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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 04-11-2023 SpecialCity Council 1 of 1 April 11, 2023 CITY OF PLYMOUTH AGENDA Special City Council April 11, 2023, 5:00 PM 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.TOPICS 2.1 Update on City Center 2.0 Vicksburg - Signs and Lights Engagement Summary - Plymouth Boulevard Concept - Plymouth Boulevard Draft Design Guidelines City Center Renderings City Center Code with Tables 2.2 Set future study sessions April May June July 3.ADJOURN 1 Special City Council April 11, 2023 Agenda Number:2.1 To:Dave Callister, City Manager Prepared by:Chloe McGuire, Planning and Development Manager Reviewed by:Grant Fernelius, Community and Economic Development Director Item:Update on City Center 2.0 1.Action Requested: Review and provide guidance on City Center 2.0 elements. 2.Background: Staff would like to provide an update to the city council on the next steps in implementing the City Center 2.0 plan. Among the topics will be an update and discussion of the planned public infrastructure projects in the next couple of years and a summary of the new zoning code and design standards that will help guide future private development. As background, in 2019, Council adopted a new goal to develop a renewed vision for City Center. This vision would entail exploring options for continued development and redevelopment of City Center and would include placemaking efforts, beautification, and safety. Following extensive public engagement, the City Center 2.0 study and recommendations were developed and then received by the council in 2021. In 2022 improvements to the pavement of Vicksburg Lane was completed and curb lines and medians were prepared for a future landscaping project. Staff will provide updates on the following items at the meeting and are requesting guidance on next steps. 1. Signing and lighting on Vicksburg Lane: Vicksburg Lane serves an important transportation purpose for the city and is also a gateway into the City Center area. The council goal for the project was to maintain the transportation function of the roadway while setting the tone for City Center 2.0 by incorporating elements of the City Center 2.0 study. In August 2021 the city council reviewed concept plans for the Vicksburg Lane Rehabilitation and provided feedback on landscaping, lighting, and monument signage. Included for feedback are the following: -Renderings of two monument sign alternatives for the northwest corner of Vicksburg Lane/Highway 55. -Decorative median lighting elements for either side of the intersection of Vicksburg Lane/35th Avenue. -A concept of median interpretive signage between 36th Avenue and Rockford Road. Landscaping has been designed with help from the Parks and Forestry division to ensure long term viability and maintainability. 2 2. Plymouth Boulevard Rehabilitation Concept: The city's pavement management plan has identified the pavement along Plymouth Boulevard (Highway 55 to Rockford Road) as needing rehabilitation to extend the useful life of the pavement. The project was delayed to provide time for additional community engagement on community concerns about the corridor and discussions about how safety improvements incorporated with this project in 2024 could promote the City Center 2.0 vision into the future. Themes from the community engagement revolved around improving walkability/bikeability and improving intersection safety. Based on this the attached preliminary layout was developed for council discussion. 3. City Center Design Standards and Code Updates: The design guidelines have updated to serve as a visual guide and articulate standards for new development. The new standards would apply to all new development and existing sites when 50% or more of a building's facade or site is altered. Staff is looking for feedback on the standards and if they meet the policy goals of the city council for City Center 2.0. In addition to the design standards staff has been working on a number of updates to the zoning code for City Center. The code has been completely re-organized for ease of use and clarity. The code includes a clearer set of definitions to describe permitted uses. Staff will provide a high-level summary and focus on the key policy changes that would change under the new code. The next steps would be further refinement of the design standards and revisions of the code updates that could be considered for adoption this summer. Lastly, there are other initiatives that city will need to evaluate in the next few years, including a potential fourth sheet of ice at the Plymouth Ice Center and some type of public parking facility that would support the needs of the City Center district. The details of those projects will continue to evolve and need to be factored into future decisions. 3.Budget Impact: The Vicksburg Landscaping and Plymouth Boulevard Rehabilitation projects are in the city capital improvement program. 4.Attachments: Vicksburg - Signs and Lights Engagement Summary - Plymouth Boulevard Concept - Plymouth Boulevard Draft Design Guidelines City Center Renderings City Center Code with Tables 3 COLOR CHANGING SIGN PANEL (LEAF PATTERN COLOR HEX VALUE: #003057) ALUMINUM CHANNEL (COLOR HEX VALUE: #7C7E7D) LIMESTONE VENEER (HILDE AMPHITHEATER PRODUCT MATCH) LIMESTONE VENEER (PLYMOUTH CITY CENTER PRODUCT MATCH) LIMESTONE VENEER (HILDE AMPHITHEATER PRODUCT MATCH) LIMESTONE VENEER (PLYMOUTH CITY CENTER PRODUCT MATCH) LIMESTONE CAP (MINNESOTA DOLOMITE - KASOTA STONE LIMESTONE BY HEDBERG MASONRY OR APPROVED EQUAL) LIMESTONE CAP (MINNESOTA DOLOMITE KASOTA STONE LIMESTONE) LIMESTONE VENEER (HILDE AMPHITHEATER PRODUCT MATCH) 4 COLOR CHANGING SIGN PANEL (LEAF PATTERN COLOR HEX VALUE: #2D302F) BRICK VENEER (PLYMOUTH LIBRARY PRODUCT MATCH) LIMESTONE VENEER (PLYMOUTH CITY HALL ENTRANCE SIGN PRODUCT MATCH) BRICK VENEER (PLYMOUTH LIBRARY PRODUCT MATCH) ALUMINUM CHANNEL (COLOR HEX VALUE: #7C7E7D) LIMESTONE CAP (INDIANA LIMESTONE BY HEDBERG MASONRY OR APPROVED EQUAL) LIMESTONE VENEER (PLYMOUTH CITY HALL ENTRANCE SIGN PRODUCT MATCH) LIMESTONE CAP (INDIANA LIMESTONE) BRICK VENEER (PLYMOUTH LIBRARY PRODUCT MATCH)5 Example Image of Interpretive Signs in Median Technical Specifications with Example Images Working Example of 1 Panel set. 4 Themed Sets [Exercise, Hilde, Hockey, Nature] 6 Example Image of Decorative Light Column Schematic Column with Plymouth Leaf Technical Specification - Pattern 7 K:\019599-000\Admin\Docs\Public Engagement Memo_04012023.docx 7 0 1 X E N I A A V E N U E S | S U I T E 3 0 0 | M I N N E A P O L I S , M N | 5 5 4 1 6 | 7 6 3 . 5 4 1 . 4 8 0 0 | W S B E N G . C O M Memorandum To: Chris LaBounty, PE, Plymouth City Engineer From: Andrew Plowman, PE, WSB Ryan Earp, WSB Date: March 31, 2023 Re: Plymouth Boulevard Corridor (Highway 55 to Rockford Road) – Public Engagement WSB Project No. 019599-000 Plymouth Boulevard is planned to be reconstructed in 2024. Preliminary design is currently on- going and as part of the process, gathering public feedback was initiated in an attempt to understand the corridor issues. Rather than present options for the public to react to, we requested information about the current corridor without the influence of options. In December, a website was created www.plymouthmn.gov/plymouthblvd to explain the project and request input from residents, business owners, commuters and visitors to help determine how Plymouth Boulevard functions into the future. The website also provided a link to the City Center 2.0 Study, which was completed in 2021. The City Center 2.0 study encompassed a bigger area, but included the Plymouth Boulevard Corridor. Process The following were some of the methods to create interest in the engagement process: One pager explaining project Information display boards placed in local businesses and City Hall Email to local business owners Website engagement on the City Website Survey Results 98 survey results were completed from December 5, 2022 to February 2, 2023. Several questions were asked about how individuals use the corridor and what issues are shown. Below is a summary of the results to the questions: 1. Question: How often do you use Plymouth Boulevard as a motorist? Answers Count Percentage Very Often – Multiple Times a Day 12 12.44% Often - Daily 18 18.37% Casually – Every Few Days 40 40.82% Sometimes - Weekly 18 18.37% Rarely - Monthly 6 6.12% Very Rarely – Almost Never 3 3.06% 8 Plymouth Boulevard Public Engagement March 31, 2023 Page 2 K:\019599-000\Admin\Docs\Public Engagement Memo_04012023.docx 2. Question: How often do you use Plymouth Boulevard as a pedestrian or cyclist? Answers Count Percentage Very Often – Multiple Times a Day 1 1.02% Often - Daily 4 4.08% Casually – Every Few Days 5 5.1% Sometimes - Weekly 9 9.18% Rarely - Monthly 17 17.35% Very Rarely – Almost Never 61 62.24% 3. Question: What issues do you see with the current roadway?Recurring themes: In favor of roundabout at the Cub Foods intersection (not in project area) In favor of roundabout at Rockford Rd and Vicksburg crossing (not in project area) Pro current stop signs In favor of a couple roundabouts (at theme 1 & 2) but not at all the intersections No complaints with current roadway 4. Question: What issues do you see with the intersections?Recurring themes: Sidewalk widening Pedestrian/cyclist considerations with pathways and dedicated lanes Desire to have trees planted along the corridor In favor of a couple roundabouts – not at all intersections Desire for bike pathways 5. Question: Do you feel comfortable navigating Plymouth Boulevard as a pedestrian or cyclist? Answers Count Percentage Yes 41 41.84% No 43 43.88% 9 Plymouth Boulevard Public Engagement March 31, 2023 Page 3 K:\019599-000\Admin\Docs\Public Engagement Memo_04012023.docx A summary of additional comments can be found in the appendix. It appears that most of the surveyed public uses the corridor mostly as a motorist, and feel somewhat uncomfortable using the corridor as a pedestrian or cyclist. Some folks feel that the intersections need to be upgraded and the introduction of roundabouts may help, but they do not necessarily want roundabouts at each intersection. Some individuals commented on issues outside of the corridor, such as the Vicksburg Lane/35th Avenue Intersection. Next Steps The following