Planner proposes "civic-grade" design standards to earn limited height bonuses in Marina District

City Planner Rob White presented a three-tier framework for Marina District design where projects seeking additional elevation must meet baseline standards plus a new "civic-grade" tier that requires stronger façade modulation, higher-quality materials such as a two-story masonry base, widened sidewalks and streetscape improvements, expanded awnings, and shoreline-oriented design features.

White described a menu of optional features from which developers would choose a majority (for example five of seven) including taller ground-floor ceiling heights to support commercial uses, increased glazing at street level, public art or water features, upper-story step-backs to reduce perceived bulk, provision of public shoreline access, distinctive materials like copper accents, and rooftop amenities such as green roofs or patios. He said these ideas were informed by comparable waterfront developments in Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver and are conceptual to guide Commission direction rather than final regulations.

Commissioners asked staff to balance required and optional elements to ensure feasibility; White noted TerraCotta had not reviewed all specifics and had previously raised concern about an upper-story setback approximately 10 feet above the third floor because of impacts on unit layouts. The Commission directed staff to draft code language consistent with the proposed requirements but to review optional-element feasibility before public hearing.