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Home My WebLink About03/14/2018 - Landmark Preservation Commission - Agenda - Work SessionMeg Dunn, Chair Conference Room A Alexandra Wallace, Vice Chair 281 N. College Ave. Michael Bello Fort Collins, Colorado Katie Dorn Bud Frick After 5:00 p.m., please use the North College entrance and ring the doorbell for assistance. Kristin Gensmer Per Hogestad Kevin Murray Mollie Simpson Fort Collins is a Certified Local Government (CLG) authorized by the National Park Service and History Colorado based on its compliance with federal and state historic preservation standards. CLG standing requires Fort Collins to maintain a Landmark Preservation Commission composed of members of which a minimum of 40% meet federal standards for professional experience from preservation-related disciplines, including, but not limited to, historic architecture, architectural history, archaeology, and urban planning. For more information, see Article III, Division 19 of the Fort Collins Municipal Code. The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224-6001) for assistance. An audio recording of the meeting is available upon request. Work Session March 14, 2018 5:30 PM • CALL TO ORDER • ROLL CALL • REVIEW OF ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017 AT 5:30 P.M. IN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS DISCUSSION 1. 225 MAPLE STREET - CONCEPTUAL DESIGN REVIEW 2. 225 SOUTH LOOMIS AVENUE DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY APPEAL 3. 221 EAST MOUNTAIN - CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 4. OASIS ON OLIVE - DEVELOPMENT REVIEW • I. POLICY AND LEGISLATION 1. Discussion of the Downtown Plan 2. Overview of Phase 2 Sign Code Update • II. BOARD TOPICS 1. LPC Work Plan - Progress and Priorities • OTHER BUSINESS • ADJOURNMENT Landmark Preservation Commission Roll Call – Work Session Landmark Preservation Commission Date: 3/14/18 Bello  Dorn  Dunn excused Frick  Gensmer excused Hogestad  Murray  Simpson  Wallace  DATE: STAFF: March 14, 2018 Karen McWilliams, Historic Preservation Planner WORK SESSION ITEM Landmark Preservation Commission SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Discussion of the Downtown Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to discuss potential changes to the Downtown Plan, based on strategies recommended in the recently adopted Downtown Plan and Old Town Neighborhoods Plan, and in direction provided through the Historic Preservation code review project. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED At this Work Session, the LPC will be discussing potential changes to the Downtown Plan. The project objective is to provide greater predictability in the Land Use Code regulations by clarifying standards that apply to new infill and redevelopment projects. The Commission’s comments will be used by staff to help develop tailored solutions that best meet community needs and support Council’s policies. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION City staff is developing a series of amendments to the Land Use Code to implement policies on three interrelated Land Use Code amendment projects that together address the compatibility of new construction with our existing built environment. Those efforts include improved Historic Preservation Adjacency Standards (part of the current Historic Preservation code review project), amendments to design standards for Downtown, and the NCB (Neighborhood Conservation Buffer) transition areas at the interface between Downtown the Old Town Neighborhoods. These strategies were recommended in the recently adopted Downtown Plan and Old Town Neighborhoods Plan, and in direction provided through the Historic Preservation code review project. Proposed code changes would provide form- and performance-based metrics that augment existing design standards. The new standards need to promote compatibility, clarity, and predictability, yet allow for creative building forms and site design options. ATTACHMENTS 1. Downtown Plan Presentation (PDF) 1.1 Packet Pg. 2 Code Update Process For: Downtown Neighborhood Conservation Buffer (NCB) 1.1.a Packet Pg. 3 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation The Fort Collins Old Town Neighborhoods Plan The 2017 Fort Collins Downtown Plan 1.1.a Packet Pg. 4 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Policy UD 3a: Context Sensitive Building Design. Clarify City requirements for the design character of new buildings to be context sensitive, drawing on existing patterns, terms of typology, building proportions and massing in the surrounding area. Action Item: UD 3a (1): Develop Land Use Code regulations that set specific design metrics on which to base design compatibility within its context. Principle UD 3: Promote high-quality building design and materials. 