HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-12-096 - Fischer Hallman Road Urban Design Brief complete.pStaff Report
KJ"fY'HEl\EK Community Services Department www.kitchenerta
REPORT TO: Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee
DATE OF MEETING: June 18, 2012
SUBMITTED BY: Alain Pinard, Director of Planning
PREPARED BY: Heather Holbrook, Senior Planner (Urban Design), 519 -741-
2324
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 5
DATE OF REPORT: June 7, 2012
REPORT NO.: CSD -12 -096
SUBJECT: FISCHER HALLMAN ROAD MIXED USE CORRIDOR
URBAN DESIGN BRIEF AMENDMENT TO THE URBAN
DESIGN MANUAL
RECOMMENDATION:
1. That the City- initiated amendment to Part B of the Urban Design Manual for the
purpose of establishing corridor - specific design guidelines for the Fischer
Hallman Road Mixed Use Corridor, be approved, in the form shown in the attached
"Fischer Hallman Road Mixed Use Corridor Design Brief" attached as Appendix A
to Report CSD -12 -096; and
2. That minor revisions to the Urban Design Manual be approved as attached in
Appendix B to Report CSD -12 -096 and that pagination be adjusted accordingly;
and
3. That the Fischer Hallman Road Mixed Use Corridor Design Brief be presented to
Regional Council and that it be used in the Regional Road Environmental
Assessment process for Fischer Hallman Road south of Bleams Road; and further
4. That staff conduct a financial implications analysis of enhanced streetscape
options for Fischer Hallman Road design improvements (through the Rosenberg
Community) and report back to a Standing Committee and Council prior to any
financial commitments over and above the baseline capital and operating
budgets.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In 2011, Kitchener Council adopted Official Plan Amendment 90: Rosenberg Secondary Plan.
The Secondary Plan establishes a vision for the southwest urban area, including that Fischer
Hallman Road south of Bleams Road act as a "spine" and focal point for this part of the city and
not a barrier. An implementation policy contained in the Secondary Plan identifies the City's
commitment to prepare an Urban Design Brief for a new Mixed Use Corridor along Fischer
Hallman Road. In accordance with this direction, staff prepared an Urban Design Brief for
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inclusion in the City's Urban Design Manual. Staff are also recommending that further work be
initiated to evaluate the implications to the City of enhanced streetscape options prior to the
initiation of the Regional Road Environmental Assessment Process and before any capital or
operating budget commitments are made.
During the preparation of the Design Brief for the Fischer Hallman Mixed Use Corridor, staff also
identified the need to update several outdated auidelines in the Mixed Use Corridor Desian Brief
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BACKGROUND:
This report implements components of Official Plan Amendment 90: the Rosenberg Secondary
Plan which was adopted by Council through the approval of Report CSD -11 -100 in August
2011.
REPORT:
Project Context
Extensive master planning was recently completed for approximately 430 hectares of land in the
southwest urban area of Kitchener, generally along Fischer Hallman Road between Bleams
Road and Huron Road. In August 2011 this culminated in the Council adoption of new land uses
and policies through Official Plan Amendment No. 90 which includes the Rosenberg Secondary
Plan. The Rosenberg Secondary Plan establishes a high level design vision for Fischer Hallman
Road as follows:
"Fischer Hallman Road will function as the spine of the community and will evolve into a
transit supportive mixed use corridor. Residents within the Rosenberg Community will be
provided with a variety of housing, transportation, commercial, recreation and socio-
cultural options. "
An implementation policy in the Secondary Plan (Part 4, Policy 6) identifies that the City will
prepare an Urban Design Brief for the Fischer Hallman Road Mixed Use Corridor ( "Fischer
Hallman Brief") to expand on the above vision. Notwithstanding the status of the Rosenberg
Secondary Plan (currently under appeal), staff have moved forward with this commitment to
complete the work in a timely manner.
