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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-28 Council Work Session Agenda Packet CITY OF CORCORAN Council Work Session Agenda February 28, 2019 - 5:45 pm 1. Call to Order / Roll Call 2. Draft Update to Appendix B of the Zoning Ordinance (Southeast District Plan and Design Guidelines) * 3. Unscheduled Items 4. Adjournment *Includes Materials - Materials relating to these agenda items can be found in the House Agenda Packet by Door. 105 South Fifth Avenue Suite 513 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Tel: 612-252-9070 Fax: 612-252-9077 www.landform.net Landform®, SensiblyGreen® and Site to Finish® are registered service marks of Landform Professional Services, LLC. TO: Corcoran City Council FROM: Kendra Lindahl, Landform DATE: February 21, 2019 for the February 28, 2019 City Council Work Session RE: Draft Update to Appendix B of the Zoning Ordinance (Southeast District Plan and Design Guidelines) (City File 18-012) 60-DAY REVIEW DEADLINE: NA 1. Summary The Council directed staff to provide an update to the Corcoran Southeast District Plan and Design Guidelines (Appendix B of the Zoning Ordinance) based on changes in the proposed 2040 Comprehensive Plan, specifically related to changes to the planned road alignment. Background In 2004, the City of Corcoran adopted design guidelines for each of the three districts of the City planned to get municipal sewer and water: the Southwest District, the Northeast District and the Southeast District (including Downtown). In 2011, the City adopted a new Comprehensive Plan and new ordinance standards to implement the Comprehensive Plan. In 2015, the City of Corcoran, in partnership with Hennepin County, began work to update the existing design guidelines for the Southeast District. The Corcoran Southeast District Plan and Downtown Design Guidelines are proposed to be modified to reflect the 2030 Future Land Use Plan and other changes needed to implement the City’s Vision. The new Southeast District Master Plan and Design Guidelines were adopted in 2016 as Appendix B of the Zoning Ordinance. The draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan makes significant changes to the planned transportation system, which result in the need for changes to the Southeast District Plan. On November 8, 2018 the Council held a work session and reviewed the draft update to the plan, including two alternatives for the Town Center plan. The Council took comments from the public and directed staff to: a. refine Concept #1 with changes to move the apartments to the east side of the Town Center, b. try to shift tall buildings away from the County roads, c. provide a cost estimate for a below grade crossing at the County roads, d. meet with interested developers to hear their ideas and consider incorporating into the revised plan. SE District Design Guidelines Update 2 February 28, 2019 2. Key Issues The primary focus of this effort was to update the subdistrict boundaries (Town Center and Downtown Core) based on the changes planned for the future transportation network. Specifically, the Council changed the transportation plan to eliminate the planned realignment of County Road 10 and 50. Keeping County Road 10 on the current alignment requires change to the Town Center plan. As staff took a fresh look at the site, we kept a similar mix of uses in the Town Center, including a town square park as a key element. Land Use As we have discussed previously, this is an aspirational plan for the Town Center and the Council should plan to use it as a guiding document with flexibility to respond to the marketplace. The guidelines envision 2- and 3-story buildings in the Downtown Core, but some uses (like apartments) may desire 4- or 5-story buildings. The Council has indicated support for taller buildings but prefer them to be located away from the Downtown Core. In this updated version, the apartments have shifted from County Road 116 east to Maple Hill Road as directed by the Council. The document notes that this our preferred plan, but that the entire Town Center is guided Mixed Use in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and will be developed by Planned Unit Development (PUD). This gives the Council the discretion to modify the concept plan to respond to new opportunities and market demand. Since the last work session, staff asked us to look at a community space in the Town Center. This was something included in the 2004 version of the plan and we wanted to provide options for how the area could accommodate a large user like that. Utilities These plans also show the trunk sewer alignment, which was reviewed as part of the 2016 plan, but was not specifically shown on the previous plans. We have looked more closely at the site and included a concept that shows existing water features as part of the stormwater treatment train. As a result, the wetlands and ditches become part of the stormwater management system and help to define blocks with in the Town Center. These can be amenities for development in the Town Center. This could be used as part of a regional stormwater system. Since the November meeting, engineering has developed a conceptual regional stormwater system that has been incorporated into the plan. Streets The revised plan assumes that County Road 10 will stay on its current alignment in this area and that Maple Hill Road will be realigned to tee into County Road 10. The intersection alignment at County Road 10 and County Road 116 would remain as is, but the plan does anticipate that additional right-of-way will be acquired. In each of the plans, access points on County Road 116 are fixed based on future street extensions at ¼ and ½ mile spacing per the County guidelines. On County Road 10, the concept shrinks the standard spacing guidelines, but is consistent with initial concept discussion with County transportation staff. SE District Design Guidelines Update 3 February 28, 2019 The spine of the Town Center plan is a new parkway that connects County Road 116 (generally at the south entrance of City Hall) to County Road 10 to provide good access to the Town Center. This new public street is a key component of the new Town Center as it provides access to all parcels and the tree lined parkway (with a median like the entrance at Ravinia) will create a special gateway to the Corcoran Town Center. As development occurs, the City will want to consider the City’s role in constructing this new public street; specifically, whether it will be constructed in pieces as development occurs or designed and constructed in a single phase to make the Town Center “development ready”. During this most recent round of revisions staff discussed expanding the scope of work to revisit the street typology. The original street plan was developed by the committee (including Hennepin County staff) with an emphasis on providing a variety of transportation options in the City and did not distinguish between the Town Center and the rest of the Southeast District. Figure 1 Adopted Street Plan Figure 2 Draft Street Plan Staff is recommending that two changes be made to the street network prior to the public hearing: a. eliminate the Bikeway Streets, which have painted bike lanes on the street and encourage bikes to use trails or paved shoulders b. Refine the language to distinguish between street standards for the Town Center, which will be narrower and more pedestrian oriented, and streets in the SE district outside of the Town Center. SE District Design Guidelines Update 4 February 28, 2019 Trail Crossing The plan notes that “The City will continue to work with Hennepin County to ensure future improvements are consistent with