HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff ReportSTAFF REPORT Hearing Date: December 17, 2009 E IDIAN~ ''
TO: Planning & Zoning Commission
FROM: Bill Parsons, Associate City Planner
208-884-5533
SUBJECT: Design Manual Text Amendment -CPA-09-006
1. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF APPLICANT'S REQUEST
The applicant, the Meridian Planning Department, has applied for a Comprehensive Plan Text
Amendment (CPA) to amend the previously adopted Meridian Design Manual. The main purpose
of the request is to correct several clerical errors that were missed after the print date of the
document (pages 48, 77, 87 and 109). Other changes include adding verbiage to the introduction
for Urban developments that describes the Downtown Urban Core boundaries (page 25), adding a
note to the Urban, Urban/Suburban and Suburban Site-Character Parking section that identifies
the use of the guidelines in conjunction with the parking standards in the Unified Development
Code (UDC) (pages 35, 63 and 95) and providing additional language in the applicability section
for residential developments that reinforces the use of the Design Manual in accordance with the
UDC (page 119). Please see Section 8 below for a complete list of the proposed Meridian Design
Manual text changes.
2. SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION
Staff is recommending approval of the subject CPA application, based on the Findings of
Fact listed in Section 10.
3. PROPOSED MOTION (to be considered after the public hearing)
Approval
After considering all Staff, Applicant, and public testimony, I move to recommend approval to
City Council of File Number CPA-09-006 as presented in the staff report for the hearing date of
December 17, 2009, with the following modifications to the conditions of approval: (add any
proposed modifications).
Denial
After considering all Staff, Applicant, and public testimony, I move to recommend denial to City
Council of File Number CPA-09-006, as presented during the hearing on December 17, 2009, for
the following reasons: (you must state specific reasons for denial and what the applicant could do
to obtain your approval in the future).
Continuance
After considering all Staff, Applicant, and public testimony, I move to continue File Number
CPA-09-006 to the hearing date of (insert continued hearing date here) for the following
reason(s): (you should state specific reason(s) for continuance)
4. APPLICATION FACTS
a. Site Address/Location: City wide.
b. ApplicantlRepresentative:
Meridian Planning Department
33 E. Broadway Avenue
Meridian, Idaho 83642
c. Applicant's Statement/Justification: Please see applicant's narrative for this information.
Design Manual Text Amendment -CPA-09-006 PAGE 1
5. PROCESS FACTS
a. The subject application is a Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment as determined by City
Ordinance. A public hearing is required before the Planning and Zoning Commission and City
Council consistent with the provisions of Meridian City Code, Title 11, Chapter 5.
b. Newspaper notifications published on: November 30, 2009 and December 14, 2009 (Planning
& Zoning Commission)
c. A public service announcement was broadcast faxed on November 19, 2009 regarding this
application.
6. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POLICIES AND GOALS
The Comprehensive Plan currently contains goals and objectives encouraging and promoting a
well designed community. In February 2009, the Meridian Design Manual was included as an
addendum to the Comprehensive Plan to further the goals and policies contained in the plan. By
continuing to upgrade the communities design standards for landscaping, site design, and building
architecture through the adoption of updated ordinances this provides opportunities for land to
development in a compatible and attractive manner. The Meridian Design Manual and the design
review process are meant to encourage high quality and sustainable communities in Meridian.
Staff finds the following objectives and actions support the proposed amendment:
Chapter VII
• Goal V, Obj. B, #1 - Establish enact a design review ordinance. This task has beery
accomplished with the adoption of the Meridian Design Manua) and updates to the
Unified Development Code.
• Goal I, Obj. A, #5 -Amend the zoning ordinance and map to implement the provisions
of this plan. The Meridian Design Manual was incorporated as an addendum to the
Comprehensive Plan and the UDC was updated to ensure consistency between the plan,
the manual and the zoning regulations. The design review process went into effect on
February 4, 2009.
7. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
The Comprehensive Plan is to serve as a guide for future development within Meridian. As
development is proposed, staff will ensure compliance with the Meridian Design Manual and the
Unified Development Code (UDC).
8. ANALYSIS
Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment: In February 2009, the new design review process went
into effect city-wide. That process, among others, included the adoption of the Meridian Design
Manual. Since its inception, Staff has identified several clerical errors that need to be corrected.
