HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-497 Comp Plan Amendment Design Guidelines
CITY OF MERIDL~N RESOLUTION NO. ~~
BY THE CITY COUNCIL: BIRD, DONNELL, ROUNTREE, WARDLE
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MERIDIAN TO AMEND THE TEXT OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR DOWNTOWN MERIDIAN
DESIGN GUIDELINES AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER II, ARTICLE D, 11-2D-4;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have the authority pursuant to I.C. §
50-302 to establish resolutions not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Idaho as may
be expedient, in addition to the special powers therein granted, to maintain the peace,
good government and welfare of the corporation and its trade, commerce and industry;
and
WHEREAS, the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan was adopted in August in
2002 as resolution 02-3 82; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have deemed it appropriate to clarify
the City's Comprehensive Plan definitions for Downtown Meridian Design Guidelines;
and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have done all things required by the
Idaho Local Land Use Planning Act to amend the adopted comprehensive plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDL~N, IDAHO as follows:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to Idaho Code §67-6509, the Mayor and City Council
hereby amend the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan, a copy of which is attached
hereto and by this reference incorporated herein. A copy of this Resolution and the
attached amendment shall beheld on file in the office of the City Clerk.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR DOWNTOWN MERIDIAN DESIGN
GUIDELINES Pagel of 2
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall be in full force and
effect immediately upon its adoption and approval.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this ~~ day
of GLliLGit, , 2006.
APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this ~~ day of
GL !~. , 2006.
APPROVED:
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR DOWNTOWN MERIDIAN DESIGN
GUIDELINES Paget of 2
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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Downtown Meridian Design Guidelines for the Downtown District is to aid in the
development of a concentrated urban, mixed-use, transit-supportive center that fosters pedestrian
activity and defines Downtown as heart of the community.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
1. A mixed-use urban configuration supports retail 5. Comfortable and visible vehicular, as well as
and commercial businesses by clustering them transit, cyclist, and pedestrian facilities
in a tight-knit, pedestrian-friendly environment encourage visitors to and from downtown.
with compatible amenities such as restaurants,
entertainment, housing, and related services. 6. Defined and continuous streetscapes with
2. Buildings designed to be compatible with consistent trees, signage, pedestrian and
cyclist amenities create identity and provide an
historic downtown buildings reinforce the attractive, predictable environment for
cultural heritage of Meridian. business.
3. Street facing buildings with active ground floor 7. Civic and community buildings and public
uses help support apedestrian-oriented spaces are integral to the civic identity of the
environment. community, and should receive special
4. Quality building materials and their consistent consideration and pride of place.
application create an environment of quality
that supports property values.
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PURPOSE
The purpose of Design Guidelines in the Downtown
District is to:
• Support community and cultural identity in the
historic center of Downtown Meridian;
• Encourage the rehabilitation and conservation
of existing historical buildings;
• Create infill mixed-use building of character,
height, scale, and proportion compatible with
the existing historical buildings;
• Reinforce the urban pattern by minimizing
interruptions in the wall of street-facing building
facades;
• Slow traffic by shaping the street "room° and
providing "eyes on the street";
• Create a comfortable environment for
pedestrian activities
• Reduce off-street parking requirements by
realizing that the Meridian Development
Corporation will provide parking in the area.
APPLICABILITY
These guidelines apply to new development and
any proposed improvements to existing
development, such as fagade improvements and/or
building additions.
Presets day downtown, Second Street, Merldlan, Idaho
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Old downtown, Second Street, Mertdlan, Idaho
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Future downtown, Second Street, Merldlan, Idaho
SETBACKS
(See definition of setback in
Meridian Unified Development Code).
Purpose:
The purpose of setbacks in the
Downtown District is to create
a safe and lively pedestrian gr.Pld-ToLtne
environment with continuous
building facades facing the
street (Fig. 1.1).
Front and side setbacks:
In the Downtown District, all
new buildings must have first
floor facades built to the public
right of way ("build-to lines°) at
the street sides and to interior
lot lines (exceptions may be
considered at interior lot lines for pedestrian FtcuRE i.o Set back diagram
paths and existing adjacent buildings with
windows, and for civic and community buildings
and public spaces). Buildings will be built to
the alley for a depth of 20 feet from the Main,
Second and Third Street sides (Fig. 1.0, 1.6).
Pedestrian plazas behind the build-to line will
be considered if such plazas are less than 50
percent of the total facade length of an
individual fagade.
Rear setback at alley: 5-foot minimum,
except as noted above (Fig. 1.0).
