HomeMy WebLinkAbout3 - Zoning Ordinance Directions Report
To: Planning Commissioners
From: John Hinzman, Community Development Director
Date: September 3, 2024
Item: Zoning Ordinance – Project Direction Report
Planning Commission Action Requested
Review the attached Project Direction Report for the Zoning Code Update provided by our
consultant, Codametrics.
History
The existing Zoning Code has not been comprehensively reviewed and amended since 1996. The
City has contracted with Codemetrics to provide a zoning code update. Codametrics conducted
listening sessions with Commissioners and community members in early June, 2024 to assist in
determining potential changes to the Zoning Code.
Purpose of Project Direction Report
The Report summarizes initial high-level recommendations regarding the scope and direction of
the update project. The intent is to provide a sense of the general direction to be pursued in the
update effort, not to identify the specifics of every needed or proposed code change.
Planning Commission Consideration
In reviewing the Directions Report, the Planning Commission is asked to consider the following:
• Is Codametrics on the right path?
• Are the Recommendations (page 9) consistent with your observations of the Code.
• Any questions on the proposed Code Structure (page 15)?
Planning Commission Memorandum
ZONING CODE UPDATE City of HASTINGS MN
Project Direction Report
August 6, 2024 (updated August 22, 2024)
City of Hastings Zoning Map
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 2024 i
Contents
1. Create Context-Sensitive Neighborhood Zoning .......................................................................9
2. Refine and Codify Design Standards ...........................................................................................10
3. Use Clear, Objective Standards within the Commercial Zones ..............................................11
4. Incorporate the Vermillion Street Corridor Overlay ...................................................................11
5. Update Employment Zones ..............................................................................................................11
6. Modernize Use Regulations .............................................................................................................11
7. Address Accessory Uses and Structures ......................................................................................11
8. Revamp “Planned Unit Development” Provisions .....................................................................12
9. Consolidate and Update Landscape Regulations .....................................................................12
10. Clarify Sign Regulations ....................................................................................................................12
11. Rethink Parking Requirements........................................................................................................12
12. Consolidate Administrative and Procedural Provisions ...........................................................13
13. Avoid Creating Nonconformities and Reduce Need for Variances ..............................................13
14. Promote Sustainability and Resiliency ..........................................................................................13
15. Reorganize ...........................................................................................................................................15
16. Include Tables and Illustrations ......................................................................................................15
17. Update Format and Layout .............................................................................................................16
18. Rename & Add Zones ......................................................................................................................16
19. Use Building Types to Organize Regulations .............................................................................19
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 2024ii
Months from Project Start
PHASES
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
MayMay JunJun JulyJuly AugAug SepSep OctOct NovNov DecDec JanJan FebFeb MarMar AprApr
1 Project Kick-Off qq
2 Diagnosis & Project Directions ww
3 Initial Draft ee rr
4 Public Review Draft tt yy
5 Hearing Draft uu ii
DELIVERaBLES
Public Outreach Strategy Outline
Diagnosis & Directions Report
Initial Public Meeting Presentation
Module 1: Initial Draft Zoning Code & Map
Module 2: Initial Draft Zoning Code
Public Review Draft of Zoning Code
Open House Materials
Public Hearing Draft of Zoning Code
Presentation
KEY MEETINGS
Meeting qq: Kick-off meetings with Staff & Plan Commission, Listening Sessions (virtual &/or in person)
Meeting ww: Public Meeting
Meeting ee: Module 1 presentation to staff and PC
Meeting rr: Module 2 presentation to staff and PC
Virtual Meeting tt: Public Review Draft Presentation to staff and PC
Meeting yy: Public Open House
Meetings
uu & ii:AdoptionMeeting(s), as required
PROJECT TIMELINE
The timeline below is based upon the project scope outlined in the request for proposal and our proposed
work plan on the previous pages. Completion of the project with one year is shown as outlined in the RFP. The
timeline for deliverables has been modified to allow for additional time for key deliverables and for a public
review period prior to the adoption process. We will work closely with staff to adjust the schedule to meet the
specific needs of the city and to ensure timely completion of all tasks and delivery of all products.
EXHIBIT A: SCOPE OF SERVICES | City of Hastings | Zoning Code Update
Work Plan
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 2024 1
Introduction
The Project
The City of Hastings has initiated a project to
update the city’s zoning code, which was last
comprehensively revised in 1996. The update is
needed to provide a more modern set of zoning
tools and also to help ensure implementation of the
city’s comprehensive plan.
This report summarizes initial high-level
recommendations regarding the scope and direction
of the update project. The intent is to provide a
sense of the general direction to be pursued in the
update effort, not to identify the specifics of every
needed or proposed code change.
In preparing the report, a variety of policy
documents and regulations were reviewed to gain
an understanding of the city’s existing planning and
regulatory framework. This work was supplemented
by time spent exploring the city. This visual
survey work was invaluable in translating existing
regulations and stakeholder comments into an
understanding of actual on-the-ground conditions.
After review by staff and the planning commission,
the report will serve as a general blueprint for the
zoning update effort. Recommendations can and will
be revised and tailored in response to local reviews
and issues encountered as the project proceeds.
Key Advisors
PLANNING COMMISSION
As with any proposed zoning text or map
amendment, the planning commission will
conduct public hearings and ultimately issue a
recommendation to the city council.
Beyond their formal role, the planning commission
will work with staff and the consultants to help
shape the updated code. They will provide local
knowledge and policy guidance and help ensure
that various perspectives and opinions are
considered as part of the update effort.
USER GROUPS
Individuals who are regular code users and
development process participants were invited to
participate in small group listening sessions at the
beginning of the project. By engaging in discussions
with civic leaders, property owners, developers, real
estate professionals, residents, and others, these
listening sessions provided the consultant team with
a first-hand account of the views of groups directly
affected by the city’s zoning regulations.
GENERAL PUBLIC
During the comprehensive plan update and other
planning efforts, the general public has been
engaged and asked to participate in a variety of
ways. As a plan implementation exercise, the zoning
code update project demands more targeted and
focused participation. Still, it is essential that the
general public be informed about the project and
engaged at key points in the update effort.