City’s vision as well as the County policy related to Complete Streets. As part of this vision, the City will look for opportunities to provide grade-separated pedestrian crossings in addition to the at-grade crossings.” At the last work session, the Council asked staff to provide a cost estimate for a below grade crossing at the County roads. Public Works Director Mattson reviewed the issue and estimates that construction of a below grade crossing would be approximately $500,000. This cost includes installation of the box culvert and construction within the right-of-way but does not include any work on private property for grading or other improvements needed to provide an accessible route. Those improvements should be coordinated with the adjacent landowner to ensure feasibility. Developer Feedback Staff spoke to representatives from the two largest landowners in the Town Center. Both indicated a desire to keep their options open and respond to market demand. We believe that this master plan provides guidance for how the City wishes to see the property develop and provides direction on where public infrastructure (streets, parks, regional ponds) while giving the Council the discretion to respond to the marketplace. Staff have met with existing business owners who asked about expanding the commercial area outside of the existing commercial areas west of County Road 116 and the Town Center. Staff believes that offering other commercial sites in the Southeast District would diminish the value of the Town Center. It has been the Council’s desire to create a community center and concentrating new retail and commercial in the Town Center will help to create the place for Corcoran residents to gather. We did not recommend any new commercial areas outside of the Town Center. Summary The Council should provide feedback on the preferred options and the key design issues. Staff has heard from developers interested in several properties in downtown but there are no formal applications at this time. However, due to the level of interest, staff recommends proceeding with the updated plan. 3. Recommendation Staff recommends that the City Council provide feedback on the revised concept and direct staff to schedule a public hearing at the April 4th Planning Commission and action at the April 25th City Council meeting to repeal and replace Appendix B of the Zoning Ordinance. Attachments 1. Draft Corcoran Southeast District Plan and Design Guidelines (Appendix B of the Zoning Ordinance) Appendix B Corcoran Southeast District Plan and Design Guidelines DRAFT February 28, 2019 | 3 Southeast District Overview | 5 Purpose Application Southeast District Vision Sites and Structures Southeast District Principles | 7 Landscaping and Screening Signage and Gateways Parks, Trails and Public Space Healthy Communities | 25 Town Center | 27 Overview Buildings - Placement, Massing and Height Screening and Loading Facades Streets Parking and Access Landscaping and Screening Community Center Test Table of Contents Downtown Core | 39 Overview Vision Site Development Buildings - Placement, Massing and Height Streetscape Parking Public Art Signage Plazas Implementation | 45 Southeast District Boundary Town Center Downtown Core Existing Downtown Floodplain Watercourse Maple/Basswood Disturbed Woodland Savanna/Pasture Wet Prairie Emergent Shrub Floodplain Forest NP / Neighborhood Park OSP / Nature Park ASA / Athletic Search Area Golf Course On Road Trail Off Road Trail Potential Water Tower Open Water Potential Natural Gas Pipeline Easement Trail City of Corcoran Proposed Trails Parks Utilities Wetland Communities Upland Plant Communities Important Features LEGEND District Boundaries * Southeast District Analysis Map. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan includes planned future infrastructure improvements in the district including rerouting County Road 10 to provide safer access points and improving County Road 10 intersections. The existing trail system will be supplemented by a network of on- and off-road trails. Natural assets including wetlands, creeks and uplands, woodlands and savannah provide a framework and inspiration for development aesthetics. A new water tower is planned within the district. The general location is shown on the map, but the final location will be determined as development occurs. Municipal sanitary sewer and water are also in place to serve the future Town Center. 01 Overview | 5 In 2015, the City of Corcoran, in partnership with Hennepin County, began work to update the existing design guidelines and master plan for the Southeast District. The Corcoran Southeast District Plan and Design Guidelines were modified to reflect the 2030 Future Land Use Plan and other changes needed to implement the City’s Vision. This update was developed to reflect the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which no longer includes the realignment of County Roads 10 and 50, but does continue to show a partial realignment of County Road 10 onto Meister Road at a future date. The Southeast District is the historic heart of the City. The intersection of County Road 10 and County Road 116 is a historic crossroads and this area is home to the existing city hall, St. Thomas Catholic Church and the existing business park. The Southeast District is also beginning to see the residential development that has long been anticipated with the development of Lennar’s “Ravinia” neighborhood and M/I Homes “Bass Lake Crossing” and “Bass Lake Crossing South.” The Town Center (including the Downtown Core) within the Southeast District is a mixed-use district combining retail, office and service commercial with a mix of low, medium and higher density residential. The planned development is balanced by extensive open space and natural resources, including two golf courses (Rush Creek & Shamrock), Lions Park, Corcoran Community Park, the City Hall park and the Rush Creek corridor. Purpose The primary purpose of Corcoran Southeast District Plan and Design Guidelines is to set basic parameters, describe preferences and illustrate design intent. These guidelines serve as principles within which creative design can and should occur – there is no one solution, but many options that meet the basic requirements of this document. Application The format and content are specifically tailored for use as a supplement to the Zoning Ordinance. This master plan provides illustrative guidance for building locations and orientation. Any changes to this approved master plan must be reviewed and approved by the City Council as part of the development application. Southeast District Vision Create a complete transportation network that balances pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular use with mix of residential housing types, retail and an expanded employment base, while maintaining access to the natural resources that define Corcoran’s quality of life. Southeast District Overview Southeast District Objectives 1. The Southeast District has key transportation corridors within the City of Corcoran which provide vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian connections to adjacent communities. 2. The Southeast District is home to Corcoran Community Park. 3. The Southeast District includes a variety of businesses that provide retail and services that support the daily needs of residents. 4. The Southeast District includes a Town Center with retail, office, housing, public spaces, and employment opportunities. 5. The Southeast District provides life- cycle housing opportunities that are within walking and biking distance of Downtown. 6. The Southeast District provides a concentration of urban housing options, so that the majority of the City can remain rural. 