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6.1. HRSR 03-24-2003 • Item # 6 . 1 . iik River MEMORANDUM TO: Housing and Redevelopment Authority FROM: Chris Leeseberg, Planner DATE: March 24, 2003 SUBJECT: Request by the City of Elk River for an Ordinance Amendment, Amending Chapter 30, "Land Development Regulations", to Establish a Downtown Development District and Standards Request The Housing and Redevelopment Authority is asked to review a proposed amendment to • Chapter 30 "Land Development Regulation",to establish a Downtown Development District and Standards. Attachments • Area of Proposed District • Proposed Definitions • Proposed Ordinance Language • Partial Zoning Map Overview In May of 2002, staff traveled through central Minnesota to gather images of downtowns. These downtowns included St.Cloud,Rice,Royalton,Little Falls,Long Prairie, Sauk Centre, Glenwood,Brooten,Melrose,Albany,Monticello and Anoka. Then in June of 2002,the Planning Commission viewed images of these downtowns and provided staff with information on what they liked and disliked for downtown Elk River. Staff then composed a rough draft of guidelines and brought them before the Planning Commission twice for review and then for a third time in a joint meeting with the Heritage Preservation Commission(HPC). The guidelines were also presented to the Rivers Edge Downtown Business Association and shared with MetroPlains (the developer selected for the downtown project) and JLG Architects (the architect MetroPlains selected). • Housing and Redevelopment Authority/OA 03-01 March 24,2003 Page 2 • After reviewing the comments, staff composed the final draft to reflect the comments of the reviewing bodies. Analysis Many communities are trying to reproduce or return to downtowns with character. This is exactly what the City is trying to do with the existing downtown. The City wants to maintain this character but also to further encourage this character with any future development or rehabilitation. This character can only be upheld through the preservation of important existing structures and with new creative traditional architectural design. The intent of the Downtown Development District Design Guidelines is to create this "character"with the appearance that there are multiple buildings that are distinctly different from one another yet will allow a uniform mass of building. The warmth of the building materials, and the small town architecture all combine to create a friendly and inviting atmosphere. This small town character is important as Downtown Elk River changes. These design standards will be the framework for design and any new development and renovations shall strive for creative traditional architectural design while clearly being an expression of the architecture of its own time. The area to be included in the Downtown Development District is south of Highway 10, • east of Lowell and north of the Mississippi river. Recommendation Staff is looking for input from the Housing and Redevelopment Authority pertaining to the design guidelines for the Downtown Development District and the area which is to be included in the Downtown Development District. • S:\PLANNING\Case Files\2003\OA 03-01 Downtown District\032403 HRA.doc 160- )// (7 V' \-1 it ) ) -6 4T Ell Acre \ -\ t -0-\ ? IiiirMillial \-t. 1■.;■. S $!J!IIi NIL. _ , , / 1 L AA; i -mil Fes n_. ,_..._ f 2111 Pr ft 1 IS 4 1 elle P ho . gir-- / -,, ii reatipin .14•11166'N 0 N arlimillpftl s pl... ' pm 41.14/Noi■--- i AVM , � !IVP VIEW RIVE •, irIEi 7LLi + Location Map ERiver Caze Number: OA 03-01 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT • Definitions Downtozen Building Height means the dimension taken from the sidewalk on Main Street to uppermost portion of the Cornice. Canopy means a fixed or operable horizontal projection or hood over a door,window,niche, etc. Comice means any horizontal projecting ornamental molding that finishes or crowns the top of a building,wall,arch,etc. Dozentozen Design Review Committee means a committee,consisting of two(2)Planning Commission members and three(3)Heritage Preservation Commission members,charged with reviewing,and in some cases,approving a proposed development to insure that it complies with the intent of the Downtown District Design Guidelines. Display Area means the area from the top of the Kickplate to the head of the entrance door. Kickplate means the area from the sidewalk surface to the bottom of the Display Area. Lower Facade means the portion of the facade that includes the Storefront,the Transom and the Stringcourse. Medallion means a decorative element that is typically inlaid into the facade of a building often bearing a figure in relief,a portrait,or as an ornament with a change in material. Parapet Panel means the area from the head of the uppermost windows to the bottom of