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HomeMy WebLinkAbout041-O-23 Deleting Title 4, Chapter 14, “Design and Project Review (DAPR)” of the City Code4/11/2023 41-O-23 AN ORDINANCE Deleting Title 4, Chapter 14, “Design and Project Review (DAPR)” of the City Code WHEREAS, the current Design and Project Review process creates unintended undue delays to potential projects in the City of Evanston; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that it is in the best interest of the City of Evanston to create an internal review of projects to ensure efficiency of potential new projects. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS: SECTION 1: City Code Title 4, Chapter 14, “Design and Project Review (DAPR)” of the Evanston City Code of 2012, as amended, is hereby deleted to read as follows: CHAPTER 14 DESIGN AND PROJECT REVIEW (DAPR) 4-14-1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. (A) Objective. Design and project review is a procedure for the review of proposed developments or redevelopments to ensure they are compatible with adjacent development by taking into account the relationship of the new development to its surroundings with review and discussion by members of City staff and community members from various disciplines. Design and project review also includes sign review. (B) Address Details Not Covered. The purpose of design and project review is to go beyond the basic zoning requirements and to deal with the site details on which zoning and other codes are silent. Design and project review is not a substitute for zoning. ~ 1 ~ Page 1 of 11 Doc ID: c8698da631aeb28c5154c15ab23ee3e6384efe6b 41-O-23 (C) Elements Examined. In carrying out the purpose of Design and Project Review, the following are examples of elements which are examined: 1. Parking arrangement. 2. Circulation. 3. Traffic access. 4. Building location on the site. 5. Landscaping. 6. Signage. 7. Drainage. 8. Exterior building design and materials. 9. Emergency phone structure, as defined in City Code Section 6-18-3. 10. Small cell height waiver requests, as required in City Code Subsection 7-16-3(C)(9). (D) Authority Limited. Design and project review does not have any authority to determine land use. and in certain circumstances acts as a recommending body to the Zoning Board of Appeals and/or the Plan Commission. (E) Result of Review Process. In addition to upgrading site development planning, the City hopes to create a process which will expedite the review of development proposals through providing a coordinated staff review. (F) Authority Related to Sign Regulations. The Design and Project Review Committee is also vested with the following jurisdiction and authority: 1. Sign Administrator Appeals. The Design and Project Review Committee will hear all appeals from any order, requirement, decision, determination, or interpretation of the Sign Administrator acting within the authority vested from Title 4, Chapter 10 of the Evanston City Code, "Sign Regulations," and make written findings and decisions for the disposition of such appeals. For this subsection only, the Design and Project Review Committee will exclusively follow the procedures set forth in City Code Section 4-10-15, "Appeals." 2. Sign Variations. The Design and Project Review Committee will hear all petitions for variations from the provisions of Title 4, Chapter 10 of the Evanston City Code, "Sign Regulations," make written findings, and approve, modify, approve with conditions or deny such petitions for variations. For this subsection only, the Design and Project Review Committee will exclusively follow the procedures set forth in City Code Section 4-10-16, "Variations." 3. Unified Business Center Signage. The Design and Project Review Committee shall hear all requests for the establishment or amendment of comprehensive sign plans for unified business centers, make written findings, and approve, modify, approve with conditions or deny such requests. For this subsection ~ ~ 2 Page 2 of 11 Doc ID: c8698da631aeb28c5154c15ab23ee3e6384efe6b 41-O-23 only, the Design and Project Review Committee will exclusively follow the procedures set forth in City Code Section 4-10-17, "Unified Business Centers." 4-14-1-1. DESIGN AND PROJECT REVIEW COMMITTEE. (A) Membership. The membership of the Design and Project Review Committee is composed of two (2) groups: (1) voting members; and (2) advisory members. Voting members shall be the only class of members entitled to vote on any matter put before the Design and Project Review Committee. Advisory members shall provide the Design and Project Review Committee with insight related to their area of expertise as the Committee as a whole discusses each matter. In the case of City Staff, the named member may designate a department member to attend in his/her stead. The following are the list of members: Voting members: 1. Representative from City Manager's Office/Economic Development Division; 2. Director of Community Development; 3. Director of Public Works Agency or Representative; 4. City Engineer; 5. Representative from the Fire Department; 6. Planning and Zoning Manager; 7. Representatives from the Planning and Zoning Division (2); 8. Manager of Building and Inspection Services; 9. Representative from the Public Works Agency, Water Production Bureau; 10. Civil Engineer/Storm Water Management; 11. Transportation and Mobility Coordinator; 12. Sustainability Coordinator. Non-Voting Committee Advisors: 1. Traffic Engineer; 2. Representative from Administrative Services/Parking Services Manager; 3. Housing and Grants Administrator; 4. Representative from the Parks and Recreation Department; 5. Representative from the Police Department; 6. Certified arborist from the Public Works Agency; 7. Representative from the Health Department; and 8. An architect or urban designer who is employed in Evanston or is a resident of Evanston and appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City ~ ~ 3 Page 3 of 11 Doc ID: c8698da631aeb28c5154c15ab23ee3e6384efe6b 41-O-23 Council. Said mayoral appointment shall be for a term of no longer than two (2) years. (B) Officers. 