Agenda Date: 05/05/2020
Subject:
Title
Resolution 44-2020: Ratifying the decision of the Planning Commission adopting various changes to the Downtown Littleton Design Standards Chapters 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, the Glossary of Definitions and updating the Boundary Map
Body
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Prepared by: |
Jennifer Q. Henninger, Community Development Director |
PURPOSE:
To ratify Planning Commission’s approval of various amendments to the Downtown Littleton Design Standards within Chapters 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and the Glossary of Definitions as well as updating the boundary map.
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): Jennifer Q. Henninger, Community Development Director
Additional Presenter(s): N/A
SUMMARY:
On February 4, 2020, Council enacted two temporary moratoriums, one restricting applications for new auto-oriented businesses and the other restricting new multi-unit residential developments within Downtown Littleton. The moratoriums allowed staff to develop various changes to the Downtown Littleton Design Standards to provide better alignment with the Comprehensive Plan. Staff is requesting approval of seven proposed changes to the Downtown Littleton Design Standards prior to the expiration of the moratoriums.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
City Council, Planning Commission, and the Historical Preservation Board have held several study sessions related to the proposed changes to the Downtown Littleton Design Standards. These have occurred on 12/10/2019, 1/7/2020, 1/13/2020, and 2/24/2020 (joint study session with Planning Commission). City Council, Planning Commission, and the Historical Preservation Board provided staff with direction on ways to clarify the proposed design standard changes at these meetings.
On April 20, 2020, the Historical Preservation Board conducted a public hearing to discuss proposed Planning Commission Resolution 4-2020. Following the hearing, the Historical Preservation Board recommended approval of the proposed changes by a 7/0 vote.
On April 27, 2020 Planning Commission held a virtual public hearing on the proposed changes to the Downtown Littleton Design Standards. There were three citizens providing comments to the proposed changes (see attachments). Their comments primarily applied to the proposed 5:12 requirements for the pitch of roofs in Downtown. Planning Commissioners had some concerns with the interpretation of a 75% live plant material requirement for landscaping as well as the definition of slot homes. Based on these expressed concerns, the following two amendments were made as well as a clarification to the slot home definition:
• Amendment #1: change lines 54/55 to read “a variety of sloped roofs such as simple gable, hipped roofs, with occasional gambrel roof forms that are compatible with the historic character of the subarea. Primary roof forms shall have a roof slope of 5:12 or steeper; secondary roof forms, such as porches or add-ons, shall have a roof slope of 3:12 or steeper.”
• Amendment #2: change language beginning on line 69 to “a minimum of 75% of landscaped areas shall be comprised of living plant materials as measured at expected 10-year growth and maturity. Low water use landscaping is highly encouraged.”
ANALYSIS:
Staff Analysis
In summary, Staff proposed the following changes to the Downtown Littleton Design Standards to Planning Commission:
• Add the following front façade requirements:
o Require increased building frontage for a better street presence
o Clarify requirements for minimum number of entrances facing the street in multiple-unit residential buildings
• Require enhanced street amenities for the front of buildings
• Prohibit slot homes
• Prohibit utility boxes, meters, and other utility equipment in front of required entrances
• Increase required roof pitch in Sub-Area 4 (mainly residential)
• Clarify landscape standards
• Add or revise the following definitions:
o At least some
o Courtyard
o Passageway
o Porch
o Slot home
The proposed changes will only apply to the Downtown Littleton area as defined in the Downtown Littleton Design Standards. They will not apply to other areas of the city. Along with the proposed changes, staff will update the document by including current boundary maps as previously approved by Council.
On March 25, 2020, staff posted the proposed changes on the Littleton Plans website and sent a survey to registrants. The comment period closed on April 8, 2020 and includes 11 responses to the survey. In general, the proposed changes were viewed favorably by the respondents (see attached summary and results). The most focused concerns were regarding proposed living material landscape requirement, with concerns that 75% was too high a requirement.
Council Goal, Objective, and/or Guiding Principle
One of Council’s top goals for 2020 and 2021 is the adoption of a Unified Land Use Code. The proposed changes to the Design Standards are intended as a bridge to allow land development projects to continue while the Unified Land Use Code engagement, formulation, and adoption process continues. The proposed Design Standards changes address several specific goals and policies related to:
• Land Use and Character
• Housing and Neighborhoods
• Transportation Master Plan
• Environment
• Economy and Tax Base and
• Special Areas and Design
Fiscal Impacts
Since the proposed changes do not fundamentally change development regulations, city staff does not believe there are any fiscal impacts to city budgets related to the proposal.
Alternatives
If council denies the proposed amendments, there is risk of continued development that does not align with the Envision Littleton Comprehensive Plan and potential risk in not acting during the moratorium period.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the resolution ratifying Planning Commission’s decision to approve various amendments to the Downtown Littleton Design Standards Chapters 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and the Glossary of Definitions as well as updating the boundary map.