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Planning Commission recommends rewrite of architecture standards in UDO; staff to add protections for metal‑building bases
Summary
The Commission recommended amendments to Article 8 (site/architecture standards) and Article 15 (definitions) to consolidate architectural rules, add material class tables and facade articulation rules, and to reinstate a modified metal‑building area with new design expectations. Commissioners asked staff to add language protecting the base of
The Planning Commission voted to recommend a major update to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to consolidate and clarify architecture and building design standards and to add material‑class tables, facade articulation rules, and building‑type illustrations.
Deputy Director Amy Nassoff and consultant Abby Eckberg (Confluence) summarized the package, which reorganizes site and building standards, separates standards by building types (single‑family, multi‑family, commercial, industrial), and introduces class‑based lists of acceptable materials (Class 1 through Class 4) and percentages for primary and secondary facade materials. The update also includes new guidance on single‑family garage articulation (the Home Builders Association recommended a 60% maximum garage projection in front facades), clearer storefront and pedestrian‑zone rules and relocated site standards to match the new architecture chapter structure.
Commissioners pressed staff on the metal‑building area that historically allowed 100% metal facades in industrial parks. Staff explained the interim approach adopted earlier: metal up to 40% can be approved administratively; 40–75% requires Planning Commission review; above 75% requires City Council. Given the existing metal‑building districts the city now intends to reinsert those mapped areas but add a requirement for multiple material classes and suggested protections at the building base (for example, a more durable material or bollards for the first 36 inches above grade) to reduce the rapid degradation observed at ground level.
Commissioners generally praised the clarity of the new tables and graphics and asked staff to include the suggested base‑protection language for metal buildings when the packet goes to City Council. The commission recommended the UDO amendments be forwarded to Council with the staff‑recommended edits.