1. The officers of the Committee shall consist of the Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary. 2. The Director of Community Development shall preside as the Chair of the Committee. 3. The Planning and Zoning Manager shall serve as the Vice-Chair of the Committee. 4. Staff from the Planning and Zoning Division shall serve as the Secretary of the Committee. 5. The Chair, or his/her designee, shall supervise the Committee and shall preside at all Committee meetings. 6. The Vice-Chair, in the absence of the Chair, shall perform all duties and exercise all powers of the Chair. 7. The Secretary shall: a. Be custodian of the active files of the Committee and keep all of the records. b. Conduct the correspondence of the Committee. c. Promptly prepare and distribute a meeting agenda in consultation with the Chair. The rules shall be reviewed regularly and monitored to ensure consistency with the policies and priorities of the City Council. d. Record the names and addresses of all persons appearing before the Committee. e. Keep records of the Committee's official actions and prepare meetings. f. Record each member's vote for every question, whether or not each member was present for the vote, and if a member abstained from voting for a particular question. g. Perform such additional duties as may be requested by the Chair or Committee. (C) Voting. Voting privileges are extended to voting members listed under Section 14-4-1-1(A). Advisory members shall abstain from voting. (D) Objective. Such a review will bring together staff from various departments to meet with developers to help resolve any site or appearance problems and more directly communicate the City's requirements. By identifying the applicable codes and ordinances through this process, costly delays from oversights or incomplete applications may be avoided. In such joint meetings, there is opportunity for exchange between all affected parties which should improve communications and also provide the developer with professional expertise in site and building design. ~ ~ 4 Page 4 of 11 Doc ID: c8698da631aeb28c5154c15ab23ee3e6384efe6b 41-O-23 The resulting design should also promote efficiency and economy in providing any necessary City services. Beyond the specific improvements to the site itself, design and project review should help reduce adverse impact, promote harmony of development with its surroundings and maintain property values. 4-14-2. DEVELOPMENTS REQUIRING DESIGN AND PROJECT REVIEW APPROVAL PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMIT. (A) The following are developments requiring Design and Project Review approval prior to issuance of building permits for the development: 1. Construction of a new building or structure, or modifications to the exterior of an existing structure (including additions) for any land use requiring a building permit. 2. Developments requiring a zoning variation. 3. Developments requiring a zoning ordinance text or map amendment. 4. All planned developments. 5. All municipal or other public developments. 6. Any proposed developments for which parking is to be located off-site. 7. All development proposals for which public and/or quasi-public financial assistance has been requested. 8. Emergency phone structures, as defined in City Code Section 6-18-3. 9. Small cell height waiver requests, as required in City Code Subsection 7-16-3(C)(9). 10. Any other use or development as determined by the Director of Community Development. (B) Exceptions. No design and project review shall be required for the following uses: 1. Permitted single-family and two-family residential. 2. Permitted temporary uses. 4-14-3. PRELIMINARY AND FINAL DESIGN AND PROJECT REVIEW REQUIRED. For the types of developments defined in Section 4-14-2(A), a site plan, prepared in accordance with the provisions of this Section, shall be required for a concept, preliminary, or final design project review conference. Additional submittal materials may be required as determined by the Director of Community Development. (A) Concept Design and Project Review. 1. Concept Design and Project Review is optional and intended for large and/ or complex construction projects in which applicants seek input from City staff during the initial design stage. Concept design and project review is for projects that have not yet applied for zoning review or a building permit for said project. ~ ~ 5 Page 5 of 11 Doc ID: c8698da631aeb28c5154c15ab23ee3e6384efe6b 41-O-23 2. The Design and Project Review Committee does not provide a vote or official recommendation at concept review. 3. Concept review is scheduled directly through the Zoning Office upon request of the applicant. (B) Preliminary Design and Project Review. 1. A preliminary design and project review conference is required. The purpose of the preliminary design and project review is to assist the applicant in bringing the site and building plans into conformity with applicable regulations and seek input from City staff at the stage of development when designs are flexible and adjustments are possible. Preliminary review may occur only upon the completion of a zoning analysis by City staff. 