Title
Commercial Design Review Expansion - Continued Deliberation and Possible Recommendation
Recommended Action
Move to recommend approval of code amendment as proposed by City staff.
Report
Issue:
In December of 2014 the City of Olympia adopted a major update of its Comprehensive Plan. Among the many changes was a revision of the policy describing the scope of 'design review' -- the City's process that regulates the architecture and complementary landscaping of developments. In response, City staff initiated consideration of a development code that would require that all commercial buildings and substantial commercial remodels adjacent to most public streets meet the City's "Basic Commercial Design Criteria." The staff's proposal also includes amendments to clarify design review procedures. The Commission is to make a recommendation to the City Council regarding this proposal.
Presenter:
None; agenda topic to be facilitated by Commission chair.
Background and Analysis:
This agenda item is part of continuing Commission deliberation leading toward a Planning Commission recommendation to City Council. The Commission received a pre-hearing briefing on this proposed development code amendment on May 4, 2015, hosted a public hearing on this proposal on May 18 and accepted written comments until May 22. The Commission opened discussion of this proposal on June 1, 2015. Detailed information regarding this proposal and comments received are included in staff reports of the May 18 and June 1 meetings. Deliberation continued on July 6 and July 20. Interested parties are encouraged to review staff reports and other materials associated with those agenda items.
Note, the Commission is tentatively scheduled to receive informational briefings regarding design regulations and review processes in general of Olympia and neighboring communities at the Commission’s regular meeting on September 21 and at the Commission’s annual retreat on September 26.