Downtown Livability Code SPI-1 Downtown Zoning Initiative Briefing October 2007

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1 Downtown Livability Code SPI-1 Downtown Zoning Initiative Briefing October

Downtown Livability Code The name given to the process developed to review and update the zoning regulations that govern the physical growth and development of Downtown Partnership of City of Atlanta

2 Downtown Livability Code The name given to the process developed to review and update the zoning regulations that govern the physical growth and development of Downtown Partnership of City of Atlanta and Central Atlanta Progress Collaborative stakeholder committee process began in April over 35 meetings held during process Staff and stakeholders assisted by consultants from Urban Collage, Inc. and Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh Imagine Downtown vision plan adopted by City Council in April 2006 recommends SPI-1 zoning changes and provides framework for goals of the initiative Final draft of proposed regulations reviewed and approved with comments by 6 neighborhood organizations and 4 NPUs (M, L, E and V) Substitute ordinance before ZRB August 2 nd addresses neighborhood comments 2

Existing Downtown Zoning Multiple districts including: Special Public Interest zoning that are separate unique zoning districts, not overlays: SPI-1: Downtown SPI-2: North Avenue MARTA SPI-13:

3 Existing Downtown Zoning Multiple districts including: Special Public Interest zoning that are separate unique zoning districts, not overlays: SPI-1: Downtown SPI-2: North Avenue MARTA SPI-13: Centennial Olympic Park Area Conventional high density commercial core districts: C-4 and C-5 MLK Landmark Historic District More effective zoning techniques have been developed and tested that encourage urban, mixed-use development 3

4 Downtown Livability Code Goals 1. Create a vibrant 24-hour Downtown environment where people can live, work, meet, and play 2. Promote a mix of uses that support pedestrian activity and human interaction 3. Provide development standards for the street environment to enhance the public realm and encourage pedestrian activity throughout Downtown 4. Simplify the format to create a more user friendly ordinance that is clear and easy to use and understand 4

General Approach Expand and combine current Downtown zoning districts into one SPI-1 district for Downtown All SPI-1, SPI-2 and SPI-13 areas with C-4 and C-5 properties within Downtown core Create

5 General Approach Expand and combine current Downtown zoning districts into one SPI-1 district for Downtown All SPI-1, SPI-2 and SPI-13 areas with C-4 and C-5 properties within Downtown core Create seven subareas to address specific issues Protect historic resources and maintain existing commercial FAR permissions Tables used to organize requirements. Text written in plain, easy to understand language 5

6 Statement of Intent and Definitions Expand the Statement of Intent to increasingly focus on promoting an active, lively and safe sidewalk environment and improving the aesthetic quality of the street and built environment Combination of existing SPI-1 and SPI-13 statements plus points regarding historic resources (in particular related to Fairlie-Poplar and Terminus) Add a definitions section consistent with City Quality of Life district definitions to address commonly used terms Terms like sidewalk clear zone, sidewalk level, storefront street, street furniture and tree planting zone, supplemental zone 6

7 Permitted Uses Adjust building and site use regulations to restrict and limit uses determined incompatible with the future vision of Downtown Restrict hiring halls, adult businesses and independent parking structures and lots. Adopt new city-wide definitions for dormitories, fraternity/sorority houses and personal care homes. Added design criteria for some uses like gas stations and drive-through establishments 7

8 Development Controls Provide additional development permission in the form of an increased FAR for residential uses Reserve opportunity to provide workforce housing density bonus to be consistent with city-wide Inclusionary Zoning initiative No public space requirements and usable open space requirements reduced SA 1 Current SPI-1 SA 2 Current SPI-2 SA 3 Current C-4, C-5 and SPI-1 SA 4 Current C-4 SA 5 Current SPI-13 SA 6 Current SPI-1 SA-7 Current SPI-1 Proposed Current Proposed Current Proposed Current Proposed Current Proposed Current Proposed Current Proposed Current Non-residential Maximum FAR ,10 & Residential Maximum FAR w/out Workforce Housing Bonus & Residential Maximum Workforce Housing Bonus FAR Reserved Maximum Achievable Combined FAR Varies