In addition, Staff is recommending additional verbiage be added to the Manual that 1) defines the
Urban "Downtown Core" boundary and 2) further clarifies the guidelines contained in the
Meridian Design Manual are to be used in conjunction with the Unified Development Code
(UDC). Staff believes the proposed changes to the Meridian Design Manual are necessary to
eliminate any possible confusion between the UDC standards and the design guidelines and
further improve the facilitation of the design review process.
Because the Design Manual is not published as a Word document, staff was unable to paste the
pages directly into the staff report and maintain a suitable quality. Please see the accompanying
exhibit A that has the pages Staff proposes to change. Changes are in strike through and
underline format.
Design Manual Text Amendment -CPA-09-006 PAGE 2
Page 25
URBAN [)EVEL(lPM~NT~,
Iatrvductloat:
The guidelines ir, this section describe and illustrate impurtant phytzical and visual
c.hatattctistics that enabtc developments to create funetianal and quality built environments
that clef ne livable, vibrant, and attractive uttkin places.
Use tttcsc guidelines lot development proposals in this category to enhance existirtg u,ban
areas ~ This includes tl~e of the "C)awntuwn Cote" that exten~~ ~Qt~ Ca[Ik~n Ar~enttc
<r~tl~.,~o_tth. t~lctiditut €Luad an the tkeT;, F3taadwati' Street O[t_Ih~ south and Tlti(d $t eel tt
the east. '1~;~~delines ate atso tneant lit, esla ishin new urban c:ttvironments
throughout the City as designated in the Comprehensive Plan sod specific area plans
U,han developments should convey an appropriate urban context bsase:cl on the site and
arehitectut€t! et,aractrtistics outlined in tlri: design guidclirtcs and emphasize the
c;stablish,nent of pedesUian envitnnmcnts surd eornmwtity connectivity throup*h the
integ,,ation nt street networks and atUactivc strccLticapes Turban developments st-ould
incorporate vzxiotts public and open spaces and design these spaces as amenities that draw
people to ut6an areas
[Itban envin>nmerrts that l~rovidsr a mix of u3os, public, open spaces, tranepartatian options,.
and encourage pcxlcstritn activity will contribute to the livabilit}• and vitality of Meridian
Purpose:
These guidctincs address basic physicFil and H•isual relationships nec,~saty for developments,
within an taboo context. to be successful as pedestrian aientti-d cnviranments and create
urban neighhnrhac>'ds, districts, .urd activity canters that present quality characters a2th
aesthetically pleasing designs
the City cncou,ages the creative and innovative use of cu,rent and emerging development
acrd design practices that meet at exceed the; general expectations of the community as
expressed in the Comprt:ssive Plan, the guiding principles of the Design tvlanuat, and tlx:
objective of the guidelines
,~llrplica bilit}~:
Thu guidelines in this section of the manual apply to development proposals with an Chlxtn
L~vclupmcnt Context as deterrninc;d from the development ntapix
Apply these guidelines to nun-residential developments and cuorzlinatC ,esidcntial
developments with Section F., Guidelines lot Residential Develaptnent
f~_~..~si n,~firrrucrl
Design Manual Text Amendment -CPA-09-006 PAGE 3
Page 35
>~ LTrt~3Aiv nr:S~GN purr?ELINFS
1.0 Sift: Character
1 5 PAF2t(ING
M1otes:
fallowing tru-d i .ate rmt intended to rea~~~ce the ~fttking strutdards ~tlre ltl)but
is e ~ -e~tteautagC the inteffra>~g~~_this raiment to enhance the attractiveness anil
c ttal't ~ ~_uh tt ~evelapmettt and charac~t- i?se_4hc guidelinuti in comb,~rkztian vr~ith the 1~.
~tandaltds.