The approach to preparing the Fischer Hallman Brief was to provide direction (with flexibility) of
the design objectives and policies contained in the Rosenberg Secondary Plan and Community
Master Plan. The intent is to align the Fischer Hallman Brief with all other interrelated Regional
and City policies and guidelines. The recommended Fischer Hallman Brief was prepared by a
working group that included City (Planning, Transportation, Parks Design &Development) and
Regional staff.
The primary purpose of the design guidelines is two -fold. One aspect is to identify the City's
interest and expectations for streetscape elements in the public realm which could occur
through the pending Regional Environmental Assessment and design for this portion of Fischer
Hallman Road (along with any future municipal works). The other is to provide a comprehensive
blueprint for development applications and zoning of lands adjacent to Fischer Hallman Road.
References and Interrelated Documents
In 2005 Council approved an Urban Design Brief for Mixed Use Corridors. The design brief was
prepared in the context of an extensive public consultation process. This design brief
establishes design guidelines that apply universally to all Mixed Use Corridors and speaks to
the following subject areas: Public Realm, Gateway Features, Built Form, Building Design,
Parking, Transit, Landscape Design, Lighting, Signage and Land Use. In April 2007, Council
approved the Neighbourhood Design Initiative, which included an Urban Design Brief for
Suburban Development and Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres. Both of these Urban Design
Briefs served as references in the preparation of the Fischer Hallman Brief because the Fischer
Hallman Road corridor is the only Mixed Use Corridor in the City that is located in a greenfield
area and not within the built up area. The recommended Fischer Hallman Brief is intended to
be applied together with these interrelated design guidelines contained in the City's Urban
Design Manual.
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Staff incorporated several relevant aspects of some preliminary design work for Fischer Hallman
Road that was prepared by Brooke Mcllory before the Southwest Urban Area Study process
began. Staff also incorporated and further built upon the high level Streetscape Plan for Fischer
Hallman that was prepared in support of the Rosenberg Secondary Plan and was adopted by
City Council in August 2011. The Fischer Hallman Brief also provides a link between the
Secondary Plan policies (such as the Community Design section) and pending
zoning /development applications.
The Regional Transportation Master Plan identifies the subject area of Fischer Hallman Road as
a Regional Cycling Route. The City's Cycling Master Plan identifies the area as a planned on-
road bikeway. The City's Multi -use Pathways and Trails Master Plan identifies this portion of
Fischer Hallman Road as a Primary Route for a Type 1 trail connection. It also identifies
potential primary trail crossing locations across Fischer Hallman Road. The recommended
Fischer Hallman Brief is in line with the direction contained in each of these documents.
In June 2010 Regional Council approved Context Sensitive Regional Transportation Corridor
Design Guidelines. These guidelines classify all Regional Roads by typology. Each typology has
design guidelines which serve as a point of reference in road reconstruction and development
application processes. The subject area of Fischer Hallman Road is classified as a
Neighbourhood Connector- Avenue typology in this document. The recommended Fischer
Hallman Brief aligns with the applicable Regional guidelines.
Design Brief Content
In addition to the overarching design guidelines that apply to all Mixed Use Corridors, the Urban
Design Brief for Mixed Use Corridors also contains a corridor - specific design plan, vision and
guidelines for each of the seven existing Mixed Use Corridors. The recommended Fischer
Hallman Brief is proposed as an addendum to the Mixed Use Corridor Urban Design Brief to
establish a design vision, design plan and design guidelines specific to the Fischer Hallman
Road Mixed Use Corridor.
The recommended Fischer Hallman Brief builds on the vision for Fischer Hallman Road in the
Rosenberg Secondary Plan and elaborates in greater detail about the design characteristics of
the future Mixed Use Corridor. The vision for the Fischer Hallman Road Mixed Use Corridor
reads as follows:
"Fischer Hallman Road Corridor will function as the central spine for the Rosenberg
Community. It will evolve into a transit - supportive corridor consisting of commercial
activity, medium and high density residential, mixed use and office development.
