Title
Resolution to Approve Implementation of the Ann Arbor Discovering Downtown (A2D2) Recommendations for Downtown Design Standards, Design Guidelines and Design Review Process
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval is a resolution to approve implementation of recommendations that would create design standards and guidelines and a design review process for downtown development. These recommendations were developed by the A2D2 Steering Committee, the Design Guidelines Advisory Committee and staff to implement the Downtown Development Strategies Final Report.
Background
On March 20, 2006, City Council approved the Implementation Plan for the Downtown Development Strategies Final Report and directed staff to begin work on priority elements of the plan.
On July 17, 2006, City Council approved the work plans for the following initiatives:
§ Create special overlay zoning for the downtown that identifies areas of similar character
§ Streamline the development proposal process (process mapping and technology improvements)
§ Incorporate a set of essential design standards
§ Pursue a comprehensive parking strategy for the downtown
§ Work with the Historic District Commission to clarify criteria for development
The Council appointed advisory committees for each project in October 2006 to assist staff and the Steering Committee in developing these recommendations.
Advisory Committee Review Process
In the summer of 2006, staff coordinated with the American Institute of Architects’ Huron Valley Chapter a lecture series on urban design concepts. The AIA-HV conducted three sessions in Fall 2006 and successfully established a common dialogue and knowledge base that served as a foundation to begin discussions of how regulation of design might be applied in Ann Arbor.
The Design Guidelines Advisory Committee was appointed by City Council in October of 2006. At its second meeting, the committee adopted the following goal statement:
Propose the means to achie...
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