HomeMy WebLinkAboutDEVELOPMENT CODE ISSUES - 09-00025 - Development Code Amendment - February 2009DEVELOPMENT CODE ISSUES
I. Make changes in commercial design standards that will differentiate amount of detail based on
proximity to main City corridors. As an example, the businesses that were locating in the
subdivision next to the airport, struggled with the same design standards as required on 2nd East
or University. As a result, the continual complaints from businesses like an electrical wholesaler
or a construction company helped push the decision to change the zoning from commercial to
light industrial. If more variation on commercial design standards had been available, this zone
could have remained commercial. Having the backs of the buildings that faced Hi -way 20 meet
the higher standards may have been the best solution.
2. In industrial zones, there should be a place where inexpensive warehouses can be built. One
solution would be to not have any design standards for the buildings themselves. The design
standards could be changed to require some landscaping, but no building requirements.
3. Make changes to the design standards so that it is clear what is intended. Language should be
prescriptive so that it is not necessary to have P&Z Committee review. Review should be done
by staff.
4. Change language in Development Code to allow for taller buildings. Take out references to
stories. Allow higher buildings in commercial and higher density residential zones. Allow 45
foot heights in High Density Residential Zones and as a minimum in all Commercial Zones. Redo
side yard setbacks in high density residential to be a maximum of 10 feet. Take all building
height measurements from horizontal top of eaves. Do not penalize for gables, dormers, or
other accents that provide detail to the building. Also, the comprehensive plan should include
language that supports higher buildings and higher density around campus.
5. Make changes to or remove Section 4.a.3. Detail Features (shown below).
STANDARD: Building facades shall include a repeating pattern that shall include no less
than three of the elements listed below. At least one of these elements shall repeat
horizontally. All elements shall repeat at intervals of no more than thirty (30) feet, either
horizontally or vertically.
o Color change
o Texture change
o Material module change
o Expression of architectural or structural bay through a change in plane no less than
12 inches in width, such as an offset, reveal, or projecting rib.
6. Make changes to Section 4.a.5 Materials and Colors (shown below). Allow more materials such
as stucco, EIFS and all materials that are made to look like wood.
STANDARD:
(a) Predominant exterior building materials shall be high quality materials. These
include, without limitation:
o Brick
o Wood
o Sandstone
o Other native stone
o Tinted, textured, concrete masonry units
(b) Facade colors shall be low reflectance, subtle, neutral, or earth tone colors. The use
of high intensity colors, metallic colors, black or fluorescent colors is prohibited.
(c) Building trim and accent areas may feature brighter colors, including primary colors,
neon tubing shall not be an acceptable feature for trim or accent.
(d) Predominant exterior building materials as well as accents shall not include the
following:
o Smooth -faced concrete block
o Tilt -up concrete panels without mitigating surface treatment
o Pre -fabricated steel panels
7. Make changes to or remove Section 4.a.11 Central Features and Community Spaces (shown
below).
STANDARD: Each commercial establishment subject to these standards shall contribute to the
establishment or enhancement of pedestrian and public spaces by providing at least two of the
following: patio/seating area, pedestrian plaza with benches, transportation center, window
shopping walkways, outdoor play area, kiosk area, water feature, clock tower, steeple, or other
such deliberately shaped area and/or a focal feature or amenity that, in the judgment of the
Planning and Zoning Commission, adequately enhances such Community and public spaces. Any
such areas shall have direct access to the public sidewalk network and such features shall not be
constructed of materials that are inferior to the principal materials of the building and
landscape.
8. Change language in lighting standards to allow for more than high pressure sodium lamps.
Allow reader boards.
9. Lower medical parking requirement to 4 stalls per 1000.