PRESENTER: Presenter
Jean Drew, AICP, CNU-A, Planning & Development Services Department Assistant Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a contract modification with Clarion Associates, LLC for outreach and graphics services in association with a form-based zoning code for Downtown as part of the Land Development Ordinance (LDO).
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DEPARTMENT: Finance and Planning & Development Services
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Like most pre-World War II downtowns, New Braunfels’ Downtown is designed differently than the rest of the City. Because it predates the automobile, in addition to being Historic, it has a denser, more walkable environment than the more suburban areas of town. With LDO development, it became apparent Downtown needed its own special zoning district to ensure it maintains that historic development pattern. The idea of a form-based code grew out of conversations with Downtown stakeholders.
Traditional zoning focuses on segregation of compatible land uses. Form-based zoning on the other hand focuses more on the appearance of the structures that house those land uses. The idea is that most uses could be compatible with each other if the site and building designs met certain performance standards. To develop a form-based code, additional in-depth public outreach is necessary to gather resident and stakeholder input on design preferences.
ISSUE:
On August 23, 2021 City Council approved a contact with Clarion Associates, LLC to assist City staff in development of the Land Development Ordinance (LDO). This proposed modification for $60,300.00 will allow for expansion of public outreach and specialized graphics for this key, new code element.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REFERENCE:
Action 1.11: Update policies and codes to achieve development patterns that implement the goals of this plan.
Action 2.5: Encourage diversification of commercial activity Downtown to build on and sustain existing historic resources and maximize structure utilization for economic expansion.
Action 2.8: Establish or expand architectural standards for quality of design across the city.
Action 2.25: Increase resources for historic preservation.
Action 3.4: Revitalize the core of New Braunfels to ensure balanced development.
A Special Place by Design: Adopt a Unified Development Code that encourages great urban design.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☒Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
2. Adopt the new Land Development Ordinance that implements goals of our residents identified in Envision New Braunfels, including but not limited to protecting historic structures, preserving and increasing green space and tree canopy, protecting natural resources, and safeguarding the character, integrity, and stability of neighborhoods.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this project is provided through the FY 2025 Adopted Budget for the Planning and Development Services Department. Therefore, sufficient funds are available for this project as described above.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval