Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Design Standards topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission approves updated downtown design standards for recommendation to council
Summary
Commissioners approved an update to downtown design standards—produced with consultant Bolton & Menk and funded by a grant—that clarifies administrative vs. board review and incorporates newer materials; the update will go to city council as an amendment to the UDO.
The Florence City Planning Commission voted to recommend updated downtown design standards to city council after staff presented a draft prepared with consultant Bolton & Menk.
Planner Elaine Lane said the city used a grant to update design guidance that previously dated to 2008. The draft ordinance aims to give clearer tables and definitions that distinguish projects staff can approve administratively from those that require Design Review Board consideration, and it incorporates newer materials and clearer standards for the city’s seven historic overlay districts.
Commissioners asked about the extent of staff authority under the new standards. Lane said the ordinance drafts define "minor" and "major" projects and allow staff to approve minor projects that meet defined standards; projects that do not meet standards or that are unusual will go to the Design Review Board. "It gives the design review board as well as staff much clearer standards to go by than the old one did," Lane said.
The Design Review Board had already reviewed the draft and voted to approve it on Dec. 11. Because the update amends the Unified Development Ordinance, planning commission approval is required before the item moves to city council for final action. Commissioners voted to recommend the ordinance update to council by voice vote.