()hjective:
'T'u incUrporate parking as integrated elements of urban environments and address issues,
such Frs the appropriate locsttiorr for ptuking, si~.e oI packing Lucas, paving materials,
Irndti~arping, and screening that influence the physical and visual characteristics of parking
HTi'iiti
Gaideiincs:
T)esign cur!'ac.e parking to art integrated and amactive element of the rubarr envirorunettt that
l3romates pedestrian cornfart acrd safety
Divide srrrEace parking into smaller sc~pxuated modules and ~ucange parking to minimize large
paving areas Use pedestrian circulation, landscaping, :urdiar public spxcc to separate parking
cocas
Coardinatc vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns that clearty delineate parking stalks
and vehicle travel lanes born pcd~4ian walkways atul arljainng puhlic spaces, including
rnad«~rrys
Uye; treCS, landscaping, hardscapes, aad archit~cttual elements to provide shade, cteutc
interest aril human scale fat pedestrians, Anil add aesthetic dualities to parking areas
Shade pedestrian walkways and parking, including stalls and drive aisles, with the
appropriate type and class of trees and arrange tree plantings irr configwatians that will
provide shade fat at least SD pcnent of parkinf; surfaces at mature gtownh
integtute appropriately scaled and distributed fighting to provide a safe snd comfortable
environment for vehicular acrd pedestrian use
5cacr:n parking adjacent to public spaces, road+vays and pedestrian w~alkw•ays with
landsesped bu$brs, low walls, architee-turtil elements or a eomhinatian that provides
continuous screening at a heigktt of 3 leer ~'ldditional clernents above 3 reef should prnvid~c
7tl percent transparency
Design Manual Text Amendment- CPA-09-006 PAGE 4
Graphic on the left needs to read
as unacceptable on Page 48, 77 &
109
,~_ ...._ - .._._.... 1lrhon [~vekpmen[s
B. U~{iAN f~fSPC~f`1 GUin);l WfS
~.O r'IftCI'-IITECTi_,lF.r~rZ (JHARACTFR- t~-
2.S iivlAl£KI~hL5
8-2.5.1. objectives:
B-2 S 1 f To encourage the use of duality materials that promote
aesthrtle building cdesignsand appropraatecontributions
to ttie development of a tuneless urban character
B-2.5.2. GuldeHnes:
Q-~ S 2 1 Buildings vtrth faSades that face multiple roadways andl
or public spaces should use consistent material cambina-
tions, quaVity, and detailing to unify the brtiiding design
B-2 5 2 2 ldse complementary materia6 combinations that can[rlb•
ute to a eahesive building design Use materials from the
following basic grc~uFis: vrociri, masonry, concrete, metal,
and y1~3tirq
B•2~2~1 SeEectacarnbdnatianthatemphasizeafinlshedcam-
positJan and enhance human scale for lower stories
and pedestrian scale at ground hewed
B-2 S 1 Z 2 Concrete masonry that prov'rde5 texture, interest
and detail may be apprapriate for huilding designs;
however, uhe use of ordinary, smooth face block,
autfinashed, calared err painted, is not an acceptable
finish material for building facades along roadways,
adjacent to pub?Ic spaces, and resideniiaJ areas
t3•a 5 2 2 3 ttse weal-dewy, praportioned, and durable maleri
a?s that will weatherand age~grarcefuily, adding to the
architectural character over time itvoad ri~undvrable
materials that deteriorate quickly and require fre-
quent malnteriarite or replacennent
Bzizaa
6-'15225
B-?523
Jarnwry1ti09
Create interest acrd variety in fa4ade design to estab-
lish attractlvearthatectvraJ r3iaracierarid pedestrian
scale
Provide pattern, texture, and detail an the building
design and distinguish i2eJd materials from accent
materials
°Y~`~`~ r'te' ?±~~,i - ~f
ri8ute 4' ! he mrwrMvr<asc u(rxarxnafs ars m,JisSi~de of d+r
SrciG{ir,~ crr4~rgtr tAe cohrrr~rnrsr arrd asst7uxrr. apped ;F Zke
n
_ .7~
~~~;"
~ - ~ iJ~
~ ~ . ,
.-_ ~
-1.- ~'
~" -
~*---- -
-.
