Test test.

Okay, guys, we're gonna start in about two minutes.

So you can grab your food and Mark, thank you so much.

I'm glad I did a test.

So how's that tweaking the mics trying to get a test right?

Okay, test test.

I think uh what do you think?

A little out, just the perfect.

You're so good.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you.

Yes, but we should be early because we don't have I think we'll we'll be maybe eight thirty.

Oh, you're fine.

I we'll be done early.

We'll be done by seeing the new line.

Yes, I'll be there.

Uh-huh.

Yeah.

Morning.

Okay, I think we're ready to get started.

Well, good morning.

Thank you all for joining uh this morning's workshop.

Uh this is a workshop.

It is not a a standard council meeting.

And um so thank you.

So this morning we have our planning and zoning commission and our NAPA development corp in DC with us this morning.

Thank you to uh all of you for being here this morning.

I want to say a a shout out to our planning and zoning uh team and what a great job they do.

Thank you guys for your work.

I really appreciate it.

They did we're you know, we get compliments all the time on our team.

And uh I just want to say how much I appreciate your work.

Thank you.

We're we're truly blessed to have you guys.

Um typically we you know what we'll just do our typical thing, even though this is a workshop.

We we stand, we open in prayer and we do the pledge.

So let's just do that and I'll open us in prayer real quick.

Lord, thank you for today.

I thank you, Lord, that we have the privilege of getting up and facing a new day.

And Lord, we ask that your covering would be upon us, that your covering would be upon our community, the decisions that each one of these the commissions that we make on a regular basis that you would lead and guide and direct our city.

We thank you for your goodness, and I thank you for every person here and the work that they do in Jesus' name.

Amen.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for which it stands.

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Okay, roll call.

Here in Gula?

Here, Bills, Reynolds, Hammerfield, here, Griffin.

Or present, two absent.

Or planning and zoning commission, Garner.

Here Miller.

Here, Daffer.

Turner.

Here Keho.

Morgan.

Here.

Kirkman.

Selman.

Here.

Copeland.

I know I thought I saw her online.

NAFA Development Corporation that includes two council members, Cornelius.

Here.

Bruner.

Minetti.

Rhodes.

Hutchins.

Warnapson.

Okay.

Thank you.

Well, Rodney.

Is it you?

Who's is it Doug?

Who's who's kicking us off this morning?

That is so unusual.

I see you guys.

Who's who's gonna take the lead?

Maybe I'll just introduce them.

Um our consultant team has put together a PowerPoint presentation.

Whoops, hang on just one second.

Oh thank you.

I'll I'll just introduce Nathan.

Uh Nathan Davis from uh our consultant team who's working on the form-based code for us.

Uh they also did the um the downtown implementation plan for us and the feasibility study.

And so one of the main tasks that we got from the downtown implementation plan was to do the form-based code in the downtown.

So this is your chance to learn about form-based code and um and provide your input on the process.

Oh, yes, thank you.

Isabella, you want to stand up real quick.

Thank you.

Same team, consultant team.

Nathan.

Yes.

If you would, that would be great.

Thank you.

Good morning, everybody.

Uh thank you for being here.

So today we have a few activities.

Uh, first, we have a presentation.

Um it's about 45 minutes long.

I'm gonna run through uh sort of the background and structure of form-based code, um, really the roadmap of what got us here, uh what we've been working on, uh, and then afterwards we have two materials that should both be in front of you.

Uh one is a 11 by 17 exercise with 10 pages, five front and back.

Um, and so these are really designed to gather feedback from you to help shape the form-based code.

And then this other one here is uh just a simple FAQ um designed to answer any questions that you have, provide some feedback about the draft that we have prepared so far.

All right.

All right, for today, so the presentation is gonna run through a few categories.

Um, we're gonna just do a brief overview of what form-based code is, um, why it's a best practice for city centers for downtowns.

We're going to look at a few case studies where it's been implemented elsewhere, what form-based code regulates, so really the structure of it, core processes of form-based code, so how it'll be implemented locally, and what that'll look like when developers or property owners come to submit proposals to develop their property, and then how it interacts with use-based zoning.

And so those sections really just gonna cover what it what the overview of the five form districts are for the downtown area.

So currently what we have drafted are the boundaries of the five form districts.

So we worked with city staff, um, other stakeholders to really shape these five form districts.

Um so the full extent of it uh runs to about tenth of um and down to um about 17th at its furthest extent, um, and then it really runs from the railroad over to roughly uh fifth, I believe.

Um and so within that there are five form districts, um, three of which are designed to be gateways, um, so really buffering to adjacent land uses, um, and then two are the the heart of downtown.

So we have uh central downtown, which is that uh magenta color there, uh, and then we also have the central historic district, um, which is the orange color, and that's really um the highest concentration of historic buildings in the downtown.

So, what for what is form-based code?

Um, so traditional zoning um regulates use first.

Um, so it's principally organized around uh land use.

So residential, commercial, um that's your typical R1, R2, C1, C2, uh things of that nature.

Um, and then it occasionally leads with um form regulations.

So things like setbacks, height regulations, FAR.

Um instead of that, we're flipping the script and leading with form regulation.

So we're leading with what we want the building to look like and regulating all sorts of all sorts of things, whether it be height, um setbacks, um, stepbacks from uh the facade after uh from the street after so much uh so many stories.

Um there's a whole bunch of design regulations in there.

Um and then on the back end, uh what we're saying is okay, within those buildings that we desire, um, these are the uses that can go in there.

So it's still regulating use just on the back end, not as the principal um interest for downtown.

Um and so what it aims to do is create a really um dynamic downtown with that's really engaging the street front, um, has a variety of uses where um it can be flexible over the years, um so it's not tied to a single uh form.

Um and the downtown can develop over time.

Uh so this is an opportunity to facilitate the downtown's development.

Um thing we're aiming to do is really submit and codify um the goals of the downtown plan and the feasibility study.

Um so we're hoping to provide flexibility for property owners to redevelop as they see fit um, or if uh somebody comes in and buys the property from uh property owner that they can redevelop as they see fit when that time comes.

Um but the big thing here is that it gradually transforms the neighborhood over time.

So it won't be a night and day type thing, it'll be um development by development.

Um but while it is that is the case, uh we're hoping that it won't be a piecemeal approach and it won't be a piecemeal product that'll look cohesive through the design regulations that we've set forth in the form-based code.

Uh so form versus use-based zoning, um, as we covered, it focuses on the physical form rather than the land use.

Um so as you can see here in the graphic down at the bottom, um, conventional zoning is really um interested in the land use.

Um talking about things like density use, FAR, um setbacks, parking requirements, uh, maximum building heights.

Um a lot of downtowns we see um cities put design guidelines on top of those that base zoning.

Um, and so all that does is just regulate the exterior.

Um it doesn't really regulate the form.

So you may see things like different materials or street trees be applied to that facade, but you're really not changing the fundamental form of the design with just design guidelines.

Um right here you can see an example of a product of form-based code.

It's a little bit more dynamic, uh provides a lot more flexibility.

There's different variation in the building form, um, and so it creates a much more uh human-scale development pattern rather than uh traditional zoning, which is more uh vehicle centric coming about at the same time.

So, why is form-based code a best practice for downtown?

So downtowns are not single-use entities.

So like traditional neighborhoods are all residential or commercial districts are all commercial.

Whereas downtowns may have a little bit of residential, may have a little bit of commercial.

There are some service, office, all sorts of uses converging in one area.

And so regulating by use in those scenarios doesn't really work because it's it's not what it was designed to do.

And so instead we're regulating by form and telling developers, property owners, what kind of downtown you want to see through the through the code.

And so through that, then they can match the uses, the varied uses that are allowed to that form that's designed.

And so it's hopefully benefiting the residents by creating a downtown that's vibrant and resilient throughout economic changes, benefiting property owners and business owners by allowing that flexibility and those clear standards.

