Chapter 23.04
BACKGROUND AND INTENT

Sections:

23.04.010    Overlay zoning.

23.04.020    The vision.

23.04.030    North Avenue.

23.04.040    Definitions.

23.04.010 Overlay zoning.

Overlay zoning creates a special zoning district over a base zone. An overlay adds to or changes the regulations, standards or requirements of the base zone in order to protect or guide development within a specific area or corridor to meet specific needs or objectives. While the base zone determines the permitted land uses, the overlay zone establishes design or other standards that meet the overlay’s purposes.

The overlay zone for North Avenue provides direction, vision and incentives for development in the corridor. The purpose of the overlay is to stimulate new development, redevelopment and business and other human activity along the corridor. The overlay supports and implements the Comprehensive Plan goal of making the City a more livable place. The overlay’s standards and guidelines are intended to stimulate commercial, pedestrian and other activity in the corridor.

(Ord. 4564, 2-20-13)

23.04.020 The vision.

The vision for the North Avenue corridor was established in the 2007 and 2011 North Avenue Corridor Plans (“the Plans”). The North Avenue overlay zone encourages development features considered critical to implementing the plans by establishing guidelines, standards, development incentives and alternative approaches for development and redevelopment. The Plans envision buildings located near the street, front doors that are inviting and readily accessible, signage on the building rather than pole signs, more and safer pedestrian facilities, and an inviting streetscape, which will create an environment of vitality and livability.

The “streetscape” is the area between the street curb and the building facade. The combination of the adjacent land use and the public space of the streetscape can create a dynamic and inviting space. Streetscape features that create a visually interesting corridor and a safer pedestrian and transit experience create a dynamic sense of place inviting activity. The overlay also includes development incentives to encourage design and development of an attractive streetscape.

(Ord. 4564, 2-20-13)

23.04.030 North Avenue.

Revitalize North Avenue by establishing it as a “complete street.” Development is encouraged to be designed and built according to the plans, which establish a “complete street” vision for North Avenue.

The North Avenue “Complete Street” concept includes:

(a)    A multi-modal corridor designed for not only the vehicle, but also for the pedestrian, bicyclist and the transit user.

(b)    Wide sidewalks detached from the roadway.

(c)    Buildings located close to the street with pedestrian access to the building at the streetscape.

(d)    Safe access to businesses from the street and sidewalks and parcel interconnectivity to minimize multiple access points to North Avenue.

(e)    Safe and efficient transit stops.

(f)    Adequate lighting creating a safer vehicle and pedestrian experience.

(g)    Landscaping, street furniture and other hardscape features and amenities that enhance the pedestrian and motoring public’s experience, but still allow buildings to be near the street.

The diagram below establishes the right-of-way standards for the overlay district.

23.04.040 Definitions.

The following definitions apply to this overlay:

Abutting means directly touching. For example, parcels across a public right-of-way from one another would not be abutting, but would be adjacent to one another.

Adjacent to something means lying within a 100-foot radius of it. For purposes of adjacency, public right-of-way, easements, canals, waste ditches and waterways are not included in the 100-foot calculation.

(Ord. 4564, 2-20-13)