HomeMy WebLinkAboutIV-G Downtown Urban CenterCITY OF ~ Memorandum
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To: Planning and Community Development Committee
From: Elizabeth Chamberlain, Principal Planner
Date: January 6, 2009
Re: Auburn City Code Chapter 18.29 -Downtown Urban Center
Background
Recently a downtown business removed and replaced siding to an existing structure that has frontage along Main Street that also included removal of windows. This type of project is considered
an alteration and the permit is issued as "over the counter". Pursuant to Auburn City Code Section
18.29.020 site and exterior alterations that do not exceed 25 percent of the assessed valuation of the
property (building or land} as determined by the director shall be exemptfrom the provisions of
Chapter 18.29, which includes the Downtown Urban Center Design Guidelines. Since the project
valuation did not exceed 25 percent of the assessed valuation forthis project, compliance with the
design guidelines was not required.
Information
Staff researched surrounding jurisdictions that have design guidelines for their downtowns and how
those cities handle alterations and additions to existing structures and when compliance with design
guidelines apply.
Jurisdiction When comply with design guidelines
1. Auburn o Interior alterations that do not alter exterior appearance
o Site and exterior alterations that do not exceed 25% of assessed value
o Building additions less than 10 percent of existing floor area
o Normal and routine building maintenance
2. Sumner o Building permits for exterior renovations on commercial,
multifamily, light and heavy manufacturing, or mixed-use
structures, including, but not limited to, new awnings, alterations to
exterior treatments, changes to windows and doors, and similar
activities which do not increase the square footage more than a
minimal amount.
o Any new commercial development creating additional square footage.
3. Mercer Island o Reconstruction, alteration or enlargement of a legally
nonconforming structure shall be allowed as provided in MICC
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o Town Center.
1. Intentional Exterior Alteration or Enlargement. Legal
nonconforming status of a structure in the Town Center
is lost, and the structure shall be required to come into
conformance with current code requirements, if there is
any intentional exterior alteration or enlargement of a
structure that costs in excess of 50 percent of the
structure's current King County assessed value as of the time the initial application for such work is submitted. No
structure may be altered or enlarged so as to increase
the degree of nonconformity or create any new
nonconformance.
4. Renton o Only interior remodels (tenant improvements} are exempt. Any
exterior modifications require compliance with design guidelines.
5. Puyallup o New or major reconstruction that has $150,000 total improvement
value or more and/or affects 25 percent of the exterior facade that is visible from the right-of way or adjoining property.
When the Downtown Urban Center zone was created in 2007 thought was given to existing structures and establishing an exemption level that was reasonable. However, now that the
regulations have been in place for approximately two years and alterations are being made to
existing structures it is time to reevaluate the current code.
After review of how other jurisdictions handle existing structures within town centers and compliance
with design guidelines staff recommends drafting code language that models how the city of Sumner
addresses exterior modifications to existing structures. For projects that are minor in nature (e.g. new
awning, new siding} staff will develop a design review process that keeps the permit review time
reasonable.
Next Steps
At the January 12, 2009 meeting, staff is looking for direction on whether to proceed with the above
recommendation or modify the recommendation. Once staff receives feedback from the committee,
staff will proceed with drafting code language and begin the process with the Planning Commission.
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