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FIGURE i.z DO build the public right of way for FIGURE i.3 G
continuous storefront effect right of way.
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FIGURE 1.4 DO create small shallow plazas flanked by FIGURE i.s DON'T create deep gaps between
buildings. buildings.
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FIGURE 1.6 DO areat® bulldings~ghf to alley amend Main FIGURE 1.7 DON'T create wide view Into alley.
Street, 2 Street and 3 Street
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BUILDING ORIENTATION
Purpose:
The purpose of defining building orientation is to
locate building entrances and windows facing the
street and public sidewalk to aid in the creation of
an active and safe pedestrian environment.
All developments in the downtown District shall be
oriented to the street. The requirement is met
when:
1. Buildings have their primary entrance(s)
oriented to the street. Buildings located on
Main Street must have one primary entrance
on Main Street and may have other entrances
on side street(s).
Second story uses, not associated with the
ground floor use, must have their primary
entrances on the street side; a secondary
entrance/exit may be located on the rear. No
tenant spaces may be solely accessed by an
entrance on the alley.
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Off-street parking, driveways, and other
vehicular circulation shall not be placed
between the building and the street. Parking is
not allowed at first floor of a structured parking
garage within 30 feet ofstreet-facing facades
as this area must be used for tenant space with
active uses (except on Meridian Road and
Third Street). See Figure 1.55 illustrating a
parking structure with auto entrance and also
active ground floor tenant uses.
Service areas for new buildings will be located
at the rear including loading, recycling,
garbage, meters, mechanical equipment, etc.
Service areas will be screened from view to the
height of the equipment with decorative walls
compatible with the building fagade if visible
from the street (alley view is excluded).
5. Rooftop mechanical equipment must be
screened to the height of the equipment with
allowable exterior materials (See Fagade
Treatment).
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Prkrtary entrance
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FIGURE 1.8 Building orientation diagram
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FIGURE i.io DON'T locate primary entrance to rear.
(Note that this photo shows no entrence at all from
the street sides).
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FIGURE 1.13 DO locate parking in the rear.
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FIGURE i.iz DON'T locate only entrances to second
story uses on the rear.
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FIGURE 1.9 DO locate primary entrance facing
Main Street
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FIGURE 1.14 DON'T locate parking in the front.
FIGURE 1.11 DO locate entrance to second story uses
on the street side.
D~k~tn}owrMeriaiamDasign Gui~Elines
BUILDING HEIGHT AND FORM
Purpose: The purpose of building height and
form guidelines is to ensure that new construction
and reconstruction is compatible with historic
Meridian downtown buildings.
All development in the Downtown District shall
meet the following limits of height and form:
Height: Method of Measurement: See definition
in Meridian Unified Development Code. For
allowable additional height for parapets, see also
page 8 under Form.
Minimum height at street-side facade:
2 stories/40 feet
Maximum height atstreet-side fayade:
3 stories/60 feet
Maximum height at 10 feet behind street-side
fagade:
4 stories/75 feet
Note: See Fig. 1.8, 1.15.
Note: Height may be exceeded along the rail
corridor through the Conditional Use Process.
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FIGURE 1.15 An additional floor Is allowed ff
set back 10 feet from fagade.
FIGURE 1.16 Comer turrets are encouraged.
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FIGURE i.i7 DO provide a decorative parapet,
like the one on the bullding at left In this photo.
DON'T provide a parapet with no cap, as in the
right hand bullding.
Form: Street-side facades must include a
parapet whether a flat roof or pitched roof
is used. Decorative elements are
encouraged and may exceed height limits
by 4 feet maximum, and are restricted to
50 percent of parapet length (Fig. 1.17).
Facades stepped back 10 feet or more may
have a shaped roof profile without a parapet,
but must not exceed height limit (Fig. 1.8).
Form may include comer elements at street
intersections only, such as towers, projecting
bays, etc., but must not exceed height limit
(Fig. 1.19).
Ground level building comers, on comer lots
only, may be chamfered a distance of 10 feet
maximum from the comer property line for
comer entries (Fig. 1.18).
Balconies and bay windows may project
beyond the fagade up to 6 feet if at least 15
feet above ground. Such projections must
also comply with Ada County Highway
District right-of--way requirements (Fig. 1.20).
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FIGURE 1.2o A 6-foot projecting balcony Is allowed.
FIGURE i.i5 Chamfered comes, Ilke the one at the left
abov®, are allowed. Parep®ts are required and
decorative elements Ilke the ones above are
encouraged.
