(A) The Prairie Fire Design Overlay District is intended to create a sense of place and individual identity of this development area through the application of design guidelines and standards. “Prairie Fire” is a reflection of this area’s environmental heritage in the prairie landscape as well as the dynamic and rejuvenating effect fire has in that environment. The city hopes that this becomes an area of excitement, invigoration and restoration. Presently, the district is a blank slate that has potential of being developed into a high-quality area that residents take pride in and visitors take note of. These guidelines and standards rely on the natural environment as well as landscaping, infrastructure and way-finding signage that is being implemented by the city to guide new architectural design, sign design and site planning in the district.
(B) The Prairie Fire Design Overlay District is located south of Interstate 80 at exit 168. Because of its location south of the interstate and away from the downtown, this area will most likely be automobile oriented with pedestrian activity coming from future trail systems in the area. It is important that these design guidelines are implemented consistently as future development occurs to create an identifiable area that is highly visible from the interstate.
(C) While the city wants to encourage development styles which complement the surrounding natural environment, public infrastructure and other private buildings, the purpose of the design district is not to create an entirely homogeneous area. The city encourages the pursuit of individual business identity within these guidelines.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.1)