Although Fischer Hallman Road will carry a high volume of vehicles, the needs of
pedestrians, cyclists and transit users will be a high priority, particularly through the
neighbourhood areas of Rosenberg, which will have a different look, character and
reduced traffic speeds.
The entire streetscape of Fischer Hallman will have an overall sense of cohesion but will
have distinguishable urban and natural character areas within it. Intersections which
serve as neighbourhood entrance points will be inviting, attractive and reflect local
neighbourhood character."
All design guidelines contained in the recommended Fischer Hallman Brief stem from this
vision. The design plan identifies Urban and Natural Character Areas. The Urban Character
Areas are intended to accommodate compact development oriented to the street, transit and
public sidewalk. They are envisioned as a walkable environment designed to be comfortable,
safe, interesting and inviting to the pedestrian. This area has detailed design guidelines for both
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residential and mixed use /commercial streetscapes contained within it. By contrast, the primary
focus for the Natural Character Area of the Fischer Hallman Road Mixed Use Corridor is to
conserve, maintain and enhance natural heritage features and landscapes. This area will be
characterized by a narrowed right of way with enhanced vegetation on both sides of the road.
The intersections within this corridor are a key aspect of the vision for Fischer Hallman Road
because of the placemaking opportunities at these locations. The design plan identifies the
prominent intersections along Fischer Hallman Road as gateway locations and classifies them
as either Community or Neighbourhood Gateways. Detailed design guidelines elaborate on the
design intent for the gateway typologies. The Community Gateways are envisioned to function
as destinations and provide a range of commercial and employment opportunities as well as
transit hub connections to travel to and from other locations throughout the City. They are
intended to be key locations to express community identity and foster sense of place as the
travelling public enters the Rosenberg Community. By contrast, the Neighbourhood Gateways
are envisioned as vibrant lively places; to embody the local "Main Street" feel for the
neighbourhood(s) they serve. They are intended to become inviting entrances into the
neighbourhoods and to act as gathering places for the residents of the surrounding area.
The design plan identifies cultural heritage resources, proposed trail linkages, possible future
transit stop locations and desired street tree locations. The plan also highlights individual
properties which have site - specific design guidelines.
Implementation
The Fischer Hallman Brief provides design guidance for both the public realm and the private
realm. In large part the public realm guidelines are intended to be considered through the future
Fischer Hallman Road Environmental Assessment and road design process. City and Regional
staff are recommending that the project be presented to Regional Committee in advance of the
Environmental Assessment process which is scheduled to start in 2014. The guidelines also
provide a comprehensive and cohesive plan that could be followed in any future
municipal /agency works in the right -of -way such as the installation of a city gateway entrance
feature.
The private realm guidelines contained within this document are intended to be implemented
through the development review process and zoning for lands in the corridor on either side of
Fischer Hallman Road. The design guidelines represent sound design principles that are well
established in the overall Mixed Use Corridor Design Brief. The guidelines are to be
implemented with the rest of the guidelines in the City's Urban Design Manual. Two new
developments along Fischer Hallman Road are already implementing the urban design direction
provided in the recommended Fischer Hallman Brief.
Other mechanisms or tools exist to implement the design vision for the Fischer Hallman Road
Mixed Use Corridor. One tool to influence the ultimate built form is the Zoning By -law. In this
instance, it would be premature to apply zoning through a City- initiated amendment since the
ultimate block and parcel configurations have yet to be determined for a large portion of the
land. Zoning of individual properties is better resolved at the time of subdivision /development
approvals. Appendix C of this report includes zoning recommendations to implement the
proposed design guidelines. It is intended that the recommendations contained in Appendix C
be used as a point of reference at the time of development approvals.
While some implementation tools are well utilized, such as the Site Plan process, others may
require further consideration. For example, Council and staff may wish to explore the option of
identifying specific capital or operating amounts for installing and maintaining streetscape
improvements along Fischer Hallman Road in this area as an entrance to the urban city and to
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provide Rosenberg with a "sense of place ". To date, several streetscape improvements have
been implemented in other Mixed Use Corridors, such as Belmont Village, King Street, and
Queen Street.