the articulated Cornice. Primary Facade means any building façade directly fronting a public street,park or the river. Corner Units shall have at least two Primary Facades. Secondary Facade means any building façade that does not directly front a public street,park or the river. Walls that extend above the roofline of an adjoining building shall be treated as Secondary Facades. Storefront means that portion of the façade from the sidewalk to the head of the entrance door. Stringrourse means an area/band that is located at the second floor line separating the Lower Façade from the Upper Façade. It shall be created with a reveal and/or change in the brick pattern(i.e.a Soldier Course). Transom Area means the area between the head of the entrance door and the bottom of the Stringcourse. Unit or Unit Width means the measurement of an implied facade. Units directly facing Main Street and Jackson Avenue shall be between 20-30 feet in width and may be increased to 90- feet on corner units. On all other street and park frontages,there shall be no limit to the Unit Width. Unit widths shall be clearly defined. Unit Area means the area defined as the Unit Width times the Downtown Building Height. Upper Facade means the portion of facade from the Stringcourse to the bottom of the • articulated Cornice. 1 Sec.30-1026. DD downtown development district. (a) Purpose. Elk River,one of the earliest cities in the State of Minnesota,has an amenity that many communities are trying to create,a downtown. One of the reasons often stated for 1 • people's affection for Downtown Elk River is that they like its "character." This character can only be upheld through the preservation of important existing structures and with new creative traditional architectural design. The doorways and windows that allow the pedestrian to look into the buildings,the warmth of the. building material,and the small town architecture all combine to create a friendly and invting atmosphere. This small town character is an important aspect of both preservation and new construction. As Downtown Elk River changes, future preservation as well as any new construction should reinforce the general character and quality of the existing downtown. The design of new construction should take into consideration the location of the proposed building as well as incorporate traditional design elements that are currently represented in existing structures. i I ., t, f ! k E , , mr-..f...: ...... 2' it, The intent of the Downtown Development District Design Guidelines is to create this III "character"with the appearance that there are multiple buildings that are distinctly different from one another yet will allow a uniform mass of building. These design standards will be the framework for design and any new development and renovations shall strive for creative traditional architectural design while clearly being an expression of the architecture of its own time. (b) Permitted Uses. Permitted uses in the DD district are as follows: (1) Governmental,business and professional offices (2) Financial institutions (3) Retail stores and shops (4) Personal service establishments (5) Outpatient health care facilities (6) Multiple family dwellings provided that business /commercial uses at street level occupy the floor (7) Hotels (8) Restaurants, (Class I) (9) Public parks (c) Accessory Uses. Accessory uses in the DD district are as follows: (1) Off-street parking facilities (2) Off-street loading facilities (3) Telephone booths • (4) Private recreational facilities (5) Public shelters and essential services 2 (6) Sale of firearms (7) Temporary signs as permitted in Section 30-851 et seq. (8) Permanent signs. Signs should be designed to fit with the character,proportions and scale of the individual building and should complement,rather than compete with,the character of downtown. a. Prior to installing any signs,a sign permit must be obtained from the planning department. b. Prohibited signs: back-lit signs,molded plastic canister signs,smooth/flat plastic signs and signs with strobe lights,flashing elements or distracting actions. c. One (1)wall mounted sign and one(1)projecting sign shall be allowed on each Primary Façade and on one(1) Secondary Façade,which does not extend above the roofline of an adjoining building. d. Each Unit Width shall be allowed a total of one (1) square foot of wall mounted signage per one(1)linear foot of Unit Width,not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. e. Wall mounted signs shall not exceed twenty-four(24)inches in height nor project out more than six(6)inches from facade. f. Wall mounted signs shall not be higher than the bottom of the Stringcourse. g. Projecting sign(s) shall not exceed six(6) square feet in area. A projecting sign shall not project more than four(4) feet from façade. h. A projecting sign shall not be thicker than six(6)inches. i. A projecting sign shall project out perpendicular from facade. j. Projecting sign and structural elements shall not be lower than seven(7) feet four(4) inches from the sidewalk nor shall be higher than the bottom of the sill of the • second floor windows. k. Signage shall be constructed of metal,wood,stone,and/or cloth. 