Advisory Committee Meeting #3July 17, 20136:30 p.m.

Downtown Livability Initiative

Downtown Livability

Overall Process

Public Scoping (Nov 2012)

Land Use Code Audits (June 2013)

WE ARE HERE – July 2013

Identification of Range of Alternatives

Analysis of Alternatives

Identification of Preferred Alternatives

Alternatives Refinement and Development of Final Recommendations

Transmittal of Recommendation from Advisory Committee to Council

Review by Planning Commission

City Council Consideration/Adoption Process

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Continuous Public Engagement

Downtown Livability

July 9-10 Open Houses/Focus Groups

Focus Group Guide w/ summary info on code audits & specific questions; Full audits available as well

45 individuals attended– About half new to Livability

focus groups/did not attend in March

Comment cards to continue to come in through July 31; report completed thereafter

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Downtown Livability

Downtown Subarea

NE 12th St

100th Ave NE

Main St

I-405Single Family

Single Family

Single Family

Lake Washington

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Downtown Livability

Series of Neighborhoods/Districts

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Downtown Livability

Signature Streets

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Downtown Livability

Ideas Generated from Past Work

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Downtown Livability

Questions: Building Height and Form

Key policy issues: Should building heights and their urban form be modified to better achieve the Downtown vision?– If so, what areas should be analyzed (Core, Mixed-Use District,

DT-OLB District, Ashwood, Old Bellevue, Perimeter Areas, others)? And why?

– Should iconic roof features be allowed to exceed building height limits? If so, where should this be analyzed?

– Should differences between residential and non-residential buildings be addressed?

– Should provisions for increased floor plates above certain thresholds be studied? What areas should be analyzed?

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Downtown Livability

Previous Committee Comments

Building Height and Form: Summary of 6/19 Discussion Iconic skyline would be good for Bellevue; different ways to accomplish. The wedding cake approach is appropriate; Take terrain/topography into consideration

relative to the wedding cake. Examine increased building heights, particularly in the core area (though there are

limited properties that would be benefit in DT-01). DT-OLB could support more height, though avoid creation of a wall from I-405. Flexibility to look at heights on a site-by-site basis to result in better overall effect. Consider increasing floor plate sizes for some of the districts. Equalize the FAR between residential and non-residential. Density transfer could be used to support affordable housing. Allow height to create more open space, green spaces, places to play recreate. Changing architectural form of buildings is easier for residential towers. If the base density (FAR) is not economically viable, it should not be in the code.

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Downtown Livability

From July 9/10 Focus Groups

Building Height and Form: July Focus Groups/Comments Examine taller heights; a lot of Bellevue buildings feel short and boxy;

would allow for more open space Should not alter “wedding cake” approach too much Like unusual building designs – adds interest to the skyline Additional height could be appropriate in Core and DT-OLB Should be variation built into height system (certain % difference) Caution in Perimeter Areas, protect adjacent neighborhoods Be careful about anything that adds to traffic impacts Iconic roof features are very important Height and density provisions should favor residential; opposing view is

that development type should follow the market Look at needs of employers regarding floor plates

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Downtown Livability

Questions: Amenity Incentive System

Key policy issue: How should the Amenity Incentive System be updated to meet evolving market conditions and integrate newer thinking about desired Downtown amenities?– What existing amenities do you think provide a high level of

public benefit?– Are there new items missing that should be analyzed for

potential inclusion?– Should a fee-in-lieu system be considered?

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Downtown Livability

Previous Committee Comments

Amenity Incentive System: Summary of 6/19 Discussion Amenities should enhance livability for Downtown and

surrounding neighborhoods. Make Downtown more inviting and friendly to families. Existing policy direction regarding housing affordability. More flexibility and needs to make economic sense. Remove amenities that are not having any effect. Move some items from amenity list to requirements

(e.g. weather protection). Consider items such as fire station, public parking facility,

incentives for iconic building features and green spaces. Assess the need for a school and get input from BSD.

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Downtown Livability

From July 9/10 Focus Groups

Amenity Incentive System: July Focus Groups/Comments Update system to allow greater flexibility now and evolve over

time with changing needs. Customize amenities by Downtown neighborhood. Use tiers of amenities; let developers choose from grouping Consider how affordable housing could be included in system. Focus on pedestrian experience, including outdoor plazas, green

spaces, parks, etc. More attention to: water features, drop-off areas, green space,

entertainment, art, recreation. A fee-in-lieu system should be one of the options considered.

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Downtown Livability

Questions: Design Guidelines

Key policy issue: How should design guidelines be refined to improve the livability and character of Downtown?– As the design guidelines are reviewed, what elements should

receive the most attention?– How can the guidelines ensure quality design, while providing

a balance between predictability and flexibility?

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Downtown Livability

From July 9/10 Focus Groups

Design Guidelines: July Focus Groups/Comments Focus on the pedestrian experience when looking at guidelines;

including Pedestrian Corridor guidelines Attention should be given to creating distinct Downtown

district/neighborhoods Guidelines need to provide more clarity throughout – be less

subjective Concern about more above-grade structured parking – urban

design implications

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Downtown Livability

Next Steps

Next scheduled Advisory Committee Meeting, Sept. 18

Ideas for additional stakeholder engagement in September

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