steps will be to balance the feedback with engineering analysis, design and recommendations approved by engineering staff and the City Council. Below is a list of additional activities that are proposed for the next few months: Share finding with City Council – April 11, 2023 In-person Open House – May, 2023 – Share the proposed design and reasons for enhancements Virtual Open House – May, 2023 – June, 2023 Complete Preferred Layout – July, 2023 Present Preferred Option to City Council – August, 2023 Begin Final Design/Right of Way Acquisition Process – August, 2023 – March, 2024 Bid Project – April, 2024 Construction – May, 2024 – October, 2024 10 11 1 Plymouth City Center Design Standards A New Community Vision Making Connections | Making a Place | Making a Neighborhood Adopted: 12 2 Acknowledgements The overhaul of the City Center Design Standards would not have been possible without the Plymouth City Council, Planning Commission, Plymouth Arts Council, community stakeholders, residents, and staff. Thank you to all who provided feedback and helped create this living document. Thank you to the City of Wayzata for creating Design Standards that provided graphics and context for this document. Plymouth City Council Jeff Wosje, Mayor Alise McGregor, Ward 1 Julie Peterson, Ward 2 Jim Davis, Ward 3 Julie Pointner, Ward 4 Clark Gregor, At-Large Jim Willis, At-Large Planning Commission Mike Boo, Chair Marc Anderson, Vice Chair Josh Fowler Jennifer Jerulle Neha Markanda Julie Olson Bill Wixon Plymouth Arts Council Keith Bridges, Executive Director Tom Freund, President Lora Horan, Treasurer May Ling Kopecky, Secretary Ken Herren, Board Member Jacque Frazzini, Board Member City of Plymouth Staff Dave Callister, City Manager Maria Solano, Deputy City Manager Grant Fernelius, Community/Economic Development Manager Jennifer Tomlinson, Parks and Recreation Director Michael Thompson, Public Works Director Chris LaBounty, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer Chris McKenzie, Engineering Services Manager Chloe McGuire, Planning and Development Manager Lori Sommers, Senior Planner Shawn Drill, Senior Planner Kip Berglund, Senior Planner Alyssa Fram, Recreation Supervisor Project Consultant NAC Planning, Steve Grittman and Dan Sjordal City Center 2.0 Planning Team Hennepin County, Funding GRAEF, Lead Consultant Zan Associates, Public Engagement BDI, Inc., Market Analysis CDG, Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity Sources and Fair Use: The illustrations and images herein are prepared exclusively for this document or have been collected from sources specifically identified as being subject to the Creative Commons licensing, and within the Public Domain for non- commercial use without copyright, license, or requirement for attribution. The images so collected and used herein are likewise free for use by others without attribution or license for non-commercial purposes. 13 3 Table of Contents 1. Vision and Goals 4 2. How to Use This Document 5 3. Making Connections a. Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity b. Streetscape 6 7 4. Making a Place a. Art b. Landscaping 10 12 5. Making a Neighborhood a. Architecture b. Building Elements c. Parking 13 15 17 6. Implementation Examples a. City Center North b. Plymouth Blvd and 36th Ave N c. 34th Ave N d. 34th Ave N Terminus e. Activity Node f. East Gateway 20 21 22 23 24 25 7. Checklist for Development Projects 26 14 4 Vision City Center is a vibrant, safe, walkable area that provides the social hub for Plymouth. City Center is a mixed-use area that provides places to live, work, play, shop, and eat. City Center provides the civic heart and anchor for the city. Goals Making Connections (The People) • People can walk and bike safely throughout, and around, City Center. • People who drive to City Center are encouraged to visit numerous locations after parking once. Making a Place (The Feel) • Create a social hub – an area for food, entertainment, and hospitality. • Create multiple areas for year-round, outdoor activities that can be programmed for active uses that complement existing civic areas and events. Making a Neighborhood (The Uses) • Encourage residential development to support local businesses with a key focus on nighttime and weekends. • Allow a mix of uses, both vertically and horizontally, with a focus on high-quality architecture. The City Center District is outlined in the above graphic. The Design Standards apply to all parcels within this area. 15 5 How To Use This Document Enforcement: • The material in this document illustrates the requirements and standards of the City Center Zoning district and will be applied with the force of those regulations. • This document is established as a companion to the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance and the City Center Zoning District (Section 21475). • This document shall also be incorporated into the 2040 Comprehensive Plan – City Center Design Guidelines. This Design Guidelines are considered an integral aspect of the regulations in the CC, City Center Zoning District. The images in this document are intended to illustrate the intent of the regulations and images may vary from one another. It is necessary for developers and landowners design complete projects that incorporate the concepts illustrated by these images, regardless of scale. The city will provide specific feedback to any proposal when the project requires enhancement to meet the intent of the Guidelines, and/or the specifics of the code. Applicability: The following types of activities require compliance with these Design Standards: • Modification involving 50 percent or more of an existing building's exterior facade. • Addition which adds an additional story to an existing building. • Addition which increases the existing building's square footage by 50 percent or more. • Alteration of the roof massing and roof height of an existing building. • Site alteration that changes 50 percent or more of the existing site. • New building construction. • Any use change that results in residential units. • Any application for Site Plan, Subdivision, Planned Unit Development, Planned Unit Development Amendments. Submittal requirements can be found in the City Code. The Design Standards do not apply to the following activities: • Replacement, repair, or modification of existing windows or doors with those of a similar size and design. • Replacement, repair, or modification of roofs with the same or equivalent quality materials. • Exterior painting. • Site alterations limited to the repaving or repair of the existing site. As a component of any proposal, applications should include a narrative that explains how the project will be consistent with the code requirements of the CC District, and how the project furthers the goals and policies expressed by this Design Guidelines document. See the Checklist for Development Projects in this document for more information. 16 6 Making Connections – Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Guidelines: • Enhance bicycle facilities within City Center and connecting outside City Center. • Provide bump outs at all pedestrian crossings. • Crosswalks should be designed with a change in material to identify pedestrian crossing areas. • Encourage a variety of alternative pavements to help delineate different uses (such as patios or sidewalks) • Pedestrian ways should be given special treatment to highlight their use and distinguish them from vehicle circulation. • Make extensive use of alternative pavements, colors, and patterns to set pathways off from driving and parking surface. • Private internal walkways should extend on private property to connect building entrances to rear or side parking areas. These walkways should provide pedestrian-scale lighting and 5-foot minimum sidewalk width, and a minimum 6-foot-wide landscape strip at any adjacent building wall. Requirements: • Provide connectivity, walkability between buildings and activity centers. All gaps in the pedestrian network must be filled in as development occurs. • The sloped portion of access drives or driveway aprons shall not intrude into the public realm/streetscape. • Adjacent parking areas shall have a defined edge from any sidewalk or streetscape area. • Locate bicycle parking close to the building entrance in a manner that does not impede pedestrian movement. • Private developments shall pave and dedicate public trail or sidewalk on all adjacent roadways, complying with current city public works standards. • In some areas of City Center, roads are intended to be narrowed as development occurs. For these developments, the city will vacate the necessary road right-of-way and the development is expected to work said right-of-way into their project, add new curbing, and relandscape the previous right-of- way area consistent with City Center plans. 