The city’s website will serve as a key portal for
sharing information about the project, including
the posting of documents and announcements
regarding meetings and events (www.hastingsmn.
gov). Once draft code provisions are ready for
review, city staff and the consultants will conduct
meetings to introduce the public review draft and
solicit input on the updated code and zoning map.
CITY COUNCIL
The city council will receive regular project updates
from staff and, as with any amendment to the city
code, will have final decision-making authority in the
process leading to adoption of the new zoning code
and map.
CONSULTANTS AND STAFF
The city has retained a team of zoning specialists
who will work closely with city staff to prepare an
initial draft of the new zoning code.
Work Plan
The project work plan is summarized on the
preceding page. The project is expected to run until
second quarter of 2025.
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 20242
HASTINGS 2040
COMPREHENSIVE PLAND
R
A
F
T
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 2024 3
The 2040 comprehensive plan establishes
a framework for guiding physical, social, and
economic change. Among other things, it is
intended to help guide the city’s future growth
and development and enhance the relationship
between different types of land uses. Each chapter
of the plan provides background and context and
presents a series of guiding principles to shape
city policies and initiatives. Throughout the plan,
a series of goals and objectives are defined,
identifying actions and policy direction that will help
accomplish established goals. The comprehensive
plan specifically calls for updating the City’s zoning
code for consistency with the guidance in these
topic areas.
The comprehensive plan is organized around
eight planning topics that provide a citywide policy
framework:
1. Land Use
2. Transportation
3. Community Design
4. Economic Competitiveness
5. Housing
6. Heritage Preservation
7. Parks, Open Space, and Trails
8. Water Resources
Minnesota communities must ensure that zoning
and development regulations are aligned with
their comprehensive plans. This section includes a
summary table of key plan principles and strategies
that must be addressed in the zoning code update
in order to be consistent with the comprehensive
plan.
Key Goals and Objectives
Goals and objectives for each topic area are
outlined within the plan, with a single goal or
objective overlapping multiple topics. The following
summarizes the four big ideas of the 2040
Comprehensive Plan related to the zoning code
update:
PRESERVE SMALL TOWN CHARACTER
This objective in the comprehensive plan is not
directed towards avoiding change; indeed, the
comprehensive plan recognizes that the city must
continue to evolve to maintain population and a
high quality of life. However, any change should
respect the small town feel of Hastings, meaning
zoning should guide new infill development to fit
with the context of the city’s existing neighborhoods
and locate new more intensive development in
appropriate areas of the city.
The comprehensive plan discusses the need
to maintain the edge of Hastings as a clear line
between the urban area of the city and the rural
surroundings. In terms of zoning, the regulations for
new development should maintain that concept by
directing new development with clear standards for
streets, blocks, open space, and a mix of housing
and other uses.
Compact, walkable development, consistent with
the area of Original Hastings, is repeated multiple
times throughout the comprehensive plan. The
zoning update will reinforce this concept through
standards that focus on building scale and massing,
oriented to the public space of the street.
ENHANCE HASTINGS ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS
Zoning can help maintain or enhance economic
competitiveness in multiple ways. First, maintaining
population and providing housing for people
The Plan
In late December 2020, the City of Hastings adopted an updated comprehensive plan. The plan provides the
fundamental foundation for the rezoning update and identifies several specific, zoning-related actions that
will help set the community’s vision into motion.
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 20244
Contents
4-39
FUTURE LAND USE MAPHastings 2040 Comprehensive Plan
0 1,500 3,000750Feet
Current City Limits
Floodplain & Wetland ProtectionAgriculture
Low Density ResidentialMedium Density Residential
High Density Residential
Mixed Use
Commercial
Industrial & UtilityInstitutional
ParksUpland Conservation Area
Golf Course
Forecasted Residential Growth Areas
New Low Density Residential GrowthNew Medium Density Residential Growth
New High Density Residential GrowthMixed Use Redevelopment
Upper Story Redvelopment (Commercial on Ground Floor)
Low Density 3-6 Units Per AcreMedium Density 8-20 Units Per AcreHigh Density 20-30 Units Per AcreMixed Use 10-30 Units Per Acre
Residential Density Ranges
supports local businesses and reinforces downtown.
Ensuring that the zoning update allows for a diverse
mix of housing supports this concept.
Second, providing a mix of commercial or mixed-use
zones that cluster appropriate uses into nodes or
districts around the city enhances the sustainability
of businesses in those districts.
And, third, maintaining well-located industrial and
business park locations within the city ensures the
potential for employment uses to be located within
the city, close to housing and services.
PROTECT NEIGHBORHOODS & THE DOWNTOWN
Related to preserving the small town character is
the goal of protecting existing places the community
cares deeply about, including their neighborhoods
and the downtown. As mentioned above, any new
infill that might occur within these existing areas
should be context-sensitive, guiding building design
to fit within the area, while allowing Hastings to
grow.
PROTECT AND ENHANCE NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS
The city’s floodplain and wetland regulations already
establishes a system for protecting the Mississippi
and Vermillion Rivers and their surrounding lakes
and natural areas.
In terms of the zoning update, the regulations
should protect or enhance elements of the natural
environment. Such practices as sustainable
design practices, maintaining tree canopies and
landscaping, adding street trees, and addressing
steep slopes can be managed in the code.
The larger concept outlined by the comprehensive
plan, however, is to preserve the surrounding
landscapes by directing growth into the city. This
translates to balancing infill and redevelopment
within the city while still protecting the small town
character of Hastings.
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 2024 5
Contents
Relevant Implementation Actions from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
LAND USE
• Update the zoning for consistency with the Future Land Use Plan map, supporting a mix of land uses
throughout the city.
• Support contiguous growth and infill within the existing community in a compact, context-sensitive
manner, while preserving the distinction between urban and rural areas.
• Continue to support the development of a mix of housing types, including detached houses,
twinhouses, townhomes, apartment units, and senior housing, especially in new neighborhoods.
• Include parks and small commercial areas within new neighborhoods within a walkable, bikeable
traditional neighborhood designs.
• Preserve locations for higher density residential development in support of more affordable housing,
while utilizing the site plan review process to ensure the developments are pleasing and complement
the site. Reduce minimum lot area requirements.