That we're achieving that through the build form and not those efforts are fruitful as well.

And so we've been over the districts for where this will apply.

So it's a very set area, a very confined area to the downtown.

So a bit a big benefit of this is that it allows more diverse uses and building forms.

So as we'll get into in a second, the the form-based code is not, it's clear standards, but it's not designed to be strict.

So it's designed to provide maximum communication from the city to those looking to develop to either renovate or create new properties, but it's still aiming to create a cohesive consistent environment that has flexibility in whether the building heights or the building materials were the building uses.

One that people identify downtown as a distinct neighborhood in itself.

So when people walk into downtown or drive into downtown, they know they're in the neighborhood.

And there's no question about it.

The buildings all have a cohesive feel to them.

So we're hoping to streamline and simplify the development approval process, which is hopefully reducing the staff burden as well through this.

In all, I think the goal here is to create a downtown that attracts investment and attracts people, and in turn will increase property values by creating a neighborhood that is dynamic that we're people want to be in.

So as we've been over briefly, this is really codifying the processes and the feedback that we've heard, not only through this process, but also through the downtown plan and through the feasibility studies.

So codifying things like the materials that we've heard, the building heights, building setbacks, all those exercises that we've been through, we're really just putting those into place.

And so this will be a guide towards incremental development as property by property redevelops over time.

And so instead of negotiating with property owners about on a case-by-case basis about what is desired by the city by the public, this is all put in stone so that there are there's clear communication and then there's less back and forth about what should be in a development proposal.

So it'll govern things like both the public realm, so that's streets, street trees, landscaping.

We're also going to be working with the city on the transportation plan that's coming out to make sure that those two line up.

And then the form-based code is ensuring that the public space improvements are codified and that those are the goals are cemented into physical form.

But mostly it's going to regulate private aspects.

So building placement, parking, landscaping, signage, it's going to be focused on physical standards, so the height, setbacks, etc.

Not so much the aesthetics.

There's still going to be some aesthetic regulation, but it's still we're aiming to provide flexibility in that so that we're keeping out the worst of it, but we're not enforcing a strict uniform look.

And then we're providing flexibility with clear development parameters.

So I want to get into the core processes of form-based code.

Each form-based code is a little bit different.

I'm going to walk through how we have our structured.

But there's a lot here.

So you have some materials in front of you as well that can help guide you through this conversation as we go through this.

But first we have five sort of umbrella structures and how we're governing.

So the big two are frontage type and form district.

Those are our geographic parameters, which we'll get into in the next slide.

Next, we have building type and use.

So there are primary, secondary, and tertiary frontage types, and so those are really regulated around which streets are the most impactful for downtown, which either have the most vehicle traffic, so where are people witnessing downtown from or where are they walking to?

So things like uh first street are definitely going to be a primary frontage as that is the heart of downtown.

And then we have secondary frontages, which are a little back from that, and then we have tertiary, uh, which are sort of that last tier.

And so we try to uh split it up overall, um, but this is the current map of where we have those frontage types distributed throughout, and you'll also get a copy of this as well to look through.

Um believe it may be it is not in here, I don't believe.

But we will get you a copy of the frontage types so that you can look through that accordingly.

Uh so next we have building types and uses.

Uh so there are five building types uh throughout the form-based code, um, and so these regulate what types of buildings that can be built.

Uh, these vary by frontage type, but also by form district.

So not every building type is allowed in every form district, and not every building type is allowed in every frontage type.

Um, so things like yard buildings, that is going to be your traditional single family detached home.

That's not going to be allowed in the central downtown district because we don't want people building single family homes right in the heart of downtown, right on First Street.

Uh, but it'll be allowed certainly in the adjacent areas, um, like the gateways, um, and as we move towards the residential neighborhoods because uh we want to uh blend seamlessly with the adjacent development, and we want to make sure that the characters compatible across across all the blocks.

Um, next we have uses.

Um, so we have a whole list of uses in the code.

Um there are um broad categories like general retail, uh, neighborhood retail, general service, neighborhood service, um, and then within those uh it breaks it down a whole bunch into like very specific uses.

Um are allowed on the ground floor, uh, some are allowed on upper floors, and so it it regulates all of that.

Um I think there's there may be more on that later.

Um, and so then finally we have design specific elements.

Um so on the private side uh we're regulating things like landscaping, parking, and signage, um, and on the public side, we're regulating uh street and open space design.

And so working with the transportation plan on the street design, um, it may we're still working on uh what the details of it will look like, um, but it may just touch on the landscaping, uh, so that being from curb to building, um, or it may include the building to building, depending on what we uh finally decide.

Um, and so then street type parameters.

Um, so in addition to frontage types, uh, the corridors are also regulated by street types, uh, and so we have major arterial, minor arterial, collector, local roads, pedestrian only passage, and shared use passage.

Um, and so these designations came out of the uh downtown plan, um, also looking at uh some other information as well with just current classifications by IDT and then working with city staff as well to make sure that these match.

We also have the alleys noted on here.

Um so there's certain alleys that are more pedestrian focused, and there's certain alleys that are uh shared between delivery vehicles and uh pedestrians and bicyclists.

So those are noted as the delineation between pedestrian only passage and shared use passage.

And so this is this is more so on the process of actually submitting a development proposal.

One, two, three submit proposal.

Much less confusion about what's expected and what's desired.

The form-based code approval process would look much similar to the current proposal process.

So what form-based code regulates.

So as I mentioned, the five building types.

We have general building.

So this is going to look a lot like a lot of what you see in the downtown currently, especially on First Street.

Typically, we may see this be an office building or a strip mall, things of that nature.

Sometimes they're commercial as well in certain settings.

Yard buildings, as I mentioned, are going to be either single family detached or there could be single family attached with some townhomes that are yard, so they have a little bit more setback.

Or even there's some residential to office conversions or residential to service.

So service and office could occupy these as well.

And finally, we have civic buildings, which are a little bit more dynamic, but these are going to be public facilities in the civic buildings.

So we have four entrance types.

We have stoop, arcades, storefront, and porch.

And so those are depicted about across the bottom here.

And then we have three roof types.

So we have parapet, pitched, and flat roof types.

And so those will vary based off of the form district, based off of building type.

So it'll it's all defined out in the code on where they're allowed and for what buildings.

So for uses, as I mentioned, we have some general use categories like lodging, civic, retail, service, office.

Then we also have site uses like open space too.

Within some of those, so like retail, service, those are much more defined.

So those are specific tenants like a veterinarian clinic, a hardware store, those are all very laid out.

And we'll tie those back to the existing uh terms that are defined in the NAMPA code so that there's clear use connection between the existing code and the form-based code.

Um and then on top of that, um, there are um some uses that are allowed on the upper floors and some uses that are allowed on the ground floor.

And so that's it goes into detail in here on that on what's allowed on upper, what's allowed on lower.

Um, and so for example, along First Street, we don't want residential right on first street, right on like 12th and first.

Uh we don't want somebody's apartment right there because that's a prime opportunity to create an active engaging space for pedestrians for retail to make sure that pedestrians and cyclists are flowing throughout the corridor and spending money.

Um whereas we do want offices and residential on the upper floors uh where they're a little less engaging, um, and so that's all laid out for that reason and make sure that we have appropriate distribution of uses.

Um

The design review commission and arts and historic preservation.

Okay, because they're not here represented.

So I wanted to make sure that they're involved in the in the conversation.

Yeah.

So maybe just one quick question, and then I can leave the other ones till later.

Are you preparing an executive brief or something that basically is a questionnaire asking us what our feedback would be on specific items like parking on street, parking off street, uh, architectural character styles.

I mean, there's nothing that's been defined as a guide as far as uh what type of architectural character we want to establish as our standard for NAMPA.

