Minutes 10/13/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 13. 2009 Background: . After more than a year's worth of public input and feedback from the community, the final draft of the new Downtown Design Manual is complete. . The current DDC process and design manual are more than 20 years old and represent an outdated tool that is not aligned with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. Discussion: . In addition to the significantly reduced limits of the DDC District, the new Design Guideline Manual includes 3 important chapters. The first lists General Guidelines. These guidelines are designed to: protect important public views; enhance the streetscape and install pedestrian friendly materials; recommend innovative solutions at achieving required stormwater management; minimize conflicts between service areas and pedestrians; and treat corner buildings with special considerations. . The Guideline Manual also includes General Development Standards, which address: walls and fences; parking lot vegetation; increased provisions for signage, site furnishings and the ability to create sidewalk display areas. The General Standards also include some helpful information on how to use the Federal and State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit process. . Finally, the Guideline Manual includes street-by-street architectural standards, to address items such as: windows, doors, trim work and cornices, porches and foundations. . The Committee review and approval process has likewise been re-written. . Per the public input that was received, a majority of Rehabilitation and site work items can now be accomplished via a 1-step administrative approval process. Only the largest, most significant projects would require review by the Committee. The Committee itself would continue to have 7 members and, in addition, similar to the process found in the City's other historic districts, no fee is required if the application is submitted in advance of the work being completed. . Both the Planning Commission and DDC have recommended approval of the changes. Financial Impact: . No financial impact. The significant overhaul of the process that is proposed is designed to be a more proactive approach at protecting the Downtown Historic District while streamlining development review in a user-friendly enhanced process that is consistent with the goals of Destination 2025, the City's Comprehensive Plan. Staff Recommends: . Adoption of the motion. Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community. Next Steps Following Council Action: . To ensure a successful implementation, staff will form a communications and training plan. Motion by Ms. Randall, and seconded by Ms. Psimas, to adopt a Downtown Design District Manual, and was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, Randall, Smith, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None - New Business - 09 - 519 - Boards and Commissions Mr. Moody and Ms. Psi mas offered the following nominations: Vice Mayor William E. Moody, Jr. to serve as Council Liaison for Ports. Councilman Charles B. Whitehurst, Sr. to serve as a member of the Hampton Roads Military & Federal Facilities Alliance (HRMFFA), replacing Mayor James W. Holley III.