9 Sidewalks Standardize sidewalk requirements throughout district with emphasis on required elements of sidewalks (i.e. minimum widths, materials, trees and lighting) Update Pedestrian Space Plan Map to identify sidewalk width requirements. Proposed SPI-1 requires a base 15-0 sidewalk and wider in some locations. Provide regulations for informal outdoor dining on sidewalks 15 9

10 Supplemental Zone Supplemental Zones enrich the sidewalk experience by encouraging outdoor dining and merchandise displays. Regulations define and regulate supplemental zones to enhance sidewalk space adjacent to building and behind clear zone. Depending on the location they are prohibited, allowed or required 10

Relationship of Buildings to Streets Entirely new section of the chapter to provide additional detailed regulations that govern the relationship between buildings and sidewalks and streets Active

11 Relationship of Buildings to Streets Entirely new section of the chapter to provide additional detailed regulations that govern the relationship between buildings and sidewalks and streets Active ground floor uses required in all structures Windows are required and blank walls are limited along sidewalks, Floor to ceiling heights established Building entrances must be visible, articulated and accessible to sidewalk 11

12 Storefront Streets Primary pedestrian streets with higher storefront window requirements to encourage street-level retail uses. Examples include Peachtree Street and Broad Street Restrictions placed on curb cuts and minimum active use depth requirements 18 12

13 Driveways, Curb Cuts and Parking Structures Driveways: Number and width restricted Sidewalk materials shall continue across driveways Drive-through and drive-in facilities and their design are restricted Parking structures should have the appearance of a horizontal storied building, be architecturally cohesive with the surrounding block faces and building uses and conceal automobiles 13

Off-Street Parking and Loading Parking Limitation District surrounding MARTA N-S rail line retained Minimum parking requirements eliminated (particularly for residential uses) and maximum allowed

14 Off-Street Parking and Loading Parking Limitation District surrounding MARTA N-S rail line retained Minimum parking requirements eliminated (particularly for residential uses) and maximum allowed spaces capped for all uses Bicycle and moped parking requirements expanded Loading requirements reduced and shared arrangements allowed Landscaping, signage and operational guidelines: Current parking lot regulations that include expanded to apply to all parking facilities 14

Transportation Management Plans Regulations added that support transportation demand management activities Office developments over 25,000 square feet require a Transportation Management Plan to

15 Transportation Management Plans Regulations added that support transportation demand management activities Office developments over 25,000 square feet require a Transportation Management Plan to establish plans, alternatives and strategies to reduce single occupant vehicle trips Priority carpool and van pool parking required, as well as shower facilities in office buildings Bike and moped parking required 15

16 Subareas 6 and 7: Fairlie-Poplar and Terminus Provide more detailed regulations for areas of historic significance, including Fairlie-Poplar and the Terminus/Hotel Row area Atlanta Urban Design Commission staff review and report Additional, more specific Storefront Street requirements Additional guidelines for balconies, awnings and canopies, windows and façade materials and delineation Does not change status of other historic properties: demolition, exterior changes or additions to Landmark or Historic properties are subject to Atlanta Urban Design Commission approval 16

17 Illustrative Drawings Added for clarity and to enhance understanding 17

18 Development Review Committee Proposal to re-make the existing SPI-13 Development Review Committee (DRC) to expand the involvement and input of interested SPI-1 district property owners, business owners and residents in the review of proposed redevelopment projects The SPI-1 DRC is an advisory group for the purpose of providing the Director of the Bureau of Planning formal comments on special administrative permit (SAP) applications within the district. The SPI-1 Downtown DRC is proposed to consist of eight members representing Downtown property owners, neighborhood associations and NPU-M 18

Supplemental Plan Check Corrections Sheet for Bicycle Parking Ordinance (Effective 3/13/2013)

Supplemental Plan Check Corrections Sheet for Bicycle Parking Ordinance (Effective 3/13/2013) Plan Check PCIS application number: - - Job Address Zone: P.C. Engineer (E-mail: firstname.lastname@lacity.org)