Is that something that you'd be preparing for us to be able to respond to?

Because there's so much information that isn't really defining a specific question.

It's just still kind of open-ended.

So is that what the intent of today is?

Sure.

So we do want to gain feedback on all that, and if there's not a question that you want to chime in on here, you're welcome to just leave open feedback too.

You're not confined to these questions, so I appreciate that.

Um, we're still in the drafting phase.

So the book is open.

Um, nothing's set in stone.

This was just the structure, uh, but everything's flexible.

Um, in terms of architectural uh definition, we have had some conversations with the advisory group, and I believe um historic preservation is on there.

So we've had talked about making sure that um there's high quality materials, um, things of that nature, but we're open to more feedback on that.

As an example, uh, one of our recent meetings at Art and Historic Preservation had a building that was being presented to us for review and approval that had two open lots on either side of it for buildings that were removed.

Their standard or what they were asked to provide was something that is based on what's adjacency.

Well, there isn't anything except a dirt parking lot.

So they were coming up with something altogether different and new.

Um, when I was on design review commission, we did look at the rhythm and flow of a building's front and our articulation as far as offsets and and glazing and all of those things as far as in the determination, but there was never anything that stated it needed to be Romanesque or some sort of an architectural character type that would be indicative of the downtown.

And I just know if that's where we're going with this, we need to define it so that uh future commissions can just easily pull up a document and say, yeah, that's what we we need to follow, and then that's what's presented to arts and historic preservation, design review commission, planning and zoning, and then back up to city council if necessary.

Absolutely.

So I think that there are architectural styles currently codified in the draft.

Um, and so that those are laid out.

I don't remember what those are off the top of my head, so I apologize.

Um, but I can get back to you on that question.

Um and I think materiality is also materiality is certainly governed.

Right.

Um we don't want to create an environment in which it's so um so strict that there's no uh flexibility, but we also want to achieve the the desired outcome of uh high quality materials to ensure that uh they're not deteriorating after a couple of years.

As an example, the city of Eagle has nine different architectural styles that you can choose from.

Okay, and you might not be able to find something that actually matches what you want to do, even in those nine styles, but at least it's a guide.

Sure.

So yeah, I think it is uh it's in there, I'm pretty sure.

Um, but I'll make sure and get back to you on that.

Yeah, it was easy.

Okay.

So, real quickly, Rodney, can you I realize it might be good to step back just a hair to talk about um kind of where we were before this and the why, but you do need a microphone.

Um you know what I was thinking as you were talking, Nathan.

So Rodney started introducing form-based code.

Was that in 2014?

I I can't remember that.

That was about right.

It came out of our uh comprehensive plan that we adopted in 2012.

Um we were directed to look at form-based code, so I started working on that form-based code at that time, and um unfortunately I was almost had it all together, and then um I took another job in Ada County and it kind of just dropped off the table for uh after I left.

But yeah, the the reason are you asking for what the reason is behind form-based code?

And where we are right now in this process, because I appreciated you saying maybe then.

Okay, good.

We're still kind of at the beginning.

We're not at the end.

So this isn't like the end final approval.

This is a great communication as we're beginning the process.

Yeah.

Um, yeah, that's a great um a great point.

We the purpose behind this is to create an environment in our downtown that achieves the vision developed in the downtown implementation plan.

Right?

We have a vision now, we want to see that happen, but our current code just doesn't do that.

And so it it doesn't get us to where we need to be.

And and Councilman Haverfield, you made some really really good points.

Um, some of our current code essentially says um match the architectural historic styles of the buildings around you.

Well, if you walk through our downtown, that is very, very diverse, right?

There are some diverse styles in our downtown.

So if you match the one next to you, it might not match the one on the other side of you.

So what we're trying to do with form-based code is say, here's the style, here is what the vision should look like.

And um, so the the point we're at right now in the process is early on.

We're drafting the code, we don't have anything finalized, and we have a steering committee.

Uh Councilman Haverfield, you're uh invited on that steering committee.

And that steering committee will help us um decide things just like those those questions.

As an example, I mean, architectural the basics, and I'll let Matt even speak to it since he's newly uh licensed.

He's probably the more knowledgeable in the room as far as when it comes to the the uh basic architectural styles that uh everything's uh springs off of the Doric and Ionic and Corinthian styles.

Those are the those are the basics as far as that you normally see.

But the uh example that I gave you of of a building that came before us at Hearts and Historic Preservation had two empty lots next to it.

Sure.

And they're saying, well, we don't have to match anything then based upon what was just said.

So, well, no, just even the basic forms that are either um you know um any of those basic ones, Corinthian or maybe even down to the Greek style Greek influence, which are pretty basic.

Um follow something that makes sense.

Don't just say we need so many windows and and it uh is stucco or something to that effect.

Sure.

So that's what I'm looking for.

If you can give us something that's a guiding document that says this, I mean this is still open-ended.

That's at the end of the day, that's what the mayor, I'm hoping she's alluding to.

We're at the beginning of a process that will give us a document that we can use then at all levels design review, arts and historic preservation, and planning and zoning before it ever gets to city council, because we'll have our varied opinions at that level too.

Absolutely.

And on that note, I think it's uh this is a great opportunity to talk about that.

Um so we have the Central Historic District, the Forum District, which is that um much smaller area that's depicted uh right on here on the front cover.

Um, but then we have the other four districts as well.

And so is there to what desire to what degree is there a desire to um have those same architectural styles codified across all form districts.

I think we're probably a little early to answer that question, but I I don't know.

I uh my thought is I think we need to talk about that.

I think that needs to be a specific point.

I don't think we can give an answer today.

I think we need to look at the districts, really look at them by block and decide and make that decision.

I think that's a very important discussion.

I also one of the things as you were talking that I was thinking about is the reason one reason why this is so important is because people come and go, right?

Different positions on commissions change.

The decision on design should never be influenced by one person or one opinion.

It needs to be identified by us as a city, and then when someone comes in and they're developing, they know what the expectations are, and they can design to that expectation rather than actually then getting before a group of people where personal opinions come in and it shifts because of that.

It should be so it should be clear enough, and that's that's going to be an interesting process to talk about how clear does it need to be, how restrictive, but it also cannot be driven by uh sp individuals in any of our groups.

It needs to be driven by the plan that we collectively have identified is best for our city long term.

The amount of detail and how strict it is is really it gets a little tricky, I would say, and you guys may have some ideas on that.

It gets a little tricky because we if we're so restrictive, it can be cumbersome, but if we're not restrictive, then we have a free-for-all.

And so, like I I there may be better opinions than mine here, but like the difference between you know how small of an area and is it the same throughout versus having different.

I think that's a specific discussion in and of itself, maybe during the process.

Sure.

So but I think today my guess is this intent, is it's higher level, this is where we're going.

Tell me if I'm wrong on this.

And then we'll come back and identify specific things as we go along.

Rodney, am I off on that?

Or no, I I think that that is uh that's fine, and we can move forward with that.

Just to give you a general sense of what staff and the our consultant has already done is those areas that we've defined on the map, it feel we felt like those had specific categories of buildings and styles that felt very different from each other.

And so that's what that's if you look at that map.

I think that that's really important to look at those and say, do we do we want consistency across the entire area, or do those areas feel like we could have specific style guidance for for each of those areas?

And my guess is and my team has uh given the recommendation that we primarily focus on each of those individual areas, but then have some features that continue throughout to create consistency throughout the whole downtown.

Those are great ideas.

And at some point, um, I think, and maybe the steering committee will do so, and any others, you we need to there needs to be a walking tour, right?

We need to actually walk and look at those things, but I like the recommendations that you guys have come up with.

Absolutely.

Any other questions?

Sorry, go ahead and marry it.

Just I think it's a question, maybe it's a thought out loud.

Um, I've said it before.