6 | District Principles Southeast District Concept Plan. The Southeast District is the spatial framework for these design standards. The Town Center and Downtown Core are nested within the district each with additional guidance to create the neighborhoods and places envisioned by the community. Commercial Mixed Use High Density Residential Medium Density Residential Low Density Residential Public / Semi-Public Mixed Residential Parks / Open Space Agricultural Preserve Industrial Not to Scale Southeast District Boundary Town Center Downtown Core Land Use Classification Retail Residential Public Agriculture Industrial LEGEND District Boundaries District Principles | 7 02 Southeast District Principles Sites and Structures The Southeast District should continue to provide a mix of residential, commercial, office and industrial uses as described in the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The Design Guidelines for the district shall be the same as those described in the Zoning Ordinance for the zoning district in which the development is located and these Design Standards will provide an additional layer of standards. New residential development should provide for the full range of life cycle housing, offering choices of housing types at low, medium and higher densities. Within the Southeast District, the combination of site and building design should provide a visual cue that this is a unique place. For single family, twin and townhome structures, architecture styles including: Agrarian Contemporary, Farmhouse, and Arts & Crafts - Prairie are encouraged, as is the use of regional building materials and native plants. Development in this district should be thoughtfully designed to reflect Corcoran’s rural character. 8 | District Principles Agrarian Contemporary Agrarian Contemporary style homes rely on simple forms with strong roof lines and inviting front porches. This style is a clean, crisp, more contemporary version of the Agrarian Rural style. Typical style elements include: • Form and Roof • Simple roof design, front to back gable or side to side • 5:12 to 12:12 roof pitches • Overhang eaves • Walls and Windows: • Horizontal or board and batten siding, stucco or a combination • Symmetrical placement and distinct fenestration rhythms • Square, circular or 2:1 proportioned vertical rectangular windows with grid patterns • Details • Porches with simple columns, trim and railings • Minimal door and window trim detailing • Dormers, cupolas, shutters, exposed rafter tails District Principles | 9 Farmhouse Farmhouse style is comfortable and practical. It is a hybrid of elements brought together by regional craftsmen and traditions of the early 20th century. Typical style elements include: • Form and Roof • Two story • Asymmetrical, angular design with tall proportions. • Gable roof • 8:12 or greater roof pitch • Overhang eaves • Wood or asphalt shingled roof • Walls and Windows: • Wood cladding with horizontal, diagonal or vertical layout • Tall rectangular windows with large panes • Details • Decorative braces and brackets • Plain trim boards and soffits • Corbels and gable trusses • Wrap porches • Geometric patterns • Embellished porch railings 10 | District Principles Arts & Crafts - Prairie Prairie Style is truly American, derived by Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan. Typical style elements include: • Form and Roof • Low pitched roof with wide overhanging eaves • Massive square porch supports • Two stories with one story porches or wings • Gable roof edges flattened • 3-1/2:12 or greater roof pitch • Hipped roof • Walls and Windows: • Horizontal windows, sometimes wrapping around corners • Tall casement windows • Geometric patterns of small-pane windows • Details • Detail emphasizing horizontal lines • Contrasting wood trim • Horizontal patterns in wall materials • Window boxes • Ornamentation at the door or cornice line • Flattened pedestal urns District Principles | 11 Street Hierarchy One significant development consideration in this district is increasing the intensity of use without overloading the existing transportation network. Current plans will create safer, better managed traffic flow and correct several difficult intersections. County Road 116 will continue to be the central route through the Southeast District, but improvements are planned for where County Road 116 passes through the Town Center. As improvements are made to this road, emphasis should be placed on creating a pedestrian-friendly environment. Enhancements to traffic controls, pedestrian connections, lighting, gateway elements and landscaping at key intersections will serve that purpose. The County Road 116 corridor should be designed with green boulevards on both sides, with particular attention given to the east side of the road where a linear park with off-road trail is planned. Where County Road 116 passes through the Town Center, this road should shift to the east to allow for a center landscaped boulevard and other enhancements that will express a sense of Town Center identity. The intersections of County Road 116 and Larkin Road and County Road 116 and City Hall Drive (proposed new road just south of City Hall) mark the entry points into this area, and the start of the proposed boulevard. The design of these intersections should balance the needs of traffic and pedestrians. The City will continue to work with Hennepin County to ensure future improvements are consistent with City’s vision as well as the County policy related to Complete Streets. As part of this vision, the City will look for opportunities to provide grade-separated pedestrian crossings in addition to the at-grade crossings. The existing road network should be maintained as a continuous network, with new connections where needed. Cul-de-sacs are strongly discouraged in the Town Center. Cul-de-sacs should be avoided throughout the Southeast District in favor of connecting streets that will facilitate resilient multi-modal routes within the district. The Southeast District has six main types of streets which are described and illustrated on the following pages. Each serves a specific function toward the creation of a well connected and economically viable Southeast District. Street Connectivity. A connected network of streets provides system resiliency and greater capacity with the same lane miles. Top: Connected Network is preferred. Bottom: Sparse Hierarchy with cul-de-sacs is not desirable. X 12 | District Principles Street typology in this appendix does not take the place of the standards found in the Corcoran Comprehensive Plan and Subdivision Ordinance, but is intended to supplement that information with a more detailed description of the street design in this district. The developer shall be responsible for construction of all streetscape improvements along adjacent streets. These improvements include all hardscape, landscape and site amenities, such as trails, sidewalks, benches, bike racks, street trees and plantings. Frontage (space between the back of curb and the right-of-way line) can be divided into two zones: the throughway and pedestrian buffer. Throughway is foremost the accessible route for pedestrians. Once the needs for ADA accessibility are met, the remaining width is based on the needs of the frontage. An urban frontage with shopping and many pedestrians requires a wider throughway to allow for window shopping, couples walking side-by- side, strollers and the like. Pedestrian Buffer is the space between the throughway and the back of curb. It will also vary in width depending on the needs of the adjacent land uses. In active urban areas, the pedestrian buffer includes patio tables, pedestrian