1.1.a Packet Pg. 5 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Neighborhood Character & Compatibility Land Use & Transition Areas NCC-1: Preserve character of the neighborhoods NCC-2: Protect historic resources within the neighborhoods NCC-3: Support compatible building design for new construction and remodels LUT-2: Improve transitions between neighborhoods/ Downtown/CSU 1.1.a Packet Pg. 6 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Code Update Objectives • Retain and enhance our sense of place • Strengthen compatibility and transition standards • Promote individual subdistrict character • Increase clarity and predictability; Simplify standards when possible • Strengthen graphic representation • Strengthen standards geared towards pedestrians 1.1.a Packet Pg. 7 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation The pedestrian experience is paramount throughout Downtown 1.1.a Packet Pg. 8 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Organizing Structure for the Downtown (D) Code: • Character Subdistricts • Street Character Type • Building Form • Site Requirements 1.1.a Packet Pg. 9 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Mountain Ave Laporte Ave Maple St Cherry St Laurel St Mulberry St Myrtle St Riverside Ave Poudre River Magnolia St Mason St College Ave Howes St Meldrum St Sherwood St Lemay Ave Whitcomb St Olive St Oak St Old Town Square Canyon Ave Linden St Vine Dr Lincoln Ave N CSU CC NC� ��L � ��L NC� CC� � NCL NC� NC� ��L CC� CC� �L �C CL L�N �� NC� C� T � ��N NC� � � � NC� NC� 1.1.a Packet Pg. 10 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Mountain Ave Laporte Ave Maple St Cherry St Laurel St Mulberry St Myrtle St Riverside Ave Poudre River Magnolia St Mason St College Ave Howes St Meldrum St Sherwood St Lemay Ave Whitcomb St Olive St Oak St Old Town Square Canyon Ave Linden St Vine Dr Lincoln Ave N CSU ��L � ��L NC� � NCL NC� NC� ��L �L �C L�N NC� C� ��N NC� � � NC� NC� � 1.1.a Packet Pg. 11 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Campus North Subdistrict Canyon Avenue Subdistrict Civic Subdistrict North Mason Subdistrict Historic Core Subdistrict River Subdistrict Innovation Subdistrict Poudre River Corridor Entryway Corridor Subdistrict Regulation Promote Subdistrict Defining Character Traits 1.1.a Packet Pg. 12 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation N Jefferson College Willow Linden Lincoln R-D-R Standard: 4.17(d)(3)(c) Character and Image. New buildings shall be designed to demonstrate compatibility with the historical agricultural/industrial characteristics of the District in order to promote visual cohesiveness and emphasize positive historical attributes. Such characteristics include simple rectilinear building shapes, simple rooflines, juxtaposed building masses that directly express interior volumes/functions, visible structural components and joinery, details formed by brickwork, sandstone, sills, lintels, headers and foundations and details formed by joinery of structural materials. 1.1.a Packet Pg. 13 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Street Character Type Storefront Mixed Use Parkway College Laurel Lincoln Vine Mountain 1.1.a Packet Pg. 14 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation • 0-5’ Setback • Ground floor commercial facing street • High building detail/ transparency facing street Street Character Type Storefront College Laurel Lincoln Vine Mountain 1.1.a Packet Pg. 15 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation • 5-10’ Setback • Setback can be landscaped or paved • No ground floor use requirement Street Character Type Mixed Use College Laurel Lincoln Vine Mountain 1.1.a Packet Pg. 16 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation • 10’+ Setback • Landscaped setback • No ground floor use requirement Street Character Type Parkway College Laurel Lincoln Vine Mountain 1.1.a Packet Pg. 17 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation I. Building Requirements per Street Character Type: The following building criteria are dictated by the site’s Street Character Type(s): STREET CHARACTER TYPE Storefront Mixed Use Parkway Minimum Setback 0’ 5’ 10’ Min. Alley, Sidelot and Rear Lot Setbacks 0’ Sidelot 5’ Alley 0’ Rear Yard 0’ Sidelot 5’ Alley 5’ Rear Yard 10’ Sidelot 5’ Alley 5’ Rear Yard Required Street Frontage Build-To Range (as measured from the setback) 90% at 0 to 5’ Alt. to provide open space... 75% at 5 to 10’ Alt. to provide open space... 50% at 10 to 20’ Alt. to provide open space... Primary Entrance Location For parcels with multiple street frontage types, the primary entrance must face a Storefront Street if present, otherwise a Mixed-Use Street. The primary entrance may face a Parkway Street only when other street frontage types are not present. Garage Entry Location & Utility/Service Locations Garage entries and utility or services locations shall be located in alleys. If no alley is present, they may be located on a Parkway Street If a Parkway Street is not present, they may be located on a Miked-Use Street. Garage entries and utility or service locations are not allowed on Storefront street frontages without Planning Director approval. Lower-Story Building Materials The Lower Stories, defined as the lower portion of the building until the first upper-story step-back of a minimum of 3 feet, must be constructed of masonry units (brick, stone, CMU, etc.) or metal panel units on street facing facades. Ground-Floor Transparency 60% 40% 25% Ground Floor Use Requirements Maximum 25% Street-facing linear frontage for residential living space uses None II. Site Requirements per Street Frontage Type: The following streetscaping criteria are dictated by the site’s Street Frontage Type(s): 1.1.a Packet Pg. 18 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation I. Building Requirements per Street Character Type: The following building criteria are dictated by the site’s Street Character Type(s): STREET CHARACTER TYPE Storefront Mixed Use Parkway Minimum Setback 0’ 5’ 10’ Min. Alley, Sidelot and Rear Lot Setbacks 0’ Sidelot 5’ Alley 0’ Rear Yard 0’ Sidelot 5’ Alley 5’ Rear Yard 10’ Sidelot 5’ Alley 5’ Rear Yard Required Street Frontage Build-To Range (as measured from the setback) 90% at 0 to 5’ Alt. to provide open space... 