Um, I'm hoping at the end of this, um, so I I've been involved behind the scenes, but every year it seems like we're trying to define the boundaries, and then there's a different boundary for arts and for downtown and for NDC and for um etc.

And it's confusing for 20 people in this room, so I can only imagine how confusing it is for a new business coming in.

So I think an ultimate goal would be I mean, anybody could go to the city map or to the chamber or to the in downtown development and clearly defined colored map.

This is arts and this is downtown because it it's it's hard for even anybody in the know.

So I hope at the end of the it's clear to us and to the new business coming in.

Good point.

We we certainly did have that conversation, and we're sensitive to it.

Um, I think that there's competing interest uh with wanting to achieve certain outcomes along certain corridors in certain areas uh because the bid in the arts and historic uh district, uh, those aren't necessarily zoning structures in the same way that this is a zoning structure.

Um, and so this is regulating something entirely different.

Um so we're sensitive to the boundaries, uh, but we also do want to make sure that uh the built form is is correct in the right areas.

My my only follow-up would be um in Morgan and economic development, know this better than me.

When businesses approach us, they literally will look and decide on buildings sometimes based on it on this side of the street or that side of the street because they're gonna fall in this code and not that code.

So just again, I I agree with the look and the feel, just so that everybody's on the same page.

Sure.

That's a good point.

Thank you.

That's good.

Go ahead.

Uh so in the next few slides, we're going to be going through a high-level overview of how the um each of the five form districts are um regulated, um, what its intents are, uh, just some high-level um information.

And so that's all reflected here on this the these sheets here.

Um, it's also regulated or reflected on the last five pages of your FAQ document as well.

Uh so first up, we have the Central Historic Form District.

Um, and we're actually pretty good on time, so if we want to stop after each one and talk about it, we certainly have the time to do so.

Um, so the Central Central Historic Form District is really the heart of the historic area.

So when the historic preservation study was done, um this was the highest concentration of where historic buildings are in the downtown.

Um so there's that character, that look, that feel, um, also that scale too.

So typically in this area, buildings are about two stories, someone, but mostly two stories.

Um general architectural styles are similar.

Um, and so what we're doing aiming to do is preserve pedestrian skill and those historic building patterns where appropriate if there's a vacant lot, um, we also want to allow infill but ensure that um that same look and feel is maintained um or a similar look and feel at the minimum.

Um we also want to make sure that the frontages are active uh with uses um with the way that they're designed, um so the orientation of the door, um the windows to make sure that there's good transparency along the ground floor, um, and that we want to ensure a broad range of uses, so whether it be civic, um commercial, office, residential, um, and again, those are broken down by ground floor versus upper floor to go back to um active frontages.

Um so defining attributes for the uh CH form district, uh maintaining those uh historic features, um, so really codifying the key features that are desired to be uh maintained in new infill development, uh while also protecting the existing buildings.

Uh we want to make sure that this area is highly mixed use across um all the categories, um, and then there's but that there's also a uh big focus on commercial and civic.

Um so this is really the heart of downtown where uh people uh go to and uh identify this area with Tampa.

Uh in this area, the minimum height is two stories, uh, but the maximum height is four.

Um, so providing some flexibility, but also maintaining that general um general character.

Um, and the uses uh as you can see here are a broad range.

So open space, civic, restaurant, retail, entertainment, uh, medical office, professional office, and housing.

Um want to stop and open the floor for questions on CH.

Just a quick question.

Um had you thought at all about uh vertical identifiers as far as for the downtown core.

That's the one thing we've talked about quite a bit is a first-time visitor to NAPA doesn't even know where downtown is.

Sure.

There's two major arterials that come into the downtown, 11th and 16th, but there's nothing that really identifies them in that pattern to get to that point.

Uh and as an example, like on the NNU campus, uh, when we worked on some buildings there, we added vertical identifiers, bell tower, uh prominent building facades that were identifiers for the pedestrians to be able to go, yeah, that's where I want to go because that's where this is at.

Is there anything ever been thought about like 12th Avenue coming into downtown?

Obviously, is the the train depot, it's a smaller building, but that's uh an identifier of the downtown.

Is there anything else that you've thought about as far as trying to place maybe a bell tower or some sort of a vertical spire or something that would be an identifier that's from a distance?

So I may be speaking at a turn, but the I believe towers are allowed as a uh facade feature.

Um in terms of overall identifiers, though, and those would be on a case by case basis, so it would be hard to say that that for certain is going to be an element in a building, it's up to the property owner.

That's it's just an optional feature.

I'm just thinking wayfinding as you talk come from the interstate as an example down 11th Avenue North into the downtown.

Is there something that maybe from a signage standpoint that's just smaller than a ground mounted something or other?

Something that really would and maybe it's the bigger buildings eventually.

I don't know.

Yeah, well, I mean, I think that's a great point.

Gateway signage is really important.

I think it's um a little bit outside of the form-based code in terms of like what we're trying to achieve here.

Um the taller buildings certainly are going to be a landmark.

Um so we've packed most of the density into the heart of downtown.

Um, there's also still a fair bit of density along 11th, um, and we'll get into that in a second.

Um, but we tried to balance the density and the engagement around those corridors to make sure that they're inviting people to downtown so that people know that they're in the downtown while also respecting the adjacent land uses too.

Um, so you'll see that in the CR, and we'll talk about it when we get there on the C16, um, where there are those uh single family home neighborhoods.

Um we want to be mindful of those.

Um C11 is a doesn't have that issue, um, as there are more industrial and civic uses directly to the northwest of that.

Um, and so we place density where we thought was appropriate to achieve what you're talking about with the gateways, uh, but also respecting adjacent character.

Does that I hope that answers your question?

Yeah, I think it's a bigger narrative that hasn't really been explored yet.

Um obviously the front door back door conversation that we've had as far as coming into the downtown being easily identifiable.

Uh that's not we're focusing on an area that is very uh needing that, but we still need to be looking at how we get there as well.

Certainly.

That's a bigger conversation though.

I mean, I completely agree that it's important, and that was a recommendation of the downtown plan as well.

So yeah, I I was just gonna say exactly that.

Um, the downtown implementation plan we had on the agenda for adoption, we actually continued that to the middle of September for city council to review that and approve it.

But in the downtown implementation plan, we've addressed that specifically.

So I I would take a look at that in detail.

Thank you.

I have a quick question, and that is that um in this central historic district.

Um we have on First Street uh the train depot, that's actually in central downtown.

I noticed.

And uh rather than in central historic, and I think I maybe know a little bit of the answer to the question, but I'm thinking the train depot is absolutely historic.

And I know it's just that strip on that side, but it actually is into the not in historic.

And so I guess I'm asking if that's intended and is there a risk in that.

And then even uh the area right on Front Street at 12th, we've got 12th that it's a historic building sitting at the corner of 12th and uh first, no, that's that's second.

So the first, nope, 12th and first, the buildings right there on the other side of 12th in front of the depot or not in the central historic district.

And so I guess my question is why?

Just on the other side of 12th?

On the west side of 12th Avenue, between second and front.

Um specifically first.

I think about first to front, right there.

That is not in the historic zone, neither is the train depot.

I think Tiny's is off of there.

No, that may be a parking lot, parking lot.

Um, and I understand the block between 13th and 14th at first and front.

I understand that because of the other plan, right?

But um, I just am curious if there's a reason why we didn't include the west side of 12th Avenue between front and first in the historic area.

So the great question.

Uh first I want to start with the train depot uh because that's I think the big landmark in downtown.

Um so with just the way it wraps, um well, even just take a step back.

We don't view the train depot as being ever open to infill or like redevelopment uh just because of its landmark status.

Um with uh the the railroad having the control that they do um with the city having that there's no appetite and that uh there will never be a redevelopment of that land.

Um, and so this is about regulating new development.