~~ r
i t~. r~ --'J'
Figwe 48 {.rse m,~tniafs frrrrn [hr be rir ynooyt, w~aw•t rna-
svrzr~, cvnadK metal, and ~iaalrcg, to prnvrds brddlre~s +ridi
irsterxif anti fAargrt<r
/ ~~ ~i
_' fj' /
4h'here materials translilon or terrninate, provide detaii• d j ~ ~ '~1
Jng to express she natural appearance of the material `
(For example, stone r]r shine-lake products should sari- !'' -^~ _`~ '' rr, r ~;
vey the appearance of mass and sliuuld not appear as a ~ :~"
thin veneer}
~caraiNtltF .YCCEDTAHLE
~~ Ffgrrrt 49 Abrsrpt r~c~unal trr~i~irrrrr anrllcer rrrnirrotkv,s
.onHry lcssv+~iraNry and dttrpcr fiam sn rah4ttrt nred tahcyve
d~;xri
48-
Design Manual Text Amendment -CPA-09-006 PAGE 5
Page 63
C I1RI3AN/SliT3t_Ti~BAN DF,SIGN GIIIDELINFS
l.Q Site Character
1 4 PARKING
Nutcs;
:Ilatlnwi~~uckekinrs urc not intended to acvlace the Pa#j~,gtan¢,~e~s in the t'C}C, but
lather to cncau_ tj~r_ig at4cfr use of tkris element to enhxncr tk?,e attractiv~t~;s~ and
c~~lit~_~t_.urb:rrdsubeuban dc4ec~g_t~tt„~ ~~;ta+~tcr. I~;sr; tkte @uidelinas rn.combinatigp
w~thah~ U~~?' ~ ~ mss:
Objectives:
To incorporate parking as an integrated element of the built environment and address issues
that influence the physacal and visual characteristics of parking areas, such as the
appropriate lacabon for parking, size of parking areas, paving materials, landscaping. and
screening
Gui[tetines:
Parking areas should establish an appropriate cirtx~lation pattern for pedestrians and
vehicles Large-scale arxt multiple building sites are encouraged to organize anti design
circulation patterns that Function as and resemble street networks
Coordinate vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns that clearly delineate parking stalls
and vehicle travel lanes from pedestrian wa~cway~s and adjoining public spaces
Provide pedestrian connections from internal circulation to public spaces and adjacent
roadways
Design surface parkang as an integrated and attractive element of the built environment that
promotes pedestrian comfort and safety and adds to the aesthetes character of
developments, In addition to accommodating vehicular uses
break up parking areas into smaller separated modules and arrarx3e parking to minimize
large impervious paving areas. Use pedestrian circulation, landscap~g. and/or public space
to separate parking areas
The design and tayouf of internal site parking should auoid long unbroken parking bays.
Dlvid€~ parking hay I,r'ngths tivith crossing travel lames at approximately 300 feet or 30 stall
intervals
Limit th,e amount and depth of parking between building facades and roadways to 50-
percent or less of the total required parking for the site to encourage compact
developments
Use trees, landscaping, hardscapes, and architectural elements to provide shade, create
interest and human scale for pedestrians, and add aestttetic qualities to parking areas
parking areas should appropriately use trees ar architectural elements to shade pedestrian
walkways and the majority of paved surfaces
Design Manual Text Amendment -CPA-09-006 PAGE 6
Page 87
SUBI~RBAtN I}1+~4'FL(~PNI~;~1'T5
Introduction:
[ Jse these guidelines for devrlerpment proposals in this category to enhance: existing suburban
aaeas and establish new, integrated suburban enviroarttenta that relate tv surrormding
rteighborhraads acrd uses R'hite the majority of develvpmenl in suburban emirottm€nts will
be tecidentiat, there is a need tv provide small-scaled cuntmercial and of7icc devclnpmenis
that support the daily rteeils of adjacent and nearby residents
~ilte Fatale Land Use ;vIsp idc:ntitie•t several neighborhood oriented eornmacial, oNece, and
mixi;d-use deciRnations in subuttran cno•ircrnmcnts throughout the C.;ity Developrttent in those
areas should emphasi~~e compatible uses, public spaces, and a naix nt residentral housrng !n
additirxr, ernphasiv should focus nn .:vnnectiv~ity by establishing street. networks anal
intcrcrrnnected pathways that ]ink residcntial and neighhvthovd oriented non-residential uses
t7evelvpment should ptontote a neigh,barhovd stiale that provides an appropriate balance
between pedestrian and vehicular accommodations Land uses that generate intense
automobile Uaftie, p:~rking, and tnu.king sue not suitable €ot suburban neighixnhood
deve lopmertt
Poi pose:
These g;uideiir~s addt+ess txtsic site cold building relationships necessary for neighborhood
oriented rlcvelopments tv provide intcrcotv~ectiwity rhruughaert submhan areas and contribute
to the establishtnout of an appropriate development cottte~t that accotnrnodatcs acljaccnt attd
nearby residentc
The e:ity encourages the cre~rtive and innovative rue of current and emerging de~~etopment
and dr:sign practices that meet or exceed the genera! exper;tations of the corntnrtruty :rr5
e?tpressed in the Compressive Plart, the guiding principiis of the t?esi~,n ARsnua7, and tlzi
nhjectives of ttte guidelines
Applicability:
The guidelines itt tress section of the manual apply to development proposals with the
rSuhwb:rn Development Cvutext as determined team the: devetnpment maGix
Apply these guidelines to nun-ri~siricntiel developments and coordinate residential
dcr~elopments ~i'ith Sei:tott T, Guidc:linet fvt Residential Development
Page R? in tJre I1~~e;3.tgn :trunru!!