17 7 Making a Place - Streetscape Guidelines: • City Center shall have consistent and expected streetscape improvements throughout the district, including public signage, benches, garbage cans, and lighting. These improvements shall be distinct to the City Center district to create a sense of place and continuity throughout the area. • There is no flexibility for developers or applicants on city-chosen streetscape elements, including bike racks, lighting, benches, and garbage cans. • Developers are required to use city-chosen site furnishings for public areas adjacent to the project and are responsible for ordering and implementing costs. Requirements: Signs • Developers shall be required to provide the city easement for gateway signage at the entrances/exits to City Center, for the city to install monument signs. If a private development project is at an edge/gateway to City Center and including a monument sign, the project is required to include city signage on that monument sign. 18 8 Bike Racks • Public bike racks will be the Loop Bike Rack (Outdoor). The rack is both functional and sculptural. Cyclists can loop and lock one or two bikes around its shape-shifting cast aluminum ribbon frame. If the Loop Bike Rack is not available, developers must work with the City Development Review Committee to find a suitable alterative that is similar in form and function. • Commercial development providing more than 20 vehicular spaces shall provide a minimum of 4 secure bicycle parking spaces. • Mixed-use development with a retail or commercial component shall provide a minimum of 4 bicycle parking spaces located in an access-controlled room or locker. • All residential development is expected to provide bike parking (public) within their development site, with space for a minimum of 5 bikes, and a maximum of 20 bikes, at a ratio of 1 per 25 units. Bike racks must be within 25 feet of the building. • Bicycle parking spaces shall be in a visible and convenient location from the main building entrance. Exterior Lighting • The city is a partner to Xcel Energy, which provides public light pole options. Within City Center, the light shall be the Post Top Luminaire Modern. The Post Top Luminaire is a modern option that creates a sense of space at a pedestrian scale and provides safe lighting for pedestrians and bicyclists. The light is downcast to comply with the City’s Lighting Ordinance, which is modeled after the Dark Skies Ordinance. If the chosen post is not available, developers must work with the City Development Review Committee to find a suitable alterative that is similar in form and function. Garbage Cans • The Chase Park Litter Receptacle (Outdoor) is a simple and structurally sound garbage receptacle. The can is sturdy enough for Minnesota’s tough winters, and simple enough to not draw significant attention. If the chosen receptacle is not available, developers must work with the City Development Review Committee to find a suitable alterative that is similar in form and function. The loop bike rack is a sculptural bike rack that can withstand Minnesota winters. 19 9 Benches • The Neoliviano Bench is a simple, modern, structurally sound bench that will be used throughout City Center to provide public seating. The bench is lighter in structure, not drawing significant attention, and provides arms for extra comfort. If the chosen bench is not available, developers must work with the City Development Review Committee to find a suitable alterative that is similar in form and function. • Development sites with street frontage exceeding 100 feet in length shall provide a minimum of one bench using a City- approved design for each 150 feet of frontage length. Hardscape Elements • Incorporate limestone edges, walls, and similar features. • Plan for year-round landscape interest, including holiday décor, summer annuals etc. • All private streetscape elements, such as small tables, planters, and other seating elements, must be removable and non-permanent. The photo below shows small tables and planters that can be removed to provide opportunities for other outdoor events in this location. • Utility lines must be buried as part of new development projects whenever possible to reduce the visual impact of utility lines. Utility boxes must be fully screened. Streetscape elements, such as overhead small lights, movable planters, bike racks, and seating, provide a sense of space and opportunities for many uses. Benches in City Center must be sturdy enough for Minnesota winters, but also comfortable enough for residents. 20 10 Making a Place - Art Guidelines: • The city envisions City Center as a creative district, embracing our local culture through the arts. • Creating a space for creatives and artists to flourish. • Development projects, both public and private, should support local artists as much as possible. • Local art should represent the Plymouth’s unique community. • Pedestrian-scale art is encouraged on development projects, including murals, sculpture, areas that encourage people to take photos, and interactive locations. Requirements: • All projects, except façade improvements, in City Center are expected to commit 1% of total development costs to public art, and work with Public Art Administrator and Zoning Administrator to choose art consistent with City needs. If it is decided by Public Art Administrator that art doesn't fit the site, the 1% shall go into a city-wide Public Art Fund, which will allow for implementation of coordinated art projects throughout City Center. • The Public Art Administrator and Zoning Administrator shall engage the Public Arts Commission and local artists on their decisions. This interactive sculpture reads "yo" from one side, and "oy" from the other. People can sit, climb, and take photos with the sculpture that provides a fun sense of place and brings visitors to the area for photos. Public art on private buildings can provide destinations for people with niche interests - in this example, a Pokémon Go event was hosted near this Pokémon mural painted by a local artist. Public art reduces the feel of this pre-existing blank wall and notes the close-by pollinator gardens. 21 11 Gateway signage on private developments can welcome guests to the district. Murals next to outdoor seating areas reduce the visual impact of pre-existing blank walls. Murals provide visual interest on blank walls that predate Design Standards. 22 12 Making a Place - Landscaping Guidelines: • Landscapes are encouraged to provide for a wide range of planting materials, and address multiple seasons of interest, including leaf texture, stem color, flower color and season, and branching habits. • Trees should be incorporated for shade, or if visibility to building signage is at issue, pergolas or similar shade structures should be a part of the landscape pattern. • City Center will have lush and abundant plantings that embrace the unique character of the area. Requirements: • Perennial plants should be selected to achieve a target of 60% Minnesota native species, species attractive to pollinators, and low- maintenance species to reduce use of pesticides and water. • Plantings must come from the city’s approved Tree List or be separately approved by the City’s Park and Recreation Department. • In this dense area, there likely will not be the area required for significant landscaping. Projects must also implement plantings where able – such as window planters and planter boxes. • Shrubs and native pollinators are preferred over other plantings. • Shrubs and other species that remain in-tact during winter are ideal to create a sense of place in the winter. • Creativity and variety are key to complementing the City Center character. • These elements should be an integral aspect of the site and building design package, much more than an afterthought. • Window boxes, hanging baskets and planters with seasonally appropriate plantings must be provided at entries to buildings and public frontages. • The University of Minnesota Extension provides a list of plantings for tough sites that should be utilized throughout projects as much as possible. Hanging baskets provide landscaping in an urban environment. Small street trees and boulevard plantings create a sense of place and slow traffic. Purple fountaingrass is drought resistant and is a great planting option. 23 13 Making a Neighborhood - Architecture Guidelines: • The objective of the City Center District is for an organic mix of architecture that contributes to an exceptional and vibrant visual built environment. • The pedestrian-scale of City Center requires active uses on the main floor, as well as significant articulation, visual interest, and high-quality materials. • Multi-level and mixed-use buildings also add significant benefit to the City Center area, as their mass helps to define and frame the streets. Unique building treatments at street corners and a unified, high quality, design schemes are also encouraged. • Residential buildings should also address the street, as well as take advantage of possible views across the public open spaces. • Residential buildings may take different forms, such as townhomes and condominium or apartment buildings, but should always be constructed of high-quality materials and possess varied roof lines and a clear but approachable differentiation between public and private space. They should also include interior parking and provide residents opportunities to access the buildings and relax outdoors, adding to street life and vitality. • The base or ground floor should appear visually distinct from the upper stories using a change in building materials, window shape or size, an intermediate cornice line, an awning, arcade or portico or similar techniques. The base or ground floor of the building should include elements that relate to the human scale, including texture, projections, door, windows, awnings, canopies, or ornamentation. • Any building over four stories should include a “step back” of the fourth story and above to maintain the pedestrian scale and prevent a sense of “looming” buildings. • A building's roof line can establish its individuality and interest within the context of a commercial area, and variety in roof lines from building to building can add visual interest to a mixed-use area. Some techniques that add interest include varying heights and cornices within an otherwise unified 24 14 design scheme, using roof line changes to note entrances or commercial bays, and establishing contrasting roof lines at street corners. • Vary materials and colors. Reflect building materials in the site elements and vice- versa. Consider interior lighting impacts when facing public spaces. • Make positive use of roof-top spaces or penthouse balconies. • Materials should differ by story by building and by block. Requirements: • Building design must address both the site, and the surrounding context of surrounding properties and the vision of City Center. • Buildings shall consider the pedestrian environment. • Architecture needs to positively face the street-level visitors and passersby; it needs to differentiate between vertical changes in use when the building is designed for a mixed-use environment, and it needs to create a visually appealing upper-floor. • Must have a well-defined base, middle and top. • Vary rooflines and cornice treatments or parapets. Create a solid building base through wall extensions, material change and story height. • All buildings should be constructed of high-quality materials. The materials must be integrally colored and may consist of brick, natural stone, pre-cast concrete units or glass. Accent materials may include door and window frames, lintels, cornices, architectural metal work, glass block, copper flashing, or similar materials. • Mechanical