• Preserve the urban design pattern in the downtown with a mix of ground story retail and upper level
residential uses in the core, surrounded by multiple family housing as a transition to surrounding
neighborhoods, consistent with the Heart of Hastings Master Plan.
• Support the redevelopment of the Vermillion Street Corridor consistent with the Vermillion Street
Corridor Study and as an “Activity Center” of intensified development.
• Promote infill and reinvestment in the central neighborhoods consistent with the context of the
traditional neighborhoods and their established form outlined in the Original Hastings Design
Standards.
• Protect prime farmland by such practices as zoning prime agricultural land for no more than 1 house
per 40 acres or by cluster housing.
• Preserve, incorporate, and connect natural areas in the city such as steep slopes, significant
vegetation, and water resources in the design of new development.
• Provide criteria for typical elements of incompatible land uses, such as traffic, hours of operation,
building design, and landscape buffering.
• Create a district consistent with the business park category of the land use plan.
• Encourage fuel/charging stations for low emissions vehicles.
• Promote solar access and the use of solar energy.
TRANSPORTATION
• Support connected, walkable and bikeable local streets to encourage slow traffic. Require sidewalks
and streetscape on new developments.
• Encourage the development of rear building facades adjacent to Levee Park and other connections
between the marina and downtown.
The following table summarizes some of the key goals and objectives outlined in the comprehensive plan
related to the zoning update:
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 20246
Contents
June 2003
A Plan for the Heart of Hastings
Improving on the OriginalImproving on the Original
A Plan for the Heart of Hastings
Prepared for: Hastings Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Prepared by: Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. with Claybaugh Preservation Architecture Inc. Bonz/REA WSB and Associates, Inc. MMC Associates IBI Group
PIN
E
S
T
.
June 2003
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 2024 7
Contents
Relevant Implementation Actions from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
COMMUNITY DESIGN
• Use land development regulations to preserve, highlight, and interpret the unique cultural history and
natural environment and define key exterior architectural components.
• Design new neighborhoods to reflect the best qualities of the traditional neighborhoods of the city
with a diversity of housing types.
• Maintain the traditional urban character of established neighborhoods.
• Encourage new neighborhoods to enhance and maintain trees and other landscape.
• Improve the appearance of major corridors through site planning; Vermillion Street plan is a “good
example.”
• Incorporate parks and interconnected greenways through neighborhoods and commercial districts.
• Protect the scale of residential neighborhoods, while becoming more urban along Vermillion and
along Hwy 55.
• New development along major corridors should be reviewed for key design elements, including
landscape, building location, lighting, signs, parking lots, and streetscaping to ensure it relates to scale,
massing, and materials on the corridor.
• Ensure pedestrian access between businesses, neighborhoods, and corridors and that development is
at a pedestrian scale.
• Carry forward design aspects of the city’s traditional neighborhoods, including narrow lots, shallow
front setbacks, continuous sidewalks, street trees, recessed garages, interconnected streets.
• Create context-sensitive regulations to encourage infill in existing neighborhoods, whether single-unit
or multi-unit, to share design elements. Reduce nonconforming structure characteristics as well.
• Identify existing neighborhood locations in existing diversity of use to accommodate neighborhood-
scale mixed-use.
• In commercial districts (downtown and along Vermillion Street), establish design standards for mixed-
use, pedestrian-oriented development, including building placement, entrances close to the sidewalk,
parking in the rear or side (not in front), screening of parking, building height and massing compatible
with the context, other streetscape elements.
• Support larger-scaled mixed-use development along Hwy 55 and other newer commercial areas,
incorporating strategies such as “liner” buildings along the street, reoriented buildings to new internal
streets, and introducing housing and public space.
• Discourage large housing projects that consist of a single building type; provide a diversity of types
and apply design standards such as pitched roofs, articulated facades, visible entrances, porches,
balconies, 3-4 stories, defined outdoor spaces, and parking in the rear.
ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS
• Maintain an inventory of business and industrial sites with transportation access.
• Implement the Vermillion Street Corridor Study.
• Celebrate Hastings’ sense of place.
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 20248
Contents
Relevant Implementation Actions from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
HOUSING
• Remove barriers to aging in place for existing and new development.
• Increase the amount of housing designs for and affordable for multi-generational living.
• Support zoning standards for a variety of housing types.
• Allow for the design of neighborhoods that integrate a range of housing types, densities, and costs,
consistent with the character and vision of the city.
• Promote the preservation and maintenance of existing housing stock.
• Encourage infill development in existing residential areas.
• Continue to emphasize downtown as a residential neighborhood with housing above commercial.
• Pursue redevelopment projects to provide higher density housing within close proximity to the
downtown.
• Evaluate zoning code revisions to allow accessory apartments, mother-in-law apartments, granny flats,
or other alternative housing forms.
• Evaluate vacant land areas for potential zoning for high and medium density housing.
• Focus on resiliency by using compact and connected development to reduce auto-dependency, solar
energy, energy use reductions.
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 2024 9
Contents
Recommendations
The following pages present broadly framed observations and preliminary recommendations for updates to
the city’s zoning code (Chapter 155 of the Hastings municipal code). These recommendations are intended to
serve as the starting point for discussion before beginning work on the update. Recommendations can and
will be revised and tailored in response to local reviews and issues encountered as the project proceeds. It is
important to point out that any shortcomings stated or implied are not intended to reflect poorly on previous
authors or upon public officials and staff charged with administering them. The types of issues identified here
are commonplace, as land use and planning policies evolve and as regulations are incrementally revised in
response to ever-emerging issues.
1. Create Context-Sensitive Neighborhood Zoning
The previous section of this report, “The Plan,”
outlines the recommendations in the comprehensive
plan related to zoning and highlights key principles
to address as part of the zoning code update.
Throughout the comprehensive plan, diversity of
housing is called for throughout the community, and
the importance of context-sensitive design is also
repeatedly expressed.
Many of the city’s current residential zoning districts
allow for a multiple units of housing, with the
exception of the R-1 and R-1L zones designated to
mainly allow low-density housing. The other R zones
allow for a range of single-family, 2-family and multi-
family housing, with the R-2 zone accommodating
a smaller minimum lot size for single-family houses
than the R-1 and R-1L zones.
