S542: Combining Form-Based and Conventional Code Elements

S542: Combining Form-Based and Conventional Code Elements Roger E. Eastman, AICP, City of Flagstaff Dan Parolek, Opticos Design Inc. Lisa Wise, Lisa Wise Consulting, LLC Christine Rodrigues, City of Livermore

S542: Combining Form-Based and Conventional Code Elements Learning Objective One: Learn how to seamlessly integrate form-based codes and conventional Euclidian coding based on Smart Growth principles and sustainable development practices Learning Objective Two: Learn how an award winning public participation and engagement process was designed, managed, and implemented

S542: Combining Form-Based and Conventional Code Elements Introduction What is a Form-based Code and a Hybrid Code? Introduction to Livermore and Flagstaff Codes The Livermore Development Code Experience The Flagstaff Zoning Code Rewrite Lessons Learned from Both Codes Wrap-up/Questions

American Planning Association s National Planning Conference Los Angeles, California 2012 Combining Form-based and Conventional Code Elements (S542) Monday, April 16, 2012, 10:30 am 11:45 am

Organization of the Code Preamble Part 1: Introduction Part 2: General to All Part 3: Specific to Zones Part 4: General to Zones Part 5: Building Types Part 6: Specific to Uses Part 7: Thoroughfares Part 8: Civic Space Types Part 9: Permits and Approvals Part 10: Subdivisions Part 11: Definitions Combining Form-based and Conventional Code Elements 2 (S542)

Case Studies Combining Form-based and Conventional Code Elements (S542) 3

Part 3: Specific to Zones 4

Part 3: Specific to Zones Combining Form-based and Conventional Code Elements (S542) 5

Use Tables Neighborhood Business Commercial (CNB) T4 Main Street-Open (T4MS-O) Combining Form-based and Conventional Code Elements (S542) 6

Part 6: Specific to Uses Combining Form-based and Conventional Code Elements (S542) 7

Supplemental/General to Zones Development Standards Parking Standards Landscape/fencing Standards Lighting Standards Sign Standards Historic Preservation Combining Form-based and Conventional Code Elements 8 (S542)

Administration and Procedures Chapter 10-20: 10-20.10: Purpose 10-20.20: Administration 10-20.30: Common Procedures 10-20.40: Permits and Approvals 10-20.50: Amendments to the Zoning Code Text/Zoning Map 10-20.60: Nonconforming Provisions 10-20.70: Variances 10-20.80: Procedures for Appeals 10-20.90: Annexations 10-20.100: Assurance of Performance for Construction 10-20.110: Enforcement Combining Form-based and Conventional Code Elements (S542) 9

Typical Approval Process Combining Form-based and Conventional Code Elements (S542) 10

Administration and Procedures Minor Modifications Allowed by Director or Zoning Code Administrator A relaxation of the specified front façade requirements for sites located within transect zones. 10% Modification Combining Form-based and Conventional Code Elements (S542) 11

Part 9: Permits/Approvals Combining Form-based and Conventional Code Elements (S542) 12

Discussion Discussion Combining Form-based and Conventional Code Elements 13 (S542)

Where on Earth is Livermore? Livermore

Laying the foundation for a Form-Based Code 2001 Vision Project 2003 General Plan Downtown Specific Plan Design Standards and Guidelines

Why Form-Based Coding? Grant 1960 s Zoning Code (Euclidean model) Historic fabric degradation and erosion Excessive use of Planned Developments

Show Me the Money! Caltrans Community Based Transportation Grant Intended to promote: Strong healthy communities Economic growth Protection of environment Competitive application process Cooperation and Partnership

Paving the Way for a Smooth Public Hearing Process Initial Public Workshops (2) Stakeholder Interviews Micro-Scale Analysis Charette (4-day design studio) Pre-hearing Public Workshops (4) Public Hearings (3)

Introducing Flagstaff

Flagstaff past zoning codes 1991 1970 1949

Why update the LDC? 4 Zoning Systems: 1970 s Euclidian zoning 1991 Performance zoning 2003 Design Guidelines 2007 TND (Form-based Code)

Why update the LDC? Inconsistent Complicated Confusing Imprecise Disorganized Antiquated Disjointed Unpredictable Not implement the General Plan

But it has some strengths too... Health, safety and general welfare Incompatible uses are separated Administrative processes and procedures Control of the use of land Preservation of trees and resources - provides flexibility specific to a use or parcel First International Dark Sky City Design guidelines 19 years old Council authorized an update The LDC was poorly packaged...