1. The brackets and structure for projecting signs shall be ornamentally designed. m.Only externally illuminated signs and letters are allowed. n. Monument signs shall not be allowed. Existing monument signs erected prior to the date of the adoption of this ordinance can be rebuilt to the same size in the same location. o. Aside from a date and name stone not exceeding three (3) square feet,no signage shall be placed within the Parapet Panel area. p. Window signs and temporary on-site signs attached to or painted on a window may not cover more than fifty(50%) percent of the window surface area. q. Portable signs shall be limited to unlit A-frame signs with a maximum height of three (3) feet and a total area of six(6) square feet.Such signs shall not obstruct pedestrian traffic nor impede vehicular traffic. r. No more than one (1)portable sign may be displayed directly in front of a premise at any given time and shall be displayed only during business hours. s. Street number must be prominently displayed at the main entrance to every building and be visible from the street. (d) Conditional Uses. Conditional uses in the DD district are as follows: (1) Nonprofit clubs,lodges or halls (2) Licensed daycare facilities (3) Institutional uses (4) Commercial parking lots and ramps (5) Multiple family dwellings without commercial on first floor (6) On-Sale liquor establishments 3 (7) Commercial recreational facilities • (8) Convenience store (9) Funeral parlor (10) Restaurants, (Class II) (11) Governmental buildings and facilities (12) Produce markets (13) Therapeutic massage and sauna establishments (e) Exterior Building Finishes. (1) Primary Facades. a. In the Downtown District,the following are acceptable building materials for Primary Facades: i. Modular brick-with earth tone colors only. Jumbo brick shall not be allowed. ii. Cut stone such as granite,marble and limestone iii. Architectural stone iv. Acid etched architectural precast concrete panels v. Architectural metal,not to exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the Unit Area b. In the Downtown District,the following are acceptable accent materials for Primary Facades: i. EIFS,stucco and other cementitious coating • ii. Wood(in the Storefront area only) iii. Integrally colored split face (rock face)Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)that have a dimensional characteristic of brick(not to exceed sixteen(16)inches in length nor four(4)inches in height) iv. Ceramic,porcelain,hand crafted or fired tile v. Treated brick(such as glazed,dyed or painted) vi. Wood shakes vii. Architectural precast concrete viii.Fypon or similar molded millwork c. Accent material are required on both Primary and Secondary Facades and shall comply with the following requirements: i. Ten(10%)to twenty(20%)percent of the total Unit Area(Unit Width x Downtown Building Height) shall be of an accent material,different than that of the main body of material,with no more than ten(10%) percent of one single material. ii. Accent materials shall not be concentrated in any one location. (2) Secondary Facades. a. In the Downtown District,the following are acceptable building materials for Secondary Facades: i. Stucco,EIFS and other cementitious coating S ii. Integrally colored split face(rock face),burnished or glazed CMU(excluding plain or painted) 4 iii. Jumbo brick iv. Any material that is acceptable for Primary Facades (f) Architectural standan s It is the intent of the City of Elk River to promote and encourage high standards of creative,traditionally based,architectural design in the Downtown District. The Design Review Committee shall review all designs,and in some cases,approve a proposed development to insure that it complies with the intent of the Downtown District Design Guidelines and shall approve any deviation from these guidelines provided the intent of the guidelines is met. (1) The Building. a. The building shall not be setback more than six(6) feet from a front property line. Side yards shall maintain a zero lot line setback. b. The setback of buildings at the intersection of two streets shall be subject to review for adequate pedestrian and vehicular visibility. c. Other than Units directly facing Main Street and Jackson Avenue,there shall be no limit to the Unit Width. d. Unit Widths directly facing Main Street and Jackson Avenue shall be between twenty (20) and thirty(30) feet and may be increased to ninety(90) feet on corner units. e. Downtown