While the R-2 zone has been used in new suburban-
style developments in order to achieve more
compact development, the original intent of the
R-2 was to serve the traditional neighborhoods
in Original Hastings. In fact, the Original Hastings
Design Standards (OHDS) are incorporated within
the zoning code’s R-2 district provisions.
See item 14 for a description of proposed zoning
districts and their contexts.
To better align with the 2040 comprehensive plan,
the updated zoning regulations should clearly
accommodate a wider range of housing options in
zoning districts that address the different existing
and desired context areas of the city as follows:
• Focusing on building scale and design-based
regulations as the chief controls on multi-unit
residential buildings;
• Allowing small-scale, multi-unit residential
buildings in more locations/districts, including as
a transition between low-density residential and
higher intensity areas;
• Adjusting minimum lot area requirements,
as needed, to address lawfully created
(nonconforming) lots.
• Adding design standards to new neighborhood
developments to recess garages and add front
porches along with streetscape.
• Allowing accessory dwelling units in appropriate
neighborhoods (see recommendation item 6:
Address Accessory Uses and Structures).
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 202410
Contents
TABLE 3.1-1. PRINCIPAL USE TABLE
USE CATEGORY DISTRICTS
Re
f
e
r
e
n
c
e
Use Subcategory
A
DX
1
DX
2
DX
R
MX
1
MX
2
MX
3
RX
1
RX
2
CX
EX
I1
I2
N1
,
N
2
,
N
3
,
N
4
,
N
5
NX
1
NX
2
,
N
X
2
a
NX
3
NM
P1 P2
Specific Use Type
Stable 4 –––––––––––––––––––
Veterinary 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 –––––––3.5.2
Assembly and Entertainment
Small –4 4 4 0 4 4 0 4 4 4 ––––0 0 ––0 3.4.3
Large –4 4 4 –4 4 –4 4 4 –––––0 ––0 3.4.3
Broadcast or Recording Studio –4 4 ––8 4 –4 4 4 4 4 ––––––4 3.5.4
Business or Trade School –4 4 4 8 8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 –––––––3.5.5
Commercial Service
Consumer Maintenance and Repair –4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 –––––––––3.5.6
Personal Service –4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 –––––––––3.5.6
Studio or Instructional Service –4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 –––––––3.5.6
Day Care –4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 –––––––––3.5.7
Day Services, Adult –4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 –––––––––3.5.8
Eating and Drinking Places
Restaurant –4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 –––––––––3.5.9
Bar –0*0*0*–0*0*––0*0*–––––––––3.5.9
Financial Service (except as below)–4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 –––––––––3.5.10
Check Cashing ––––––4 ––4 ––––––––––3.5.10
Pawnshop ––––––4 ––4 ––––––––––3.5.10
Delayed Deposit Service ––––––4 ––4 ––––––––––3.5.10
Bail Bonds ––––––4 ––4 ––––––––––3.5.10
Funeral or Mortuary Service –––––––4 –4 4 4 4 –––––––3.5.11
Lodging
Bed & Breakfast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 –––0 0 0 0 –––3.5.12
Hotel/Motel –4 4 4 –8 4 4 4 4 4 –––––––––3.5.12
Short-Term Rental 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 –––0 0 0 0 –––3.5.12
Office
Business or Professional –4 4 4 8 8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ––––––4 3.5.13
Medical –4 4 4 8 8 4 4 4 4 4 ––––––––4 3.5.13
Parking, Non-accessory –0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*4 4 –––––0*0*3.5.14
Retail Sales
Limited –4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ––––––––––3.5.15
General –4 4 4 –4 4 ––4 ––––––––––3.5.15
Large-Format –4 0 ––––––4 ––––––––––3.5.15
KeY: 4=permitted by right | 8=permitted on upper floors only | 0=requires conditional use approval | *supplemental use regulations apply | –=prohibited
w=permitted by right where district includes “-2” extension | r=permitted by right where district includes “-4” extension
134-3-4
DRAFT134-3. USeS
Principal Uses
DRAFT July 26, 2017
Sample Use Table
2. Refine and Codify Design Standards
The intent behind the Original Hastings Design
Standards (OHDS) is to ensure that new infill and
redevelopment fits within the context of the older,
traditional areas of the city. While the intent of the
standards rings true, the actual standards could
be clarified for more predictable results. To the
maximum extent possible, these new regulations
should consist of objective, measurable criteria,
thereby enabling a determination of compliance
through an efficient, administrative site plan review
process.
The OHDS should be translated into a set of clear
regulations for single- and multi-unit infill housing
within the Original Hastings neighborhood via a
house typology.
The architectural standards within the current
code mainly focus on building materials should
be updated to list modern materials and simplified
facade design. The materials requirements
should be refined based upon built results, and
additional objective architectural standards can be
applied where appropriate. The applicability of the
architectural standards should be clearly outlined,
including how minor and major building renovations
and additions are handled.
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 2024 11
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3. Use Clear, Objective Standards within the Commercial Zones
The city’s current zoning regulations for the
commercial districts, the C zones, do not currently
include any building siting or height standards.
These building requirements are established during
the site plan review process.
To the extent possible, the city’s updated regulations
should make greater use of clear, objective
development regulations, which will, in turn, enable
more efficient staff-level review and decision-
making and a more predictable framework for
approval of projects that meet the city’s defined
objectives for high-quality development. After all, an
efficient, transparent development approval process
is one of the best economic development incentives
a city can offer.
4. Incorporate the Vermillion Street Corridor Overlay
The Vermillion Street Corridor Study is referenced
multiple times throughout the comprehensive plan
as both an excellent example of a corridor study and
a tool to use for redevelopment of the corridor. The
Vermillion Street Overlay within the existing zoning
code is very basic, mainly listing special permit
uses and prohibited uses. During site plan review,
projects within the overlay requires the maintenance
of existing buildings to utilize the Original Hastings
Design Guidelines.
Objective standards will be written, using the
Vermillion Street Corridor Study and the Original
Hastings Design Guidelines as a framework. Further,
the new regulations should consider the subareas
defined within the Vermillion Street Corridor Study,
establishing context-sensitive zones for each
subarea.
