A. There is created a downtown retail overlay district, the boundaries of which are shown on the map entitled, "Downtown Retail Overlay District," which is delineated on the Zoning Map. Said map is adopted and made a part of this ordinance.
B. This chapter is enacted to preserve and promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Visalia, and to express the commitment of the city toward the continued vitality and stabilization of regional retail commercial activity within the area traditionally known as Downtown Visalia. This commitment seeks to:
1. Protect and enhance existing buildings and improvements in the downtown area.
2. Enhance the character and physical environment of the downtown area by establishing specific design compatibility criteria for new and remodeled buildings within the overlay district.
3. Ensure that new development is compatible with existing and future plans for the area.
4. Involve both design professionals and area residents, property owners and merchants, in the implementation of the Visalia Downtown Framework Plan and the continued viability of the downtown retail economy. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7720)