2. The Design and Project Review Committee provides an official vote or recommendation at preliminary reviews. 3. Preliminary review occurs in conjunction with final review unless otherwise specified by the applicant through the Zoning Office. (C) Final Design and Project Review. 1. A final design and project review conference is required. The purpose of the final design and project review is to verify that the final site plan complies with all applicable regulations and meets the design goals of the City. Final review may occur only upon the completion of a zoning analysis by City staff that is in conjunction with a building permit application. 2. The design and project review committee provides an official vote or recommendation at reviews. 3. Final design and project review is required prior to the issuance of a building permit. (D) Committee Action Recorded and Transmitted. Official recommendation to City boards and/or Commissions of the design and project review shall be recorded and transmitted to the City Council. 4-14-4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES. (A) Submission Requirements and Procedures. The following documents are required for proper submission (Note: Director of Community Development or his/her designee may require digital documentation): 1. Preliminary Design and Project Review: Three (3) copies of a preliminary site plan, current plat of survey which accurately reflects the premises at the time of submission, and preliminary elevation drawings. 2. Final Design and Project Review: A zoning analysis of the proposed development is required prior to final design and project review. Four (4) copies ~ ~ 6 Page 6 of 11 Doc ID: c8698da631aeb28c5154c15ab23ee3e6384efe6b 41-O-23 of the following exhibits shall be submitted and include a final site and building plan containing the following: a. Existing and proposed development on the site and adjacent sites. b. Elevation drawings of all proposed buildings. A color rendering of the primary facade may also be required. c. Actual building material samples and manufacturer's product information representing accurate color, texture, pattern, finish and range of variations of all exterior building materials proposed. d. Parking plans and access drives including dimensions, stall markings, required screening, landscaping and surfacing. e. Lighting plan identifying the location, height and type of all site, sign and exterior building illumination proposed. f. Landscape development plan including plant names, quantities, locations and sizes of major plant masses, and locations of all existing trees with a trunk diameter in excess of four (4) inches. g. Signage plan identifying the location, height, type, size, color and proposed message of all exterior signage proposed, consistent with all other signage regulations. h. Sidewalks and any other elements of pedestrian circulation. i. Major accessory elements including, but not limited to, signage, outdoor furniture, bike racks, outdoor art, etc. j. Any proposed improvements on the public right-of-way which the developer may be required to make as part of the site improvements, such as parkway trees, public sidewalks, adjacent alley surfacing, driveway removal and curb and gutter replacement. k. A current plat of survey which accurately reflects the premises at the time of submission. l. A completed zoning analysis on the proposed project. m. Other materials and data which may be required of the applicant for an adequate plan review (such as, but not limited to: traffic studies, a sustainability plan, preliminary engineering and drainage/storm water control plans, preliminary utility locations, floor plans, etc.). (B) Review Conference. The developer or his/her representative shall be present at the final design and project review conference to explain the project and to answer any questions thereon. 4-14-5. PRELIMINARY AND FINAL DESIGN AND PROJECT REVIEW APPROVAL. (A) The Director of Community Development, or his/her designee, shall schedule and conduct the preliminary or final Design and Project Review conference. At the ~ ~ 7 Page 7 of 11 Doc ID: c8698da631aeb28c5154c15ab23ee3e6384efe6b 41-O-23 preliminary or final Design and Project Review conference, the Director of Community Development or his/her designee will either: 1. Approve the site and building plan; 2. On the basis of written findings as to how the proposed development does not meet the evaluation criteria set forth below, approve the site and building plan subject to specific modifications; or 3. On the basis of such written findings as to how the proposed development does not meet the evaluation criteria, decline to approve the site plan. (B) At the conclusion of the review, the Director of Community Development or his/her designee shall return to the applicant one (1) copy of the submitted plans permanently marked to indicate one (1) of the following options: approval, approval subject to further specified approvals, lack of approval, or approval subject to modifications. 