5. Update Employment Zones
Across the country, municipalities are updating
their industrial and business park zones to ensure
the maintenance of places for manufacturing and
related businesses. With two industrial zones
mapped in distinct locations within the city, minor
updates are anticipated to these zones, mainly
focusing on preserving the zones for appropriate
uses and ensuring outdoor storage is managed. As
the planning process rolls out on the westside of
town along the Highway 55 corridor, a new zone or
modifications to existing zones will occur to ensure
the appropriate tools are in place.
6. Modernize Use Regulations
Hastings’ current zoning code lists many residential,
business, civic/institutional and other uses that
may—or may not—be allowed in one zoning district
or another. These “use regulations” and the way
in which principal uses are classified and defined
should be updated.
The current code’s use typology could be simplified
and collapsed into a more concise and logical use
classification system that includes just a few dozen
broad land use categories. This change would
modernize an outmoded system and allow the city
to better respond to economic and business cycle
changes.
In addition to updating the way in which land uses
are classified, the new zoning code should present
use regulations in tabular format, rather than the
current practice of including long lists of allowed
uses within the pages of each zoning district. A
single use table will be easier to understand and,
importantly, much easier to keep up-to-date and
accurate as use regulations are amended in the
future.
7. Address Accessory Uses and
Structures
While modernizing the principal use regulations is
surely important, much of the day-to-day work of
zoning administration involves accessory uses and
structures. In zoning parlance, accessory uses and
structures are typically characterized as activities
or structures that are subordinate and incidental to
the principal use or building on the property and
that are customarily found in association with such
principal use or structure. As such, accessory use
and structure regulations are very important for
residents as they seek to understand applicable
regulations governing structures such as fences,
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 202412
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decks, sheds, docks, garages, and play equipment
and activities such as home-based work, accessory
apartments, and short-term rentals.
The city’s current accessory use and structure
regulations are scattered throughout various
sections of the zoning code. As part of the update,
all accessory use and structure regulations should
be consolidated, and modified as necessary to
address known issues. Specifically, as part of the
update, the consultant team will work with staff to
update the accessory structures in terms of the
number allowed and their contribution to overall
lot coverage. Fence heights will also be reviewed,
specifically as they relate to corner lots.
In accordance with the housing recommendations
of the comprehensive plan, we will also offer new
accessory dwelling unit (ADU) zoning provisions to
be considered for inclusion in the updated zoning
code.
8. Revamp “Planned Unit Development” Provisions
The state’s enabling legislation allows for PUD
(planned unit development) district regulations
that provide flexibility by allowing prospective
developers to essentially propose their own zoning
and development standards, subject to consistency
with the comprehensive plan and review and
approval by the city council.
The theory behind the PUD zoning tool is that
it can be used to accommodate development
that would be difficult or impossible to carry out
under otherwise applicable zoning regulations.
The process of establishing PUD zoning involves
more upfront planning and public involvement
than does a standard rezoning. While PUD-style
zoning provisions are found in most older zoning
regulations, communities are increasingly moving
away from this type of open-ended, unpredictable
approach and towards large-scale development
regulations that offer greater certainty for property
owners and the community as a whole.
The updated zoning regulations should include
a revamped version of the PUD tool that will
retain needed flexibility, while at the same time
ensuring that large-scale redevelopments result in
an overall system of walkable streets and blocks,
smaller-scaled open spaces, and a mix of uses and
building forms. The existing Planned Residential
Development (PRD) regulations and the cluster
development allowance located within many zones
will be incorporated as well as a mixed-use version
of the PUD. The process for approval of such
large-scale developments will require approval
of an overall (concept) plan to more detailed final
development plans when individual phases of the
project are carried out.
9. Consolidate and Update Landscape Regulations
The city’s landscape buffer and tree regulations in
Section 155.53 will be reorganized and updated to
include reasonable landscaping requirements for
both small and large sites. These regulations should
reflect plan goals for walkable streets and mixed-
use development patterns to more clearly state
expectations for on site landscape and right-of-way
streetscape treatments. The updated regulations
should acknowledge a variety of site conditions and
constraints and allow for administrative flexibility.
Additionally, the regulations will update and codify
the tree preservation policy currently in place.
10. Clarify Sign Regulations
Hastings’ sign regulations appear to be
comprehensive in nature and have recently been
updated to follow a content-neutral approach,
consistent with established law. The existing
regulations will be reorganized and updated
as necessary to provide greater clarity, but few
substantive modifications are anticipated at this
time.
11. Rethink Parking Requirements
The zoning code update process will provide an
opportunity to review the city’s parking needs and
suggest options to modernize and “right-size” the
standards to fit Hastings’ current needs. Reducing
existing minimum parking requirements could
offer several advantages, including reduction of
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 2024 13
Contents
hard-surfaced areas, more efficient stormwater
management, and better control over the “urban
heat island” effect. Lowering the amount of area
devoted to surface parking can also reap community
appearance benefits and improve safety, comfort
and access for non-motorized travelers.
Other parking-related changes that may be
considered include:
• Requiring greater provision of bicycle parking,
including short-term (visitor) spaces and long-
term (tenant/employee) spaces;
• Allowing greater flexibility for meeting parking
and transportation access demands;
• Expressly allowing the use of pervious paving
materials and bioretention areas within parking
lots;
• Requiring parking (and charging stations) for
electric vehicles within large parking lots; and
• Adding vehicle stacking (and escape lane)
requirements for drive-through uses.
12. Consolidate Administrative and
Procedural Provisions
The zoning code update project will present
multiple opportunities to reformat information in a
more understandable and easy-to-follow manner.
For, example, many administrative and procedural
provisions related to the zoning board of adjustment
and appeals and the planning commission are
currently located outside of the zoning code. These
provisions should be removed from Chapter 30 of
the municipal code and consolidated into a single
article of the new zoning code (Chapter 155). Moving
the variance and special use provisions (to become
“conditional use” provisions) to the zoning code’s
procedures article will make the regulations easier
to use and understand and help ensure efficiency
and consistency in zoning administration.