Um, and so we don't view that as being a need to codify and regulate new development on that in that general area.

Um, and so we try to tie it as closely to um to street lines as possible, um, and also be mindful of the uh block at the core or the parcel of the corner of front and 12th, um, where there is that redevelopment opportunity, that parking lot.

Um, and so just with the way it wraps um around there and trying to grab the other side too, it'd be a little I think it would be an island of just that particular zoning over there to cover a building that isn't at risk of redevelopment.

I guess I I don't know that I agree with that.

I'll just be really candid because you go down the road so many years, and somebody may hey they didn't consider it historic, we can do whatever we want.

I think it's incredibly important that we codify it.

Also, the buildings at the corner of well, it's the um at the corner of first and twelfth, it's the northwest corner there.

That whole thing, and that is not considered historic, that's a historic building.

So if that is up for doesn't have to be historic, any of that, I that's to me is very concerning.

And if there are specific parcels that we need to add in, we certainly can.

It's not third and sixteenth, also thank you.

Very historic.

So just because they're historic buildings.

Just because they're historic buildings doesn't mean that it doesn't mean that everything that's not in here isn't historic.

Um, it just means that this is the heart, the highest concentration of historic buildings.

So there are certainly historic buildings outside of this district.

Um so there are also specific protections that can be put in place outside of zoning to help protect those buildings that don't necessarily need to be in zoning per se.

Okay.

I I was like, I can give a little local context for Nathan here.

Um about the train station in particular and why these lines are set up that way.

Um, that is in the UP right of way.

I think sometimes we forget because of how it sits, but uh we need to be really respectful and also acknowledge the likelihood of anything ever happening in UP's right-of-way is very low.

Um when we were looking at this, um, as Nathan alluded to, we wanted to make sure that we were being very sensitive to those vacant spaces.

So with the train station on the other side in the railroad right-of-way, that felt very protected, and we wanted to leave that um flexibility open for the redevelopment of those parking lots, the one that sits right behind the long branch building and the one that's right next to fire admin, just so people have that um space.

And then you kind of got there.

Uh outline and specific list of buildings in our historic inventory.

And if anything was ever coming forward through the design review process, that kind of designation is going to be top of mind when we're looking at individual projects.

Um, and we can definitely make sure as we go through our process with this form-based code that those things are called out specifically.

Um, this area has more to do with that new development.

Mitch kind of got there and was talking to it.

This code helps us at the top end of projects in economic development, guide developers and businesses on what the expectation is from the very outset.

One of the largest conflicts we run into is people that have a great idea for a project, and then get frustrated on the back end, because our current code system with the land use is so open.

So this here, and the way to look at it is if you're in this designated area, this is where we are going to require the strictest and most intense historic looking and those references to our existing historic structures as possible for the new developments.

And then again, as we move outward into those area other areas, that's where we get more flexible for those new developments primarily.

This that's what we're solving for here.

I think I totally agree with that, and I totally get it.

On the back side, I have to say I still don't agree on 12th Avenue when you go across the street.

12th Avenue is a corridor that looks at our train station, and the strictest of standards in the historic buildings on the west of 12th and the east of 12th.

That corridor right there to me should be the same.

Because there's really no difference.

And it isn't redevelopment.

But there I'm gonna liken this to where we have legislative land language that is unclear.

And um teen years later, when you go read it and there's a lack of clarity and there's a vagueness, it's confusing because you have lost the intent of where you were going.

And so what was established.

Do you have a comment?

Yeah, I agree.

I um if we leave any holes in code or lack of code, I think there's an opportunity for for somebody to come in and say, no, that's not really what it says on this specific piece of property.

Whether it's the depot or the buildings the mayor is talking about.

Um I don't want to leave any potential loophole for somebody to come in and do something with that building that we really don't want done.

Mayor, yeah.

Uh I I think we got the direction here.

Thank you.

I know we need to go.

We we will make sure that whatever we call it isn't it sounds like it's not as important what we call it, but that the standards are maintained across 12th Avenue, and that the it we still have that tie back to that historic look.

And any historic buildings will still need to be going through the historic preservation process, and we will absolutely make sure that happens.

I think um, yeah.

My suggestion is you expand the historic district to the west across the street on 12th.

You can maintain the central district, I think is what it's called on the south side, central downtown, but the historic, and I think that's what I think there's it's thinking down the road that is historic right there.

And so if you don't have it in the district, you create confusion down the road.

So that's just my recommendation.

But you can address it later because I know we're not.

Yeah, we we can definitely look at that and we will.

Um we you know, we debated about what to call things, and we we struggled with that too.

And and I think you're going through the same process we uh we were doing.

If we call this historic, does it differentiate it from other areas and we struggled with that?

But I think we have some clear direction here.

We will we'll just make sure that there's clarity there for those other properties.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Absolutely, and thanks for everybody for adding them onto that.

Um, I do want to we'll move on, but I just want to be clear that the standards that are set forth in central historic, I do understand the sentiment about making sure that 12th is a historic corridor.

Um, do you want to be mindful that the just because a building is not in or is if a building is in this um area that it's still up for redevelopment.

So even if we do put a historic building in there, um, we're more so regulating what new properties look like.

This is not a historic preservation tool per se, but if it's if there's a two-story historic building that isn't landmarked and isn't protected through other avenues, um theoretically somebody could come in and develop it to the standards that are laid out in a central historic.

Um so I just want to be mindful of that.

There are other other tools as well to protect buildings uh that we want to make sure that are kept around that are outside of these structures.

Yeah.

So can I ask too then if um the intent of the central historic is to maintain building heights from two to four stories maximum.

Um it would be nice from my standpoint if if 12th Avenue coming in that the first half block would be limited to two to three or whatever it might be, so that it doesn't just create that um wall of electrical overpowering.

Especially when you're trying to focus in on something that's historic in character.

Sure.

But I think Mayor, the the thing that I would be concerned about is if someone were to come in and say we're gonna get rid of uh the long branch station and we want to go 12 stories there.

Um it it that's exactly what happened in Boise on Capitol Boulevard.

They had the same kind of a plan, and then the US bank came in and went 18 stories or whatever it is right there to take away the visual corridor of the Capitol building to the Union Pacific Railroad spire.

I mean, that was meant to be what 12th Avenue is that I'm thinking.

So uh again, it we need to hold the ground so that that doesn't happen here.

Thank you.

It's a good very good point.

Uh that's a great point.

And so we'll put in there uh make making sure that there's step back requirements um along 12th and along uh other corridors.

Um as we've had conversations about too with the feasibility study incorporating stepbacks uh and for those of you who are running in those meetings.

A step back is let's say right along the sidewalk, there's two stories, uh, but we don't want something to overtower and create a looming feel.

Uh it would step back uh before proceeding higher.

Um so when a pedestrian is walking along the ground, um, then they're only seeing those two stories immediately, and then they peer back and they see the taller building, but it doesn't feel as imposing on the pedestrian realm.

I don't I mean it come back.

I don't know if that's what is that what you were saying?

Yes, somewhat.

Again, when you get are were you saying limiting it, not putting a seven story there, but limiting it.

Yeah, well at least having stepbacks so that on 12th Avenue as you're coming in, the pedestrian feel is found.

Because that's what ends up happening is the taller buildings uh as you're going through there, the perspective even gets away from the and then it takes away from the natural corridor coming on, I'm sorry, uh the natural feel of the corridor uh that you're trying to maintain is a primary entry point uh into the downtown from the south coming north.

Um so I was thinking that, but again, what happened in Boise is they had the same type of a standard in place, but someone came in and said, hey, we'll build this high rise, but we want it right there on that, and it took a totally away from that visual character if they would have been able to step it back and maintain that feel.

That's a great point.

We'll we'll um revise it accordingly.

Okay, Nathan.

I'm I'm sorry, yeah.

