the Township is often a rustic, heavy wood timber and is of appropriate scale and character for the township. See also Figures 3, 4, and 8.
FIGURE 14
SUBDIVISION ENTRANCE: PLANTINGS Figures 15 – 16 illustrate examples of plantings utilized in subdivision entrances. These plantings provide accents to the subdivision entrances. The plant types utilized are typical to the area. For more information on plantings, see Figures 19 to 34. FIGURE 15
FIGURE 16
SUBDIVISION: NATURAL FEATURE PRESERVATION
FIGURE 17
FIGURE 18
Figures 17 –18 illustrate examples of tree preservation at the entrance of subdivisions. In these cases, the existing tree stands are preserved. The preserved tree stands are accented by plantings, heavy wood timber fencing and subdivision signage that marks the entrances of the subdivisions while preserving the character of the scenic byway.
Jefferson Township Land Conservation Association
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DEFINING FEATURES ANALYSIS
RE YN OL DS BU RG -NE
W AL BA NY RD
CLUSTER SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT
LARGE ESTATE LOTS
CURVED ENTRY CL EA R CR EE K CT
650 ‘
LARGE ESTATE LOTS
OPEN SPACE
FIGURE 19: REYNOLDSBURG-NEW ALBANY RD & CLEAR CREEK COURT
Figures 19 and 20 examine aerial views of two subdivisions in Jefferson Township at a smaller scale than those previously examined. As in Figures 9 and 10, defining characteristics of these developments include preserved open space along the scenic byway frontage and clustered home layouts screened from view. The views in figures 19 and 20 illustrate the high proportion of open space to development that is possible when subdivisions are designed with clustered home sites. Cluster subdivision development is, and should continue to be according to the 2017/2018 Comprehensive Plan, a defining feature of new development in Jefferson Township. Figure 19 is Clear Creek Crossing. Figure 20 is Reserve at Clark State, also pictured in Figures 11, 14, and 17. KEY FEATURES
OPEN SPACE
Figures 19 and 20: »» Clustered development design »» High proportions of open space to developed area
BO W FI N RD
CL AR K ST AT E CT
»» Preserved existing wooded street edge »» Preserved open/natural space along majority of parcel frontage along scenic byway
25 0 ‘
CL AR K ST AT E RD
LARGE ESTATE LOTS
78 5’
LARGE ESTATE LOTS
FIGURE 20: CLARK STATE ROAD & CLARK STATE CROSSING
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»» Curved entry to screen views of cluster home sites from scenic byway
DEFINING FEATURES ANALYSIS CLUSTER SUBDIVISION DESIGN AS CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT
SAME NUMBER OF HOME SITES AS FIGURE 22
GREATER LINEAR FEET OF ROAD & INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS
KEY FEATURES
SC EN IC BY W AY
MULTIPLE ACCESS ROADS
Figures 21 and 22 are diagrams that compare traditional subdivision design to clustered development, a.k.a. conservation development, design within the same hypothetical land area along a scenic byway. This comparison illustrates how clustered design conserves significantly larger amounts of open space while also maintaining scenic byway character.
HIGH VISIBILITY OF HOMES FROM SCENIC BYWAY
MAJORITY OF OPEN SPACE DIVIDED & MADE PRIVATE
FIGURE 21 TRADITIONAL SUBDIVISION DESIGN
SAME NUMBER OF HOME SITES AS FIGURE 21
ABILITY TO PRESERVE STREAM CORRIDORS & MAINTAIN CONNECTION ACROSS PARCELS
Figures 21 and 22: »» Depict the same number of home sites on the same 100 acre hypothetical parcel of land, with 2 acre parcels in Figure 21 and 0.25 acre parcels in Figure 22 Figure 21, Traditional Design: »» Multiple access roads and high visibility of home sites change the character of the scenic byway »» Majority of open space divided into private home lots »» Greater linear feet of roads and infrastructure raises installation and maintenance costs
SC EN IC
Figure 22, Conservation Design: »» Preserves high proportion of open space including valuable natural features and/or agriculture
BY W AY
MAINTAINS OPEN SPACE, NATURAL FEATURES & VISTAS OF THE SCENIC BYWAY
MAJORITY OF OPEN SPACE PRESERVED & CONNECTED
»» Maintains character of scenic byway »» Home sites fit growing demand for smaller-lot parcels and walkable neighborhoods
ABILITY TO PRESERVE HISTORIC HOMESTEADS
FIGURE 22 CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT/CONSERVATION DESIGN
»» Preserves established historic rural homesteads and/or provides land area for estate lots
Jefferson Township Land Conservation Association
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DEFINING FEATURES ANALYSIS PLANT SPECIES
FIGURE 23: WINTER KING HAWTHORN
The following plant species are a selection of plant types found in the region, and appropriate for Jefferson Township. They are adapted from the recommended species for planting in new development planting schemes by the 2003 Jefferson Township Scenic Byways Management Plan. These species are native to Central Ohio and have been selected for their support of pollinating insect and wildlife habitats.
FIGURE 27: SUGAR MAPLE
TREES FIGURE 23: Winter King Hawthorn Crataegus virdis ‘Winter King’ FIGURE 24: Crabapple Malus
FIGURE 24: CRABAPPLE
FIGURE 25: Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis
FIGURE 28: RED OAK
FIGURE 26: Allegheny Serviceberry Amelanchier laevis FIGURE 27: Sugar Maple Acer saccharum FIGURE 28: Red Oak Quercus rubra FIGURE 25: EASTERN REDBUD
FIGURE 29: Hickory (Bitternut) Carya cordiformis
FIGURE 29: HICKORY (BITTERNUT)
FIGURE 30: American Beech Fagus grandifolia NOT PICTURED American Chestnut Castanea dentata Hackberry Celtis occidentalis FIGURE 26: ALLEGHENY SERVICEBERRY
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FIGURE 30: AMERICAN BEECH
DEFINING FEATURES ANALYSIS SHRUBS FIGURE 31: Spicebush Lindera benzoin FIGURE 32: Winterberry Ilex verticillata FIGURE 33: Meadow-Sweet Spiraea alba FIGURE 31: SPICEBUSH
FIGURE 34: Nannyberry Viburnum lentago
FIGURE 35: SHOWY GOLDENROD
NOT PICTURED Sweetshrub - Calycanthus floridus Witchhazel - Hamamelis virginiana Raspberry - Rubus odoratus Elderberry - Sambucus canadensis PERENNIALS
FIGURE 32: WINTERBERRY
FIGURE 35: Goldenrods Solidago
FIGURE 36: BLACK-EYED SUSAN
FIGURE 36: Coneflowers + BlackEyed Susans Rudbeckia FIGURE 37: Butterfly Weeds Aesclepias FIGURE 38: Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum FIGURE 33: MEADOW-SWEET
NOT PICTURED
FIGURE 37: BUTTERFLY WEED
Perennials: Sunflowers - Helianthus Joe-Pye Weeds - Eupatorium Bee Balm - Monarda Verbena - Verbena
FIGURE 34: NANNYBERRY
Grasses: Switchgrass - Panicum virgatum Big Bluestem - Andropogon gerardii Wool-grass - Scirpus cyperinus Little Bluestem - Schizachryum scoparium
FIGURE 38: WILD GERANIUM
Jefferson Township Land Conservation Association
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