City Council Briefing April 7, 2014
Civic Greenway Planning Vision Plan Land Use Assumptions and Objectives It is expected that large amounts of overwater development will not occur in the Civic Greenway Protect river vistas to maintain physical and visual connections to the river Create and enhance open spaces which provide views of the river Encourage maritime related uses consistent with Astoria s working riverfront such as docks, piers and associated uses Create a modest scale residential and mixed use development east of Mill Pond Architectural design standards or design review is recommended for all future development in this area
Proposed code amendments Create Civic Greenway Overlay Zone land side and overwater development Create new Compact Residential zone Establish new Cottage Cluster provisions Expand Gateway Overlay requirements Establish new residential design standards
Allowed uses: Water dependent and associated uses Building size limitation: Maximum building footprint of 4,000 square feet Building width: Maximum total width (all structures) 25% of parcel or 25 feet, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of 50 feet Building height: 1 story/12 feet above top of bank
River Access Requirements Three options required for new uses Access hours to be determined by parks, police Walkways, piers 10-14 feet wide, extending beyond structure to allow views up/down river
Astoria Riverfront Vision Code Assistance Civic Greenway Building Height, Setbacks and Stepbacks (land zones) Maximum Height: Base height of 28 feet; heights can be increased to 45 feet if additional setback or stepbacks Setback: Maintain 70 view corridor on north/south streets Stepback: Required 10 (minimum) stepback above 28 feet
Civic Greenway Landscaping Requirements Address buffering and view preservation objectives Standards vary for river and land sides of River trail Standards for plant height, spacing and species Credits for trail amenities
Proposed New Compact Residential Zone Modest scale, residential development should be set back from the River Trail, incorporate open areas and historic design, and be targeted to working families and other full-time Astoria residents. Single-family homes, duplexes, cottage clusters Small lots, structures Modest building heights Increased open space requirements
New Cottage Cluster Recommendations
Cottage Cluster Housing Standards 1. Small single-family homes oriented around a common open space 2. Limits on footprint and overall size 3. Common buildings, facilities allowed 4. Parking in attached garages or common parking areas 5. Minimum requirements for common open space, area between structures
Gateway Overlay Standards & Guidelines Extend Gateway Overlay architectural design guidelines to cover all of Civic Greenway area Gateway Overlay guidelines draw on existing building forms, features in Astoria Guidelines apply to residential, commercial & industrial uses incorporate flexibility New design standards proposed for housing menu approach (consistent with state law) Basic guidelines/standards avoid bad design
Gateway Overlay Standards & Guidelines Building forms Windows Exterior wall treatments Roof types and materials Signs Exterior lighting Other design elements
Next Steps Conduct hearings with Planning Commission and City Council (May and June) Commence Phase 2 (Bridge Vista area) assuming City and DLCD approval