So I'm wondering if uh when we define these corridors uh through downtown, uh if we could state some characteristics, the council member Hammerfield was mentioning that there are these visual connections through town.

I think that's a really important uh feature that needs to be maintained there.

Sure.

Uh and so then the form base code could then play off of those those particular visual corridors so that we're capturing those uh sure.

And as an example, I mean that building is an architectural style that we could maybe match on 12th Avenue coming in, is something that's stated so that the design uh professionals coming in know what they need to be able to uh provide for their clients to be able to meet the requirements of the city.

Otherwise, you come in blind and say, okay, well, let's pull this out and see if it works, and then you're back to the drawing board and coming in with something else.

If we if it's defined going in, it's easy for us then to adapt to, and then our clients don't have expectations that we can't fulfill for them.

And then that's when the frustration happens, time delays and everything else.

Sure.

Absolutely.

And we can look at um, I mean, I think there's sounds like there's consensus at least to extend uh the central historic to those parcels that touch uh 12th on both sides.

Um and so with that, um, then it would limit it to two to four stories, it would have the highest architectural standards as we just discussed.

Um, and then we can also look at adding stepbacks too.

So uh right along the road there'd be two stories, it would step back to at most four if they do that, uh, if they choose to add a step back, and we can look at what that distance requirement is.

Um, but that would create that view shed uh to the train depot.

Does that sound good?

Okay.

So the step back just two stories.

That's the maximum.

Um based off of the existing building character um and the overall building height.

Um it we could do there are a number of things that could could happen.

Um it could step back uh two stories um to match the other existing buildings.

That's where I think it should step back, and from there you could either do one large step back and then go up two more, or you could do two stepbacks um one smaller and then one again to more a more tiered approach.

I think in central historic, it goes up to four stories.

Go ahead.

Yeah, no, I think that I'm I'm an architect, but I'm also just like a person, right?

I like walking downtown.

And and part of the reason you you like walking down there is because it's so different than walking through a neighborhood because you have these walls, you know, that that provide some interest to you, and it provides this this different feel than just walking through a neighborhood where there's a bunch of houses.

And so I don't think there's a problem with having the walls go up, you know.

I think two stories is like, I mean, if you walk down there now, most of the buildings are taller than two stories.

Um, and so I think that I would say probably the step back wouldn't happen till at least four stories myself, but um my recommendation was two to three stories, and then step back.

Yeah.

And I and I'm I'm not saying in this that might be just for this district here, right?

Or that main corridor going through there.

Yes.

That's that was what my thoughts were.

And in this district, yes, I I would agree, you know, because you're talking about having that view corridor down to the to the depot, but definitely in some of the other areas where you have those taller buildings, I wouldn't step it back that quick because of what you're trying to accomplish.

Um, and I think that the other thing I and I may be off here, but uh when we're talking about and and Randy, you were talking about the architectural styles like Eagle has, right?

If we want to have those styles, I think fine, but I would definitely not pigeonhole ourselves, and and we've been in this situation so many times where you're like, I don't even know what we're you know, it doesn't fit any style.

And so I think that there needs to be something that maybe is a hybrid that allows the prairie style.

Yeah, right, the prairie stuff.

So I think that there should be something, and I think that what we're talking about here is form-based.

Now, I'm gonna tell you a little story.

Years ago when I was in architecture school, we took a trip to Manhattan, and we're all we're in Manhattan for like a week, and we're going around.

And part of that tour that we did, you had to choose a building, and then as your group went around the city, you're you would go to your chosen building and you would do a uh a presentation on this building and why it's significant, right?

I chose the lever house by SOM.

Um, but there was all these other you know, students that were doing the same thing.

And part of the thing about Manhattan that makes Manhattan Manhattan is that there's so it's a amalgamous, right?

There's so many different buildings, and they could be right next to each other, and they don't necessarily look like each other, they have form stuff like the stepbacks, but they can be so many different styles.

Uh there was a museum that we went to that was right by the New York Museum of Modern Art or whatever, but right next to it, there was another museum, and the whole front of the building was like two folded plates.

And you're like, what style is that?

You know, and if we have if we pigeonhole ourselves, you're saying we're not gonna do anything interesting or we're not gonna do anything different because it doesn't fit what we want.

But I think what you really want and what makes cities interesting is that very thing that there are interesting buildings to go look at.

You know, like I was talking to a guy who I worked with yesterday, and he said he drove down from Washington and he stopped in Portland just to go see Michael Graves Portland building.

And now other people might say that's an ugly building.

But that guy thought that was a cool place that he wanted to go see.

And so I don't think we want to pigeonhole ourselves by saying it has to be this, and I think that's what's so brilliant about this form base is that allows uh some building blocks, but you're not saying it has to look exactly like that Romanesque building right next to it.

Because then you're saying the whole building downtown has to look the same, and there's nothing interesting about it because everything looks the same.

Yeah, great point.

I think do you want to be mindful of our time?

We have 15 minutes left.

Um so we're gonna um go through the rest of them, then have questions at the end.

Um, something to be mindful and uh chew on um over the day over the next few weeks um is floor heights too, because that has a huge impact on the overall height of the building.

Um and so it's not in here.

I apologize, there's just too much content to fit on all uh otherwise I'd have a stack for you this big.

Um but uh think about floor heights, and those can vary by farm district too.

Um so if you in the Central Historic, um, as we do our walking tour and make our observations, the floor heights may be a little bit smaller than some of the new development in the next uh farm districts, we'll which we'll go over.

Um there may be a lot more flexibility um in that height, which will affect the overall building because if you're doing a 20 uh 20-foot floor on the ground floor, um that's going to bump it up a lot further than the existing development.

And you do not have to be done at 8:30.

Okay, so I just want you to know at we actually are scheduled till nine, and you don't have another meeting after if we get done even so you maybe 8 45 will gear two.

But you don't have to be done in 15 minutes, so don't panic.

Okay, well, I'll finish in 10, but then we'll have questions that can go longer.

Um, so central downtown farm district, this is where we're really packing in the most density.

Um, so this builds off of that feasibility study.

Um making adding the housing, adding um new commercial, new office, um, really creating exciting uh new development uh that matches the character, but also provides new opportunity um and and fills existing parking lots, other underutilized spaces.

So key features of this is the various open types, uh highly mixed use again, a big focus on commercial and entertainment here.

Um so there's some key entertainment spaces like Lloyd Square.

Um that we want to make sure that we're continuing to attract people.

Um the alleys are also a key feature with the public art that's down here.

Um people are coming to this district um to really get a lively experience.

Um on the heights, uh minimum of two, uh, maximum of seven.

Um so there are those stepbacks to make sure that it's not seven stories right on the the floor um right along the front street or first street rather, um, but that it's tapered back, and that there can be some density along front along the railroad, um, so that there um there is that housing, there is that density um to support the businesses.

Um uses again here are highly varied.

Uh there is also a lot of structured parking here to support the residential units to make sure that the residents have a place to park.

Um Central 11th Avenue, as I mentioned, this is um the first of three uh gateway districts of sorts or transition districts, whatever you want to call them.

Um, and so this is on the north uh west corner, uh right uh as you're approaching downtown.

Um as you can see, there are um the the closest residential single family is a little bit a few blocks away.

Um so given that we're not really transitioning to anything adjacent um other than office commercial civic uses.

Uh because of that, we're going high max or minimum of three stories, maximum of five.

Um it's also highly mixed use.

Um there is a clause in there that we're protecting existing single family homes.

Um but I don't we don't have that to worry about.

So it's just and there is uh if there are ever single family homes built in some of the other districts, um, that there is tapered uh between new development and the single family homes.

So you don't have a a large five-story building right up against somebody's backyard.

Um then yes, we'll let's save questions till the end just so that uh for time.

Sorry.