Design Manual Text Amendment -CPA-09-006 PAGE 7
Page 95
D SU13t_IRRAN DESIGN GLTiDF,T,INFS
1.4 Site Chal-acter
1 4 PARKING
Dates:
The follesyv_in~guidelines are nat_it~tr;:~led to replace the a~p,gst:t>_ul<~tds in the UDC, but
tatlle_l_._t~t er~cs~a~.ge tkte_integrated use of this clcrLent t<r cnharice the, attracti~en,~r}d
ruditv~f~~yfatn~n ~lgv~gi,?n~ent a~chtua~tet. Use tht' guidelines in cornbination r~'ih t
Ul?C' standards.
t}bjectives:
1o incrnporaia pear king trs an attractive, integrated clement of development aniC address issues
that influence the physical and visual chauactcristics of parking areas, such as the appropriate
location for parking, sire; of parking areas, paving rrtatcrials, iarxlscaping, and screening
Guidelines:
Parking should establish appropriate circulation patu:tns that. accotnm.~date and bal:ux;c
pedesi.r ion and vchicrrlat uses
Neighborhood utienttitil dcvclopmenLs are encouraged to use parking configurations that
urntribute lA7 a functional internal circulation notwork
Ci~trrcinate vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns and clearly delineate parking stalls
and vehicle trove! iatres from pedestrian walkways and adjoining public spaces
1'mvicle pedestrian i>onnections ficrm internal circulation to public spaces and adjacent
road~vavs
Design surface parking as an integrated and attractive elcnrcnt of the built environment that
prramtrtes pcxicstrian comfort atxl safety and adds to the aesthetic chatactxr of developments,
in addition to accornrnoci:ding vehicular uses.
t3r~ak up parking into smaller separated rrrodules irnd arrange parking to minimize large
iwpertiJiotrs paving cocas Use pedestrian circulation, landscaping, public space, internal
xxadw'ays artd printery drive aisles to separate parking. areas
Design and layout Barking to avoid long unbroken parking hags Parking bay lengths s-lwuld
not exceed 20[i teet or approximately 2U stalls W}rere appropriate, provide crossing have)
lams that improve circulation
I,irttit the amount and depth of parking bet4vern building fa4adcs and roadways to 50-percent
or less of tlrr total rcquizcd parking for the site to eneotuage coruprx;t developments
Neighborhood oriented, small-scale anchors oriented along roadways should distributed
parking areas on at least tv:o sides of the building
Design Manual Text Amendment -CPA-09-006 PAGE 8
Page 119
RF.SIDLNTIAL F)I;V['.C.C3PI~~IN;NT
n tr aduction:
7 har. quality and character of Ivleridian and its nrighburhaads is directly linked to the vveralI
quality of the btrili environment The guidelines in this section describe and illustrate
ianportant physical and visutt! Cltaractcris~tics that enable residential devcloprnents to creatC
attractive and livable neighborhocxls tiuoughvut 1vleridian
Apptt~priately, trse these guidelines in addition to the 1]esign .Manual sections that correspond
to the anticipated dec~elopmertt ccat-text (urban, urbarli'suburt>an or suburbsn} as determined
liam the I7evelaprncnt Mahix, to enhance existing! neighhurhoods and Establish new,
integrated ncigltborl-ovds thrrutghuut the City
Residential developments should emphasize the establishn-ent of padtstrian environrncnts
and comrnurtit}~ connectivity through the integration of street networks, atQactive
strcx:(scapes and landscaping, aCGe55 10 CranSlt, and tit~cessibility lu public, common and otx:n
spaces
Clrban, fJrb~Subruban, and Neightxuhovd Center residential develrxpmcnts should be
integrated within an appropriate mixed-use cn~7rnnment
Ptrrpuse:
I hose guidelines addrevs genera! site .tad building rclt-tionships necrsstu?for resldenual
developments artri buildings to cunuibrtte to the eslahlishmertt of compatible, attractive.
