Downtown CodeChapter 12

Purpose: to implement the vision, goals and policies of the Downtown Phoenix

Plan and to provide the physical environment necessary to create a

pedestrian-oriented, dynamic urban center with an authentic sense of place.

Character Areas• Downtown Code

covers about 2 square miles

• McDowell Road to Buckeye Road, 7th

Avenue to 7th Street

• Standards identified are either distinct to each character area or applicable to all.

Height and Density Downtown Code established set density

and height for all parcels in the code area.

All rezoning stipulations for sites within the area were eliminated. This is “replacement” zoning.

Livelier Downtown

Previous zoning did not ensure that projects built would create an attractive downtown with shade, pedestrian-oriented streets and quality design.

Downtown Code addresses land uses and street level design.

How is the DTC different from previous entitlements? Entitlements for height and density given. Additional lot coverage given. Reduced setbacks given. Altered parking requirements (outside of

Business Core) given. Intent is to reduce the amount of

variances for these standards that any given project may have needed in the past.

Key Elements of DTC Frontage types (active front yard,

stoop/door well, storefront, gallery/arcade, side street)

Building setbacks (minimums/maximums) Shade standards Tree matrix (right tree in the right place) Streetscape (sidewalk and green zone) Sustainability Bonus System Design Alternatives

Sustainability Bonuses Credit categories (height, density, lot coverage,

parking increase, parking reduction)

Sustainability Matrix (mixed use, pedestrian amenities, shade, permeable paving, gray water use, on-site renewable energy, high energy code standards, bike amenities, passive solar elements, rehab of an HP structure, affordable housing, etc.)

Design Alternatives Design alternatives are reviewed by the

Design Review Committee Specified standards may be modified up

to 25% (buildable area, frontage type standards [but not frontage type], landscaping, parking, lighting)

Modifying standards greater than 25% follows the citywide Variance process

Proposed Revisions to Code Intent to retain ideals of pedestrian

appeal, sustainability in design and construction, and connectivity through downtown.

Respond to inconsistencies between DTC standards and other regulatory requirements (utility, infrastructure and engineering).

Schedule Commenced in January 2012

Substantive revisions and review through July 2012

Internal review – September/October 2012

Schedule Village Planning Committee – September

and October 2012

Planning Commission – November 13, 2012

City Council – December 5, 2012

Who has worked on the revisions? Design Review Committee – including

two Central City VPC members, John Glenn and Otis White

Design Standards Committee – including Central City VPC member Robert Graham

City leadership City staff Stakeholders

Pedestrian Scale Improvements Increase requirement

for bicycle parking and amenities

Clarify building frontage type standards

Augment shade protection standards

Pedestrian Scale Improvements

Refine and improve parking garage design

Refine standards for enhanced corner guidelines

Real World Development Challenges Measure “build to”

lines from easements rather than property lines

Allow a leeway of 25% for required streetscape dimensions

Real World Development Challenges Mapping for

entitlements and the Arts, Culture and Small Business Overlay

Signage regulations

Next Steps Questions?

Return to Central City VPC on October 8 to request a recommendation

Staff contact:Sandra Hoffman, 602-534-2864sandra.hoffman@phoenix.gov