13. Avoid Creating Nonconformities
and Reduce Need for Variances
In zoning parlance, “nonconformities” are uses,
lots, and structures that were established in
compliance with regulations in effect at the time
of establishment, but that no longer comply
with zoning regulations because the rules were
changed—or were first instituted—after such
situations were established. Nonconforming status
could be related to virtually anything now addressed
by current controls, including failure to meet current
use, lot size (area or width), building setback or
building height regulations.
Nonconforming status can sometimes result in
regulatory or procedural hassles for property
owners. As part of the zoning code update, care
should be taken to ensure that new or modified
regulations do not create needless nonconformities
or pose a significant stumbling block to context-
appropriate redevelopment activities in the city.
Similarly, consideration should be given to revising
existing zoning regulations that are repeatedly
waived or modified through the zoning variance
process since commonly approved zoning variances
can be a signal of regulations that do not match on-
the-ground conditions or community values.
14. Promote Sustainability and Resiliency
The zoning code update project offers an
opportunity to advance sustainability and
environmental resiliency goals from the
comprehensive plan. The updated regulations
should accommodate and promote sustainable
development practices through the removal of
unintended barriers and the inclusion of appropriate
regulations and incentives that address such issues
as:
• The use of renewable energy sources;
• Promotion of green development practices,
including low-impact infrastructure solutions;
• Zoning for community gardens and farmers
markets and other forms of urban agriculture;
• Connectivity and walkability; and
• Continued protection of flood-prone areas and
sensitive natural resources.
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 202414
Contents
Current Chapter 155 Zoning
General Provisions
155.01 Establishment of Districts; Official Zoning
Map
155.02 Definitions
155.03 Generally
155.04 Rules for Interpretation of District
Boundaries
155.05 Application of District Regulations
155.06 Nonconforming Lots, Uses of Land,
Structures, Uses of Structures and Premises,
Characteristics of Use
155.07 Special Provisions
155.08 Signs
155.09 Parking and Loading Requirements
155.10 Small Wireless Facilities and Wireless
Support Structures in Right of Way
Districts
155.20 Generally
155.21 A Agriculture
155.22 R-1 Low Density Residence
155.22.5 R-1L Low Density Residence Large Lot
155.23 R-2 Medium Density Residence
155.24 R-3 Medium High Density Residence
155.25 R-4 High Density Residence
155.26 RMU Residential Mixed Use
155.27 R-6 Manufactured Home Residence
155.28 C-1 General Commerce
155.29 C-2 Highway Auto Sales and Service
155.30 C-3 Community Regional Commerce
155.31 DC Downtown Core
155.32 C-4 Regional Shoppping Center
155.33 O-1 General Office
155.34 I-1 Industrial Park
155.35 I-2 Industrial Park Storage/Service
155.36 PI Public Institution
155.37 VSO Vermillion Street Overlay
Current Chapter 155 Zoning
Supplemental Regulations
155.50 Residential District Lot Regulations
155.51 Site Plan Review Procedure
155.52 Architectural Standards
155.53 Landscape Standards
155.53.5 Exterior Lighting Standards
155.54 Administration and Enforcement
155.55 Construction and Use to be as Proved in
Applications , Plans,and Permits
155.56 Amendments
155.57 Provisions Declared to be Minimum
Requirements
155.58 Complaints Regarding Violations
155.59 Fees
155.98 Violations
PROPOSED Chapter 155 Zoning
155.010 Introductory Language
155.020 Residential Zones
155.030 Mixed-Use and Commercial Zones
155.040 Special Zones
155.050 Principal Uses
155.060 Accessory Uses and Structures
155.070 Building Design
155.080 Landscape and Site Design
155.090 Parking
155.100 Signs
155.110 Administration and Enforcement
155.120 Procedures
155.130 Nonconformities
155.140 Measurements & Definitions
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 2024 15
Contents
Code Structure
The city’s current zoning are codified in Chapter 155 of the Hastings municipal code. One important goal
for the zoning code update project is to ensure that the city’s updated regulations are easier to use and
understand than their present-day counterparts. Substantive regulations should be clear, comprehensive
and internally consistent. Administrative and procedural provisions should be streamlined, consistent and
easy to understand. The regulations should be logically organized, well-formatted and easy to use. The
following outlines a preliminary recommendation for reorganizing and structuring the new code. The purpose
of this recommendation is to introduce a proposed new code structure with which to begin the drafting
process. This recommended structure will be revised and tailored in response to local reviews and issues
encountered as the project proceeds.
15. Reorganize
As is true of most older codes, the way in which
information is organized and presented in the
current code could be improved to promote
easier navigation and better understanding. Many
important provisions, particularly in the zoning
code, are obscured by placement in sections with
very general titles. The zoning code’s “General
Provisions” section, for example, contains multiple
“buried” sections dealing with important zoning
topics, such as accessory uses and structures,
parking, and nonconformities…to name a few.
Likewise, “Supplemental Regulations” section
contains the residential lot regulations table,
landscape standards, and the site plan review
procedure.
See “Proposed Chapter 155 Zoning” table on
the previous page for a recommended code
organization. The proposed numbering shown
would allow for new sections to be added in
between. Within each section, items will be number
to match the current structure as follows:
Section 155.010
155.010.A
155.010.A.1
155.010.A.1.a
155.010.A.1.a(1)
The goal is to avoid sections such as “special
provisions” or “general regulations” in order to more
quickly locate items within the table of contents.
For example, items such as solar panels and home
occupations, which are accessory structures and
uses respectively, would be located in the accessory
uses and structures section.
16. Include Tables and Illustrations
The existing regulations contain very few tables and
lack explanatory graphics or illustrations. Presenting
key regulations in tables can help eliminate
repetition, as well as the types of inconsistencies
and internal conflicts that can occur when the same
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 202416
Contents
regulations are restated in multiple sections of a
code.
The new regulations should also include illustrations
and graphics—instead of just long passages of
text—to help convey the meaning of regulatory
concepts.
17. Update Format and Layout
Modern zoning codes use distinct, variable-size
typefaces for section and subsection headings,
with indented or “nested” text to help indicate the
hierarchical nature of code sections, subsections
and paragraphs. Graphics and illustrations should be
used to enhance the document’s visual appearance
and improve its readability. In many cases, the
graphics will be keyed to requirements in tables.
For the review process, the zoning code will be
exported into PDF format, with page headers and
footers and digitally linked references to allow for
easier navigation.