I-righborhoucls throughout the City to enhance architecttual character and create a sense of
place for tesitlenrs
The {:ity cncutuages the creative anti innovative use v1 ctment and emerging developltaent
turd design practices that mcc~t or exceed the general expectations ut Ut+e community as
expressed in the Compte,sve Plan, the guiding principles of the Design Ttiianaal, nrttl tl-e
objsGEivcs of the guidelines
Applicability:
l'he ,guidelines in this section apply [ri residential development proposals with the fallowing
l!1}C: dc~signatiuns; all duplex and sittgie family Rttaclted units, townhouses, anti multifamily
dwucllings i~ivte: additional development seandards and requirements sprGi~c to these uses
Wray he fbtmd in l l-d-'3 olthe Ul)C
Residential subdivisions should use the i?esign Manua! and guidelines in accordance with [~
11D~ tp ensure that the development is compatible with surrounding uses and contributes !o
an appropr%a[e Context
Individual detached single-family davel[ings are nut required to submit ftst compliance with
the design %tridelirres The City encow ages .single-family detached dc~~Elopments to consider
Design Manual Text Amendment -CPA-09-006 PAGE 9
9. OTHER AGENCY AND DEPARTMENT COMMENTS
On November 25, 2009, a joint agency and department meeting was held with sen~ice providers in this
area. The agencies and departments present include: Meridian Fire Department, Meridian Parks
Department, Sanitary Service Cornpany, Meridian Police Department and Meridian Public Works
Department. None of the agencies or departments listed above provided comments on the subject
application.
1. FIRE DEPARTMENT
1.1 The Fire Department has no concerns related to this application.
2. POLICE DEPARTMENT
2.1 The Police Department has no concerns related to this application.
3. PARKS DEPARTMENT
3.1 The Parks Department has no concerns related to this application.
4. SANITARY SERVICE COMPANY
4.1 SSC has no concerns related to this application.
5. PUBLIC WORKS
5.1 The Public Works Department has no concerns related to this application.
Design Manual Text Amendment-CPA-09-006 PAGE ]0
10. REQUIRED FINDINGS FROM THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
1. Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment Findings
Upon recommendation from the Commission, the Council shall make a full investigation and
shall, at the public hearing, review the application. In order to grant an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan, the Council shall make the following findings:
a. The proposed amendment is consistent with the other elements of the Comprehensive
Plan.
Staff finds that the proposed amendment is consistent with the other elements of the
Comprehensive plan (See Section 6 above).
b. The proposed amendment provides an improved guide to future growth and
development of the city.
Staff finds that the proposed amendment provides an improved guide to future growth and
development of the city by correcting errors and clarifying ambiguities in the existing
document.
c. The proposed amendment is internally consistent with the Goals, Objectives and
Policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
Staff finds that the proposed amendment is internally consistent with the Goals, Objectives,
and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan (See Section 6 above).
d. The proposed amendment is consistent with the Unified Development Code.
Staff finds that the proposed amendment improves consistency with the Unified
Development Code by clarifying the relationship between the two documents. Staff will
ensure future developments are consistent with the Design Manual guidelines in accordance
with the Unified Development Code.
e. The amendment will be compatible with existing and planned surrounding land uses.
The proposed CPA text amendment is city wide and does not affect a specific site. However,
Staff believes the Design Manual in conjunction with the Comprehensive plan and the
Unified Development Code provides the tools to ensure compatibility with the surrounding
land uses.
f. The proposed amendment will not burden existing and planned service capabilities.
Staff finds that the proposed amendment will not burden existing and planned service
capabilities in this area of the city.
g. The proposed map amendment (as applicable) provides a logical juxtaposition of uses
that allows sufficient area to mitigate any anticipated impact associated with the
development of the area.
N/A
h. The proposed amendment is in the best interest of the City of Meridian.
Staff finds that the proposed amendment corrects errors and clarifies ambiguities in the
existing document and is therefore in the best interest of the City.
Design Manual Text Amendment -CPA-09-006 PAGE 1 1
URBAN DEVELOPMENTS (PAGE 25)
Introduction:
The guidelines in this section describe and illustrate important physical and visual
characteristics that enable developments to create functional and quality built
environments that define livable, vibrant, and attractive urban places.
Use these guidelines for development proposals in this category to enhance existing
urban areas. a-n~ This includes the area of the "Downtown Core" that extends from
Carlton Avenue on the north Meridian Road on the west Broadway Street on the south
and Third Street on the east. These guidelines are also meant for establishing new urban
environments throughout the City as designated in the Comprehensive Plan and specific
area plans.
Urban developments should convey an appropriate urban context based on the site and
architectural characteristics outlined in the design guidelines and emphasize the
establishment of pedestrian environments and community connectivity through the
integration of street networks and attractive streetscapes. Urban developments should
incorporate various public and open spaces and design these spaces as amenities that
draw people to urban areas.
Urban environments that provide a mix of uses, public, open spaces, transportation
options, and encourage pedestrian activity will contribute to the livability and vitality of
Meridian.