equipment must be fully screened in an architectural manner consistent with the building design. • No one material shall overpower a single building. • Entry ways should be prominent architectural features, as well as landscape features. • Landscape and hardscape elements should be eye-catching and provide spaces for gathering. • Building walls that face the street or a public pedestrian walkway or trail shall not have a blank, uninterrupted length exceeding 50 feet for non-residential, mixed-use developments and multi- family developments without including at least two of the following elements: windows, change in plane, change in masonry or pattern, and/or other that breaks up the wall into smaller sections with visual interest. • All ground floor front building facades shall include display windows to allow pedestrians to view goods and activities inside and encourage walking. o Windows shall be clear glass with a visible light transmittance of at least 80%. o Windows shall cover a minimum of 50% of the ground floor façade facing public streets and public pedestrian walkway or trail. o Windowsills of any display window shall be no more than 24 inches from the ground. o Frosted, tinted, black or reflective mirror glass are prohibited. o Windows shall not be obstructed with opaque films or signage. o The minimum unobstructed depth from the required window to the closest parallel interior wall shall be 10 feet. 25 15 Making a Neighborhood – Building Elements Guidelines: • The way the buildings relate to the street and pedestrian space/streetscape is key to creating a sense of place in City Center. To create a memorable environment, structures must have connections into the active interior portion of a building from the sidewalk. This creates a building that actively engages the pedestrian. • Sites should be seen as an opportunity to fill in gaps in the built environment to create a building wall to provide a more sense of place in City Center. • Buildings provide protection from the elements via awnings, archways, and recessed entries. • Site circulation should anticipate future connections to adjacent properties where street or pedestrian connections are not currently feasible such as shared access drives, shared parking, and shared sidewalks. • Commercial uses should provide a setback between the sidewalk and building sufficient to accommodate outdoor dining and seating areas. • Buildings adjacent to open space shall provide the primary entrance facing the open space at the sidewalk level. The buildings windows and balconies shall also be oriented towards the open space. • Consider the design of outdoor spaces around buildings, as both visual, but also as useful spaces that employees, customers, and other visitors to enjoy. Requirements: • Each development must establish visual and physical connections to the street. • Building facades must have scaled elements to promote pedestrian comfort, safety, and orientation. • No street facing façade shall be blank. The reduced setback, or step-back, of the residential floors of this building reduce the overall visual of this building and provide more light and air to the street. 26 16 • Refuse/trash areas shall be located within the primary building. • Buildings should be placed out to the sidewalk at intersections to define the intersections. In some instances, setting the building back from corner to create a unique location for open space, art, or plaza. The design of the building should focus on the street intersection for the benefit of the pedestrian. • Parking shall be located behind the building, with structured or underground parking preferred. • Building shall occupy a minimum of 50% of the street frontage. • Loading areas, as required by Section 21135 of the zoning code, shall be limited to the rear of the principal building and away from activity centers and pedestrian areas and the visual impact to adjacent properties minimized through building design or landscaping. • Service or loading area shall be screened as provided in the zoning ordinance. Loading docks, truck parking, HVAC equipment, trash collection and other service functions shall be incorporated into the design of the building or screened with walls of similar design and materials to the principal building. Landscape material shall also be incorporated to create a screen of at least 6' in height. Significant windows provide views into the shop from the street and create a sense of space from within the shop. 27 17 Making a Neighborhood - Parking Guidelines: • Vehicles are fundamental in the use of the district but should not be the first thing that visitors see. The visual dominance of vehicles should be reduced through street design, shared parking, and connectivity. Vehicle parking should prioritize safe pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. • Create and encourage shared parking. • Consider reductions in the number of parking stalls required. • Encourage other means of transportation – walking/rolling, biking, and transit. • Parking structures should integrate electric vehicle (EV) charging stations or prewire for future EV station installation. • Stand-alone structured parking should contain active main floor uses. • Most of the parking for residential uses shall be provided within structured parking. • Surface parking should be supplemented with landscaping and sustainability initiatives such as solar-ready rooftops, EV ready spaces and structures, rain gardens as plantings around surface lots, permeable pavers, internal bike parking, priority compact parking stalls. • A landscaped buffer strip shall be provided between surface parking areas and all sidewalks or public streets. • Extensive breaks in parking fields should be created by planting areas that provide shade, capture stormwater, and limit long views of pavement. Alternative pavements help delineate circulation and parking spaces, and in some cases can help manage stormwater through innovative materials. • Design for pedestrian ways within parking areas that minimize walking in drive aisles. • Emphasize pedestrian ways through private and public areas. Pavement markings should be supplemented by alternative colors or materials. • Construct green spaces in parking lot to separate rows of parking, rather than end-of-row planting islands. • Parking lot frontage on pedestrian streets must be reduced, and their edges and interiors should be extensively greened with a combination of hedges, ornamental railings, walls, bollards, trees, and other methods to screen parking lots from pedestrian spaces. 28 18 Requirements: • Large expanses of surface parking lot are not allowed. • Parking structures, that are below grade or incorporated into buildings, should be located behind buildings to the maximum extent feasible. • Pedestrian circulation is required within and through parking areas. • Parking structures shall be designed with architectural treatments that emphasize materials, corner building features. Blank facades will not be allowed. Horizontal banks of concrete are not allowed. • Parking structure facades must be designed with architectural details like the principal building. • The parking structure facades should express top, middle, and base modules. • All parking structures entrances (pedestrian and vehicular) should be clearly defined. • Parking structures entrance drives should be located to minimize conflicts with pedestrian traffic. • Off street parking shall be located behind buildings, or side yards if a rear location is proven to be infeasible. • Front yard and corner parking locations are prohibited. • Parking shall include, at a minimum, one of the following sustainability initiatives: o EV-ready parking stalls o Solar-ready rooftops on structured parking o Raingarden perimeters on surface lots o Permeable pavers on surface lots A mixed-use building with a camouflaged parking entrance leading to rear parking. 29 19 Implementation Examples The following implementation examples show specific areas throughout City Center fully built out in alignment with the vision for City Center. Each implementation example has a section identifying key elements of the graphic, a section identifying where flexibility would be considered, and a section describing areas where the city would not allow flexibility in the vision. These drawings are meant to provide a visual that evokes the feeling of City Center, with the spirit and intent of the ordinances and plan. 30 20 City Center North Key Elements: • Two significant residential projects that anchor Vicksburg Lane and Rockford Road corners, with interior courtyard surface parking, and significant below-ground and/or ground-level structured parking. • Shared parking ramp hidden behind key corridors. • The continuation of 38th Avenue as an internal private roadway. • To the south of this site is a location reserved for a restaurant which would serve the Fitness and Ice Center traffic. Flexibility in Vision: • The Plymouth Boulevard building could incorporate mixed-use development on the ground floor level. • A portion of the parking demand in the northerly section of this area would benefit from the proposed parking structure along the 38th Avenue extension. This structure can provide overflow for the residential units, much of the parking for the commercial sites along Vicksburg Lane (including the restaurant site shown), as well as existing commercial uses in the area. Implementation: • Projects should include extensive attention to making architectural statements and provide intensive landscape and hardscape elements. • Connections through and to the adjoining pedestrian and bicycle circulation system. • Restaurant locations serve to anchor the string of commercial uses along the major roadways they face, as well as taking advantage of the adjoining population base in the adjoining residential buildings. • Stormwater treatment area designed as a site amenity (as well as its more functional role). o Connecting to other such treatment in the district, these areas can serve a combined utility and open space purpose. Development proposals made for the area should expect to incorporate stormwater design that can accommodate this plan, both from a drainage and landscape perspectives View looking south at the Plymouth Blvd/Rockford Road Intersection 31 21 Plymouth