4-14-6. EVALUATION CRITERIA. The goals and objectives of the comprehensive general plan or other applicable Evanston planning and design documents shall be utilized in the review of proposed site and building plans. In addition, the following criteria shall also be used to determine whether a proposed site and building plan fulfills the objectives of this Chapter. (A) Building and Structure Location. The arrangement of the structures on the site shall allow for the effective use of the proposed development. Furthermore, such arrangement shall be compatible with development on adjacent properties. Also, the arrangement of structures on the site shall be evaluated for their potential impact on the ability to deliver Municipal services, such as access for emergency equipment. (B) Building Design and Appearance. The appearance of buildings shall be designed to respect the attributes of adjacent and surrounding development to reduce any adverse impacts caused by differing architectural styles, while maintaining and promoting the City's diverse architectural fabric. Architectural style, massing, scale, proportion, window fenestration, rhythm of design elements, color palette and building materials shall be considered in determining compliance with this objective. (C) Landscaping. Landscape design shall create a logical transition to adjoining development, screen incompatible uses, and minimize the visual impact of parking lots on adjacent sites and roadways. Plant materials shall be selected to withstand Evanston's climate and the microclimate on the property. Plant materials shall be selected with the advice of City staff. (D) Graphics and Signage. Signs shall be minimized in number and size, and integrated with architectural and site landscape features. Placement of signs shall not unduly obscure or interfere with sight lines to other properties. (E) Circulation. All circulation systems shall provide adequate and safe access to the site and be compatible with the public circulation systems to minimize dangerous ~ ~ 8 Page 10 of 13Page 8 of 11 Doc ID: c8698da631aeb28c5154c15ab23ee3e6384efe6b 41-O-23 traffic movements. Pedestrian and auto circulation shall be separated. Curb cuts on the site shall be minimized. (F) Parking Areas and Lots. Proposed parking areas or lots shall be designed, located, and screened to minimize adverse visual impact on adjacent properties. Perimeter parking lot screening/landscaping shall be provided. Interior parking lot landscaping is also required to break up large areas of parking with plant material. Parking lot drainage shall not adversely affect surrounding properties. (G) Open Space. Open space on the site shall create a desirable and functional environment. (H) Site Illumination. Site illumination shall be designed, located and installed so as to minimize adverse impact on adjacent properties. A site lighting plan may be required by City staff. (I) Preservation. Preservation of unique architectural resources and development designs that respect desirable historical architectural resources of surrounding sites should be provided. (J) Completeness. The application for design and project review must contain all the information required in Section 4-14-4 of this Chapter. (K) Compliance With All Other Applicable Codes. These may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. The Evanston zoning ordinance. 2. The adopted building codes. 3. This Code. 4-14-7. AMENDMENTS. Amendments to an approved site and building plan shall require approval in the same manner required for the original site plan. 4-14-8. TIME LIMIT ON APPROVAL. (A) No site and building plan approval shall be valid for a period longer than one (1) year from the date of approval unless a building permit is issued and construction is actually begun within that period. (B) Time extensions may be authorized by the Director of Community Development or his/her designee provided the applicant demonstrates that there are circumstances, difficulties or practical hardships which make compliance with the original one (1) year approval period unreasonable. 4-14-9. APPEALS. Except for appeals related to sign variation decisions, and Unified Business Center decisions any final Design and Project Review decision may be appealed to the Planning and Development Committee for additional consideration, modification, reversal or affirmation by the Committee upon appeal by the applicant. Such appeal ~ ~ 9 Page 9 of 11 Doc ID: c8698da631aeb28c5154c15ab23ee3e6384efe6b 41-O-23 shall be filed with the Committee within fifteen (15) business days of the decision by the Director of Community Development, or his/her designee, and the Committee shall consider and decide said appeal within thirty (30) business days thereafter. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION 3: The City Clerk is instructed to place an editor’s note in Titles 2, 6 and 7 of the Evanston City Code, that Title 4, Chapter 14 has been deleted and all references to the Design and Project Review now follow an administrative review process. SECTION 4: If any provision of this ordinance or application thereof to any person or circumstance is ruled unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid application or provision, and each invalid provision or invalid application of this ordinance is severable. SECTION 5: The findings and recitals contained herein are declared to be prima facie evidence of the law of the City and shall be received in evidence as provided by the Illinois Compiled Statutes and the courts of the State of Illinois. SECTION 6: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval, and publication in the manner provided by law. ~ ~ 10 Page 10 of 11 Doc ID: c8698da631aeb28c5154c15ab23ee3e6384efe6b 41-O-23 Attest: _______________________________ Stephanie Mendoza, City Clerk Approved as to form: ______________________________ Nicholas E. Cummings, Corporation Counsel ~ ~ 11 Introduced: _________________, 2023 Adopted: ___________________, 2023 Approved: __________________________, 2023 _______________________________ Daniel Biss, Mayor April 24 April 24 Page 11 of 11 Doc ID: c8698da631aeb28c5154c15ab23ee3e6384efe6b May 11