75% at 5 to 10’ Alt. to provide open space... 50% at 10 to 20’ Alt. to provide open space... Primary Entrance Location For parcels with multiple street frontage types, the primary entrance must face a Storefront Street if present, otherwise a Mixed-Use Street. The primary entrance may face a Parkway Street only when other street frontage types are not present. Garage Entry Location & Utility/Service Locations Garage entries and utility or services locations shall be located in alleys. If no alley is present, they may be located on a Parkway Street If a Parkway Street is not present, they may be located on a Miked-Use Street. Garage entries and utility or service locations are not allowed on Storefront street frontages without Planning Director approval. Lower-Story Building Materials The Lower Stories, defined as the lower portion of the building until the first upper-story step-back of a minimum of 3 feet, must be constructed of masonry units (brick, stone, CMU, etc.) or metal panel units on street facing facades. Ground-Floor Transparency 60% 40% 25% Ground Floor Use Requirements Maximum 25% Street-facing linear frontage for residential living space uses None II. Site Requirements per Street Frontage Type: The following streetscaping criteria are dictated by the site’s Street Frontage Type(s): 1.1.a Packet Pg. 19 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Required Build-To Zone Min. Setback Based on Street Frontage Type Building Footprint Length of Building In Build-To Zone Total Block Frontage (Feet) KEY Property Line Build-To Line Min. Setback Total Block Frontage (Feet) Length of Building in Build-To Zone (Feet) ( ) X 100 = Build-To Percentage 1.1.a Packet Pg. 20 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation I. Building Requirements per Street Character Type: The following building criteria are dictated by the site’s Street Character Type(s): STREET CHARACTER TYPE Storefront Mixed Use Parkway Minimum Setback 0’ 5’ 10’ Min. Alley, Sidelot and Rear Lot Setbacks 0’ Sidelot 5’ Alley 0’ Rear Yard 0’ Sidelot 5’ Alley 5’ Rear Yard 10’ Sidelot 5’ Alley 5’ Rear Yard Required Street Frontage Build-To Range (as measured from the setback) 90% at 0 to 5’ Alt. to provide open space... 75% at 5 to 10’ Alt. to provide open space... 50% at 10 to 20’ Alt. to provide open space... Primary Entrance Location For parcels with multiple street frontage types, the primary entrance must face a Storefront Street if present, otherwise a Mixed-Use Street. The primary entrance may face a Parkway Street only when other street frontage types are not present. Garage Entry Location & Utility/Service Locations Garage entries and utility or services locations shall be located in alleys. If no alley is present, they may be located on a Parkway Street If a Parkway Street is not present, they may be located on a Miked-Use Street. Garage entries and utility or service locations are not allowed on Storefront street frontages without Planning Director approval. Lower-Story Building Materials The Lower Stories, defined as the lower portion of the building until the first upper-story step-back of a minimum of 3 feet, must be constructed of masonry units (brick, stone, CMU, etc.) or metal panel units on street facing facades. Ground-Floor Transparency 60% 40% 25% Ground Floor Use Requirements Maximum 25% Street-facing linear frontage for residential living space uses None II. Site Requirements per Street Frontage Type: The following streetscaping criteria are dictated by the site’s Street Frontage Type(s): 1.1.a Packet Pg. 21 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Min. 3' Upper Floor Stepback at Building Material Change* KEY Lower-Story Building Material Requirement *Note other Upper Story Stepbacks may be required 1.1.a Packet Pg. 22 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation I. Building Requirements per Street Character Type: The following building criteria are dictated by the site’s Street Character Type(s): STREET CHARACTER TYPE Storefront Mixed Use Parkway Minimum Setback 0’ 5’ 10’ Min. Alley, Sidelot and Rear Lot Setbacks 0’ Sidelot 5’ Alley 0’ Rear Yard 0’ Sidelot 5’ Alley 5’ Rear Yard 10’ Sidelot 5’ Alley 5’ Rear Yard Required Street Frontage Build-To Range (as measured from the setback) 90% at 0 to 5’ Alt. to provide open space... 75% at 5 to 10’ Alt. to provide open space... 