18. Rename & Add Zones
The tables on the following page outline a proposed
approach to developing new context-sensitive
zones for Hastings.
The zoning update also provides a unique
opportunity to update the naming protocol for
zones. The following outlines a naming protocol
with clear identifiers to not only help for rezonings,
but provides a quick identifier for the general intent
for the zone. Especially where the requirements
for a zoning district change significantly, it can be
confusing to retain existing names.
The proposed zones introduces or replaces old
zones as follows:
• Introduces a new small lot suburban zone (R-S3)
for use in new development locations where R-2
was previously used.
z
z
z
z
z
z
Preapplication Meeting
Application Filing
(with Zoning Administrator)
Staff Review/Recommendation
Planning Commission
Review and Recommendation
CityCouncil
Hearing and Final Decision
Neighbor Communications
Approve Deny
Flowcharts, such as the sample presented above,
will be used to summarize the development review
procedures.
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 2024 17
Contents
Existing Zones
KEY NAME
A Agriculture
R-1 Low Density Residence
R-1L Low Density Residence Large Lot
R-2 Medium Density Residence
R-3 Medium High Density Residence
R-4 High Density Residence
RMU Residential Mixed Use
R-6 Manufactured Home Residence
C-1 General Commerce
C-2 Highway Auto Sales and Service
C-3 Community Regional Commerce
DC Downtown Core
C-4 Regional Shopping Center
O-1 General Office
I-1 Industrial Park
I-2 Industrial Park Storage/Service
PI Public Institution
VSO Vermillion Street Overlay
Preliminary Proposed Zones
KEY NAME Generally Replaces:
A Agriculture --
R-S1 Suburban Residential, Large Lot R-1L
R-S2 Suburban Residential, Medium Lot R-1
R-S3 Suburban Residential, Small Lot R-2
R-T Traditional Residential R-2
RX-N Residential Mix- Neighborhood R-3
RX-C Residential Mix- Corridor R-4
R-MH Manufactured Home Residence R-6
MX-D Mixed-Use Downtown DC
MX-N Mixed-Use Neighborhood [may not need
based on mapping]
MX-C Mixed-Use Corridor C-1, C-3
CX Commercial Mix C-2, C-3
GX-C General Mix - Corridor Scale O-1
GX-N General Mix - Neighborhood Scale RMU [may not need
based on mapping]
I1 Industrial Park --
I2 Industrial Park Storage/Service --
P1 Parks & Open Space PI
P2 Public & Institutional PI
BUILDING FORM/USE IDENTIFIER
R = Residential, mainly detached house
neighborhoods
RX = Residential Mix, allowing a mix of mostly multi-
unit and attached housing types
MX = Mixed-Use, vertically mixed with a required
storefront base (usually retail, restaurant, service
focused ground story)
CX = Commercial Mix, single-use, larger-scale
or auto-focused uses and buildings (big box,
automotive, car sales)
GX = General Mix, allowing residential, offices,
services on all floors, usually with an allowance for
limited retail and restaurant uses
GEOGRAPHIC IDENTIFIER (dash (“-”) after building form-use identifier)
-S = Suburban, intended for use outside the Original
Hastings core
-T = Traditional, intended for use in the Original
Hastings core and any new locations intended to
replicate that form
-D = Downtown specific
-N = Neighborhood Context, lower in height
-C = Corridor Context, including developments
larger in scale than the neighborhood context and
located proximate to a major corridor through the
city (Highway 55 or Vermillion St. (61))
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 202418
Contents
3-7CITY OF HOPKINS MNEffective July 28, 2022
Article 3 Mixed-Use Zones 102-360 Storefront Building Type
102-360 Storefront Building Type
102-360 (a) DESCRIPTION AND INTENTThe Storefront building type is intended for use in the downtown, along corridors, and at neighborhood nodes, accommodating shopping, services, and eating establishments in a mixed-use building. Oriented to the street with narrow or no side setbacks, this building type is highly accessible to the pedestrian. Ground story storefront glass, entrances along the sidewalk, and windows in upper stories facing the street make these buildings interesting and inviting to pedestrians. Parking, where provided, is located mainly in the rear yard.
102-360 (b) ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGESThe images shown in Figure 360-A are intended to illustrate the general character of the building type. Many of the buildings and sites in each image predate these regulations and may not meet all building type regulations.
102-360 (c) BUILDING REGULATIONSThe following tables and illustrations regulate this specific building type. See 102-350 for general regulations for all building types. See Article 16 for definitions and measuring table regulations.