Scope of Work Consistent with the adopted Regional Plan and potential future amendments Sound principles of Smart Growth, mixed-use and sustainable development Logically organized easy to read and understand Extensive use of graphics Consistent in terms of processes and requirements Reduce the number of zones combine and remove where feasible Involve public effectively Easily expanded and amended in the future

The RFP process Work on the RFP commenced June/July 2008 APA Guidelines for RFQs and RFPs FBCI Guidelines for hiring a consultant Interviewed 9 firms Funding over two budget cycles Originally $500,00 (later reduced to $460,000)

The planning team Contract approved Jan. 2009 Work started in earnest in February/March

The new zoning code will be... Adoption Date: November 1, 2011 Coherent Integrated Concise Consistent Contemporary Innovative User Friendly Promote Smart Growth Real Public Involvment Implement the General Plan

Influences on the process State law - Proposition 207 Case law Professional expertise Project budget Council direction Citizen desires

The original project timeline 2009 2010 2009 2010 Public Review/ Amendment/Adoption Drafting Code Implementation Users Manual Training 3-6 months

Task 1: Background Review Tasks Completed Included: (March May 2009) Initial meetings with staff Interviews with stakeholders Summary Report completed Focus Groups formed 56 meetings Key issues Stakeholder interview results

Focus Group Overview Provide opportunities for citizen participation and engagement grass roots level Different to Regional Plan 2012 Update -- no Citizen Advisory Committee appointments by Council/BOS Technical in nature (Zoning Code) versus policy (Regional Plan)

Focus Group Overview 11 Focus Groups -- outcome focused on a specific issue or task Building and Fire Code Design Guidelines Downtown Economic Development Housing Landscaping Neighborhood Planning Outdoor Lighting Process and Procedures Signage Trees and Resources

Focus Group Overview Initially strong membership; Evolved to a core group of typically 6-10 people (except Resources) Diverse interests and perspectives all welcome Elected their own Chairperson (not an existing appointed official) also sits on Citizen Advisory Group (CAG)

Focus Group Overview Completed their work on schedule... 56 Focus Group meetings over two months Important ideas, suggestions and opinions of citizens who participated Report complete posted on-line Matrix of recommendations Citizens Advisory Group 3 meetings coordination of ideas Early 2010 Council work sessions on Focus Group ideas

Task 2: Documentation Tasks Completed Included: (May Sept. 2009) Macro-scale documentation Form-based Code area identified Micro-scale documentation of the FBC area Preliminary analysis of the LDC Thinking about the Table of Contents

Form-based Code Study Area Where should the City s first Form-based Code be applied? 18

Macro-scale mapping Trail Systems Transportation Infrastructure Transit Corridors Slopes Developed & Constrained Land Ex. Walkable Mixed-use Centers Schools Walkability Districts

Macro-scale mapping Preserve Evolve Transform Dot-mapping results

Form-based Code Study Area Where should the City s first Form-based Code be applied? 21

Form-based Code Study Area Flagstaff City Hall

Micro-scale analysis July 7th

Task 3: Design Charrette Tasks Completed Included: (October 2009) Design Charrette October 5-9 th Summary Report

Design Charrette

Guiding Principles

Design Charrette

Task 4: Prepare Admin. Draft Tasks Completed Included: (Nov. 09 June 10) Preparation of the Administrative Draft Comprehensive review by and consultants staff Prepare for Task 5 Public Review of the new Zoning Code

Task 5: Public Review & Adoption Tasks Completed Included: (Sept. Dec. 2010 ) Preparation of the Public Review Draft Public Release Aug. 30th Public hearings P&Z October 13, 2010 Council December 7, 2010 Public meetings

Task 5: Public Review & Adoption Tasks Completed The Reality! A March 2011 adoption? 30+ meetings with Council Policy discussion Review of draft text Approval Final Adoption Adoption Date: November 1, 2011

Public outreach... Commitment to City Council and citizens Open and transparent process As many opportunities for public involvement as possible Citizen ideas, suggestions, and opinions highly valued

Public outreach overview Consultant interviews Focus Groups and Citizens Advisory Group Dot mapping Flagstaff Design Charrette Public meetings Educational Forums, etc. Community organizations Open houses, town halls, etc. Electronic and media outreach

Flagstaff s New Zoning Code Meetings and Events (Over 300!): 11 Focus Groups meet 56 times in 3 months Design Charrette Over 440 people participated 66 meetings with stakeholder groups 16 nontraditional group events (farmers market, City celebrations, general plan open houses, Earth Day, etc.) 60 meetings with City Boards and Commissions 18 P&Z meetings; 42 City Council meetings 10 Educational Forums and Zoning Code University classes

Flagstaff s New Zoning Code Some of the tools used:

Two big differences to Livermore Form-based Code application Livermore - Mandatory Flagstaff Optional (Proposition 207!) Flagstaff Sustainable development tools

Sustainability - Flagstaff Code

Questions and Discussion Roger E. Eastman, AICP, City of Flagstaff reastman@flagstaffaz.gov Dan Parolek, Opticos Design Inc. daniel.parolek@opticosdesign.com Lisa Wise, Lisa Wise Consulting, LLC lisa@lisawiseconsulting.com Christine Rodrigues, City of Livermore cnrodrigues@livermore@ci.livermore.ca.us