50% at 10 to 20’ Alt. to provide open space... Primary Entrance Location For parcels with multiple street frontage types, the primary entrance must face a Storefront Street if present, otherwise a Mixed-Use Street. The primary entrance may face a Parkway Street only when other street frontage types are not present. Garage Entry Location & Utility/Service Locations Garage entries and utility or services locations shall be located in alleys. If no alley is present, they may be located on a Parkway Street If a Parkway Street is not present, they may be located on a Miked-Use Street. Garage entries and utility or service locations are not allowed on Storefront street frontages without Planning Director approval. Lower-Story Building Materials The Lower Stories, defined as the lower portion of the building until the first upper-story step-back of a minimum of 3 feet, must be constructed of masonry units (brick, stone, CMU, etc.) or metal panel units on street facing facades. Ground-Floor Transparency 60% 40% 25% Ground Floor Use Requirements Maximum 25% Street-facing linear frontage for residential living space uses None II. Site Requirements per Street Frontage Type: The following streetscaping criteria are dictated by the site’s Street Frontage Type(s): 1.1.a Packet Pg. 23 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation 2' 7' Zone of Transparency (Feet) Total Street-Facing Frontage (Feet) x Zone of Transparency (Feet) Total Transparent Window Area Provided in Zone of Transparency (SF) ( ) X 100 = Ground Floor Transparency Percentage Total Street-Facing Frontage (Feet) Zone of Transparency (Feet) 1.1.a Packet Pg. 24 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Ground-Floor Transparency Approximately 60% Total Street-Facing Frontage 2' 7' 123 N College Ave. Zone of Transparency 1.1.a Packet Pg. 25 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Ground-Floor Transparency Approximately 31% Total Street-Facing Frontage 2' 7' 103 W Mountain Ave. Zone of Transparency 1.1.a Packet Pg. 26 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Current Max. Height (Stories) 2.5 3 4 5 6 9 12 College Laurel Lincoln Vine Mountain 1.1.a Packet Pg. 27 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Proposed Max. Height (Stories) 3 4 5 6 12 Considering incentives to allow an additional story such as: • Structured parking • Public open space/Nature in the City • Building mass mitigation • Green building techniques • Affordable units College Laurel Lincoln Vine Mountain 1.1.a Packet Pg. 28 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation MAXIMUM HEIGHT ALLOWANCE (per zoning map) 3 Stories 4 Stories 5 Stories 6 Stories 12 Stories Maximum Floor Plate Sizes None Required Floor plates above the 6th story shall not exceed 15,000 SF. Upper-Story Stepbacks: 5th-Story Stepback None. Buildings with 5 or more stories must have a 10’ stepback above the 4th story, measured from the street-facing setback, and must comply with the Contextual Heights Stepback requirements (below). Contextual Heights Stepback None. Where a parcel with a maximum of 4-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 5-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3- or 4-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 6-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-, 4- or 5-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors MAXIMUM HEIGHT ALLOWANCE (per zoning map) 3 Stories 4 Stories 5 Stories 6 Stories 12 Stories Maximum Floor Plate Sizes None Required Floor plates above the 6th story shall not exceed 15,000 SF. Upper-Story Stepbacks: 5th-Story Stepback None. Buildings with 5 or more stories must have a 10’ stepback above the 4th story, measured from the street-facing setback, and must comply with the Contextual Heights Stepback requirements (below). Contextual Heights Stepback None. Where a parcel with a maximum of 4-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 5-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3- or 4-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 6-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-, 4- or 5-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors 5th-Story Stepback KEY Property Line 5th-Story Stepback Min. Setback 1.1.a Packet Pg. 31 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation MAXIMUM HEIGHT ALLOWANCE (per zoning map) 3 Stories 4 Stories 5 Stories 6 Stories 12 Stories Maximum Floor Plate Sizes None Required Floor plates above the 6th story shall not exceed 15,000 SF. Upper-Story Stepbacks: 5th-Story Stepback None. Buildings with 5 or more stories must have a 10’ stepback above the 4th story, measured from the street-facing setback, and must comply with the Contextual Heights Stepback requirements (below). Contextual Heights Stepback None. Where a parcel with a maximum of 4-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 5-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3- or 4-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 6-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-, 4- or 5-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors Contextual Height Stepback Public Right-of-Way Allowable Height (Stories) of Property Accross Street Property Line Property Line 1.1.a Packet Pg. 33 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation MAXIMUM HEIGHT ALLOWANCE (per zoning map) 3 Stories 4 Stories 5 Stories 6 Stories 12 Stories Maximum Floor Plate Sizes None Required Floor plates above the 6th story shall not exceed 15,000 SF. Upper-Story Stepbacks: 5th-Story Stepback None. Buildings with 5 or more stories must have a 10’ stepback above the 4th story, measured from the street-facing setback, and must comply with the Contextual Heights Stepback requirements (below). Contextual Heights Stepback None. Where a parcel with a maximum of 4-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 5-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3- or 4-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 