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FA~,ADE TREATMENT, ENTRANCES, ROOFS
Purpose: The purpose of facade treatment and
entrance guidelines is to ensure an active,
interesting, and safe pedestrian environment, and
create compatibility with Meridian's esteemed
architectural heritage.
All developments in the downtown District will meet
the following requirements for facade treatment:
First floor street facing facades: Facades must
contain no less than 50 percent glass (Fig. 1.21).
Storefronts must follow the proportioning system.
(All first floor street-facing facades must be
constructed such that storefronts can be added to
allow flexibility of use over time). Glass must be
clear with no tinting or reflectivity. Window frames
must be recessed from the face of the finished wall
minimum 4 inches. Non-glass materials may be
one or a combination of the following materials:
Stone or brick masonry, tile, or stucco (Fig. 1.28).
Concrete masonry is prohibited. Paneled painted
wood may be used within the storefront if detailed
in an historically compatible manner. Active doors
are recommended approximately every 25 feet, or
as close as feasible for the project. Window
headers and sills are encouraged. Belt coursing at
12 feet to 20 feet above the ground is encouraged,
especially if matching an adjacent building (Fig.
1.35).
Street-facing facades above flrat floor: Street-
facing facades above the first floor shall have no
less than 20 percent glass. Windows shall be
vertical in proportion and frames recessed from the
face of the finished wall by a minimum of 4 inches
(Fig. 1.26). Reflective glass is not allowed.
Acceptable wall materials include stone or brick
masonry, tile, and stucco. Concrete masonry is
prohibited.
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FIGURE 1.23 Storefront design
buyers.
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FIGURE 1.22 DON'T build more wall than window.
Alley-oriented and Interior side lot facades:
Alley-oriented facades and interior side lot facades
may be materials other than those noted above, but
preferably in keeping with the street-side facades.
Such other materials must be painted in a color
compatible with the front facade.
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Dora every 25 feet FIGURE 1.25 DON'T close up storefronts.
to create activity.
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3GURE 1.26 DO build vertically proportioned F1GU~ RE~
compatible with existing historic buildings. Floor facades.
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FIGURE 1.28 DO use brick and stone. FIGURE 1.29 DON'T uE
up historic buildings.
to cover
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parapet
Screening: On grade screen walls shall be
constructed of materials similar to those of the
building fagade if visible from the street (alley view
is excluded). Roof-top screening materials shall be
compatible with building fagade materials (Fig.
1.33).
Parapets: Parapets are required and must have a
shaped cap of no less than 6 inches vertical,
projecting no less than 1 inch horizontal.
Decorative elements of parapets may exceed
height limits by 4 feet maximum, and are restricted
to 50 percent of the parapet length (Fig. 1.30).
Projecting cornices: Projecting comices, if used,
must be consistent or compatible with historic
structures of the tum of the 20~' century (Fig. 1.32).
Awnings: Retractable fabric awnings or
permanent canopies for sun protection and the
creation of protected sidewalk space are
encouraged (Fig. 1.37). Temporary and permanent
awnings of plastic fabric are not allowed (Fig. 1.38).
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and cornices.
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FIGURE 1.30 Parapet elements
articulated parapet
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1.33 DO screen roof top equipment to
height of equipment
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awnings.
FIGURE 1.36 DON'T make an undifferentiated fagade.
FIGURE 1.35 DO detail continuous belt course
and align.
for sun protection.
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MID-BLOCK PEDESTRIAN PATHWAYS
Purpose: The purpose of Mid-block Pedestrian
Pathway guidelines is to create safe mid-block
passages while minimising the interruption of the
continuity of building facades, understanding that
the primary pedestrian pathways shall be on the
street sides of buildings (See Streetscape Design)
(Fig. 1.39).
All developments in the Downtown District will meet
the following requirements for mid-block pedestrian
pathways, if those pathways are deemed necessary
by the applicent/owner:
Location: The preferred location for mid-block
pedestrian pathways through a block is at the
center of the block (fig. 1.41).
Width: In open areas, the minimum width of mid-
block pedestrian pathways is 5 feet, with 8 feet
preferred. Between buildings, the minimum width is
10 feet, with 15 feet maximum width.
Materials: Pathway materials may be concrete,
brick, concrete pavers, and/or colored asphalt, and
must clearly delineate the pathway separate from
any driving surfaces.
Lighting: Shielded light fixtures shall be installed
to light the pedestrian pathway at appropriate
intervals to proved continuous down-lighting on the
path surface.
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Alley
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activity on pathways.
