Title
Commercial Design Review Expansion - Public Hearing and Recommendation
Recommended Action
Hold public hearing; following public hearing move to recommend that City Council approve amendment of development code as set forth in attached "Proposed Design Code Amendment."
Report
Issue:
In December 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 development. In response, City staff proposes that the development code be amended to require that at minimum all commercial buildings and substantial commercial remodels adjacent to public streets meet the City's "Basic Commercial Design Criteria." The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing before making a recommendation to the City Council regarding this proposal. The staff anticipates presenting a short summary of the proposal at the hearing. (File 13-0114)
Staff Contact:
Todd Stamm, Principal Planner, Community Planning and Development Department, (360.753.8957)
Presenter:
Todd Stamm, Principal Planner
Background and Analysis:
In 1988 Olympia adopted new regulations requiring that certain development projects conform to 'design' requirements. These architectural and landscaping requirements were initially focused on establishing minimum standards for the exteriors of commercial buildings downtown and along 'exit and entrance' corridors. Over the years these design regulations have been expanded to encompass more areas of the City and more types of development.
Olympia's new Comprehensive Plan includes a revised policy regarding the scope of the design review process. That policy, adopted in December of 2014, reads:
Land Use and Urban Design Policy 6.1 -- Establish a design review process for:
? Commercial and mixed use development adjacent to freeways and public street...
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