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, including view protection regulations, in accordance with the Downtown Strategy.
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Senior Planner, Community Planning & Development, (360) 570-5847
Presenter(s):
Amy Buckler, Senior Planner
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 public objectives.
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 and view protection. 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 development's physical attractiveness.
The city has retained MAKERS consultants to assist with updating Downtown design guidelines. Since last April, the consultant and staff have been drafting and analyzing a new set of guidelines with help from a design technical work group (TWG) which has met six times this year (participant names are attached). Staff and consultants have also gathered input from the public, the Design Review Board, Olympia Heritage Commission, and planning staff (see attached comment summary).
The following are the remaining steps in the process:
1. Planners complete review of Draft #2 (November)
2. Compose Draft #3 (by end of year)
3. Forward to Port of Olympia and Legal for review (January)
4. Engage development communi...
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