Boulevard and 36th Avenue Key Elements: • Infill of existing underutilized areas for either new buildings or parking structures • Intensive mixed-use development along the Plymouth Boulevard frontage of the Ice Center • Infill along 36th Avenue emphasizes this street as a Main Street entry into City Center. • Viewsheds considered north and east of Plymouth Boulevard. • Ponding as an open space amenity. • Development along Plymouth Boulevard can utilize existing grades for structured parking below the principal building, provide commercial frontage and exposure along Plymouth Boulevard, and incorporate convenience commercial services to users of the Fitness and Ice Center facilities. o The mixed-use building in the lower center of the view provides one of the best opportunities for such a development. Flexibility in Vision: • The PIC/Lifetime Fitness parking lot is city-owned and is a unique site that could support a variety of uses, including a public parking garage, residential development, an additional sheet of ice, outdoor amenities and activity spaces, or vertically mixed-use buildings. Implementation: • The city-owned parking lot at the PIC/Lifetime Fitness, while a flexible site, should include increased density regardless of use. This area should provide a public amenity, whether that be affordable housing, public parking, an additional sheet of ice, or outdoor activity areas that can be programmed for the city’s specific needs. • Residential development should be incorporated into this area. • Infill development on smaller and underutilized parcels. View looking east 32 22 North Neighborhood – Fitness/Ice Center/Plymouth Boulevard Looking southwest towards Plymouth Boulevard and 37th Avenue Key Elements: • Multi-level parking structure that adjoins the new mixed-use buildings along Plymouth Boulevard. Flexibility in Vision: • Highly flexible area under City-ownership. • Site could include structured parking, residential, or mixed-use development. • Site could also accommodate transit stop. • Parking structure should be provided in this general area, flexible on location. Implementation: • High quality, 4-sided architecture regardless of use. • Structured parking on the PIC/Lifetime Fitness Site. 33 23 34th Avenue Terminus Site looking east at the PIC/Lifetime Fitness parking lot Key Elements: • The connection of 34th Avenue to Plymouth Boulevard provides one of the major crossings of Plymouth Boulevard between the east and west sides of City Center. • A significant terminal view for those coming east on 34th Avenue a notable opening in the line of buildings that are shown to front Plymouth Boulevard, and a design which takes its shape from the Hilde Center access location just to the south. • This layout creates a pedestrian landing area for foot traffic crossing Plymouth Boulevard and focuses traffic to the fitness facility to increase pedestrian and bicycle traffic. • Infill buildings with frontage on Plymouth Boulevard, with joint structured parking behind and below Flexibility in Vision: • Highly flexible area under City-ownership • Site could include structured parking, residential, or mixed-use development • Site could also accommodate transit stop Implementation: • High quality, 4-sided architecture regardless of use • Structured parking on the PIC/Lifetime Fitness Site • Density within parking lot site • High quality landscaping and treated pavement 34 24 Activity Node Key Elements: • Open space creating an amenity for commercial uses. • Restaurant spaces across 34th Avenue to the north. • Bulk of the uses around the square, at ground level, are encouraged to be commercial in nature. The public or quasi- public uses in this area should complement, and drive traffic to, the surrounding commercial businesses and the Hilde just to the east of this district. • Pavement surfaces are encouraged to avoid asphalt or typical smooth grey concrete. • Alternative surfaces, colors, and materials are encouraged in both public and private areas. • On-street parking as alternative pavement, including permeable pavements to manage stormwater. Flexibility in Vision: • A key component of implementing this vision as shown above is either the city purchase of a piece of land, or a private redevelopment project that is required to dedicate land to the city for public open space. With a private redevelopment project, the amount of land dedicated to public open space could decrease significantly from what is seen above. • Commercial spaces should consider rooftop amenities in this area, which provide a unique view of the public open space and the Hilde. • This area provides a unique opportunity to close the road from the existing movie theater to the Hilde and could provide a location for festivals and events. Implementation: • Implementation of proposed open space involves public purchase of this site, or land dedication through adjacent development. • Public open space required in this area to provide another gathering space and refuge for pedestrians walking throughout City Center, especially those going to/from the Hilde. • Require active commercial spaces on main floor spaces on 34th Avenue. • Uses around this area must consider and provide for connections to the Hilde, as well as adjacent commercial spaces. View to southeast 35 25 East Gateway Key Elements: • Plymouth Boulevard sweeps into the area through a green-flanked landscape to a roundabout. • The separation of this area – with its valuable Highway 55 frontage – provides an attractive site for a Hotel and Business Center or Convention facility. • Enhancing the entry drive along 34th Avenue provides an opportunity to create a unique gateway to the City Center area, and the hotel complex helps attract visual attention to the district. • The area between City Hall and Highway 55 sits lower than the highway, and can accommodate a multi-story facility, with tiers of lower-level structured parking below, without creating an overly dominant building height. Flexibility in Vision: • Flexible on uses, overall height, and massing. Implementation: • Increased density onsite, regardless of use. • Gateway from Highway 55 into City Center. Signage should be considered at this intersection. • Allow increased height here since no adjacent neighbors impacted. • Pedestrian crossings to Post Office and City Hall, with an increased trail network. • Increased high-quality landscaping in this area that provides a lush entrance to City Center from Highway 55. Looking towards Highway 55 from City Hall 36 26 Checklist for Development Projects In addition to individual application requirements, projects within City Center shall provide:  Narrative describing how the project aligns with the City Standard vision and goals  Narrative responding to City Center City Code requirements  Four-sided building elevations in color including: o Elevations must specifically call out and show full screening of mechanical equipment o Elevations must provide building materials palette describing proposed materials o Elevations must include utility boxes and any overhead utility lines  Firetruck turning radius diagram showing how a firetruck can maneuver through the site 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 1 SECTION 21475. - CC, CITY CENTER DISTRICT 21475.01. - Purpose The purpose of the City Center (CC) District is to provide for a mixture of residential, commercial, entertainment, civic, institutional, and related public facilities in a pedestrian- oriented streetscape. Standards are set forth to promote high standards of building and site design which will foster a vibrant, safe, attractive, and walkable pedestrian environment. 21475.XX. – Procedures Approval procedure requirements in the CC District shall be applied as per the requirements of Sections XXX. 21475.XX. – Non-conforming Buildings, Structures, and Uses Lawful non-conforming uses in this category may be expanded one time after the effective date of this ordinance, by a maximum of 25% of the gross floor area of the principal building, as an exception to the prohibition on expansion of non-conformities. 21475.XX. - Allowed Uses Table XX lists the uses allowed within the CC District, and whether they are Permitted Uses, Conditional Uses, allowed by Administrative Permit (including Temporary Uses), or Prohibited. The Table includes both Principal and Accessory Uses as identified. Uses are presumed to be allowed as both Principal and Accessory Uses unless otherwise noted as Accessory only. Table XX identifies several Prohibited Uses, which are explicitly not allowed under any permitting process. A use that is specifically not allowed in the district, does not fall within a use definition, or is interpreted as not part of a use definition, is prohibited. This district stands alone in terms of uses, and where the standards vary from those of the general zoning ordinance or City Code, shall be considered the applicable standards. The Community and Economic Development Department may determine that a particular standard or use is subject to either or both of any competing standards and uses in the City Code. 45 2 TABLE XX: USE MATRIX Key: P=Permitted, C=CUP, AP=Administrative Permit, X=Prohibited Uses listed as Permitted shall be subject to separate CUP review when any component of the site use, existing or proposed, is listed as requiring a Conditional Use Permit. Use CC Use Standard Section Residential Dwelling - Single-Family Detached X Dwelling - Townhouse C Sec. IV.(1) Dwelling - Multiple-Family C Sec. IV.(2) Dwelling - Above the Ground Floor P Sec. XXX.(1) Residential Care Facility C State Statue 462.357, Subd. 8; Sec. IV.(3) Public/Institutional Community Center P/C Sec. XXX (2), Sec. IV.(4) Governmental and Public Buildings P/C Sec. XXX (2), Sec. IV.(4) Parks and Recreational Facilities P/C Sec. XXX (2), Sec. IV.(4) Other Public Uses P/C Sec. XXX (2), Sec. IV.(4) Retail, Hospitality, and Office Recreation - Commercial, Indoor P Sec. XXX (3) Entertainment - Commercial, Indoor P Sec. XXX (4) Offices, Administrative/Commercial P Sec. XXX (5) Offices, Professional P Sec. XXX (6) Personal Services P Sec. XXX (7) Retail Sales and Service P Sec. XXX (8) Prepared Food and Beverage P Sec. XXX (9) Outdoor Dining AP Sec. V (4) Hotel P Sec. XXX (10) Contracting for Off-Site Delivery of Goods, Services AP Sec. V (7) Motor Vehicle Fuel Station C Sec. IV.