CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Receive feedback from the Planning and Zoning Commission on Downtown Design Standards and direct staff accordingly
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Gabrielle Mattingly, Community Planner
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
At their January 19, 2022 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommended the addition of a new design guideline for downtown buildings. Staff is seeking City Council direction regarding the PZC's recommendation.
BACKGROUND:
July 21,2021 PZC Meeting
At the July 21 meeting, staff sought PZC input regarding the current Code interpretation with respect to determining which design elements on a building fa?ade should be included in the calculation of signage.
Staff had been interpreting the Code such that any painted fa?ade area and/or the new accent material would be included in the calculation of maximum allowable wall signage if those features help to identify, or are associated with, the business brand. This interpretation was applicable to buildings in the Downtown and citywide. However, because staff had noticed a shift in business branding and fa?ade design proposals which could not meet this standard, staff sought PZC input to determine if the current interpretation was still appropriate.
On July 21, the PZC discussed staff's interpretation and the applicability of both the Downtown and Citywide Design Guidelines and raised concern that a change to the interpretation may lead to a myriad of bright colors throughout the City, particularly within the Downtown, and requested bright colors continue to be limited in application. The Commission further explained that fa?ade updates of individual tenants within shopping centers should be cohesive in terms of style and color with the entire center. Staff responded that the Downtown Design Standards and Citywide Design Guidelines will continue to be enforced and noted these guidelines limit...
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