(A) Purpose. This district is intended to provide flexible design regulations and uses for each project to encourage innovative development and redevelopment. Mixed use projects must have a consistent architectural theme, promote a pedestrian friendly environment and reduce traffic generation.
(B) Active planned small lot developments. A list of active mixed use developments and guidelines shall be maintained in the Planning and Economic Development Department.
(C) Standards.
(1) A mixed use development is to be designed and organized to encourage a combination of at least two uses that compliment each other and assist in reducing traffic generation. No single use shall dominate a mixed use project. Single use buildings, especially "Big Box Retail" are discouraged unless the mixture of buildings is designed to encourage interaction among the proposed uses.
(2) Floor area ratio calculations and ground coverage shall be provided to determine scale, density and impact of the project.
(3) The minimum project size shall be 25 acres. The project may contain less than 25 acres if off-street pedestrian and vehicular access is provided to adjacent uses and the applicant can demonstrate the inter-relationships and benefits of a Mixed Use Development District of such size.
(4) Within the mixed use project, pedestrian movement and safety shall be given priority. Internal roadways shall be "pedestrian friendly" including the use of pavers, wide sidewalks, narrow vehicular lanes and parallel parking. Major parking areas shall be located to encourage walking and discourage internal vehicle trips among the various buildings and uses.
(5) Parking garages, loading docks, and service areas shall be directly accessible from major roadways and appropriately screened to promote a pedestrian scale and safety.
(6) Architectural requirements.
(a) A consistent architectural theme including, but not limited to, scale, colors, textures and materials shall be required.
(b) Setbacks within the project shall be determined at the time of project review to encourage an urban pedestrian scale.
(c) Setbacks to adjacent properties shall be the larger of the existing underlying zoning district or the adjacent district, whichever is larger. The design of the project shall be required to be consistent with adjacent uses and structures.
(d) Outdoor uses and public places shall be designed to connect various buildings and promote pedestrian activity. Active use of the public spaces is desired to encourage increasing average length of stay within the project area.
(e) First floor facades shall be "active" to encourage pedestrian traffic throughout the project area.
(f) Signage shall be at a scale and aesthetic design appropriate to the size and type of project.
(g) Streetscape design shall compliment and be consistent with the project's architectural theme.
(7) A maintenance plan for all common areas including but not limited to, parking, sidewalks, public plazas, building facades and programming shall be required as part of the approval of the project.
(Ord. 2021-02, adopted 3-17-21; sought to be reconsidered, Commission passed 4-21-2021)