FIGURE 1.41 Mld-block pedestrian pathway diagram
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FIGURE 1.39 DO crest
pedestrian pathways.
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Visibility: Mid-block pedestrian pathways shall not
be obscured by dumpsters, screen walls, plantings,
or any other feature to a height greater than 3 feet.
Through or between buildings, the pathway will be
straight with no side alcoves; the ends of the
pathway shall be unobstructed for visual access
down the pathway.
Prohibited trees: No evergreen trees shall be
adjacent to the pathway due to safety, sight
distance, and maintenance concerns.
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FIGURE s.44 DO screen with continuous plantings.
Fences and walls: Fences, plantings, and walls
adjacent to a pedestrian pathway are to be "see
through° (20 percent maximum opaque) as it
provides better visibility from adjacent homes or
buildings. If solid fences or walls are used, the
solid portion shall not exceed three (3) feet in
height. Building walls should contain windows at
first floor to provide safety visibility to the pathway.
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FIGURE i.a3 DON'T build high fences that obscure
views.
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overgrown and obscure views.
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STREETSCAPE DESIGN
Note: Streetscape Designs in the Downtown
District are in the process of being developed in
conjunction with Ada County Highway District.
Purpose: The purpose of streetscape guidelines is
to ensure defined and continuous vehicular, transit,
cyclist, and pedestrian environments with
consistent trees, signage, and amenities to create
identity and to provide an attractive, informational,
and predictable environment for business and
entertainment.
Streetscapes: Until specific new streetscape
standards are developed, streets and sidewalks
shall be built to be compatible with streetscape
improvement built in 1991-93, and as specified by
Ada County Highway District.
Alleys: Alleys must be improved per Ada County
Highway District standards. Shielded light fixtures
shall be installed to light the alleys at appropriate
intervals to provide continuous down-lighting on the
alley surface.
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FIGURE 1.46 DON'T cn3ate narrow harsh pedestrian
environments.
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FIGURE i.47 DO create stn3etscapes with pedestrian amenttles.
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LANDSCAPING
Purpose: The purpose of landscape guidelines is
to ensure attractive, safe, and distinctive
landscaping to add value and identity to downtown
and enhance its aesthetic quality, economic
viability, and environmental health.
Streetscapes: Until specific new streetscape
guidelines are developed, streets and sidewalks
shall be built to be compatible with streetscape
improvement built in 1991-93, and as specified by
Ada County Highway District.
Streetscape trees shall be pruned with a clear
branching height of at least eight feet above the
sidewalk surtace and 14 feet above the street.
Surface parking lots shall be required to have
streetscapes as described above and be
screened at the street side(s) with minimum 3 foot
high hedges, fences, or walls. Additional plantings,
such as Class I trees, flowers and/or smaller shrubs
may also be included. (The classes of trees are
defined for the purposes of these guidelines by the
publication Tree Selection Guide for Streets and
Landscapes Throughout Idaho by the Urban
Forestry Unit of the Boise Parks and Recreation
Department (latest edition). In general, Class I
trees are smaller ornamental trees; Class II trees
are medium/large trees appropriate for street tree
panting; and Class III trees are very large).
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sidewalks and cars.
FIGURE 1.49 DON'T allow branches to grow
to low.
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FIGURE 1.50 DO screen vehicles with low
continuous plantings and alts walls.
too low plantings.
PARKING
Purpose: The purpose for parking guidelines is to
locate parking in such a way as to not interfere with
pedestrian environments, with the understanding
that the Meridian Development Corporation will
supply parking for the Downtown District in nearby
parking lots or structures. Curbside parking, where
possible, will provide short-term parking.
Number of spaces required: No off-street parking
is required. Ifoff-street parking is provided, the
applicant shall provide acxessible spaces as per
federal accessibility standards.
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Size of spaces: See Meridian Unified
Development Code. FIGURE i.sz Parking allowed at rear only
Location: Off-street parking is allowed only at the
rear of building not visible from streets and in
parking structures. Parking is not allowed within
first floors of parking garages within 30 feet of
street-facing facades. This street-facing area must
be used for tenant space with active uses.
17
FIGURE 1.54 DON'T locate parking within 30 feet
of streot-facing facades.
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Screening: Screening of parked cars in parking
structures above the first floor must include a solid
panel up to 42 inches from floor levels. Structured
parking garages will conform to the requirements of
the Fac;.ade Treatment, Entrances section in these
guidelines, except glazing is not required at floors
above the first floor.
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42 Inches.
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FIGURE 1.55 DO screen vehicles to 42 Inches.