Review Proposed Amendment to The COR Design Framework

As the Planning Commission is aware, the City recently approved an amendment to the Development Plan for The COR (originally Ramsey Town Center). The next step is to amend the City's Zoning Ordinance to implement the City's vision for land use for this development. As part of the Zoning Code for The COR, a separate document was created, originally known as the Ramsey Town Center Design Guidelines, that contained design standards and guidelines to achieve the vision for the area. The document is incorporated by reference into City Code, and thus has the effect of being part of the Zoning Code. The document contains guidance on architectural, design, streets, parks, and other requirements.

The intent is to include bulk standards for the development within the Design Framework.  The Zoning Code itself shall serve as direction for permitted uses and review procedures.  Bulk Standards have been designed based on a street hierarchy to define 'build-to lines', pedestrian circulation (sidewalks), streetscape (landscape), and street design in a consolidated location.  The Design Framework will better illustrate the interaction of the building with the street.  Finally, the revised Design Framework also gives consideration to incorporating certain standards from private covenants that had previously been reviewed by an architectural review committee of the private association, which appears is no longer active in terms of architectural review. 

Additional language has been developed regarding the streetscape/landscape element of the Design Framework.  The intent was to emphasize both function and form.  While landscaping can enhance any development, for it to be successful and attractive, the biological needs must be incorporated into the design at the outset to provide a habitable growing environ for the landscaping, which is what this language attempts to accomplish.

This case was prepared for discussion and review purposes. No formal action is being requested at this time.  The revised Design Framework will also be presented to the HRA on December 6th. The intent of this discussion is to ensure that Staff and Development Manager have prepared the appropriate framework in place for the document before preparing final detail. Once approval is given on the general framework, the Development Team will complete final details within the document for final consideration. 

No notification required at this time. A Public Hearing will be scheduled for consideration on the final version of the document at a later date.

Staff recommends approval of the revised Design Framework, with providing final detail to be included in the final document.

For discussion only.  Provide feedback on structure of the revised Design Framework.