6-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-, 4- or 5-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors Required Facade Plane Changes > 130' Structure Length Max. Lower Story Wall Length Example shows a 200’ Building 1.1.a Packet Pg. 35 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation MAXIMUM HEIGHT ALLOWANCE (per zoning map) 3 Stories 4 Stories 5 Stories 6 Stories 12 Stories Maximum Floor Plate Sizes None Required Floor plates above the 6th story shall not exceed 15,000 SF. Upper-Story Stepbacks: 5th-Story Stepback None. Buildings with 5 or more stories must have a 10’ stepback above the 4th story, measured from the street-facing setback, and must comply with the Contextual Heights Stepback requirements (below). Contextual Heights Stepback None. Where a parcel with a maximum of 4-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 5-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3- or 4-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 6-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-, 4- or 5-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors Sample Imagery: 1.1.a Packet Pg. 37 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation College Laurel Lincoln Vine Mountain NCB Standards New standards will respond to the current neighborhood code standards as well as the new Downtown standards 1.1.a Packet Pg. 38 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Landscape Setbacks Ground Floor Character Roof Form Upper Floor Stepbacks Design techniques to consider for the NCB transition area 1.1.a Packet Pg. 39 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation The Downtown code section will include additional historic preservation considerations specific to the Downtown 1.1.a Packet Pg. 40 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation Next Steps 1.1.a Packet Pg. 41 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation DATE: STAFF: March 14, 2018 Maren Bzdek, Historic Preservation Planner WORK SESSION ITEM Landmark Preservation Commission SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Overview of Phase 2 Sign Code Update EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to provide the Landmark Preservation Commission with the opportunity to learn about the proposed Phase 2 sign code changes and provide comments. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED Noah Beals, Senior City Planner, Zoning, will provide an overview of the proposed Phase 2 comprehensive sign code changes and ask for feedback on proposed changes that relate to new and historic signs in the Downtown zoning district. Other changes relate to billboard signs and signs using new technology, such as electronic messaging centers, interactive window signs, projected light signs. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION Fort Collins has regulated signs since the 1970s, when rapid growth and sign proliferation and growth in commercial marketing created impacts on the character and identity of Fort Collins. Regulations are meant to balance business interests with community aesthetics, preserve and enhance property values, provide a level playing field for commercial and non-commercial speech, and protect public safety. A 2015 U.S. Supreme Court Case, Reed v. Town of Gilbert, clarified that sign codes must be “content neutral,” meaning that regulations cannot vary standards such as size, location, and duration based on the message of the sign. Some existing City codes are based on the type or message of the regulated sign. The Downtown Plan (2017) calls for preservation of historic character, attractive streets, defined gateways, and enhanced pedestrian experience and recognizes the contribution of signage to these goals. The Old Town Design Standards provide additional requirements for signs within the district boundary. Interim sign code changes were implemented in 2017. The Phase 2 changes will address enhanced legibility, needs associated with implementation of the Downtown Plan, changes related to new sign technologies, and the relationship of the standards to City goals. 1.2 Packet Pg. 42 1 SIGN CODE UPDATE Landmark Preservation Committee Meeting – March 14, 2018 Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-1 Process PRESENTATION PURPOSES: Share progress on Phase 2 (permanent signs) Receive LPC input on Historic Sign re-creation Receive LPC input on proposed Downtown Sign changes 2 • Public Meetings (2) • Online Questionnaire (160+ responses) • Coffee Talks (3) • Worksessions with boards and commissions • Draft Code • Public Meeting • Public Hearings • Listening Sessions • Public Meeting • Public hearings on content- neutral regulations Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-2 Why Regulate Signs? Sign regulations • Balance business interests and community aesthetics • Balance the right to expression vs. public safety • Preserve and enhance property values Why update the Sign Code now? • Confirm current sign standards are meeting City’s goals, such as economic development • Enhance code legibility • Implement the recently adopted Downtown Plan • Explore changes to accommodate new technology 4 Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-3 Bottom Line 5 Potential impact to business owners: • If the sign code is updated, existing signs can remain. • More sign types could be available: historic signs, secondary roofs, interactive window signs, horizontal and/or vertical light projected signs • Sign allowances could be increased: for taller buildings • Revised standards: window signs, wall signs OR Permanent Sign Code remains the same (no options added). Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-4 Sign Options 6 SIGN TYPE LOCATION WHAT COULD CHANGE? WHAT WILL NOT CHANGE? Wall Signs Downtown Specify lighting method? Revise heights based on pedestrian environment and height of building? Flexibility for vertical wall signs? Other existing standards. Projecting Signs Downtown Increase height relative to height of building? Flexibility for vertical projecting signs? Other existing standards. Window Signs Downtown Increase/decrease coverage allowance? Address transparent signs? Other existing standards. Awning Signs Downtown Increase coverage allowance? Other existing standards. Historic Signs Downtown New Sign Type/Process: Increase flexibility or create new process to allow re-creation of historic signs that contribute to the period of significance of a historic building/district? Other existing standards. Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-5 Sign Options 7 SIGN TYPE LOCATION? WHAT COULD CHANGE? WHAT WILL NOT CHANGE? Secondary Roof Signs Downtown or Citywide? New Sign Type: Appropriate districts? Maximum size? Placement on secondary roof/canopy? Other existing standards. Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) Outside of Downtown Increase percent of sign face? Increase color? Increase resolution? Other existing standards. Digital Billboards Outside of Downtown New Sign Type: Accelerate reduction of existing billboards through incentive of up to 5 new digital billboard locations? Could leave code as is: prohibiting new off-premise signs. Interactive Window Signs Downtown or Citywide? New Sign Type: Appropriate districts? Maximum size? Brightness? Other existing standards. Horizontal or Vertical Projected Light Signs Downtown or Citywide? New Sign Type: Appropriate districts? Maximum size? Placement sidewalk or building? Temporary or permanent? Colors? Other existing standards. Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-6 Historic Sign Re-Creation Context: Historic signs add to Downtown’s character. Issues: Some contemporary signs do not complement the historic architecture. 9 Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-7 Historic Sign Re-Creation 10 There are 258 commercial properties of historic age (over 50 years) within the Downtown Zone, Laurel School Historic District and Old Town Historic District Of those, there are 107 buildings listed on the NRHP or listed as local landmark buildings Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-8 Historic Sign Re-Creation 11 Sign typically types found during the periods of significance are: • Flush wall signs • Painted/applied signs • Signage integrated into the wall brick • Roof signs • Projecting signs Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-9 Historic Sign Re-Creation 12 The City already has a great program for preserving ghost signs. Roof signs are prohibited by current code Many of the larger applied signs and projecting signs would not meet current code standards Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-10 13 Should standards be clarified to allow the re-creation of historic signs that contribute to the period of significance of a historic building or district? Should incentives be offered? Historic Sign Re-Creation Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-11 Historic Sign Re-Creation 14 To re-create historic signs that do not meet current regulations we would suggest a process to include: • Property owner responsible to research historic signage of building • Property owner to demonstrate historic significance of building following a list of criteria • Sign application would be reviewed by staff and LPC against a set of criteria Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-12 Downtown Signs Context: Downtown is a vibrant pedestrian district with particular historical and cultural significance. Issue: The current sign standards are applied city-wide and not unique to the Downtown area. The Old Town Design Guidelines only apply to a portion of Downtown. 16 Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-13 Wall Signs - Size 17 Proportionality and relationship to building? Proportionality and relationship to pedestrian environment? Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-14 Wall Signs - Lighting 18 Lighting and cabinet signs consistent with Downtown character? Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-15 Projecting Signs Proportionality and relationship to building Flexibility on taller buildings for vertical signs Should the maximum height be calibrated to the height of the building? 19 Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-16 Window Signs – Coverage 20 How much should window signs cover window frontage in Downtown? Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-17 Awning – Coverage 21 Should we change our coverage allowance on awnings to allow something like this Panera Bread location? Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-18 Secondary Roof Signs 22 What is your preference for the height of a secondary roof sign face? What is your preference for the location of the sign on the building (lower floors vs upper floors)? Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-19 Electronic Messaging Centers 23 What We are Looking At: Currently in Place: • Brightness/Glare • Sign Face Size • Height • Transitions • Static/Animation • Timing • Top Cap Characteristic Current Code Possible Change Percent of Sign Face 50% or less of total sign face Increase? Color 2 colors Increase? Resolution 16mm pixels Increase resolution (sharpen images)? Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-20 Billboards – Two Paths 30 Path 1: Attrition Owners remove existing billboards voluntarily, such as through redevelopment. Path 2: Digital Billboards Owners remove existing billboards in order to construct a digital billboard. I-25, S. College Ave., N. College Ave., Mulberry, Downtown, Riverside, Mason Commercial/industrial areas on I-25 and S. College Ave. Same as existing Need to define digital billboard design standards Same as existing Need to define allowable brightness and glare standards Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-21 Billboards – Two Paths 31 Path 1: Attrition Owners remove existing billboards voluntarily, such as through redevelopment. Path 2: Digital Billboards Owners remove existing billboards in order to construct a digital billboard. No change to existing sign code. Accelerates reduction of existing billboards. Supports market demand. Will take a long time. Digital billboards may not be contribute to desired character. Gradual reduction in 80 billboards Digital billboards in up to 5 locations • Do you prefer to reduce billboards through attrition, or reduce through conversion to digital billboard? Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-22 Digital Billboards 32 What is the appropriate size of digital billboards? 75 sf 300 sf 672 sf Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-23 Interactive Window Signs Context: This type of sign is not currently allowed in the Sign Code. Issue: • Size • Location • Brightness 35 Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-24 Projected Light Signs Context: These signs are entering the commercial market, though are not yet widely popular. Issue: The Sign Code does not currently address this type of sign. 38 Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-25 Projected Light Signs 39 Horizontal Surface (sidewalks, parking lots, pavement) Vertical Surface (front, side, or rear wall of buildings) Pedestrians Motorists and pedestrians Allow within certain distance of business entrance? Allow on first story or upper stories? Same size and permitting as an A-frame sign if projected on public right-of-way. Would need to define sign permit requirements. Limit the path of light from crossing the public right-of-way at eye level. Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-26 43 Next Steps  Coffee Talks (March 22)  Finalize Questionnaire Results (end of March)  Draft Code (April)  Public Meetings on Draft Code (May)  P&Z Commission Study Session (May-June)  Adoption Process (June-July) Other ways to comment  Submit comments online  Schedule a Meeting | Email Noah Beals (nbeals@fcgov.com) Sign Code Presentation Submitted at Work Session Packet Pg. 42-27 DATE: STAFF: March 14, 2018 Karen McWilliams, Historic Preservation Planner WORK SESSION ITEM Landmark Preservation Commission SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION LPC Work Plan - Progress and Priorities EXECUTIVE SUMMARY City Code requires all boards and commissions to file work plans on or before September 30 for the following year. According to the Boards and Commissions Manual, work plans should set out major projects and issues for discussion for the following year. The LPC adopted the attached 2018 work plan at its August 16, 2017 meeting. Beginning with the September 13, 2017 work session, consideration of pending priorities associated with the work plan will be a regular discussion item. The regular recurrence of this discussion item is intended to provide the Commission with the opportunity to measure ongoing progress and identify action items. ATTACHMENTS 1. LPC 2018 Work Plan signed (PDF) 2.1 Packet Pg. 43 2.1.a Packet Pg. 44 Attachment: LPC 2018 Work Plan signed (6582 : LPC Work Plan - Progress and Priorities) 2.1.a Packet Pg. 45 Attachment: LPC 2018 Work Plan signed (6582 : LPC Work Plan - Progress and Priorities) above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 12-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-, 4- 5- or 6-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Maximum Wall Length For structures with a structure length over 130 feet, the maximum wall length for the base of the building (defined as the lower portion of the building below any required upper-story stepbacks) without a Major Facade Plane Change shall be 50 feet. A Major Facade Plane Change must be a minimum of 2 feet deep and a minimum of 2’ wide, measured in parallel with and perpendicular to the property line. Building Articulation Street-facing facades shall incorporate a minimum of 3 of the following articulation techniques: 1. Minor Facade Plane Changes of a minimum of 3 inches 2. Vertical Projections 3. Horizontal Projects (awnings, cornice articulation) 4. Coordinated window composition between ground floor and all upper floors 5. Balconies or terraces 6. Material Changes 7. Fenestration Detail Requirements, including window depth and