lighting, street trees, planters and all the amenities that support the streetscape character. In single family residential neighborhoods, the pedestrian buffer is generally tree lined with turf or plantings tended by residents. Frontage Prototype. The frontage is a subset of each street section. In high traffic areas, like Main Street, the frontage is wide, fully paved and programmed to support the wide range of retail, service and residential activities occurring on adjacent properties. throughway frontagestreet parking lane pedestrian buffer building type & setback varies by zoning district right-of-way right-of-way throughway frontagestreet pedestrian buffer building type & setback varies by zoning district In low density residential areas, the frontage is narrow and supports the needs of a quiet neighborhood. A sidewalk and turf boulevard with regularly spaced overstory and tall ornamental trees is sufficient. District Principles | 13 Type ROW Width County Road 120 feet Parkway Street 72 feet Bikeway Street 72 feet Main Street (Downtown Core)70 feet Connector Street 60 feet Local Street 50 feet Southeast District Street Types Map. Not To Scale County Road, Mid-Block (top), Corner/ Intersection (bottom). The County Road street type has a 120-foot wide standard right-of-way. County Engineering standards apply and through current traffic and future demand analysis, the roadway section may include turn lanes, two-lane or four lane sections and required clear zones for safety. On CR 116 within the Town Center, gateway intersections and planted medians reinforce the road’s role to support the Downtown Core. At gateway corners along CR 116, pedestrian amenities should reinforce the gateway character and include high visibility safety features including crosswalks with crossing countdowns lights, center refuge medians, wide pedestrian level pavements and enhanced lighting. On road bike lanes exist on CR 116 today and fit within the future section. Not all county roads are planned to include on-road bike lanes Enhanced Pedestrian Node. (Right) Major crossings of County Roads should have enhanced pedestrian nodes including extra wide concrete landings upon which to wait safely, detectable warnings, and clear crosswalk markings. This example connects a City sidewalk to a Three Rivers Park System trail and so is further enhanced with benches, litter receptacles, wayfinding, decorative fencing, and stone pedestals for future art installation. 70’ Linear ParkEAST WEST EAST WEST64’ Linear Park 120’ Right of Way 120’ Right of Way 48’ Planting Strip 5’ Bike 5’ Bike 5’ Bike 5’ Bike11’ Drive Lane 12’ Drive Lane20’ Planting Strip 24’ Planting Strip10’ Multi-Use Trail Enhanced Pedestrian Node at Crossing Enhanced Pedestrian Node at Crossing12’ Drive Lane 12’ Drive Lane 32’ Planting Strip12’ Drive Lane 9’ Planting Strip10’ Multi-Use Trail 10’ Planting Strip District Principles | 15 Parkway Street. This tree lined street has a 72-foot wide right-of-way and a center median with trees. The median may have turf or perennials and shrubs depending on the surrounding context. Parkways at the entrance to a neighborhood or district are logical places for upgrading the median plantings to perennials and shrubs with trees. In special cases, the median may be depressed and function as a stormwater amenity. In this case, upgraded plantings are advised. The City Engineer may reduce or eliminate on-street parking for this street type outside the Town Center depending on the surrounding context. Bikeway Street. The Bikeway also has a 72-foot wide right-of-way, but the section is allocated differently. Instead of a center median, as in the Parkway, a bikeway allocates bike lanes on the outside of the drive lanes. The City Engineer may reduce or eliminate on-street parking for this street type outside the Town Center depending on the surrounding context. 6’ Sidewalk 6’ Sidewalk 6’ Planting Strip 6’ Planting Strip 8’ Parking Lane 8’ Parking Lane 11’ Drive Lane 10’ Planting Strip 11’ Drive Lane 6’ Sidewalk 6’ Sidewalk6’6’8’ Parking Lane 8’ Parking Lane 11’ Drive Lane11’ Drive Lane 5’ Biking Lane 5’ Biking Lane 16 | District Principles Main Street is characterized by a 70-foot right-of-way width. Buildings should have a zero setback. The pedestrian realm is an urban streetscape with space for window shopping, furnishings, pedestrian level lighting, overstory trees and planters. Main Street Pedestrian Realm. The pedestrian realm on Main Street is 16-feet wide from back of curb to building face. Amenities supportive of the building uses are encouraged including: patio seating, benches, bicycle racks, litter receptacles, and planter pots with seasonal displays. Infrastructure like pedestrian level lighting, street trees in landscaped boulevards are also appropriate. 8-feet 16-feet wide parking lane 8-feet zero setback 16’ Pedestrian Realm 16’ Pedestrian Realm8’ Parking Lane 8’ Parking Lane 11’ Drive Lane 11’ Drive Lane District Principles | 17 Connector Street. The Connector Street has a 60-foot right-of-way and prioritizes movement across the community. Setbacks vary by district, but the frontage is consistently a sidewalk in the throughway and a turf boulevard with regularly spaced overstory and tall ornamental trees. Local Street. The Local Street has a 50-foot right-of-way with parking on one side and serves the movement needs of neighborhood residents. Setbacks vary by district, but the frontage is consistently a sidewalk in the throughway and a turf boulevard with regularly spaced overstory and tall ornamental trees. The drive lane near the curb is slightly wider to accommodate vehicular buffer space. 5’ Sidewalk 5’ Sidewalk 5’ Sidewalk 5’ Sidewalk 6’ 6’ 6’ 6’ 8’ Parking Lane 8’ Parking Lane 7’ Parking Lane 11’ Drive Lane 11’ Drive Lane 11’ Drive Lane 10’ Drive Lane 18 | District Principles Landscaping and Screening Site design and landscaping should be designed to work with the existing topography of the area, preserving the rolling hills, Rush Creek natural resources corridor, woods and wetlands, and natural viewsheds and corridors. Landscape screens with berms, hedgerows, and a variety of deciduous and coniferous native trees and shrubs should be incorporated to minimize undesirable views from the public realm. Signage and Gateways Signage should be designed as an integral part of the building and site design and shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 84 of the City Code. The City will work with developers to: • Include gateway signage at key intersections along County Road 116 and the Town Center. • Incorporate landscaping, lighting and hardscape to anchor the gateway’s visual presence.Gateways. City Center Drive, Main Street and Larkin Road, primary and secondary entrances to the Town Center, should have gateway amenities. landscaping, monument signage and lighting. Main Street Parkway South Parkway North District Principles | 19 Stormwater Management Water features and drainage systems are essential components of development in the Southeast District. A mix of ponds, fountains and other water elements provide focal amenities and year round activities within the framework of an environmentally responsible, visually pleasing strategy to manage stormwater. A series of regional stormwater ponds is envisioned, but each site has a responsibility to utilize best management practices (BMP) to pretreat run-off, reduce erosion and encourage infiltration in compliance with City and Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission standards. Water and landscape should be utilized within multipurpose areas that accommodate both active and passive recreational use – the following examples illustrate only a few of many possibilities: 1. Pervious pavements, underground storage and other creative techniques should be used to BMP standards, particularly in the Town Center where more density is expected. 