downtowndesignreviewguidelines

kalamazoo

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITYTRYING TO ACCOMPLISH?

GUIDELINES vs. ORDINANCE

• Kalamazoo = guidelines• Adopted by RESOLUTION• Not as stringent as an ordinance• Can be easily modified• More flexibility• Open to challenges, charges of

subjectivity

Kalamazoo’s Design Guidelines

• Downtown– Adopted March, 2005– Resolution & Ordinance

• Riverfront Development Target Area– Adopted July, 2006– Resolution & Ordinance

SITE PLAN REVIEWIN KALAMAZOO

• Reviewed and approved administratively – Permitted uses

• Committee of staff from departments• Pros & Cons• Design review is part of the site plan

review process

Appointed by City Manger and DDA Director•Downtown Design Review Coordinator (city staff)

•DDA Representative (DKI staff)•Downtown Property Owner•Architect•Downtown Project Review Committee Member

meet weekly on Tuesdays (as necessary) at City Hall

meet with applicant

quorum required for approvals

written recommendations provided within 48 hours to site plan review committee

appeals go to the Planning Commission

To be utilized by architects, developers and property owners for projects within

downtown

Encourage new construction, building rehabilitation, and streetscape projects to create a dynamic and vibrant downtown.

The City of Kalamazoo encourages creativity and inventiveness in building

reuse and new construction as well as the preservation of key architectural features

that define our downtowndowntown.

Celebrate the Kalamazoo of yesterday and today, while looking to tomorrow

Create a setting for social, cultural and environmental awareness and enjoyment

Create new kinds of urban districts that integrate workplace, housing, transportation,

retail, and cultural amenities

Protect and leverage existing assets within downtown Kalamazoo

Define a hierarchy of streets and pedestrian linkages that bind the city

together

Utilize existing styles as design vocabulary to unify the built environment

Celebrate the arts, entertainment and culture of the people of Kalamazoo and

their diversity of thought, taste and interest

Enhance Kalamazoo’s sense of place

A variation in process

A deeper study of the existing built environment prior to façade development

An understanding of the DDRC process as it relates to new or existing buildings and the

streetscape / façade portions of each project.

Project proposal submitted

to City staff

City & DDA staff review project

Tier leveldetermined

City / DDA staffprepare

recommendation for DDRC approval

DDRC recommendsApproval

Conditional ApprovalDenial

Site Plan ReviewApproval

Conditional ApprovalDenial

tier oneSTAFF REVIEW

existing buildingsfacade design

storefronts, windows, cornices, balconies, painting, etc.

mechanical equipmentDumpsters, telecom equipment, heating/cooling devices, etc.

demolition of secondary structuresstreetscape

building / sidewalk signscourtyards / rooftopssidewalk cafeslandscaping / fencingawnings / canopieslighting

tier twoCOMMITTEE REVIEW

existing buildingsfacade design

exterior restorationdemolition of primary structures

new buildingsnew construction

additionsstand-alone buildings

streetscapeparking lots / structures

public open spacesparksstreetscape areas

scale

massing

height

flexibility of use

design compatibility

width

composition

primary façade

secondary façade

windows

cornices / rooftops

street relationship

circulation

external utilities

continuity of street frontagepedestrian oriented usescompatible setback building placement in relation to the lot linebuilding form (attached or detached) in relation to its locationcirculationexternal utilities

• signage• awnings, canopies &

marquees• exterior light fixtures• private open spaces• public open space

used privately• planter boxes• street furniture

• street lighting• public art• landscaping • sidewalks• intersections• amenity strips• parking

©Jeff Daly

©Jeff Daly

Lessons Learned So Far

• Be clear about what you’re trying to achieve• Give examples• Be flexible• Educate public about what it is, what it is not• Use other tools to regulate issues such as

historic preservation, demolitions• Plan for staffing impacts• Insist on excellence for your community

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITYTRYING TO ACCOMPLISH?

downtowndesignreviewguidelines

kalamazoo