HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-02-24 NAC Memorandum to Anne Duering Re Design Guidelines • 1
NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS
INC N COMMUNITY PLANNING - DESIGN - MARKET RESEARCH
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Anne Duering
FROM: Scott Richards
DATE: 24 February 1998
RE: Oak Park Heights - Design Guidelines
FILE NO: 798.04 - 98.01
BACKGROUND
As we discussed, the City of Oak Park Heights is interested in implementing Design
Standards for an area west of Oakgreen Avenue and south of Highway 36 to include those
areas that are or will eventually be zoned Commercial or Business Warehouse. I would
like you to draft an initial review copy of these guidelines that would include glossary, map
of the area, architectural elements, streetscape elements and sign elements. It is likely
the City is interested in changing key sections of the sign requirements in conjunction with
this effort. I would likely be responsible for that element with your assistance.
The City has established a committee to assist with direction on the guidelines consisting
of two City Council members, Janet Robert and Mark Swenson. Of these two members,
Janet is very interested in landscaping, signage, lighting and general architectural
standards. She will be helpful in review and direction of these guidelines through the City
Council. Her phone number is 351 -0727 and Fax 351 -7411.
GUIDELINES
The Committee has reviewed the guidelines we constructed for Little Canada and agreed
to that format and approach for policies and actual regulations. The use of diagrams
throughout the document is favored. We can use the graphics from Little Canada or
develop new. The area consists of business warehousing areas, highway commercial
areas and a transitional zoning that is currently being developed and referred to as the B -3
Business District. There currently is a large shopping center with a Rainbow, a WallMart
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and a Menards in the area. Obviously the guidelines will not focus on "downtown charm ".
I have examples of Lakeville's "Town Square Design Guidelines ", and the City of Plymouth
"City Center, Concept Plan and Design Guidelines ". We have also identified these other
communities that you should contact for ideas related to guidelines for highway business
or business /warehousing areas:
1. City of Stillwater - Target -Cub Area
2. City of Woodbury - Highway Commercial areas and Business Park Standards
3. City of Eden Prairie - Town Centre Area
TIMELINE
There is no definite timeline set by the City, but I would like to get a preliminary copy to the
Committee by the end of March. This would include issue identification and possible
revisions to the Sign Ordinance.
BUDGET
Again, the City has not set a definite budget, but likely will hesitate spending more than
$5,000 - $6,000. We should keep track of your time and when you reach approximately
$2,500 in billings to the City we should examine where we are and how much is left to
accomplish. The City has been quite generous in allowing flexible budgets when the
project is something in which they are supportive. This project is something that is
definitely supported by the Mayor and City Council.
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