It seems new design is considered a quality of life improvement regardless of design standards.

[quote]
jcheights wrote:
they are actually called Design Standards. They are not Zoning Standards.

Do you know which office issued it, or where it originated from? Would be interested to find out whether they are simply guidelines or compulsory.

Brewster,

Good question. We got a copy from the lawyer we worked with, they are actually called Design Standards. They are not Zoning Standards. I bet Dan at Historic Preservation, or JParkhurst would know where to get a copy.

They do seem to be downplayed big time. I just can't figure out what exactly their purpose is, since no one pays any mind to them.

Another add on: no one seems to pay any mind to "quality of life" concerns either as pertains to new development. For instance, cut ins on the parking side.

A while back we were discussing a "historic light" zoning idea, and no mention was made of a design standard. Is this an actual zoning standard, or simply a "guideline" for those inclined to follow it? Where can this be found and who is responsible for compliance, if compliance is actually required not suggested?

GP, the whole point of the design standards is to integrate, not defy the general look of a neighborhood. It also answers some quality of life issues, too. Believe it or not, cut ins and garages on the bottom floor are discouraged. Scale is to be taken into account. Planting greenery is a must.

I would say we'd be hard pressed to find even one new construction that complies.

Do these "design standards" ban "pink" block?

http://www.westbrookblock.com/products/colors.htm

When done right a lot of these block types look pretty good -- not sure why builders want to use pink block (must be what they think buyers will want) -- thankfully no one seems to be using the "blue" block.

This may be a shoutout to Parkhurst...here's the thing. The city drew up design standards. If you haven't seen them, you might be shocked. What it basically points to is every new construction, particularly in the Square and Heights, being in radical violation.

Here's the big question: 1. Why did the city bother to draw up design standards when they aren't enacted? 2. What does it take for citizens to have them upheld, if that's even possible?