(x) Firearms Sales and Ranges (Indoor or Outdoor) X Pawn Shops X Recreational Cannabis/THC Shop or Similar Establishments X Reserved Pending State of MN Legislation Secondhand Goods Dealer X Vehicle Sales, Leasing, or Rental Dealership X Overnight Storage, Parking of Company Vehicles or Trailers X Check Cashing Facilities, Same-Day Loan Services, and Similar Non-Full-Service Financial Institutions X Uses without an Active Use on the Main Floor X 46 3 Service Animal Care Facility - Fully Enclosed X Animal Care Facility - With Outdoor Area X Body Modification Establishment (e.g. Tattoo Shop, Piercing Studio) X Car Wash X Commercial Daycare Facility C Sec. IV.(x) Educational Facility X Funeral Homes and Mortuaries X Religious Institutions with Assembly Only C Sec. IV.(x) Self-Storage Facility X Tutoring/Learning Centers X Vehicle Repair/Service - Minor X Vehicle Repair/Service - Major X Transportation Drive-Through Facility X Private Parking Structure AP Sec. XXX (12) Transit Station P Vehicle Alternative Fueling Facility P/C Sec. XXX.(11); Sec. IV.(13) Walk-Up Window AP Other Antennas C Sec. 21175 Essential Services AP Fences P Sec. 21130 Radio and Television Stations X Signs P Sec. 21155 Temporary Use Farmers’ Market AP Greenhouse/Nursery AP Sec. V (2) Real Estate Sales Office/Model Unit AP Sec. V.(6) Contractor's Office AP Sec. V.(2) Mobile Food Sales AP Sec. V.(3) Pop-Up Business AP Outdoor Entertainment/Promotional Event AP Outdoor Storage Container AP Sec. V.(5) 47 4 Section XXX: Permitted Use Standards Where applicable, principal uses are required to comply with all use standards of this section, in addition to all other regulations of this Ordinance. 1. Dwelling, Above Ground Floor Multi-family units in mixed-use buildings may be constructed on upper floors, or on the ground floor with access separated from ground-floor commercial uses, preferably utilizing building sides not required for commercial use. a. The architectural design of mixed-use buildings shall incorporate specific design elements that visually separate the commercial level from the residential levels above, through prominent building ornamentation and/or stepped-back front wall exposure for upper levels. Parking for the residential components of the project shall be set aside on-site for no fewer than 1.2 spaces per bedroom, consistent with the requirements for other multiple family dwelling buildings. b. Density of Multi-Family buildings shall not be less than 20 units per acre, nor exceed 40 dwelling units per acre of the contiguous privately owned project property, in addition to other approved uses on the subject property. c. Floors containing residential units above the ground floor of commercial buildings may be constructed to accommodate residential units as a mixed use, provided adequate reserved parking is provided on-site, a separate residential entrance is provided to the unit(s), and the units are designed and constructed to mitigate the impacts of commercial noise, lights, ventilation, and have dedicated emergency access and egress. 2. Public/Institutional The uses in this Subsection shall be Permitted when owned and/or operated by the City of Plymouth. When owned and/or operated by another public or quasi-public agency, the proposed uses shall require a Conditional Use Permit, and be evaluated as to whether such uses contribute to the success and intent of the CC Zoning District. Considerations shall include the attraction of clients and cu stomers to the area, the employment of significant numbers of daytime employees, the minimization of parking of commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, or trucks, and other objectives of the district. 3. Recreation - Commercial, Indoor Defined for the purposes of this District as: Indoor commercial activities in which the consumer/participant engages in a recreational, sports, and/or athletic experience. Examples include health clubs, bowling centers, tennis and pickleball facilities, and similar activities. 4. Entertainment - Commercial, Indoor Defined for the purposes of this District as: Indoor commercial activities that provide entertainment presented to the consumer or provides interactive entertainment to the consumer. Examples include amusement centers, live theater, art galleries and studios, or other exhibition spaces, and similar activities. 48 5 5. Offices, Administrative/Commercial Defined for the purposes of this District as: Facilities that provide, for rent or ownership, space for the administrative, clerical, commercial, corporate, or general office operations activities of business entities and their employees. Such spaces may include business meeting facilities, but typically, not facilities to provide direct services or sales to customers on site. 6. Offices, Professional Defined for the purposes of this District as: Facilities that provide, for rent or ownership, space for the conduct of business activities of various professions, including those which routinely provide services directly to individual customers, clients, and patients on site. Examples include medical and dental clinics, legal offices, financial services, real estate offices, insurance offices, and similar uses. Services are delivered to individuals or families, but typically do not include services to groups. 7. Personal Services Defined for the purposes of this District as: Facilities that provide non-medical services to individuals or their persons on site. Examples include hair and beauty salons, licensed therapeutic massage, or similar uses. 8. Retail Sales and Service Defined for the purposes of this District as: Uses which provide the sale of goods to the end consumer, and which maintain both stock and sales area facilities on site for commercial transactions and product delivery. Such uses may include online sales and remote delivery as an accessory aspect of the business enterprise and may include limited (no more than 25% of the net usable floor area) on site accessory services related to repair or fabrication, such as plumbing supplies, electrical, appliance, electronic, and similar goods and services. 9. Prepared Food and Beverage Defined for the purposes of the District as: Cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, on-sale liquor establishments, brewery taprooms, and other establishments which prepare and serve food and/or beverages to the public, either for onsite consumption, pick up for offsite consumption, or for delivery to the end consumer. This use does not include drive-up or drive- through window service. Specified pick-up lanes accessory to on-site sit-down food and beverage service may be allowed by Conditional Use Permit if such lane does not create undue traffic congestion and is located in areas of the site that are not adjacent to public or private streets. Catering services shall only be allowed as accessory to on-site service and sales. 10. Hotel Allowed as a permitted use and may include prepared food and beverage uses as an additional principal use or as an accessory use on the same parcel. 49 6 11. Vehicle Alternative Fueling Facilities Such facilities shall be permitted accessory uses provided: a. Each facility shall be permitted 1 sign identifying the fueling facility to the public. The sign may be two-sided. Such sign shall be ground-mounted, no higher than 10 feet in height and no greater than 30 square feet in area per side. b. Permanent signage may be placed on the individual fueling stations at no more than 2 square feet per station, including all identifying materials, instructions, and other components. c. No temporary or off-site signage may be allowed for the use generally, nor for the individual stations. d. Alternative Fueling Facilities may be allowed with 3 or more charging stations by Conditional Use Permit. 12. Parking Structures Parking Structures shall be permitted accessory uses and may include Public-Private ventures for the purposes of this Section. Such structures shall minimize exposure of the structure to public streets or primary access private drives. Public parking structures on public land shall be permitted as a Principal Use. 13. Surface Parking Lots Off-street parking as an accessory use for the keeping of passenger vehicles, as well as business vehicles in designated private parking lots which are no greater in size than a standard passenger vehicle in height, width, or length. Permitted surface off-street parking is limited to no more than 50% of the required parking for the principal use to which such parking is accessory. All other required parking shall be provided in a covered structure and/or provided by public off-street parking structures according to fees for parking reduction as regulated by Section XX of this Chapter. 50 7 Section IV: Conditional Use Permit Standards Where applicable, principal uses are required to comply with all use standards of this section, in addition to all other regulations of this Ordinance. 1. Dwelling, Townhouse Townhouses may occupy ground-floor level parcels with integrated parking for resident vehicles in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance requirements for parking spaces per unit. Visitor parking shall be located in public ramps or on-street, subject to applicable restrictions. a. Townhouse dwellings shall incorporate a variety of articulated building wall planes, and varied roof lines. Window and architectural features shall be incorporated into all exterior walls. Access to living space shall include a prominent front entry; access to internal garage parking shall be architecturally minimized, with a preference for rear-entry access. b. Townhouses shall be provided with street-facing living space with an entry door on the ground floor of at least 16 feet in width, or in the alternative, a usable front porch at least 5 feet in depth. All townhouse units shall have a street-facing front door entrance. Individual units shall rely on parking garages that are rear-loaded, and which do not gain direct access from the street-facing aspect of the unit. c. No individual parcel or any combination of contiguous parcels of more than 2 acres may be dedicated to townhouse development. No parcel adjoining any parcel with townhouse units shall be eligible to be developed with townhouses, nor with any residential project of less than 20 units per acre. 2. Dwelling, Multiple Family Multiple family buildings may occupy ground-floor level parcels with internalized parking for resident vehicles. a. Visitor parking shall be located in public ramps or on -street, subject to applicable restrictions. Garages shall be underground, under the principal building, and/or attached to the principal building – no detached garage buildings shall be permitted. Garage shall be hidden from main public facing street view. Public or public-private standalone partnership ramps shall be allowed with multifamily buildings with approval of Council. b. Multiple family dwellings shall incorporate a variety of articulated building wall planes, and varied roof lines. Window and architectural features shall be incorporated into all exterior walls. Access to living space shall include a prominent front entry; access to internal garage parking shall be architecturally minimized, with a preference for rear- entry access. 