Title
Approval of an Ordinance Related to Downtown Design Guidelines
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Planning Commission and the Land Use and Environment Committee recommend approval, as written.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the ordinance related to Downtown Design Guidelines on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt new Downtown Design Criteria and related 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:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second readings.
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 redevelopment projects achieve a level of design quality that is consistent with the City's vision as expressed in the Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Strategy. The updated Downtown design guidelines specifically implement the Downtown character areas established in the Downtown Strategy.
Background
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 Downtown design guidelines. The consultant reviewed all comments received on the working draft of the update and a final draft was prepared for a final round of internal review by Current Planning staff. Based on staff comments and to address public comments that had been received on the first publ...
Click here for full text