sills or lintel requirements *Note: Development Review Process will determine if building meets this criteria. III. Building Form: The following criteria regulate the building’s form: 1.1.a Packet Pg. 36 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 12-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-, 4- 5- or 6-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Maximum Wall Length For structures with a structure length over 130 feet, the maximum wall length for the base of the building (defined as the lower portion of the building below any required upper-story stepbacks) without a Major Facade Plane Change shall be 50 feet. A Major Facade Plane Change must be a minimum of 2 feet deep and a minimum of 2’ wide, measured in parallel with and perpendicular to the property line. Building Articulation Street-facing facades shall incorporate a minimum of 3 of the following articulation techniques: 1. Minor Facade Plane Changes of a minimum of 3 inches 2. Vertical Projections 3. Horizontal Projects (awnings, cornice articulation) 4. Coordinated window composition between ground floor and all upper floors 5. Balconies or terraces 6. Material Changes 7. Fenestration Detail Requirements, including window depth and sills or lintel requirements *Note: Development Review Process will determine if building meets this criteria. III. Building Form: The following criteria regulate the building’s form: 1.1.a Packet Pg. 34 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 12-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-, 4- 5- or 6-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Maximum Wall Length For structures with a structure length over 130 feet, the maximum wall length for the base of the building (defined as the lower portion of the building below any required upper-story stepbacks) without a Major Facade Plane Change shall be 50 feet. A Major Facade Plane Change must be a minimum of 2 feet deep and a minimum of 2’ wide, measured in parallel with and perpendicular to the property line. Building Articulation Street-facing facades shall incorporate a minimum of 3 of the following articulation techniques: 1. Minor Facade Plane Changes of a minimum of 3 inches 2. Vertical Projections 3. Horizontal Projects (awnings, cornice articulation) 4. Coordinated window composition between ground floor and all upper floors 5. Balconies or terraces 6. Material Changes 7. Fenestration Detail Requirements, including window depth and sills or lintel requirements *Note: Development Review Process will determine if building meets this criteria. III. Building Form: The following criteria regulate the building’s form: 1.1.a Packet Pg. 32 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 12-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-, 4- 5- or 6-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Maximum Wall Length For structures with a structure length over 130 feet, the maximum wall length for the base of the building (defined as the lower portion of the building below any required upper-story stepbacks) without a Major Facade Plane Change shall be 50 feet. A Major Facade Plane Change must be a minimum of 2 feet deep and a minimum of 2’ wide, measured in parallel with and perpendicular to the property line. Building Articulation Street-facing facades shall incorporate a minimum of 3 of the following articulation techniques: 1. Minor Facade Plane Changes of a minimum of 3 inches 2. Vertical Projections 3. Horizontal Projects (awnings, cornice articulation) 4. Coordinated window composition between ground floor and all upper floors 5. Balconies or terraces 6. Material Changes 7. Fenestration Detail Requirements, including window depth and sills or lintel requirements *Note: Development Review Process will determine if building meets this criteria. III. Building Form: The following criteria regulate the building’s form: 1.1.a Packet Pg. 30 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation above that limit across the street. Where a parcel with a maximum of 12-stories in height is located immediately across the street from a block with a 3-, 4- 5- or 6-story maximum height allowance, the building shall stepback by 10’ from the parcel’s ground floor setback on all floors above that limit across the street. Maximum Wall Length For structures with a structure length over 130 feet, the maximum wall length for the base of the building (defined as the lower portion of the building below any required upper-story stepbacks) without a Major Facade Plane Change shall be 50 feet. A Major Facade Plane Change must be a minimum of 2 feet deep and a minimum of 2’ wide, measured in parallel with and perpendicular to the property line. Building Articulation Street-facing facades shall incorporate a minimum of 3 of the following articulation techniques: 1. Minor Facade Plane Changes of a minimum of 3 inches 2. Vertical Projections 3. Horizontal Projects (awnings, cornice articulation) 4. Coordinated window composition between ground floor and all upper floors 5. Balconies or terraces 6. Material Changes 7. Fenestration Detail Requirements, including window depth and sills or lintel requirements *Note: Development Review Process will determine if building meets this criteria. III. Building Form: The following criteria regulate the building’s form: 1.1.a Packet Pg. 29 Attachment: Downtown Plan Presentation