building height,as measured from the Main Street sidewalk,shall be at least two (2) stories but not less than twenty-four(24) feet and shall not exceed three (3) stories or thirty-five (35) feet. However,forty-five (45%)percent of a development area may be increased to four(4) stories not to exceed forty-five (45) feet. f. Primary Facade building elevations shall be parallel to the street. g. A Primary Façade's color shall not be the exact color as adjacent Units to each side. Different shades of the same color will be allowed. h. A Stringcourse,located at the second floor line,shall be provided to separate the Lower Façade and the Upper Façade. i. A Stringcourse is not required for residential Units that have direct access to Main Street (i.e.row house type unit). j. Heating,Ventilation or Air Conditioning(HVAC)equipment shall not be visible in a Primary Façade. k. HVAC equipment shall be screened with a material that is the same as the Primary Façade material. (2) Storefront. a. Shall be fifty(50%)to seventy(70%)percent glazing. b. Storefront treatments shall not extend across multiple Units in attempts to unify them into a single unit. c. Lower Façade architectural detail elements, such as pediments,shall not extend above the bottom of the Stringcourse line. d. No more than two (2)medallions shall be allowed in the Lower Facade. e. Unit Medallion treatments shall not be the same as medallion treatments on the two adjacent Units to each side. f. Maintain a regular pattern or rhythm with other facades along the street. g. Masonry columns,piers and/or pilasters shall compliment and/or match the material used on the Upper Facade to help define the storefront patterns or rhythm. (3) Kickplates. 5 a. Shall be eighteen (18)to twenty-four(24)inches in height. b. Excluding wood shakes,kickplates may be of an acceptable accent building material. c. Color shall be neutral,blend and compliment with the major building materials. (4) Display Area. a. Sills shall be elevated above the sidewalk eighteen(18)to twenty-four(24)inches. b. Only clear transparent glass that meets all applicable energy codes shall be allowed. c. Wood and/or metal framing shall be finished a color to coordinate with the building's overall color scheme. (5) Transom Area. a. Shall be the same as the Primary Facade building material. b. The Transom Area,if it has no awnings,shall have at least forty(40%)to fifty(50%) percent of the area devoted to a change in brick pattern that is unique,but similar to adjacent Units. c. If glazed,only clear transparent glass that meets all applicable energy codes,glass block and/or Stained Glass will be allowed. d. Transoms may be illuminated from the inside. e. Incorporation of signage into the Transom Area is a desirable element. (6) Entrances. a. Entrance doors shall have a minimum forty-five (45%)percent glass,unless it is the entrance door to a residential Unit at Street level(i.e.a row house type unit). b. Framing materials shall be the same as the overall Storefront design. c. Entrance shall reflect the character and scale of space it accesses. (7) Upper Façade. a. An articulated Cornice at least twenty four(24)inches in height shall be required for each building Unit Width. Cornice detailing shall be achieved through,but not limited to,corbelling,varied ornamental moldings and reliefs. b. The cornice projection shall be proportionate to the scale of the building and to the detail of the cornice. c. The same Cornice detail shall not be the same as the two adjacent Units to each side. d. If the cornice height varies in height from Unit to Unit it shall by at least twenty-four (24)inches. Changes in some cornice heights are strongly encouraged,especially in longer lengths of development. e. Cornice design shall be integrated as an overall part of the design and shall be of a Primary Façade building material or architectural precast concrete. f. The Parapet Panel shall be the same as the Primary Facade building material used at the Upper Façade. g. The Parapet Panel,if greater in height than four feet, shall have at least thirty-five (35%)to forty(40%)percent of the area devoted to a change in brick pattern or as a relief from the main façade of one half(1/2) inch to four(4)inches. h. No more than four(4)medallions shall be allowed in the Upper Facade. i. Unit Medallion treatments shall not be the same as medallion treatments on the two • adjacent Units to each side. 6 • j. Upper Facade treatments shall not extend across multiple Units in attempts to unify them into a single unit. (8) Upper Floor Windows. a. A minimum of three (3)windows per floor shall be provided in the Upper Façade. b. Only single-hung,double-hung and fixed windows shall be allowed. c. On Primary Upper Facades,the sum of window widths per floor shall equal forty (40%)to forty-five (45%)percent of the total