Title
Urban Design Regulation Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the update on urban design regulations. Discussion only.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on the process to develop new design guidelines in accordance with the Downtown Strategy.
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Downtown Programs Manager, Community Planning & Development, (360) 570-5847
Presenter(s):
John Owen, consultant, MAKERS architecture and urban design
Amy Buckler, Downtown Programs Manager
Background and Analysis:
One of the first recommended actions to implement the Downtown Strategy (DTS) is an update to the Downtown design guidelines. These are regulations that help ensure new development and significant rehabs achieve a level of design quality that is consistent with our vision as expressed in our Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Strategy.
Design guidelines address functional as well as aesthetic issues. They influence site design, building orientation, massing, architecture and other building details, as well as historic preservation. They intend for development to be compatible with neighbors; promote safety, security and livability; be environmentally responsible; promote health and pedestrian activity; and upgrade the physical attractiveness of a development.
The City retained MAKERS consultants to assist with updating Downtown design guidelines. At this time, the consultant is reviewing all comments received on a working draft of the update and a public hearing draft is being prepared. At the meeting, Mr. Owen will provide an overview of major changes proposed (attached.) Both the working draft and handouts with further information about proposals for specific topic areas, such as residential open space and historic preservation are at the attached webpage.
Along with the proposed downtown design guideline update, staff will propose view protection measures guided by the Downtown Strategy (explanation attached.)
PROCESS SO FAR
Over the past year, the following steps were completed:
• City hosted a public workshop on design preferences (4/17/17)
• A design technical work group (TWG) met seven times to analyze potential updates (participant names are attached)
• Planning staff analyzed draft proposals
• The consultant and staff met with:
o The Design Review Board (2/9/17; 3/22/18)
o Olympia Heritage Commission (3/22/17; 3/28/18)
o Eastside Neighborhood Association (3/21/18)
o Olympia Avenue Historic Neighborhood (4/11/18)
o Port of Olympia staff (4/13/18)
o Downtown Neighborhood Association (5/10/18)
o Olympia Downtown Alliance Design Committee (4/11/18; 5/9/18)
o Some local developers and architects (various)
o Property owners affected by proposed view protection measures (various)
• The City hosted a public open house to present the working draft (4/18/18)
• Public comment period on working draft (open through 3/28/18-4/30/18)
NEXT STEPS
1. Compose Public Hearing Draft (consider all public comments)
2. Legal review
3. SEPA Determination
4. Planning Commission briefing and Public Hearing
5. Forward ordinance and OPC recommendation to City Council
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
An estimated 3,500 people engaged in formation of the Downtown Strategy through workshops and online, including input about overall urban design preferences for Downtown. A link to the summary of public input from the April 17, 2017 workshop is at the attached website.
Options:
Discussion only.
Financial Impact:
Included as part of the $50,000 budget for updating Downtown design guidelines. An additional contract for up to $8,000 allows for additional public outreach and meetings.
Attachments:
Major Changes
View Protection Proposals
Technical Work Group
Design Guideline Update Webpage