Purpose:
These guidelines address basic physical and visual relationships necessary for
developments, within an urban context, to be successful as pedestrian oriented
environments and create urban neighborhoods, districts, and activity centers that present
quality characters with aesthetically pleasing designs.
The City encourages the creative and innovative use of current and emerging
development and design practices that meet or exceed the general expectations of the
community as expressed in the Compressive Plan, the guiding principles of the Design
Manual, and the objectives of the guidelines.
Applicability:
The guidelines in this section of the manual apply to development proposals with an
Urban Development Context as determined from the development matrix.
Apply these guidelines to non-residential developments and coordinate residential
developments with Section E, Guidelines for Residential Development.
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES (Page 35)
1.0 Site Character
1.5 PARKING
Notes:
The followi~ guidelines are not intended to replace the parking standards in the UDC
but rather to encourage the integrated use of this element to enhance the attractiveness
and quality of urban development and character. Use the guidelines in combination with
the UDC standards.
Objective:
To incorporate parking as integrated elements of urban environments and address issues,
such as the appropriate location for parking, size of parking areas, paving materials,
landscaping, and screening that influence the physical and visual characteristics of
parking areas.
Guidelines:
Design surface parking as an integrated and attractive element of the urban environment
that promotes pedestrian comfort and safety.
Divide surface parking into smaller separated modules and arrange parking to minimize
large paving areas. Use pedestrian circulation, landscaping, and/or public space to
separate parking areas.
Coordinate vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns that clearly delineate parking
stalls and vehicle travel lanes from pedestrian walkways and adjoining public spaces,
including roadways.
Use trees, landscaping, hardscapes, and architectural elements to provide shade, create
interest and human scale for pedestrians, and add aesthetic qualities to parking areas.
Shade pedestrian walkways and parking, including stalls and drive aisles, with the
appropriate type and class of trees and arrange tree plantings in configurations that will
provide shade for at least 50 percent of parking surfaces at mature growth.
Integrate appropriately scaled and distributed lighting to provide a safe and comfortable
environment for vehicular and pedestrian use.
Screen parking adjacent to public spaces, roadways and pedestrian walkways with
landscaped buffers, low walls, architectural elements or a combination that provides
continuous screening at a height of 3 feet. Additional elements above 3 feet should
provide 70 percent transparency.
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES (Page 63)
1.0 Site Character
1.4 PARKING
Notes:
The following Quidelines are not intended to replace the parking standards in the UDC
but rather to encourage the integrated use of this element to enhance the attractiveness
and quality of urban suburban development and character Use the guidelines in
combination with the UDC standards.
Objectives:
To incorporate parking as an integrated element of the built environment and address
issues that influence the physical and visual characteristics of parking areas, such as the
appropriate location for parking, size of parking areas, paving materials, landscaping, and
screening.
Guidelines:
Parking areas should establish an appropriate circulation pattern for pedestrians and
vehicles. Large-scale and multiple building sites are encouraged to organize and design
circulation patterns that function as and resemble street networks.
Coordinate vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns that clearly delineate parking
stalls and vehicle travel lanes from pedestrian walkways and adjoining public spaces.
Provide pedestrian connections from internal circulation to public spaces and adjacent
roadways.
Design surface parking as an integrated and attractive element of the built environment
that promotes pedestrian comfort and safety and adds to the aesthetic character of
developments, in addition to accommodating vehicular uses.
Break up parking areas into smaller separated modules and arrange parking to minimize
large impervious paving areas. Use pedestrian circulation, landscaping, and/or public
space to separate parking areas.
The design and layout of internal site parking should avoid long unbroken parking bays.
Divide parking bay lengths with crossing travel lanes at approximately 300 feet or 30
stall intervals.
Limit the amount and depth of parking between building facades and roadways to 50-
percent or less of the total required parking for the site to encourage compact
developments.
Use trees, landscaping, hardscapes, and architectural elements to provide shade, create
interest and human scale for pedestrians, and add aesthetic qualities to parking areas.
SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENTS (Page 87)
Introduction:
Use these guidelines for development proposals in this category to enhance existing
suburban areas and establish new, integrated suburban environments that relate to
surrounding neighborhoods and uses. While the majority of development in suburban
environments will be residential, there is a need to provide small-scaled commercial and
office developments that support the daily needs of adjacent and nearby residents.
The Future Land Use Map identifies several neighborhood oriented commercial, office,
and mixed-use designations in suburban environments throughout the City. Development
in these areas should emphasize compatible uses, public spaces, and a mix of residential
housing. In addition, emphasis should focus on connectivity by establishing street
networks and interconnected pathways that link residential and neighborhood oriented
non-residential uses.