2. Green architecture, expressed through green roofs, gray water recycling and other techniques should be included to reduce the impact of new development on stormwater systems 3. Water feature design should include both formal elements (such as reflecting pools or fountains) and natural/informal forms (such as ponds or fountains) and should explore creative ways to integrate wet landscapes with active, urban spaces. Stormwater Management. Stormwater management infrastructure can take a variety of forms. Master planning regional stormwater is the most efficient use of land. Other options include a hard working below ground system that is topped by a parking lot, streetscape or even a planted swale. These examples of stormwater infrastructure are from various locations around the Twin Cities metro area (top left to bottom right) planted swale within a parking lot, infiltration system under a parking lot, structural cell streetscape system, infiltration trench within a county road median. 20 | District Principles Southeast District Parks Within the Town Center, the linear park along County Road 116, the Town Square, and two small neighborhood playgrounds serve residents and visitors. A. Linear Park B. Town Square C. Neighborhood Park D. Neighborhood Park E. Corcoran Community Park F. City Park near City Hall G. Wildflower Park Existing Parks Proposed Parks A C E G B F D District Principles | 21 Parks, Trails and Public Space The linear park (A) should continue north and south through the town center on the East side of County Road 116, with trail connections to new civic and community spaces and uses. Safe, convenient pedestrian crossings are a priority within the entire Southeast District. New public spaces, parks, and common greens or open space should be linked to other community parks and open space with trail connections to the existing and proposed City parks and trail system. The only active park currently in the Southeast District is Corcoran Community Park (E). The park will likely change over time as the former Rockford school property is developed and road connections in this area are modified, but this will continue to be an important park in the City system and priority should be given to ensuring strong bike and pedestrian connections to this park and other planned parks in the district. A second City park is being developed on the City Hall property (F) and could be expanded to take advantage of the woodland area on the east side of the City Hall property. A new Town Square (B) is planned in the Downtown Core. The Town Square will serve as a social center for the community, suitable for concerts and celebrations, but also as a place to enjoy the scenes of downtown. Picnic tables for lunch, benches for people watching, the Town Square will be a public space to support a bustling downtown. Two small neighborhood parks (C & D) are also planned in and near the Town Center, one each to the north and south of the Downtown Core. These parks will include walking trails and playgrounds. The neighborhood park on the north is nestled in an existing woodland, and will provide interesting walking trails, connecting to City Hall, ample shade, and an opportunity for an exercise circuit (Par Course) for the adjacent senior housing development. The southern neighborhood park is perched on a terrace above the wetland and offers great views across the landscape. A playground and trails through the wetland prairie will offer birdwatching and contemplation. All three parks will be developed when the adjacent property is platted. Another park is proposed in the Southeast District near Blue Bonnet Drive and in the Northwest corner of the Ravinia development. Wildflower Park (G) was recently developed in the Ravinia development. Par Course Station Woodland Playground Wetland Overlook 22 | District Principles Public green space, within close proximity to homes and businesses, is a vital part of a healthy community. A Town Square is meant to serve as a community gathering place for celebrations throughout the seasons. This example from Burnsville is a modern destination surrounded by civic, retail and residential uses. Temporary winter uses like a small ice rink could double the value of a bandshell or picnic pavilion when considered as a warming house in the cold season. Olympic Plaza in Whistler below creates an irregular shaped rink for casual and family use. 24 | Healthy Communities Walkable Destinations Map. A five or ten minute walk, 1/4 or 1/2 mile radius, is one common way to consider walkability. Within the Southeast District, there are intended to be a high number of parks, retail uses and residential units within that walkable range. Existing Parks Proposed Parks Not To Scale Healthy Communities | 25 03 Healthy Communities While developing these guidelines, the City of Corcoran was mindful of how community design impacts the health of the people who live, work, play, learn and worship in the city. Communities around the country are increasingly aware of the impact that land-use and transportation have on people’s ability to be active and access healthy food. We also know that a lack of physical activity, combined with diet, is one of the leading factors behind the increase in chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type II diabetes. Sidewalks, trails, bike lanes and parks all provide opportunities for people to be physically active, both recreationally and by incorporating activity into their daily routines. Mixed-use and higher density developments also encourage people to be active by making it easier to bike and walk to destinations rather than driving. When developing the plan and design guidelines for the Southeast District (including the Town Center and the Downtown Core), we looked at the following considerations: • An integrated transportation network: Streets connecting residential areas to the Downtown Core are safe, appealing and accessible to people walking and biking, as well as people driving motor vehicles. A combination of off-road and on-street bike and pedestrian facilities are included to give people safe and convenient options for active transportation. • Accessible destinations and inviting design: Housing, retail and other destinations are located in or near the downtown to invite walking by creating pleasant and safe routes. • Green space: A new Town Square and neighborhood park create additional opportunities for physical activity and promotes social connectedness. 