Um central 16th, uh so on the southeast corner, um, also a gateway district uh transitioning between two and four stories, highly mixed use.

Um there's some of those uh residential homes uh back there.

Um so we want to have that transitional height plane to protect those uh single family homes.

And then the central residential form district, um, there's three to five stories in here.

Uh there will be a transitional height plane uh where this is the neighborhood or uh form district where that's the most salient um as we have uh those uh historic homes uh back along here.

Um so I believe it's written within 150 feet of the parcel line right now.

Um it has to taper from 35 feet uh upward um at I believe it's a 45 degree angle, but don't quote me on that.

Um so essentially within that 150 foot buffer, they have to do stepbacks or step downs rather um to meet that uh exist or adjacent parcel um so that there's some transition.

Um with that now we'll do questions.

Unfortunately, he had to go, so he missed his question.

Oh, okay.

I'm sorry before he left.

So yeah, any other questions?

Okay.

I was just gonna ask Matt if he wanted everything to be an international style architecture for downtown.

All glass.

So we don't want cereal boxes in downtown.

I don't know if this is relevant or not, but I really did appreciate Matthew Garner.

Um I don't think we've met, but I really appreciate your perspective because I do think when we're bringing developers in, looking at that, they can capitalize more on some space, especially if they're doing apartments.

Um the ROI is going to be better for them as well.

So I think that's something to keep in mind for that purpose.

So I do really appreciate that.

I want to say I appreciated Matt your comments.

And I don't know I think they were good.

I I think they're really good comments because when we look at our downtown, there's a diversity that's gonna be amazing.

And I totally get it.

I think my only concern was that that right there before the right there that the historic sites on both sides of the streets because it's a corridor, it's a very visual corridor.

But uh just to protect that, I think it goes back to Mitch's comment, which when we say when we have certain overlays that we say is this, and then oops, well, that isn't in that, it's actually in that, right?

It gets really confusing.

Sure.

For people that are looking at it, and it it just it even can create conflict amongst groups, right?

Whether it be a commission or uh committee, whatever that's looking at it, making decisions.

I just think it gets confusing.

So however we can alleviate some of that confusion, uh some of it is very difficult because like the business improvement district overlay is so different, but that's not easy to change, right?

Because it's uh by statute and ordinance, and so it just isn't easy to change.

So, but I do think as we move forward, keeping that in mind, as you shared, Mitch, that sometimes it does get confusing, the different districts and whatever's the main thought I was trying to uh express on 12th Avenue getting to like the Calbus building and uh the front of the Long Branch station, they're uh similar character types to the to the range uh the depot.

So I mean that's why I was thinking if if maybe that section at least could be maintained and then you step back before you go vertical.

Uh we had family ventures come into town wanting to do that uh high rise right on the corner of third and twelfth, and it was across from the library, and it seemed like wow, we'd this would be great for our tax base, but it definitely would have been a bad idea as far as for this character study, because it was you know, whatever it was, 12 stories tall, right on the frontage or 12th Avenue.

So I think all I'm trying to say is if we can kind of protect that corridor of 12th as uh an entry point into the downtown, kind of emphasize the historic nature of what Napa was built around was the railroad system, uh agricultural base.

Um we can kind of carry that character through and not take it away by building vertical right on 12th as we're going into downtown.

That's all I was trying to convey with an architectural character that maybe matches the depot, at least in that frontage from front to first, maybe even to second street.

Okay, because that wasn't followed when the library was uh designed and and presented to the design review commission, uh it was uh it was without a defined style.

Um so they looked at other material types with a rhythm and flow type feel, and then uh tried to change that when it came in for the actual building permit, so they had to go back and regroup and then restructur, put the finishes back on that they originally got approved for.

So we need to hold our ground when we have developers come in wanting to do things.

Uh they need to be held to the standard that we're developing here so that it long-term character is maintained.

Absolutely.

So is there a desire?

Um I heard second and third, so I just want to be clear on where there's a desire to extend uh the CH district to.

Um so right now uh the my current understanding is that we'll extend it to the parcels on the other side of 12th uh between front and second.

Um is that the consensus, or is there always also a desire to extend it up along uh 12th to 3rd street?

My thought was front and first.

When you go across second, from first to second, it's less historic there.

Because you've got the Wells Fargo Bank there, it it shifts, but it's just that 12th 12th Avenue from first to front existing buildings that you maintain that historic character in that block because it's right in front of the train depot.

Um which one is that?

So that other side of 12th Avenue.

That's where the Calvinist building is let's see.

Where are you?

So that's the depot right there.

This is 12th community.

Right.

Seems to me that it should be.

That's the that's what I'm referring to, is exactly that area.

So between on 12th Avenue at the west side of 12th Avenue, is the Calvis building where Cosmo is?

Is that that building?

What building is that?

Yeah, I think it is.

Yeah, it's right at the corner there.

Yep.

From front to first.

What do you guys think?

Don't be afraid to say Mayor, I totally disagree.

Uh Madame Mary As I've been thinking about this.

I feel like I often look at the city the same way, and we want to zone by blocks.

But when you experience the city, you're walking down the street, and I wonder if there's some wisdom of having just the same side of the street matching zones, go half a block, so that makes sense.

It seems more appropriate for each side of the street to match the same look and feel rather than stuff that's back to back on opposite streets.

Meaning if you took could we just go to this example, I agree with you that 12th street, so it makes more sense to me to go halfway.

So it makes more sense to me to go halfway because half block west.

Half a block west.

Yeah.

Because then 11th feels the same on both sides of the street.

12 feels the same same both sides of the street.

I mean, that's that's kind of a general principle.

It's a very good idea.

I'm not sure.

I completely agree.

I think that's a great point.

Great idea.

So we'll uh we'll adjust that boundary accordingly.

Um I do understand that this is a lot of information to get through today.

Um I've provided my cards.

Uh everybody should have my card on there.

Um so you're welcome to take pictures, scan it, um, and send it back to me.

Um, or you can uh give it to Doug Brewer Rodney Um and they'll they can get it back to me as well.

Um so let's say a week from today to have feedback in.

Does that work for everybody?

Is the downtown model done now for the implementation plan?

For the sketch up the sketch it model that you guys are working on.

Uh so we're I think we're revising it uh based on some recent things.

Um but did Ben send you the You gave me the 75% complete one, but uh I'll talk with them to see where he was at with you on that.

Um but I know we are revising it currently.

Thanks.

Of course.

Can we talk a little bit about your timeline?

Sure.

So talk about like when are you what are the next steps in our phase and what are you anticipating or when are you wanting to be done?

So um based off of our current understanding, we're hoping to have this adopted um on December 1st.

Um and so it's a tight timeline.

Um just given some um broader constraints.

Um we want to make sure that everybody's on board.

Um so we have this today.

Um city staff are reviewing the current draft.

Um then we'll go to the full uh the full steering committee uh with the draft.

Um there's also some time allotted for legal review uh for um planning commission um to make sure that everybody gets ample time to review it.

Um I think that based off of today's conversation, we might want to add another meeting uh to go over some other other details.

Um so I'll work on scheduling that uh but full adoption by December 1st, currently.

Thank you for that.

Of course.

So I have a question.

Does anybody have a question about form-based code?

You all may be smarter than me, but the first time back when Rodney presented this back in it could have been 2013.

I'm like, I don't even get form-based code, and it seemed like a city whatever, it's like I just didn't get it.

As it's coming back, I understand better the why, the interaction with every with everything else that we have with zoning and everything.

I think one of the things that I think we're trying to do is bring it together and see, for example, uh my hope out of this would be that we don't have a hiccup that we have a zoning something here that doesn't align with our phone form-based code.

That you guys are looking at everything and seeing what we need to do bring together.

Would that be correct?

Yeah, all right.

I just want to make sure I'm understanding your question.