3. Residential Care Facility Licensed or registered group care residential housing from 12-16 residents with services, allowed by Conditional Use Permit per MN Stat. Section 462,357, Subd. 8. The residential facility shall be subject to the requirements of this district, as well as those applied to Dwelling – Multiple Family in this section, including architecture, parking, site design and all other elements. 51 8 4. Public/Institutional The uses in this Subsection shall be permitted when owned and/or operated by the City of Plymouth. When owned and/or operated by another public or quasi-public agency, the proposed uses shall require a Conditional Use Permit, and be e valuated as to whether such uses contribute to the success and intent of the CC Zoning District. Considerations shall include the attraction of clients and customers to the area, the employment of significant numbers of daytime employees, the minimization of parking of commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, or trucks, and other objectives of the District. 14. Commercial Daycare Facility Commercial daycare facility as a principal use of property, or a tenant in a multi -tenant commercial building, shall be a Conditional Use, subject to required agency licensing. 15. Antennas Mounted only on existing structures, but not new freestanding towers, and subject to Section 21175 of the City Code. 52 9 Section V: Temporary Use Standards Temporary uses are required to comply with the standards of this section, in addition to all other regulations of this Ordinance. These regulations are for temporary uses located on private property. All temporary uses require an Administrative Permit unless specifically cited as exempt or are required to obtain a license per the City Code. 1. Contractor’s Office A contractor’s office is only allowed with, and during, an active city building permit. 2. Mobile Food Sales a. Mobile food sales shall meet the standards and any licensing requirements as required by Public Health. b. On private property, mobile food sales (e.g. food trucks or food stands) shall be allowed no more than 18 consecutive hours on public right of way. 3. Outdoor Dining a. Adequate parking must be provided, including ADA accessible parking spaces. b. No portion of outdoor dining shall be located within any public right -of-way (sidewalks/trails, boulevard, streets), unless the city has granted specific approval. c. Outdoor dining may not occupy more than 600 square feet of any required parking area. d. Outdoor dining shall not obstruct required drive aisles or fire lanes. e. Outdoor dining shall not interfere with any pedestrian walkways or impede ADA accessible routes intended for the general public, unless other accommodations are provided. A minimum 4 feet wide area shall remain clear on walkways for entry into the restaurant building and adjacent uses. f. Outdoor dining shall meet the standards and licensing requirements of the city. 4. Outdoor Storage Container A maximum of one outdoor storage container is allowed with and during a valid active building permit. 5. Real Estate Sales Office/Model Unit Allowed for new, or newly remodeled, residential structures with more than 10% of the units unrented or unsold. This does not prohibit on-site management offices for the purposes of management of residential units or commercial uses on the same premises. 6. Contracting for Off-Site Delivery Allowed as an accessory use to a facility that provides on-site sales and/or services of the same activities or goods. 7. Essential Services Services as defined in Section 21005.02 and as regulated and provided for in Section 21160 of the City Code, but not buildings of more than 200 square feet, nor as the only structure on any parcels of more than 3,000 square feet in lot area. 53 10 Section XXX: Lot Requirements and Setbacks 1. Lot Requirements The following requirements shall be observed in the CC District, subject to additional requirements, exceptions and modifications set forth in this Chapter. All standards relate to both Principal and Accessory Buildings. 2. Building Design and Materials a. The architectural appearance, including building character, permanence, massing, density and composition, scale, construction materials, and functional plan of all principal buildings shall comply with the Comprehensive Plan, and specifically the applicable Sections of the Plan related to City Center land use and objectives. b. All sides of buildings shall have an equal appearance in terms of materials and general design. c. All principal buildings shall have an entry on the street and an active main floor use. d. The major building massing of the principal structure shall parallel the street frontage of the lot. TABLE XX: Lot Requirements Requirements CC Use Standard Bulk Requirements Lot Area Minimum Lot Area Maximum – Townhouse 2 acres Sec. IV (1) All Other Uses 0 Lot Width Minimum 0 Lot Depth Minimum 0 Structural Coverage Maximum 80% Overlay Districts - Sec. 21665 Setback Requirements Front Yard – Minimum 5' Front Yard – Maximum 20' Side Yard 0 Rear Yard – Minimum 10' Rear Yard – Maximum 50’ Building Height Requirements Height – Maximum Permitted 60' Height – Maximum with CUP 75' Sec. IV (x) Density Requirements Dwelling Units Per Acre Multiple-Family 20 - 40 Sec. IV (2) Townhouse 6 - 20 Sec. IV (1) Other Lighting Fixtures Sec. 21105.06 54 11 e. Trash and recycling storage areas shall be designed internal to the principal building and shall not be allowed in an external location. f. Building elevations shall be articulated to reduce the apparent size and undulate their facades. g. Buildings shall provide a base and top to their architecture. h. The tops of buildings shall be articulated to minimize box-like images. 1. Buildings shall be architecturally unique and shall not be of corporate architecture (including roof patterns, corporate colors, architectural elements, and similar treatments). i. Large blank exterior wall surfaces shall be prohibited; walls shall be articulated to create significant variation in wall planes, and emphasize shadowing, window placement, balcony placement, and interacting with roofline variations. j. Buildings shall comply with the following list of allowable and prohibited materials: 1. Allowable Materials a. Easily maintained materials that are durable and attractive at close distances (e.g. from the view of a pedestrian). b. Materials that have an attractive pattern, texture, and quality detailing. c. Brick, stone, or high-quality pre-cast concrete (colored and textured). d. Transparent glass. e. Canvas awnings. f. Metals with matte finish and with neutral or earth tone colors as accent only. 2. Prohibited Materials a. Non-durable siding materials such as plywood, corrugated metal or fiberglass, or other materials that decay rapidly when exposed to the elements. b. Materials that have no pattern or relief. c. Simulated brick or stone. d. Wood, except as accent materials or in elements that are integrated with other "desired" materials. e. Mirrored glass that faces an active pedestrian street. f. Materials that represent corporate colors, patterns, or trademarks. g. Brightly colored metal roofing or canopies. h. Concrete that is not enhanced as indicated under "Allowable Materials" in (1) above, especially pre-cast, tilt-up walls. i. Synthetic awnings and awnings designed to be illuminated from within. j. Metal siding as a primary material (more than 50% of any façade). 3. Landscaping a. The dominant tree species and planting patterns utilized on site shall be complementary to the species of street tree and planting patterns to the front of the property whenever such a theme can be utilized. b. The periphery of all parking lots shall be landscaped and screened in compliance with Section 21130 of this Chapter and the City Center provisions of the Comprehensive Plan. Internal areas of parking lots shall be provided with landscaped islands or other features to minimize large expanses of uninterrupted pavement. 55 12 Rows of parking spaces more than 100 feet in length shall be separated by at least one landscaped planting area at least 12 feet in width for each 4 rows, running for the length of the parallel rows. The planting area shall include a combination of trees, shrubs, and perennial plantings appropriate to the environment. c. Parking lots shall be designed to utilize pavements that differentiate between the parking areas and pedestrian ways in accord with the Pedestrian Circulation section of this Code. d. Water quality ponding areas shall be designed and landscaped in a park-like character, provide spaces for active use, both public and private, as specified by the City Center portion of the Comprehensive Plan and the Design Standards. Water quality ponds shall also be designed to city engineering standards. If an alternative design is required, city approved plantings shall be installed as opposed to fencing , except in locations where the city expressly allows or requires fencing as a safety requirement e. Existing trees shall be maintained and preserved to the extent possible and in compliance with Section 21130 of this Chapter. f. The landscaping of areas along pedestrian corridors shall have a consistent character throughout the City Center Zoning District and shall be comprised of design and landscape features as specified by the City Center portion of the Comprehensive Plan and related documents. g. Sites adjacent to the pedestrian spine shall provide landscaping adjacent to the spine. The city may specify that required landscaping shall include h ardscape and active use areas in these locations. h. Shade trees shall be planted in all parking lot islands. A minimum of one tree shall be planted in each island and one tree shall be planted for each 200 square feet of island. i. A consistent landscaped edge, utilizing plant materials and/or decorative hardscape, shall be constructed between parking areas and streets. j. The edges of the sidewalks and trails shall be reinforced with street trees, plantings, pedestrian-scale streetlights and other similar amenities. 