| Downtown Development Code and Design Guidelines Update
The Downtown Spokane Plan was updated in December of
2008. One high
priority project listed within the Downtown Plan Update is
already under way. The existing Downtown development codes and design
guidelines are currently being reviewed and updated
to ensure that they are consistent with the
Downtown Plan Update.
The City Council adopted updated Downtown
development regulations and design guidelines on December 14th, 2009.
The approved ordinances reflecting changes made at the Council
meeting will be available on this webpage on soon.
The Plan Commission recommended Downtown
Zones and Design Guidelines are listed below.
Spokane City Plan Commission Findings of Fact, Conclusions, and
Recommendation: Downtown Development Code and Design Guideline
Update Project
ADDED Monday 12/14/09: Memo
to City Council asking the Council to adopt a map to specify where the
"Historic Structure Demolition Ordinance" applies. If this
amendment is not adopted then the area subject to the
"Historic Structure Demolition Ordinance" will expand with the adoption
of the updated Downtown Zones.
City Council hearing presentation for Monday December 14th, covering the
"Hot" topics contained in the products of the Downtown Code and Design
Guideline Update project.
The draft Downtown Zoning Code includes changes to the existing code needed to implement the newly updated
Downtown Plan titled "Fast Forward Spokane".
Draft Map showing areas where
stand alone commercial surface parking is proposed to be limited.
Draft Map showing area where No Minimum Amount of Parking is
Required
Downtown Complete Streets Map referenced in the Zoning Code
Ordinance_C34529 adding definition to the Unified Development Code
Ordinance_C34530 amendments implementing new Downtown zone names and
the Design Review Committee changing its name to Design Review Board
Ordinance_C34531 Repealing the old Downtown Zones
SMC_11.19_CBD_zones
Resolution_09-97 Adopting updated Downtown Design Guidelines and
Character Areas
Draft Downtown Design Guidelines & Procedures:
Design Review Project Threshold Areas Map SMC-17G.040-M1
Draft Character Area Considerations
Ordinance_C34526 New Chapter 17G.040 Design Review Board
Administration and Procedures
Ordinance_C34527 revisions to Chapter SMC 4.13 Design Review Board
Formation
Ordinance_C34528 revisions to SMC 17G.060 Design Review Land Use
Procedures
Spokane Building Blocks - Overview of the draft
Downtown development code & design guidelines
Currently running on City Cable Channel 5 is an
overview of the Downtown Code & Design Guideline Update Project.
It is part of the Spokane Building Blocks TV series. To check the
Channel 5 schedule for the next playing time of Spokane Building Blocks
click
HERE.
You can watch a video stream of the Spokane Building
Blocks session over the internet by clicking
HERE.
Draft Downtown Development Code and Design Guidelines
Citizens involved with the Downtown Plan Update made it clear
that quality design is important for improving quality of life, economic
vitality, and a positive visual image for the Downtown and this is
reflected in the Plan Update. Chapter 2 of the Plan Update
provides an example of this—“The built form - composed of buildings,
streets, sidewalks, and public open spaces - plays a crucial role in the
vitality, perception, and livability of Downtown.”
So what is
quality design and what can the City do to help encourage it?
Well-designed
projects contribute to great pedestrian streets and help build districts
and neighborhoods. Quality design
is exemplified by projects that “fit” within their context, contribute
generously to the public realm, and enhance the sense of community
identity and pride.
Draft
Downtown Design Guidelines
Tools for
encouraging quality design Downtown include the Design Standards
which set measurable code criteria for
elements such as allowable heights, number of windows, walkway width,
and required elements such as street trees. In addition,
Downtown Design Guidelines are utilized by proponents of new
development projects and the City’s Design Review Committee to ensure
consistency with the Downtown Plan Update. Design Guidelines
identify important objectives and include ideas for design solutions.
Design Review provides a forum for citizens and
developers to work toward achieving a quality urban environment through
attention to fundamental design principles. Design Review is intended to
assist developers and designers on specific projects for the purpose of
helping them positively contribute to Downtown Spokane. Design
guidelines offer a flexible tool, an alternative to prescriptive design
standards, which allow new development to respond better to the unique
character of its surroundings.
Character area considerations assist designers and
developers in creating projects that respect Spokane’s unique character.
These special considerations were developed to enhance the unique
character of four areas while bolstering economic vitality through
attractive, consistent design of renovations, additions and new infill
development.
 
Maps showing an inventory of the Downtown:
Links to the existing Downtown Zoning Spokane Municipal Code (SMC)
sections:
Overview of the Downtown Code and Design Guideline
Update Project
Click here to read a newsletter that provides a summary of the Downtown
Plan Update process and the Downtown Development Code and Design
Guidelines process.
Past Open House Meetings:
The City of Spokane and the Downtown Spokane Task Force
held two Open House meetings to receive feedback on initial
zoning code and design guideline drafts and other ideas for changes to
the Downtown development standards. The Open House meetings were
held to explain the ideas that
are being discussed in this update process and answer
questions regarding the Draft Downtown Zoning & Development Code and Design Guidelines.
-
Thursday,
April 30th, 2009
River Park Square - Main Entrance / Atrium
Noon
to 3 p.m.
-
Friday,
May 1st, 2009
Spokane City Council Chambers
4 p.m.
to 7 p.m.
If you have any questions please contact the following City staff that are
working on this project.
Downtown Code Update Project Staff:
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