Minor Urban Design Manual Updates
During the preparation of the Fischer Hallman design guidelines, there were a number of
outdated or conflicting guidelines identified in the parent Mixed Use Corridor Design Brief. For
example, the terminology used in the City guidelines conflicted with that of the Regional Corridor
guidelines and the status of cultural heritage resources has been updated since the initial
approval of the Mixed Use Corridor Design Brief in 2005. There were a number of other minor
editorial revisions required. Given the potential for future technical or editorial revisions, the
Manual is also proposed to be amended to allow the Director of Planning to authorize these
types of changes. The recommended amendments are attached to this report as Appendix B.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The Fischer Hallman Brief was prepared with the Community Vision from the Strategic Plan in
mind, which is "to build an innovative, caring and vibrant Kitchener with safe and thriving
neighbourhoods ". This project primarily relates to the Community Priority of `Development';
however, it could also connect with `Environment', `Quality of Life' and to a certain extent
`Leadership' and `Diversity'. The new Strategic Plan continues to dialogue about properly
planning and managing our growing neighbourhoods with an interest in making great places to
live, to get around and to be healthy. Design guidelines play an integral role in shaping a healthy
community and are an implementation tool for the City of Kitchener Official Plan.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The project was prepared "in house ". No capital or operating budget commitments are required
to approve the recommendations at this time. Implementation costs of the streetscape
measures identified in the design guidelines will generally fall into 3 categories: Regional
consideration, City consideration, adjacent landowner /developer. Staff will evaluate the financial
implications of any City - related, enhanced streetscape elements and will report back to Council
prior to initiation of the Fischer Hallman Road Environmental Assessment in 2014 and prior to
any budget commitments being made.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
This project was conducted primarily utilizing the `Inform' theme from the City's Community
Engagement Policy. There was significant `Collaboration' between internal departments and our
Regional partners in the preparation of the recommended Fischer Hallman Brief.
The community was engaged using the `Collaborate' theme in previous processes leading up to
this project. The preparation of this Design Brief stems from the recommendations of the
Rosenberg Secondary Plan, which involved a statutory public meeting, a public ad in the
Record and 1900 letters to property owners in the area. The process also builds upon the input
received through the Community Master Planning process for the Southwest Urban Area which
included two workshop /open house sessions, notices, website updates, property owner letters
and signage.
During the course of this project, stakeholders within the Fischer Hallman Road study area were
directly circulated a copy of the design brief in draft form and invited to provide input on the
draft. A copy of the draft document was made available on the City's website. No responses
were received with respect to the draft Design Brief. Notice of this public meeting was provided
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in the Kitchener Citizen (west) on June 7 and is attached to this report as Appendix D. All
stakeholders and property owners who requested to be informed of future initiatives relating to
the Rosenberg Secondary Plan during the workshop /open house sessions were also mailed
and /or emailed letters advising of this meeting. The staff report and Fischer Hallman Road
Mixed Use Corridor Design Brief were posted on the public website prior to the meeting. The
Fischer Hallman Brief and meeting were also advertised through various social media channels.
CONCLUSION:
The Fischer Hallman Brief is aligned with the Corporate Strategic Plan and implements Official
Plan and Rosenberg Secondary Plan policies. The project is based on established urban design
direction and includes input from earlier public consultations. The Fischer Hallman Brief
represents the public interest and sound urban design principles. It will serve as a tool to help
achieve the vision for a transit - supportive, mixed use Fischer Hallman Road corridor as a new
urban gateway entrance to Kitchener and focal point for the southwest area. This project will
continue to help transform development and community building in Kitchener.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Mike Selling, Interim Deputy CAO
Community Services Department
AttarhmPnN-
Appendix A — Fischer Hallman Road Mixed Use Corridor Design Brief
Appendix B — Proposed Amendment to Part A of the Urban Design Manual and Proposed
Amendment to Part B of the Urban Design Manual: Mixed Use Corridor Urban Design Brief
Appendix C — Zoning Considerations to implement the Fischer Hallman Brief
Appendix D — Notice of the June 18th Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee
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APPENDIX A — FISCHER HALLMAN ROAD MIXED USE CORRIDOR DESIGN BRIEF
4.8
FISCHER HALL-MAN ROAD
CO RRI DO R
Overview
For the purpose of this Urban Design Brief the
Fischer Hallman Road Corridor refers to the lands
within the boundary defined on the enclosed Design
Plan.