Development should promote a neighborhood scale that provides an appropriate balance
between pedestrian and vehicular accommodations. Land uses that generate intense
automobile traffic, parking, and trucking are not suitable for suburban neighborhood
development.
Purpose:
These guidelines address basic site and building relationships necessary for neighborhood
oriented developments to provide interconnectivity throughout suburban areas and
contribute to the establishment of an appropriate development context that accommodates
adjacent and nearby residents.
The City encourages the creative and innovative use of current and emerging
development and design practices that meet or exceed the general expectations of the
community as expressed in the Compressive Plan, the guiding principles of the Design
Manual, and the objectives of the guidelines.
Applicability:
The guidelines in this section of the manual apply to development proposals with the
Suburban Development Context as determined from the development matrix.
Apply these guidelines to non-residential developments and coordinate residential
developments with Section E, Guidelines for Residential Development.
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES (Page 95)
1.0 Site Character
1.4 PARKING
Notes•
The following guidelines are not intended to replace the parking standards in the UDC
but rather to encourage the integrated use of this element to enhance the attractiveness
and quality of suburban development and character Use the guidelines in combination
with the UDC standards
Objectives:
To incorporate parking as an attractive, integrated element of development and address
issues that influence the physical and visual characteristics of parking areas, such as the
appropriate location for parking, size of parking areas, paving materials, landscaping, and
screening.
Guidelines:
Parking should establish appropriate circulation patterns that accommodate and balance
pedestrian and vehicular uses.
Neighborhood oriented developments are encouraged to use parking configurations that
contribute to a functional internal circulation network.
Coordinate vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns and clearly delineate parking
stalls and vehicle travel lanes from pedestrian walkways and adjoining public spaces.
Provide pedestrian connections from internal circulation to public spaces and adjacent
roadways.
Design surface parking as an integrated and attractive element of the built environment
that promotes pedestrian comfort and safety and adds to the aesthetic character of
developments, in addition to accommodating vehicular uses.
Break up parking into smaller separated modules and arrange parking to minimize large
impervious paving areas. Use pedestrian circulation, landscaping, public space, internal
roadways and primary drive aisles to separate parking areas.
Design and layout parking to avoid long unbroken parking bays. Parking bay lengths
should not exceed 200 feet or approximately 20 stalls. Where appropriate, provide
crossing travel lanes that improve circulation.
Limit the amount and depth of parking between building facades and roadways to 50-
percent or less of the total required parking for the site to encourage compact
developments.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (PAGE 119)
Introduction:
The quality and character of Meridian and its neighborhoods is directly linked to the
overall quality of the built environment. The guidelines in this section describe and
illustrate important physical and visual characteristics that enable residential
developments to create attractive and livable neighborhoods throughout Meridian.
Appropriately, use these guidelines in addition to the Design Manual sections that
correspond to the anticipated development context (urban, urban suburban or suburban)
as determined from the Development Matrix, to enhance existing neighborhoods and
establish new, integrated neighborhoods throughout the City.
Residential developments should emphasize the establishment of pedestrian
environments and community connectivity through the integration of street networks,
attractive streetscapes and landscaping, access to transit, and accessibility to public,
common and open spaces.
Urban, Urban/Suburban, and Neighborhood Center residential developments should be
integrated within an appropriate mixed-use environment.
Purpose:
These guidelines address general site and building relationships necessary for residential
developments and buildings to contribute to the establishment of compatible, attractive
neighborhoods throughout the City to enhance architectural character and create a sense
of place for residents.
The City encourages the creative and innovative use of current and emerging
development and design practices that meet or exceed the general expectations of the
community as expressed in the Compressive Plan, the guiding principles of the Design
Manual, and the objectives of the guidelines.
Applicability:
The guidelines in this section apply to residential development proposals with the
following UDC designations; all duplex and single family attached units, townhouses,
and multifamily dwellings. Note: additional development standards and requirements
specific to these uses may be found in 11-4-3 of the UDC.
Residential subdivisions should use the Design Manual and guidelines in accordance with
the UDC to ensure that the development is compatible with surrounding uses and
contributes to an appropriate context.
Individual detached single-family dwellings are not required to submit for compliance
with the design guidelines. The City encourages single-family detached developments to
consider incorporating the design guidelines with any subdivision architectural
development standards.
(Pages 48, 77 & 109)
Unacceptable ,~~G~EF''~~.~