AgdaPkt 2019-03-11 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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using those Design Guidelines as a start, this task could be completed very quickly and with minimal staff resources. 3. Review and Improve the Existing Interim Guidelines for Neighborhood -Compatible Design Criteria The current interim guidelines for compatibility are a good start, and are slated for further refinement as part of the Planning Commission's work plan. Each distinct neighborhood's participation in further developing area -specific goals and compatibility criteria should be encouraged as part of this process. Some areas may feel that guidelines appropriate to more historic and heterogeneous areas may need modification based on the character and interests of other areas. 4. Modify the Architectural Permit Provisions of the Zoning Ordinance The AP permit provisions regulate second story additions and new two-story homes. However, a public hearing is mandated only for sloping lots where greater engineering standards may be required, but not for the majority of the city where there has been the greatest expression of concern. These provisions are dated and outmoded in a number of ways. The city should expeditiously modify its regulations to: • Evaluate and improve general findings; • Require substantial conformance with any adopted guidelines; Consider renaming the AP as a more holistic Design Review process; and • Adopt modern universal public hearing requirements, with standard 300 foot proximity legal noticing and the posting of proposed development plans online. (PDF Format) The current informal requirements that put the burden on applicants and neighbors to distribute and evaluate plans is unfair and antagonistic to government transparency. 5. Evaluate and Develop New Regulatory Techniques: • FARs Tailored to Typical House Sizes by Subarea; • Front Setback Increase from 15 to 20 feet except for first story porch and entry areas facing the street, to promote safety and sociability; • Increased side setbacks for larger homes, reduced mass on second story levels with floor area limits and second story front setbacks greater than for the first story, and • any other modifications to existing regulations such as lot coverage and daylight plane evaluations deemed appropriate for two story designs. 6. Promote the Retention of Architecturally Significant Structures Whether by policy, procedural incentives and/or adopted guidelines, the city should strongly consider the retention of architecturally significant residences, regardless of historical significance, which places too great a burden of findings on some of the most