26 | Town Center Mixed Use Apartments & Town Homes Single Family Town Center Legend Downtown Core Gateway Nodes 79th Place 79th Place 79th AvenueTown Center Park South Park North Park Main Street Ma i n S t r e e t 76th Avenue Floodplain Wetlands Larkin Road C i t y C e n t e r D r i v e C i t y C e n t e r D r i v e C o u n t y R o a d 1 1 6 C o u n t y R o a d 1 0 O a k L a n e M u l b e r r y L a n e L a r c h L a n e Ma p l e H i l l R o a d Good Sheperd Church City Hall Not To Scale Town Center | 27 04 Town Center Overview The Town Center is the walkable traditional neighborhood supporting the Downtown Core. The Town Center is bound by City Hall on the north, County Road 10 on the south, County Road 116 on the west and Maple Hill Road on the east. The Town Center is intended to support the Downtown Core through walkable blocks, a variety of housing types and densities, and a unified public realm aesthetic. The Downtown Core is a subset of the Town Center and shall have additional design guidelines. All development within the Southeast District will be based on an integrated transportation network that connects residential neighborhoods with the existing business park on the west side of County Road 116 and the Downtown Core on the east side of County Road 116. A combination of off-road and on-street bike and pedestrian facilities are included to give residents and visitors safe and convenient options for active transportation as an option to driving. Special emphasis will be placed on providing accessible destinations and inviting design. Housing, retail and other destinations are located in or near the Downtown Core to invite walking by creating pleasant and safe routes within the Town Center. A Town Square, City Hall Park and two small Neighborhood Parks create additional opportunities for physical activity and social connectedness. Uses within the Town Center include: mixed use, public/semi-public, and mixed residential. The Town Center shall be developed in compliance with the standards in the Zoning Ordinance and these guidelines. The entire Town Center is guided Mixed Use in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. This land use category would allow development in this area by Planned Unit Development (PUD). This district provides a variety of anticipated uses and the City developed the Town Center master plan as their preferred vision for the area; however, the City is willing to evaluate other uses provided that the spirit and intent of the Town Center master plan is preserved. Concept Areas Town Center 200 acres Downtown Core 40 acres Use Size (estimated) Mixed Use 415,000 sq. ft. Single Family Residential 170 units Townhomes 175 units Apartment/Condo 500 units Senior Living 250 units Town Square Park 7 acres South Neighborhood Park 1.1 acres North Neighborhood Park 3.5 acres Linear Park 9.4 acres Town Center Development Potential: The concept developed for the new Town Center includes the following development potential: 28 | Town Center Buildings - Placement, Massing and Height The area and setback requirements shall be as noted in the Zoning Ordinance for the district in which the property is located, except that additional standards shall be required for the Downtown Core as noted elsewhere in this document. Placement of non-residential and multi-family residential structures should support a higher level of consideration as described in this section. Street Edge Requirement. A consistent street edge must be maintained at the right-of-way line along all street frontages. Street edge elements may consist of the primary building, low masonry walls, fences, landscaping or a combination of all of these elements. Zero Lot Line Buildings are encouraged within the Town Center and particularly in the Downtown Core. Building Frontage. At least 60% of the primary street linear frontage of each lot shall be occupied by a building at the required build-to line. Other portions of a building beyond the 60% may be set back farther than required by the build-to line. In addition, on corner lots, a minimum of the first 50 feet of the lot frontage on either side of a street intersection must be occupied by buildings set at the build to line. Parking or other space open to the sky is not allowed within this first 50 feet. The build-to line may be met either with an enclosed building or an arcade constructed with a permanent roof of the same materials as the remainder of the building. Height. Multi-story buildings (greater than two stories) built to the maximum heights permitted by zoning are encouraged. Stepping portions of upper stories back from the line of the front façade to provide areas for outdoor terraces and rooftop patios is encouraged. New single story commercial building types with flat roofs shall have a minimum cornice height of 20 feet to better define the street. Diagram of building frontage requirements for primary street and corner lot frontage. Reinforcement of the street edge with low walls and landscaping. Town Center | 29 Screening and Loading Ground Mounted Mechanical Equipment shall be fully screened and properly maintained with material similar to or compatible with material used on the main structure. Screened mechanical equipment shall not be located in the front side yard, but may be located at the side or rear yard. Trash and Recycling Storage areas shall be designed internal to the principal building and shall not be allowed in an external fenced structure. Trash and recycling storage area doors shall not be located on the primary front elevation of building, but may be located in the side or rear yard. Loading Areas and Docks shall be limited to the rear of the principal building and shall not be visible from the street. These areas shall be screened from adjacent residential areas by fencing, walls, or landscaping. Screening shall block views from public right-of-way or adjacent uses and shall be equally effective in winter and summer. Architectural screening and plantings minimize the visual impact of necessary but unappealing portions of this apartment building. 30 | Town Center Facades Facades for non-residential and multi-family residential structures should support a higher level of design as described in this section. Architectural Style shall not be restricted. However, Architectural Styles as described in Section Two are encouraged. Evaluation of a project shall be based on the quality of its design and on its relationship to its surroundings, guided by the provisions in these guidelines and the Zoning Ordinance. The architectural appearance, including building character, permanence, massing, composition, and scale of all principal buildings shall comply with the Master Plan. Franchise architecture (building design that is trademarked or identified with a particular chain or corporation and is generic in nature) is prohibited unless it employs a traditional storefront commercial style. Franchises or national chains shall follow these guidelines to create context-sensitive buildings that are sustainable in that they can be reused by other types of business. A - Entrances. The main entrance shall face the primary street with secondary entrances to the side or rear. In the case of a corner building or a building abutting more than one street, the City will determine which street should be considered primary. B - Appearance. All sides of buildings shall have an equal appearance in terms of materials and general design. C - Windows. At least 40% of the wall surface at the street side of the first story, non-residential, shall consist of clear windows and doors that allow a view into the working areas, lobbies or display areas. D - Roofs. Building facades that exceed 100 feet in length measured along the street frontage shall have variations in roofline or rooftop parapet. Rooftop equipment shall be concealed behind parapets or screened from the view of pedestrians. E - Elements. All buildings shall include the following elements: • Accent materials shall be wrapped around all walls; • Complementary major material colors. F - Articulation. Any exterior building wall adjacent to or visible from a public street, public open space, or abutting property may not exceed 40 feet in length without visual relief consisting of one or more of the following: • The facade shall be divided architecturally by means of significantly different materials or textures, or • Horizontal offsets of at least four feet in depth, or • Vertical offsets in the roofline of at least four feet, or • Fenestration at the first floor level which is recessed horizontally at least one foot into the facade. A/CCF D/F B/EA D/F Town Center | 31 G - Materials. Exterior building materials shall be classified either primary, secondary, or accent materials. Primary