Title
Downtown Design Guidelines and Related Zoning Code Amendments - Briefing
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the Downtown Design Guidelines and Related Zoning Code Amendments.
Staff Contact:
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
One of the first recommended actions to implement the Downtown Strategy (DTS) is an update to the Downtown design guidelines. These regulations will help ensure new development and significant redevelopment projects 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 the Downtown design guidelines. The consultant reviewed all comments received on the working draft of the update and prepared a second draft for a final round of internal review by planning staff.
Along with the proposed downtown design guideline update, staff will propose view protection measures guided by the Downtown Strategy, which will include amendments to Title 18, Unified Development Code, of the Olympia Municipal Code.
PROCESS SO FAR
The following steps have been 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
* Planning staff analyzed draft proposals
* The consultant and staff m...
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