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(A) River Overlay District established. This chapter establishes a River Overlay District, as shown in the appendix to this chapter. The requirements of this chapter apply within this district and supplement the requirements of the city zoning, subdivision and other regulations that govern the use and development of property within the city. Therefore, all standards and requirements of this chapter are in addition to the requirements of the city zoning and subdivision ordinances.
(1) Any parcel of land located within this overlay district is subject to all requirements of the underlying zoning district.
(2) If there is a conflict between any provision of this chapter and any provision of the city zoning, subdivision or other regulation, the more restrictive provision will apply.
(B) Purpose.
(1) The purpose of River Overlay Design Guidelines and Standards is to realize the vision, goals and objectives that were identified in the Highway 7 Corridor Study and Area Plan. These design standards are important to preserve and highlight the significant natural and historical resources in the corridor along the South Fork of the Crow River and meet the objectives identified in the corridor study. The objectives identified in the plan are incorporated by reference and include:
(a) Maintain a friendly, small town atmosphere.
(b) Appreciate the historic riverfront, trails and parkland.
(c) Establish destinations that are pedestrian friendly.
(d) Create a stable, safe place to live, work and shop Main Street and new mixed use development on these comers.
(e) Provide a distinct gateway at the intersection with Highway 15.
(2) The design standards shall apply specifically to properties within the adopted River Overlay District, which is incorporated as a part of the city code. Standards shall be applied to redevelopment, new developments, and all new buildings constructed within the district, except as specifically exempted by this chapter. The guidelines provide more detailed requirements for site planning, building placement, architecture, building materials, landscaping and storm water improvements beyond those identified in each zoning district. Review of all new buildings and developments shall be conducted through the process identified in § 154.174 of this code of ordinances.
(C) Exemptions. The construction of new buildings, building additions and accessory structures for legally existing uses established before the adoption of this ordinance are exempted from the requirements of the River Overlay District standards. Existing properties are not exempted from meeting all other requirement of the city code, such as zoning ordinance standards, storm water management requirements and all other applicable regulations.
(2004 Code, § 157.02) (Ord. 08-0500, passed 5-13-2008)
(A) Land uses allowed in the overlay district are those identified within the property’s zoning district established by the City of Hutchinson Zoning Ordinance and map. A mix of appropriate land uses is encouraged in the River Overlay District, with an emphasis on commercial uses. Uses should be those that benefit from the high traffic volume and visibility of the corridor while complimenting uses in the downtown.
(B) Community objectives include:
(1) Enhance the stability of this corridor with a complementary mix of commercial uses appropriate to a growing community;
(2) Encourage a variety of uses which will support a community atmosphere;
(3) Activate this Main Street intersection with a mix of uses which will draw visitors into downtown;
(4) Provide the variety and density of uses that encourage pedestrian activity;
(5) Entice travelers and commuters to stop and explore Hutchinson with new opportunities to learn about the city; and
(6) Provide for full life-cycle housing with diverse, higher-density, residential uses.
(2004 Code, § 157.03) (Ord. 08-0500, passed 5-13-2008)
(A) The overall site plan design for new developments shall include the placement of buildings and site improvements with sensitivity to the waterfront, river views and with respect for the natural resources of the area. Community objectives include:
(1) Create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors;
(2) Express a riverfront town character by establishing river view corridors;
(3) Design new development to be respectful of the waterfront and adjacent parkland or other natural resources;
(4) Connect new development to existing riverfront trails and parkland with public sidewalks or connecting trails; and
(5) Link new development, popular destinations, and the adjacent neighborhoods with safe, well designed pedestrian connections.
(B) The following design standards apply to construction within the River Overlay District and are required to meet community objectives for site layout.
(1) The placement of buildings shall be positioned to be respectful to the river by maximizing river views and establishing river view corridors. A perspective drawing of the proposed building and photos of the site’s relationship to the river and surrounding properties shall be provided with site plan application materials.
(2) Site design shall take into account the relationship between the development to the waterfront, nearby parkland and natural resources. Site amenities that take advantage of the proximity to these resources are encouraged, such as outdoor dining opportunities, visitor destinations and rest areas with bike racks and benches for bicyclists and pedestrians are encouraged.
(3) Buildings shall be oriented to the street, with parking next to or behind buildings.
(4) Parking shall be located and designed in a manner that is complementary to the natural features of the site and building orientation.
(5) Large parking lots are discouraged and shall instead be designed in a manner that large expanses of parking are broken up into smaller areas with landscaped islands and pedestrian friendly areas, such as pathways and plazas.
(6) A reduction in the number of parking spaces required may be granted for shared parking facilities with complementary uses. A proof of parking plan shall be submitted for future parking expansion under this option.
(7) Site planning should provide for safe site access and circulation which minimizes auto and pedestrian conflicts.
(8) Primary entrances to the buildings shall be designed and located to maximize pedestrian access and connectivity to sidewalks and trails. Pedestrian safety features shall be provided, such as crosswalk striping or use of textured, colored paving.
(9) Service areas shall be located on the site in areas that minimize their appearance and shall be screened with landscaping or decorative fencing with supplemental landscaping. Fencing without landscaping is not permitted.
(2004 Code, § 157.04) (Ord. 08-0500, passed 5-13-2008)
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