Title
Commercial Design Review Expansion - Continued Deliberation and Possible Recommendation
Staff 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 amendment 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; discussion to be facilitated by Commission chair.
Background and Analysis:
This agenda item is part of the Commission's continuing deliberation leading toward a recommendation to the 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 proposed code amendment and comments received are included in staff reports of the May 18 and June 1 meetings. Deliberation continued at the July 6, July 20 and August 17, 2015 meetings. On September 21, 2015, the Commission received a briefing regarding the design review process in general. Interested parties are encouraged to review staff reports and other materials associated with those agenda items.
The City's development code currently requires that most commercial development in Olympia comply with at least the City's "basic commercia...
Click here for full text