Figure 360-A. Examples of Storefront Building Type
Storefront BuildingStorefront Building
Allowable Building Area
KEY
Setback Zone
Porch Encroachment AreaLot Line
Building Setback Line
KEY
Potential Building FootprintParking Location
Attached Parking Allowed
Lot LineParking Setback Line
Major Accessory Structures & UsesMajor Accessory Structures & Uses
Allowable Building Area
KEY
Setback ZonePorch Encroachment Area
Lot LineBuilding Setback Line
KEY Potential Building Footprint
Parking Location
Attached Parking AllowedLot Line
Parking Setback Line
Major Accessory Structures & UsesMajor Accessory Structures & Uses
3-8 Development CodeCITY OF HOPKINS MN
Article 3 Mixed-Use Zones 102-360 Storefront Building Type
ZONES
Additional/ReferencesMX-TOD MX-D MX-N MX-S120-360 (d) BUILDING SITING. See Figure 360-B
qq Front Streetwall 90% min� 75% min� 50% min�75% min� See courtyard, outdoor dining allowances per 102-360 (i)� Minimum pedestrian area required per 102-350 (f)�Through-lots addressed per 102-360 (i)�(2)�See 102-1620 (f) for measuring and allowed encroachments into setbacks�
ww Front Street Setback 0 ft� min� 15 ft� max�0 ft� 5 ft� max�0 ft� min� 15 ft� max�7�5 ft� min� 25 ft� max�
ee Non-Front Street Setbacks 0 ft� min�15 ft� max�0 ft� min�15 ft� max�0 ft� min�15 ft� max�5 ft� min�20 ft� max�
rr Side Setback 0 ft� min�0 ft� min�0 ft� min�; 5 ft� abutting different existing building type
5 ft� min� See 102-1620 (f) for measuring and allowed encroachments into setbacksBuffer required adjacent to N zones per 102-360 (i)�(3)tt Rear Setback 0 min� at 20-ft� wide alley; 10 ft� min�
10 ft� min� at alley; 20 ft� min�
10 ft� min� at alley; 20 ft� min�
20 ft� min�
yy Impervious Site Coverage Additional Semi-Pervious Coverage 85% max�+15%85% max�+15% 85% max�+15% 75% max�+20%See 102-1620 (g) for measuring site coverage�
Figure 360-B. Storefront Building Siting
tt tt
ee ee
rr
rr
qq qqww wwFront StreetFront StreetFront StreetFront Street
Non
-
F
r
o
n
t
S
t
r
e
e
t
Non
-
F
r
o
n
t
S
t
r
e
e
t
Non
-
F
r
o
n
t
S
t
r
e
e
t
Non
-
F
r
o
n
t
S
t
r
e
e
t
yyyymaximum site maximum site coveragecoverage
3-10 Development CodeCITY OF HOPKINS MN
Article 3 Mixed-Use Zones 102-360 Storefront Building Type
ZONES
Additional/ReferencesMX-TOD MX-D MX-N MX-S120-360 (f) HEIGHT. See Figure 360-D
1!1!Height 3 stories min�10 stories max�2 story min�4 stories max�1 story min�2�5 stories max�
1 story min�4 stories max�See 102-360 (i) for regulations adjacent to N zones�
1#1#Ground Story Height 14 ft� min�18 ft� max�12 ft� min� 15 ft� max�12 ft� min�15 ft� max�14 ft� min�18 ft� max�Measured floor-to-floor� See 102-1620 (f) and 102-1620 (k) for measuring heights and 102-1620 (l) for height exceptions�
See 102-360 (i) for allowed additional height for large format stores�
– 12 ft� min� height with 6 ft� height parapet
14 ft� min� height with 6 ft� height parapetrequired for single story building
1$1$Upper Story Height 9 ft� min�14 ft max�9 ft� min�12 ft max�9 ft� min�12 ft max�9 ft� min�14 ft max�120-360 (g) ROOFS. See Figure 360-D
1%1%Roof Types Flat, Parapet Parapet Parapet, Pitched Flat, Parapet, Pitched See 102-720 for roof types and tower regulationsTowerAllowed – – Allowed
Figure 360-D. Storefront Building Height
1#1#
1$1$
1$1$
1$1$
1$1$
1!1!
1@1@
1%1%
1%1%
2)2)Front StreetFront Street
Allo
w
e
d
Allo
w
e
d
Par
k
i
n
g
i
n
Par
k
i
n
g
i
n
Build
i
n
g
Build
i
n
g
ii
ww
3-11CITY OF HOPKINS MNEffective July 28, 2022
Article 3 Mixed-Use Zones 102-360 Storefront Building Type
Figure 360-E. Storefront Street Facade
ZONES
Additional/ReferencesMX-TOD MX-D MX-N MX-S
120-360 (h) STREET FACADES. See Figure 360-E
1^1^Ground Story Transparency on Front Facades 75% min�65% min�65% min�65% min�See 102-1620 (m) for measuring transparency�Measured between 2 ft� and 10 ft� from sidewalk grade�
No bays or 15 ft� wide sections of any story on a front facade may be without transparency
Ground story transparency must extend min� 20 ft� around the corner down any street-side facades�
1&1&Transparency: Front Upper Stories Non-Front Stories 20% min�12% min�18% min�15% min�18% min�15% min�18% min�15% min�Measured per story, includes any half stories, visible basement, or full floor height towers� See 102-1620 (m) for measuring�
No 15 ft� wide sections of any story on a front facade may be without transparency
1*1*Building Entrance Location One per every 50 feet of front facade See 102-1620 (n) for measuring�
1(1(Entrance Transition Type Storefront Storefront Storefront Storefront See 102-730 for entrance transition types� 2)2)Ground Story Elevation Within 30 inches of sidewalk elevation
2!2!Horizontal Divisions with Shadow Lines Within 3 ft� of the top of any story between the basement and 3rd story, and at any 5th or higher story Horizontal shadow lines to run a min� 80% of length of facade� See 102-16210 for definition and measuring shadow lines�2@2@ Vertical Divisions with Shadow Lines One per every 60 ft� of ground story street facade
One per every 45 ft� of ground story street facade One per every 60 ft� of ground story street facade
1(1(1^1^
1%1%
2)2)
1&1&
2!2!
1*1(1*1(2@2@Front StreetFront Street
typicaltypical upper storyupper story
upper storyupper story
ground storyground story
City of HASTINGS Zoning Code Update | Assessment and Project Direction Report August 22, 2024 19
Contents
• Replaces the Vermillion Street Overlay and the
C-1 through C-4 zones with mixed-use (MX)
zones and general mix (GX) zones
• Splits the public and institutional zone into one
for parks and open spaces (P1), and one for
public and institutional buildings (P2).
19. Use Building Types to Organize Regulations
With the goal of the zones being highly context-
based, identification of a series of building types and
house types can help users understand the intent
of the regulations and increases the predictability of
the built form within the city.
The zoning update can be organized around these
building types providing a simple way of laying out
the code and accessing the information quickly and
easily.
Typically, each residential zone would include one
or more house types, depending on the allowance
of single- and multi-unit housing.
Mixed-use or commercial zones might include
multiple building types, allowing for an acceptable
range of development where each building type
works well adjacent to others allowed in the zone.
Main-street style downtowns such as Hastings’
would typically only include a storefront building to
reinforce the district’s existing character.
Multi-unit developments would also allow a mix
of building types, consistent with the idea of
mixing housing and avoiding a large development
of a single type of housing. The building types
within these zones might include small and large
apartment buildings, townhouses, and small-lot
single-unit and multi-unit detached houses.
House types might have fewer regulations, mainly
focused on building siting, height, and yard
requirements, but also might include garage setback
requirements. Other building types might include
a larger range of regulations, including facade
elements such as a minimum amount of windows
and doors on street facades.
See an example building type layouts on the
following pages.