HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-05-03 NAC Memorandum to OPH Re Design Guidelines Adoption N NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS
INC COMMUNITY PLANNING - DESIGN - MARKET RESEARCH
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Tom Melena
FROM: Scott Richards
DATE: May 3, 2000
RE: Oak Park Heights - Design Guidelines Adoption
FILE NO: 798.04 - 00.04
As you are aware, the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the Central
Business District Design Guidelines as presented at their April 13, 2000 meeting. The
CBD Design Guidelines would be in addition to the existing Design Guidelines that
regulate building construction and site design in the commercial and industrial districts.
The City Attorney, Mark Vierling, has determined that the Code of Ordinances should be
amended to provide for the existing as well as proposed CBD Design Guidelines. Mr.
Vierling has developed an ordinance that would create Section 401.16 providing for design
guidelines. A copy of the draft ordinance is attached. One key point of the ordinance is
that the provisions of the Design Guidelines would apply if there are conflicts with the
Zoning Ordinance.
Staff has discussed how the CBD Design Guidelines would integrate with the existing
zoning requirements and which sections may result in code differences. A listing of those
areas in which the Design Guidelines differ from the Zoning Ordinance is as follows:
1. Building Setbacks:
Zoning Ordinance (401.15.C.1) No minimum setbacks required.
CBD Design Guidelines (4a -d) Flexible standards are specified with minimum
and maximum setbacks depending upon
development type.
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2. Roof Design:
Zoning Ordinance (401.02.B and Building height definition allows for all roof styles
401.15.4) No allowance for rooftop terraces
No allowance for third story setbacks
CBD Design Guidelines (6, 7, and 8) Specifies preferred roof styles
Allows for rooftop terraces
Allows for third story setbacks
3. Surface Parking:
Zoning Ordinance (401.15.F.9 & 10) Specific requirements for number of spaces per
type of use.
Allows for joint facility parking.
The City may need to add standards for
additional flexibility in parking for downtown
areas. Credits could be given for on- street
parking and additional flexibility for joint parking
utilization should be added for the CBD. These
changes would be made as a separate Zoning
Ordinance amendment.
CBD Design Guidelines (16) Specifies preferred location for parking Tots and
underground parking areas.
4. Signs:
Zoning Ordinance (401.15.G) Provides specific size and height requirements
for signage.
Prohibits certain signs such as projecting or roof
signage.
The City may wish to re- examine the sign
allowances for the CBD to determine if they are
appropriate for the development anticipated.
These changes could be made as a separate
Zoning Ordinance amendment.
CBD Design Guidelines (19 b, c, & d) Allows for certain sign types such as projecting
and roof.
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5. Definitions:
Zoning Ordinance (401.02.B) Specifies Zoning Ordinance definitions.
CBD Design Guidelines Some definitions vary from those specified in the
Zoning Ordinance.
pc: Kris Danielson