So you're can the concern would be that as we develop this form-based code, we're not thinking about its impact to the rest of the code.

Is that correct?

Well, that we are considering I think I'm sorry.

Yeah, I think what you just said, we need to.

We need to look at what we're doing and see if we have any disconnect with an existing zoning code to ensure that we are it's uniform and not confusing.

Yeah.

Um yeah, absolutely.

I I think a couple of things that form-based code does for us is it provides clear direction, it provides options to the developers, and it frankly there's less interpretation from staff because it's it's clearly stated.

Um, I think we I'm I can say I'm pretty confident with my team and our ability to look at the rest of the code and making sure it's it's conforming and and unified with the rest of the code.

We do that every time we do a code update, we have to scour our code to see okay, where else do we reference this section?

Where else do we you know tie into this?

And and I I think we're I I'm really confident in my team's ability to do that.

So one other question: how does this fit into our downtown um the requirements we have for even the colors we're painting the buildings?

It was brought up recently and just a casual conversation that um where colors are today versus where they have been, for example, a really dark brown that's almost black.

We have some elements that are like that, but then in other elements, we've said you have to repaint it because you did it.

Yeah.

So where are we in that and where does this interface with that?

Thank you, Mayor.

Um I so chapter 15 of our code is the downtown code.

We are essentially removing that whole chapter and putting in form-based code.

So anything related to materials, colors, everything is going to be handled in this form-based code section.

So we've got a few people considering uh, you know, coming into the downtown.

How does what are we gonna do with that right now?

Yeah, that's a great question.

Right in the middle of this.

And that's part of the reason we're trying to get this done by December 1st, because this is a fast turnaround because we we know that there's this transition.

We've had uh developers talk to us and say, Well, what's happening here?

What's happening in this section?

And we say, well, current code is this, but we're trying to push through this form-based code as quick as we can so that we have new standards.

We can tell you exactly what we want.

Mayor, maybe this will help you.

And I could say it because he's a friend, Nate that's opening the Tower Grill that's opening in downtown Napa, um, is aware of this.

He's tracking with everybody, so the communications have been good that he knows what the current codes and standards are, is he knows it's being tweaked, adapted, and changed, and so he's just following along with the the transition of the process.

So he's one example of somebody that's getting ready to open up a restaurant in downtown NAMPA and knows of the changes coming and following following suit.

Thank you.

That was one I was thinking of, yes.

Yeah, I don't know who this question is best for, but what has been the reaction from developers?

Are they excited for this or are they trying to get their projects in before this change?

Or what's been the reaction?

I can probably speak to that, and maybe Morgan can too, but um I think the feedback that I've received is really positive because there's a couple of um couple of challenges with our current code and just the process, like personal interpretation of what does this mean?

What when I go in and develop on this uh in the downtown, does does this mean I have to do this thing?

And it's just confusing to them.

So if we can lock this down, be very clear about what's expected of them, I think this is really good for them.

Um I'll just put in a real quick plug for the land use side of things here.

Um if there's more flexibility to have different land uses in the downtown, and we care more about the form, then that also opens up some possibilities there.

Um and and other businesses may come to the downtown because they know there's there's some possibilities.

We we do have some exceptions, we have some restrictions on some land uses that we're gonna have to put in place, but it's a little more focused on form than it is about land use.

So that opens things up too.

I do want to add a quick thing real quick on on use.

Um uses while they're on the back end, they are still important.

Um we are regulating all sorts of uses, but one thing I do want to know is uh there's still provisions on like nuisance uses or undesirable uses.

Um so any uses that y'all really don't want, uh, whether it be uh package stores or um chut caching or pawn shops, um whatever it may be across the spectrum, um those can either be limited um outright, that can be a prevented use, um, or you can uh limit it uh geographically so only one every 500 feet or whatever that distance may be that can all be defined through this as well.

So that's gonna supersede our current zoning.

Because remember when we went through with zoning and we looked at, for example, how many dog washes can we have, how many vapes can we have, all that downtown?

This is gonna supersede that.

That's correct.

So that'll have to come before another meeting like this.

I think that we need to have a discussion.

We did that.

How many were on planning and zoning when we met over at the Civic Center and we talked through zoning?

We had extensive meetings going through that.

I think we're gonna need to do the same again.

Would that be correct?

And I'm sorry.

Yeah, Mayor, I I think we have some clear direction on the type of land uses that the council and the planning and zoning commission were concerned about for the downtown.

So we're gonna try to reflect that in the new code the best the best we can.

But yeah, we can bring this back.

Absolutely.

We as staff, we can bring this back for that discussion with this group.

So are you on the schedule for the November council workshop?

We need to look at that date.

Because would you guys be willing to come back again?

N DC and planning and zoning to come back together again and really before this is done and talk through that.

Mayor, quickly, if I could.

I have the schedule in front of me.

I can kind of go through the dates that we have outlined.

Um so full document with edits due from our consultant is we're supposed to get October 1st.

Um, and then we have on Preston's calendar to review all of the code changes to make sure legally we're all sound that first week of October.

Um, so unless we pushed everything back, we would have to meet with this group again before October 1st.

So you might want to look, Shar.

Do we have anything on the September workshop?

We'd have to turn around a month from now and do this again.

Would we do have something there?

Not for, but do we have room on our September council workshop to do this meeting again in September if we need to just to review?

Madam Mayor, I right now we have a tentative um to meet with the fire department.

Um, but we're not sure if that will work or not.

So maybe we we have an hour for both.

I guess my question for this group sitting here is that important to you.

Would you be willing to come back together a month from now, spin an hour?

Maybe we do you guys the eight to nine time frame and just review the code and make sure, but we're gonna have to make sure we get it to everybody to review in advance so we can read through and then have a discussion around it.

Yeah, is that beneficial?

Do would you guys find that beneficial?

Okay, and then additionally, um we will bring the draft, we'll bring the final code to Arts and Historic Preservation Commission for a recommendation, it will go to um design review committee for a recommendation, it will go to the planning and zoning commission for a recommendation, and then it will come to city council.

Okay, that's fast track.

And what was the date of the meeting in September?

Yeah, so for arts and historic preservation, oh well for the September one.

Um it's the third Thursday of September.

So the 18th, okay, September 18th.

And then we have we're on the Arts and Historic Preservation Commission's agenda for October 13th, design review for October 20th, planning and zoning commission for November 12th, and City Council December 1st.

Okay, thank you.

Welcome, Morgan.

You had a comment.

I was going to say Rodney covered it pretty well, but I did just for the good of the room.

Um, we have been working, we know we've known this is in the work.

So we were working with people that are currently with projects, making sure we're steering them towards the direction, and um just again be and it is the issue, right?

We have our downtown zoning, and then we have the downtown design guidelines.

That's where the issue really comes up.

Uh like I keep hearing it over and over.

The real issue is we have the downtown design guidelines and the downtown zoning, and between those two things, there is a lot of room for interpretation.

So, from the perspective of economic development and working with the developers, moving towards this form-based code is what takes out that ambiguity and the risk for the developers.

It allows us to get high quality projects.

Um, and it allows those developers to set up their budget and do their numbers on those projects from the outset so we don't end up having to try and fix it on the back end.

Thank you so much.

So, this is gonna resolve that because it's gonna supersede both of those.

Exactly.

Awesome, but important for everybody to get to review.

It's great.

Thank you.

Well, thanks everybody for your time this morning.

Um, I mean, throughout this process, too, we'll have other meetings, uh, but I also want to make myself personally available.

Um, so if you ever want to meet have questions, you have my contact information.

Uh so please feel free to reach out.

Great job.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Thank you all.

Thank you for your time this morning.

Thank you for speaking up and let us know as we go forward.

Thank you.

And meeting adjourned, Sam uh motion.

It's been moved and seconded.

We don't have to.

Thank you.

Okay, done.

Thank you.