O-2009-3131 TABLED indefinitely Re:Main Street Overlay,exterior standards-Main Street District

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REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Agenda Date Requested: April!3. 2009 1 . Requested By, Tim TletJeu. 1 Lf.-- ([,w Department: Plannine: Appropriation Source of Funds: N/A Account Number: N/A Report: Resolution: Ordinance: X Amount Budgeted: N/A N/A Exhibits: Staff Report MSDG Package Ordinance Amount Requested: Bude:eted Item: N/A / SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION Per previous request of City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed the Main Street Design Guidelines (MSDG) draft package as presented by the Main Street Advisory Board (MSAB) and makes recommendation regarding proposed ordinance to implement said guidelines within the Main Street District (MSD). The applicable material consists of: 1) A design guideline package generated by MSAB which, if adopted, would be distributed to all property owners and businesses within the MSD, and 2) An ordinance which amends Zoning Chapter 106, Article III Districts, Division 3 and Division 9 nonconforming which is the legislative action necessary to adopt the MSDG. The MSDG consists of three major parts: the Main Street Design Certificate (MSDC), the Enhancement Grant, and the Resource Services of the Texas Main Street Center; all of which are designed to retain and enhance the existing architectural uniqueness of Downtown La Porte. Proposed guidelines would allow architecturally appropriate exterior alterations or additions to existing buildings. A team of public and private professionals called the Design Assistance and Review Team (DART) appointed by City Council, is proposed to help facilitate the preservation of the MSD by determining appropriate design within the district, and by issuing a Main Street Design Certificate or recommending a Main Street Enhancement Grant. Elements of the MSDG are summarized as follows: Main Street Design Certificate (MSDC) - The Main Street Design Certificate is being proposed as a means to ensure a harmonious historic downtown that reflects its own history through architectural styles currently located in the Main Street District and those consistent therewith. This design certificate would be applicable to all exterior renovations, new construction, and demolition projects within Main Street Architectural Design Area. The DART would make recommendations to the City Manager for each certificate. The DART is intended to be promptly convened so as not to negatively impact the applicants. Any application disapproved can be appealed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Main Street Enhancement Grant (MSEG) - The Enhancement Grant is a mechanism to partner with the business and property owners. It in essence offers a dollar-for-dollar cash match up to $25,000 for exterior improvements within the Main Street Architectural Design Area This applies to renovations or new construction that improve exterior appearance of the building and site. The DART would make recommendations to the City Manager for each certificate. Resource Material (RM) - Resource material is architectural design ideas, which offer redevelopment options for store fronts, new construction or infill development ideas, list suggested standards for rehabilitation, and present architectural styles appropriate for the Main Street District. Use restrictions are specifically not subject to, nor included in this proposal. Public Participation Process: The MSAB generated the MSDG proposal and made recommendation to approve November 13, 2008. The recommendation was forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission thereafter for review and vetting. In accordance with standard protocol, the Planning Commission conducted the required Public Hearing on February 19,2009. Their recommendation was to approve the ordinance proposal contingent upon making the architect DART member ex-officio, and adding a