12-18-08 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Staff Report January 20, 2009 Main Street Design Certificate Zoning Ordinance Amendments Workshop Background: • The Main Street District was created to prevent decay of the existing uniqueness of the area, preserve the district, and to aid in its vitality. • The area needed regulations that had more flexibility than any other zoning classifications allowed. The District allows mixed uses and single-family detached dwellings. • The interior of the district, however, had unique characteristics that needed additional considerations, so an Overlay district (properties fronting Main Street) was created whereby residential activities were allowed above the first floor. • The Main Street Advisory Board and its Architectural Review Committee were charged with formulating exterior design standards for the overlay area. • While the committee has discussed and has formulated several regulations to recommend, it has considered strict architectural controls or limited the type of activities. Analysis: 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. The procedure to obtain Main Street Design Certificate and enhancement grant is summarized as follow: Main Street Design Certificate (MSDC) - 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. This design certificate is applicable to all renovations, new constructions, and demolition projects. The intent is to improve visual impact or aesthetics of the area, site, building, or structure within the Main Street Architectural Design District. Main Street Design Guidelines (MSDG) — The guidelines apply only to the exterior of the property in the Main Street District 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. Resource Material (RM) - 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.