Unit Width. d. Window widths in the Upper Primary Facade shall not be greater than thirty-two (32) inches. e. The grouping of windows shall not exceed eight(8) feet in width. f. Upper Facade Windows shall align directly above one another from floor to floor. g. All Upper Primary Facade windowsills,on a given floor in a given Unit,shall be at the same height. h. Windowsills are required on all widows and shall be articulated with an acceptable Primary Façade building material or architectural precast concrete. i. Lintels,if desired,shall be of an acceptable Primary Façade building material or architectural precast concrete j. Only clear transparent glass that meets all applicable energy codes shall be allowed. k. Wood and/or metal framing shall be finished in a color to coordinate with the building's overall color scheme. 1. Window air conditioners shall not be allowed in Primary Facades. m.Bay windows and balconies shall be allowed only on facades that face the river and on Secondary Facades. • (9) Awnings. a. Awnings shall be of a weather treated canvas/fabric material in either a solid or striped pattern. b. Simple pitched awning profiles are preferred and box awnings (enclosed from below) are discouraged. c. Awnings may be either fixed or operable. d. All awnings shall be designed to fit the opening that is intended to cover. e. Awnings,if desired,shall be placed at a minimum over all Storefront windows of a Unit. f. With the exception of dome awnings,the end of awnings shall project out perpendicular from building. g. Awnings shall extend between a distance of three (3)to four(4) feet from face of building. h. Awnings shall not extend the entire width of a Unit. i. The same style and color of awning shall not extend beyond one Unit Width. j. The bottom of the fringe shall not be lower than seven(7) feet four(4)inches or higher than eight(8) feet from the sidewalk. k Lower Façade awnings shall not extend above the bottom of the Stringcourse line. 1. No signage shall be placed on the Field or the Ends of the awing. m.Lettering,not to exceed four(4)inches in height,shall be allowed on the awning fringe. n. Awnings for Upper Façade windows shall be individual to each opening and shall be the same style and color as the awnings,if present,in the Lower Facade. • o. Awnings colors should be muted,and should coordinate with building façade color scheme,adjoining buildings and the streetscape. 7 • p. Canopies shall not be allowed. (10)Lighting. a. Lighting at building facades should serve only to illuminate entries,adjacent pedestrian areas and displays,or to highlight significant architectural features. b. Lighting may be placed at doorways,below awnings,in display widows and as needed to illuminate signage or architectural features. c. Historically accurate fixtures and appropriately scaled contemporary fixtures,such as but not limited to,gooseneck,wall mounted lantern and shielded fluorescents are allowed. d. Fixtures that are not allowed in the Downtown District are:visible fluorescent bulbs, neon lighting on building exteriors,colored bulbs (except for temporary seasonal decoration) and internally illuminated awnings. e. Exposed or painted metal finishes are most appropriate for lighting fixtures in the downtown. Fixture color(s) should be muted,and should coordinate with façade and signage color scheme. f. Strobe lights and flashing elements shall not be allowed. (11)Fences and Railings. a. Fencing shall be wrought iron and finished in a dark,solid color. b. Fences used to screen parking areas shall be within a height range of 4'-0" and 6'-0". c. Enclosures for equipment and dumpsters must be at least six(6) feet in height and provide full screening of equipment&dumpsters. • d. Masonry walls,in conjunction with a wrought iron fence,maybe installed to no more than two (2) feet above public side walk. e. Plain or painted concrete masonry units shall not be allowed for walls or enclosures. f. Wood fencing may only be used to enclose equipment and dumpster holding areas on Secondary Facade sides of a building. g. Chain link fencing shall not be allowed. h. Balconies and/or patios shall utilize decorative metal railings which coordinate with the design and color scheme of the building. (12)Parking a. Parking shall be provided underground,behind a building,within a building,or within a parking structure. b. Surface parking shall be at fifty(50%)percent the rate set forth per Section 30-894. c. Off street parking shall be shielded from view of major streets using dense landscaping,open fencing with landscaping,or a masonry wall with open fencing. (g) Preserwtion and restoration (1) The Building. a. Any exterior renovation should,to the best of its ability,bring the façade back to the appearance it had when it was constructed. b. 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