(a) This chapter is intended to implement the Unified Plan for Downtown Springfield adopted by the Springfield City Commission in Resolution No. 5509, adopted May 15, 2007. The Unified Plan for Downtown Springfield adopts a uniform development standard approach to land use and zoning regulation. Uniform development standard land use regulations allow market demands to determine the mix of uses within the constraints of the building design standards of the community. The Unified Plan establishes zones of building type and allows building owners to determine the uses.
(b) This chapter includes both required and recommend unified development standards. All required zoning regulations must be complied with. Landowners are specifically encouraged to comply with recommended district uses, design standards, and economic development objectives.
(c) The policy objectives intended to be achieved by the imposition of the UPOD Urban Commercial Overlay District are to:
(1) Unite all downtown developments into a single plan
(2) Create a unified development standard for downtown
(3) Protect the character of existing downtown residential neighborhoods
(4) Provide guidance to the private market
(5) Establish shared goals for future zoning downtown
(6) Achieve unified and valuable design that is feasible and flexible for developers
(7) Achieve unified and valuable development downtown that is feasible and flexible for the City of Springfield over time
(8) Assist in future transportation, corridor planning, and transportation demand management downtown
(9) Promote pedestrian activity downtown
(10) Create incentives for downtown development
(11) Motivate a vibrant and diverse downtown economy
(12) Encourage the construction of a vibrant and diverse downtown activity center
(13) Inspire the community to protect historically significant structures and reuse existing structures
(d) This chapter is intended to further and protect the public health, safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity, and general welfare of the Springfield community. This chapter is further intended to enhance and protect property values in downtown Springfield and prevent impairment and destruction of property values.
(Ord. 15-42. Passed 2-17-15.)
(Ord. 15-42. Passed 2-17-15.)