01-20-09 Regular Meeting,Public Hearings,and Workshop Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Planning & Zoning Commission February 19, 2009 Main Street Design Certificate Zoning Ordinance Amendments Page 2 of 3 Main Street Design Certificate packet and application shall be available at the Main Street Coordinator's office. After submission of completed application, the MS DART will review and subsequently approve or disapprove the application by majority vote and decision made in this regard will be final. Upon receipt of Main Street Design Certificate by the Inspections Division, the building permit shall be issued. Other programs offered by the City of La Porte Main Street District are as follow: • Main Street Enhancement Grant • Downtown Design Guidelines & Resources Main Street Enhancement Grant — The program provides matching funds to enhance existing building design and will guide the Main Street Design Assistance Review Team for issuing a Main Street Design Certificate or approving a Main Street Enhancement Grant. This applies to renovations or new construction, but not to general maintenance that does not alter exterior appearance of the building. Reimbursement grants are available for the following types of projects: Fagade Rehabilitation/Enhancement New Awnings, canopies, porches, & signage Beautification projects Design Guidelines/Resource Material (RM) — Design guidelines/ Resource material is compact architectural design standards, which offer redevelopment options for store fronts, new construction or infill development ideas, list standards for rehabilitation, and present architectural styles appropriate for the Main Street District. The Main Street Design Assistance Review Team (MS -DART) would be appointed by City Council to have decision making abilities in order to streamline the review and approval process of the design certificate and enhancement grant. The review team will consist of eight members — four City staff and four community members. During the workshop meeting, the Commission discussed the formation of the design review team in detail. The Commission suggested one as non -voting member to streamline the process. Conclusion: The Main Street Design Certificate has been created to maintain a harmonious historic downtown that reflects its own history through architectural styles located in the Main Street District. Proposed regulations will prevent architecturally inappropriate exterior alterations or additions to existing buildings. The design review team is intended to help facilitate the preservation of the Downtown Main Street District by determining appropriate design within the district.