4. Plazas and Entries The primary public entry to any building shall be designed to stand out from other areas of the building façade through architectural features and site elements that encourage pedestrian use. a. All properties shall be required to have a public or private plaza area(s) supporting their main entries and/or at other prominent locations. b. The design of plazas shall include special paving, benches, trash receptacles, lighting fixtures and other similar type features which comply with th e Comprehensive Plan and city specifications. c. Each entry plaza space shall include landscaping for year-round aesthetic enhancement and may include both permanent landscape plantings and/or movable containers for seasonal use. 56 13 5. Pedestrian Circulation Every building and development project shall include a specific plan for pedestrian circulation routing, to be approved by Zoning Administrator. Elements of such plan shall include and be consistent with the following elements: a. Each property shall be responsible for the installation and maintenance of a sidewalk pursuant to city standards at all lot lines abutting streets except Highway 55. Such sidewalk and other related pedestrian facilities shall maximize cross-site pedestrian access between the subject property, adjoining parking areas, and neighboring uses and properties. Completion of the pedestrian system is a fundamental component of the land use standards of the district, and projects may be denied for failure to comply when such connections are not completed in accordance with the city’s requirements. Because the requirements may vary by site, the City Council’s determination of completeness will be made at the time of approval, dependent on the proposed development, the surrounding uses (both existing and future), parking facility locations, open space locations, and other pedestrian facilities. b. Each property shall provide a sidewalk pursuant to city standards from the front lot line to the main entrance of the principal structure. Included with such sidewalk shall be an entry plaza, structural elements, and landscape that provides a robust entry treatment for all primary building entrances. c. Each property shall provide a designated pedestrian circulation system through and from off-street parking areas into the principal structure. This circulation system shall also connect to circulation systems of adjacent properties. The pedestrian through the parking areas and to individual buildings should be designed as a prominent feature of the hardscape, enhancing pedestrian circulation and safety. d. Properties which are adjacent to the pedestrian spine shall be required to dedicate land or provide easements as may be applicable for the spine and shall make appropriate landscape improvements and pedestrian connections. The property owner and/or developer should take care to select complementary materials, including street furniture and lighting elements, to those that exist in the immediate area. If the city has adopted a standard plate for such imp rovements, said improvements shall comply with any such standard plate(s). e. All crosswalks across public or private drives shall be a minimum of 5 feet wide and shall be constructed with a distinctive paving material and other design elements, as approved by the city. Examples may include pavers, stamped and/or colored concrete, pedestrian scale lighting, wayfinding signage consistent with other such elements or required standard designs, as may be adopted. 57 14 Section 21475.XX. – Parking and Loading Requirements Parking requirements in the CC District shall be applied as per the requirements of Section 21135, with the following exceptions: 1. Parking supply requirements may be modified for certain uses as listed in the District. These requirements apply in the CC district only. 2. Parking supply requirements in the CC District for any use and/or development under the following terms: a. For any use that is applying the parking supply requirements of Section 21135, a reduction in the required parking supply may be made to supply no less than 60% of the required supply in Section 21135, when the conditions of this section are met. b. To qualify for the reduction, an applicant must pay a Parking Supply Reduction Fee equal to the number of spaces times the per-space fee as adopted by the City’s Fee Ordinance; and c. An applicant must sign and record a legal instrument approved by the city which provides for access to the applicable parking lot for general public use; and d. The parking area must be marked with a notice that states the availability of the area to public use; and e. No more than 25% of the spaces in the lot may be marked for specific tenants or customers of any specific business location, or for limited hours. 3. Residential uses shall not be eligible for the Parking Supply Reduction in this Section, and shall provide parking at a rate as specified in the applicable code and Table XX. TABLE XX: Parking Requirements Multiple-Family Number of Spaces - Minimum 1.2 spaces per bedroom 4. The city may, by Conditional Use Permit, waive or modify the terms of this Section when it finds that the applicant or property owner has otherwise provided for adequate parking that complies with the requirements and intent of this Section. 5. Off-street loading as an accessory use, as regulated by Section 21135 of this Chapter, but not including parking of semi-trailers or semi-trailer trucks. Off-street loading shall be located on a parcel in such a way as to minimize its exposure to public rights of way and adjoining private development. Such loading areas in the CC District may be located on a parcel without regard to formal zoning “yard”, provided it meets all other requiremen ts, including the requirements of this Section. 6. Surface parking lots, or off-street parking as an accessory use for the keeping of passenger vehicles, as well as business vehicles in designated private parking lots which are no greater in size than a standard passenger vehicle in height, width, or length. Permitted surface off - street parking is limited to no more than 50% of the required parking for the principal use to which such parking is accessory. All other required parking shall be provided in a covered structure and/or provided by public off-street parking structures according to fees for parking reduction as regulated by Section XX of this Chapter. 58 Special City Council April 11, 2023 Agenda Number:2.2 To:Dave Callister, City Manager Prepared by:Jodi Gallup, City Clerk/Administrative Coordinator Reviewed by:Maria Solano, Deputy City Manager Item:Set future study sessions 1.Action Requested: Schedule study sessions and/or add topics as desired. Calendars are attached to assist with scheduling. 2.Background: Pending study session topics (at least three Council members have approved the following study items on the list): - None at this time. Other Council Requests: - None at this time. Staff requests for Special Meeting topics and/or changes: - Schedule 2024/2025 budget goals discussion and accessible dwelling units (ADUs) discussion on June 27 at 5 p.m. - Schedule environmental stewardship discussion on July 25 at 5 p.m. 3.Budget Impact: N/A 4.Attachments: April May June July 59 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 April 2023 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 763-509-5080 plymouthmn.gov SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT 4:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING HRA Interviews Medicine Lake Room 5:00 PM CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING Labor Strategy Discussion City Hall 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers CHANGES ARE 30 5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING City Center Update Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR 7:00 PM HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING Council Chambers 60 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 May 2023 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR 763-509-5080 plymouthmn.gov SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT 5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Plymouth Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Discussion Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUCIL MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 5:00 PM CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING City Manager Annual Performance Evaluation City Hall 7:00 PM REGULAR COUCIL MEETING Council Chambers 6:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers MEMORIAL DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED 7:00 PM HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake Room 61 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 June 2023 3400Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 763-509-5080 plymouthmn.gov SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 6:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING Council Chambers 5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Board and Commission Discussion and Beekeeping regulations Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake Room 62 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 July 2023 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR 763-509-5080 plymouthmn.gov SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers INDEPENDENCE DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED 7:00 PM HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 30 31 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 63