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Design standards to gain measurable 'clear-and-objective' path; commissioners push for historic examples
Summary
Cascadia proposed defining measurable criteria for architectural standards (materials, proportions, stair visibility) and keeping a secondary discretionary 'should' pathway; commissioners urged the team to use explicit local examples (e.g., Craftsman elements downtown) when drafting objective alternatives.
Consultants told the commission they will translate subjective language (for example, "compatible" or "minimize negative visual impact") into measurable criteria that create a clear-and-objective path for housing developments. "If two readers could reasonably reach different conclusions about compliance, then it's not clear and objective," Tara said while outlining an approach that preserves a secondary discretionary pathway for design flexibility.
The team presented three examples: NCOD exterior finishes (horizontal lap siding, brick, stucco), medium-density stair visibility (how and when stairs are visible from the street), and downtown facade height/width compatibility with historic buildings. Commissioners pressed for specific, local examples and quantitative measures — one commissioner suggested extracting identifiable Craftsman-era features (eave depth, porch dimensions, window ratios) to form objective criteria rather than a generic 'compatible' standard.
Consultants said the objective alternatives will likely include menus or checklists of features with minimum dimensions (for example, reveal width for lap siding or dormer dimensions) to ensure predictable outcomes while leaving a discretionary route for applicants seeking design flexibility.