materials shall cover at least 60% of the facade of a building. Secondary materials may cover no more than 30% of the facade. Accent materials may include door and window frames, lintels, cornices, and other minor elements, and may cover no more than 10% of the facade. Allowable materials are as follows: • Primary exterior building materials may be brick, stone (natural or cultured) EIFS, stucco, architectural precast concrete or glass. Bronze tinted or mirror glass are prohibited as exterior materials. • Secondary exterior building materials may be any of the primary building materials above or decorative block, integrally colored stucco, or fiber cement siding (color impregnated or painted) in vertical panel design only with hidden seams. • Accent materials may be wood, metal or fiber cement when used in trim, fascia or soffit if appropriately integrated into the overall building design and not situated in areas which will be subject to physical or environmental damage. • All primary and secondary materials shall be integrally colored, except where otherwise stated. • Decorative block shall be colored only by means of a pigment integral to the block material, not applied to the surface. • Sheet metal, corrugated metal, iron, shakes, plain flat concrete block are not acceptable as exterior wall materials. 32 | Town Center Streets Walkability is a priority in the Town Center. All streets and crossings should be safe and accessible for pedestrians with enhancements to support low speed vehicular travel, on street parking, and adequate right-of-way for healthy tree canopy. Design components should include paving or striping of crosswalks, curb extensions, pedestrian level and roadway level lighting, tree lined boulevards. Bike lanes can be strategically incorporated on major east/west connectors via the, Bikeway Street type, to provide thoughtful bicycle routes between the County Road 116 linear park into the Town Center district neighborhoods and beyond. Sidewalks are required along all streets within the Town Center. The location and alignment of new sidewalks shall connect directly with adjacent existing networks. The width of the sidewalk shall be consistent with City policy and the design guidelines. Where the sidewalk along the public street is interrupted by a curb cut, the walkway across the driveway shall be delineated by elevated pavement or by use of contrasting pavement materials that meet ADA accessibility standards. Parking. On-street parking shall be incorporated with the street design within the Town Center. Parking zones shall be defined either by curbing or with a change in paving materials. Curb Cuts. The number and width of curb cuts shall be limited in conformance with City policy. Sites with multiple buildings shall have unified/joint access. Utility Installation. New utilities shall be placed underground. Compatible lines (e.g., electric, phone, cable) shall be placed in a common trench. Town Center | 33 Southeast District Street Types Type ROW Width County Road 120 feet Parkway Street 72 feet Main Street (Downtown Core)70 feet Connector Street 60 feet Local Street 50 feet 79th Place 79th Place 79th Avenue Main Street 76th Avenue Larkin Road C i t y C e n t e r D r i v e C i t y C e n t e r D r i v e Co u n t y R o a d 1 1 6 Co u n t y R o a d 1 0 M a i n S t r e e t O a k L a n e M u l b e r r y L a n e L a r c h L a n e Ma p l e H i l l R o a d Good Sheperd Church City Hall 34 | Town Center Parking and Access No parking spaces shall be located on corner lots at the point of street intersections. In the Downtown Core, parking is desired to be located behind the buildings. Reductions. Per Section 1060.060 of the Zoning Ordinance parking may be reduced by: • Up to 20% of required off-street parking spaces in the case of shared parking between abutting uses or use of public parking. • One parking space for each on-street parking space provided at the lot frontage on a public street adjacent to the lot. Pedestrian Circulation. Clearly defined, safe pedestrian access shall be provided from parking areas, adjacent public rights-of-way, and public and private open space to building entrances. Pedestrian walkways traversing parking lots with more than 60 parking spaces shall meet the following guidelines: • Walkways adjacent to parking spaces shall be at least five feet wide and shall be separated from vehicles by curbing or landscaping. • Walkways that cross parking lot drive aisles shall be delineated by stripes, contrasting pavement materials, elevated pavement, or a combination of these measures. Bicycle Parking. Non-residential developments shall strive to provide bicycle parking spaces in a convenient, visible, preferably sheltered location. Town Center | 35 Landscaping and Screening Parking bays shall have landscape islands at each end, and bays in excess of 15 spaces in length shall be divided by intermediate islands. Landscape islands shall provide at least 360 square feet of area for planting trees, shrubs and/or groundcovers. Intermediate landscape islands shall provide at least 180 square feet of planting area. A landscape buffer of a minimum five feet in width shall be provided between all parking areas and the public sidewalk. The buffer shall consist of shade trees, low shrubs or perennial flowers and a decorative fence or masonry wall. Plantings and parking lot screen walls or fences shall be no less than three feet and no more than four feet in height to allow views into and out of parking areas All land area not occupied by buildings, parking, driveways, sidewalks or other hard surfaces shall be sodded or mulched and landscaped with approved ground cover, flowers, shrubbery and trees. Landscaping shall include a full complement of overstory, ornamental and evergreen trees, shrubbery and ground covers which are hardy and appropriate for the locations in which they are planted and provide year-long color and interest. Suggested Trees for the Town Center Valley Forge Elm, Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’ Bitternut Hickory, Carya cordiformis Sienna Glen Maple, Acer x freemanii ‘Sienna’ Boulevard Linden, Tilia americana ‘Boulevard’ Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabra Ginkgo (male), Gingko biloba Bicolor Oak, Quercus bicolor Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra Princeton Elm, Ulmus americana ‘Princeton’ Accolade Elm, Ulmus x ‘Accolade’ River Birch (single stem), Betula nigra Korean Mountain Ash, Sorbus alnifolia Crabapple species (persistent fruit) Japanese Tree Lilac, Syringa reticulate 36 | Town Center Community Center The Town Center is intended to be a community gathering space. As such, the City may wish to allow space within the Town Center for a community center that could include recreational space, meeting space and similar uses. This would likely be a public/private partnership if it were to develop. This exhibit is intended to identify the two preferred locations for this type of facility and provide a concept for the size of facility that could be accommodated on either site. This is intended to serve an alternative to the land use concepts envisioned in the Town Center plan. Community Center Option A Community Center Option B Town Center | 37 Community Center Option A Site Area (Acres)14.1 Building Footprint (SF)80,500 Community Center Option B Site Area (Acres)23.0 Building Footprint (SF)1,001,408 Community Center Option B Community Center Option A 38 | Downtown Core Downtown Core Map: The Downtown Core is focused along Main Street and around a Town Square. Commercial mixed-use (which may include first floor commercial with residential above) is intended for a majority of the Downtown Core with medium and high-density residential uses supporting at the periphery. 79th Place M a i n S t r e e t M a i n S t r e e t C i t y C e n t e r D r i v e C i t y C e n t e r D r i v e C o u n t y R o a d 1 1 6 Co u n t y R o a d 1 0 Downtown Core | 39 05 Downtown Core Overview The Downtown Core is the commercial and civic heart of Corcoran. It is bound by 79th Avenue on the north, County Road 10 on the south, County Road 116 on the west and City Center Drive on the east. This district is the six block Main Street area as shown on the Downtown Core master plan. It is intended to offer residents and visitors a central community place to serve their daily commercial and personal service needs, and to gather with their neighbors for civic celebrations and social events. Through these guidelines, the Downtown Core will focus public and private investments in a smaller geographic area to support a critical mass of high quality development and public realm amenities. Design requirements in this section are in addition to criteria set in the Downtown Mixed Use Zoning District and in these Guidelines. Where conflicts arise, this section shall prevail. Vision Downtown Corcoran is a walkable, identifiable place that reflects the unique character of the community. A mix of restaurants, shops, and services will make it possible to meet daily needs all within a walkable area of the city. This pedestrian scale, with a cohesive building and landscape appearance, will identify this area as uniquely Corcoran. Downtown Core Objectives: 1. Downtown Core maintains the unique heritage and history of Corcoran. 2. Downtown Core is where the community gathers. 3. Downtown Core provides safe, convenient access for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles. 4. Downtown Core provides the daily retail and service needs for the community. 5. Downtown Core is a mix of businesses, public spaces and residential neighborhoods that are connected by complementary design elements and streetscapes. 6. Downtown Core is a destination for the region. Site Development Destination retail, restaurant and entertainment uses, particularly mixed with other synergistic uses, are encouraged. Development should be appropriate for a traditional downtown area, with mixed-use buildings combining retail, commercial, and multi-family residential uses. Buildings - Placement, Massing and Height The area and setback requirements shall be as noted in the Zoning Ordinance for the district in which the property is located, except that additional standards shall be required for the Downtown Core as noted elsewhere in this document. Height. Buildings are required to be a minimum of two stories in the Downtown Core. Stepping portions of upper stories back from the line of the front façade to provide areas for outdoor terraces and rooftop patios is encouraged. 40 | Downtown Core Streetscape Trees and plantings Overstory trees should be placed with regularity along street frontages in order to create dapple shade within 10-15 years. Space and placement of trees, lighting and signage should be thoughtfully considered to create a unified whole supportive of Downtown Core goals. Furnishings Main Street is designed as a traditional downtown main street, lined with street trees and planters, pedestrian level lighting, and furnishings including benches and trash receptacles. These elements shall also occur within the Town Center, to a lesser extent. Outdoor Dining Pavement widths are wider in the Downtown Core than in other areas of the City in order to support the widest variety of streetscape amenities. Outdoor dining shall be permitted through the Downtown Core and shall be placed in the pedestrian buffer area of the sidewalk section. Awnings Where awnings are used, canvas, fabric or vinyl awnings are preferable. If glass or metal awnings are employed, they shall closely complement the building’s architectural character and aesthetic. The bottom of a window awning shall be set at least seven feet above the public sidewalk. Back lighted vinyl awnings and canopy signs shall not be used. Suggested Trees for the Downtown Core Princeton Elm, Ulmus americana ‘Princeton’ Accolade Elm, Ulmus x ‘Accolade’ Skyline Honeylocust, Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis ‘Skyline’ Valley Forge Elm, Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’ Boulevard Linden, Tilia americana ‘Boulevard’ Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabra Ginkgo (male), Ginkgo biloba Kentucky Coffeetree (male), Gymnocladus dioicus Japanese Tree Lilac, Syringa reticulate Thornless Cockspur Hawthorne, Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Downtown Core | 41 Sidewalks and Boulevards County Road 116 and Main Street in the Downtown Core warrants a unique design treatment. This intersection will be developed as the entry into the Downtown Core with appropriate identity elements. The County Road 116 linear park will offer trails through a landscaped open space, which extends into the Downtown Core and greater Town Center. The City will continue to work with Hennepin County to ensure that the ultimate design of County Road 116 respects the City’s intention to develop a district that is safe and accessible for all modes of transportation, including walking and biking. Parking 1. No parking spaces shall be located on corner lots at the point of street intersections. 2. No parking spaces shall be located between the immediate front of the principal structure and the abutting front lot line. throughway frontagestreet parking lane pedestrian buffer building type & setback varies by zoning district right-of-way 42 | Downtown Core Public Art Public art is encouraged in the Downtown Core. Durable, safe, artful enhancements to furnishings, paving, signage and building facades are also encouraged. All locations and works of art, regardless of ownership, placed within the public rights of- way or public areas shall be approved by the City Council prior to installation. Downtown Core | 43 Signage Signage shall comply with Chapter 84 of the City Code. However, in the Downtown Core the City is open to considering more creative signage to reflect the energetic commercial/ entertainment uses that may be developed in the subdistrict. Decorative neon, moving or other decorative sign types are desirable when displayed within interior storefront windows. 44 | Downtown Core Plazas All properties with principal buildings in excess of 30,000 square feet shall be required to have a public plaza space. The public plaza space shall include benches, bike racks trash receptacles, lighting fixtures and other amenities to create a welcoming space for tenants of the building and members of the public. These plaza spaces should be visible from the public street. Implementation | 45 06 Implementation Introduction The design guidelines provide distinct strategies for guiding form and appearance. This vision will take several years to implement. Successful implementation will require consistent application of the Design Guidelines by City staff and City Council. Zoning enforcement and design guidelines will not succeed without the cooperation and commitment of landowners, development interests and the rest of the community. Changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map The Corcoran Southeast District Plan and Design Guidelines are consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map will be undertaken as a separate action following adoption of these guidelines. Design Review The design guidelines will be administered by staff as part of the development review process. Staff will incorporate design review to ensure compliance with the design guidelines as a standard step in the development review process.