A Vision for the Fischer Hallman Road Corridor has
been established and is contained in Part 1 of this
Design Brief. All aspects of the Corridor design
guidelines contained Part 2, 3 and 4 of this Design
Brief have been prepared in accordance with this
overarching Vision for the corridor so as to ensure an
overall sense of cohesion.
Part 2 of this Design Brief pertains to the Character
Areas of the corridor. More refined Design Visions
have been established for the individual character
areas comprising the Fischer Hallman Road Corridor.
Detailed design guidelines for each character area
have been developed to guide future decision making
in order to achieve the character area visions and
vision for the Fischer Hallman Road Corridor as a
whole. Private realm guidelines are intended to be
applied in the review of individual development
applications. Public realm guidelines are intended to
be considered for streetscape design through the
Regional Environmental Assessment process and
similar future municipal works opportunities.
Part 3 of this Design Brief pertains to the Gateways
within the corridor. Gateways within the corridor have
been classified into two typologies: Community
Gateways and Neighbourhood Gateways. Detailed
design guidelines have been prepared for the two
Gateway typologies to clarify the design expectations
for each.
Part 4 of this Design Brief identifies site specific
considerations, as identified on the Design Plan for
the Fischer Hallman Road Corridor.
It is intended that all of the General Corridor
Guidelines contained in the Mixed Use Corridor
Urban Design Brief and the Design Brief for Suburban
Development and Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
apply to lands within the Fischer Hallman Road
Corridor.
It is intended that all parts of this Fischer Hallman
Road Corridor Design Brief be considered together.
Transitions between character areas and gateway
typologies is a high priority. In areas of transition a
combination of the applicable design guidelines may
be appropriate. Site Specific considerations contained
in Part 4 recognize unique site circumstances. In the
event of conflicting guidelines, the direction in Part 4
of this Design Brief would take precedence.
Part 1- Corridor Vision
Fischer Hallman Road Corridor will function as the
central spine for the Rosenberg Community. It will
evolve into a transit - supportive corridor consisting of
commercial activity, medium and high density
residential, mixed use and office development.
Although Fischer Hallman Road will carry a high
volume of vehicles, the needs of pedestrians, cyclists
and transit users will be a high priority, particularly
through the neighbourhood areas of Rosenberg, which
will have a different look, character and reduced traffic
speeds.
The entire streetscape of Fischer Hallman will have an
overall sense of cohesion but will have distinguishable
urban and natural character areas within it.
Intersections which serve as neighbourhood entrance
points will be inviting, attractive and reflect local
neighbourhood character.
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
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Fischer Hallman Mixed Use Corridor Desi n Plan
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Part 2- Corridor Character Areas
Urban Character Area Vision
The Urban Character Area of the Fischer Hallman
corridor will promote compact mixed use development
oriented to the street, transit and public sidewalk. It will
be a walkable environment designed to be
comfortable, safe, interesting and inviting to the
pedestrian.
Public Realm- Streetscape Design Guidelines
The Fischer Hallman Road Environmental Assessment
will help guide the future design considerations in the
public realm. The public realm plays an integral role in
the overall character of the streetscape. The public
realm can be considered a sum of its component
parts: the road way and the boulevard (which is
comprised of several zones as illustrated below).
Road Way Guidelines
1. Consider water management and infiltration in the
design of the road way.
2. Planned to be four lanes of through traffic.
3. Strive to maintain pedestrian friendly, walkable
block lengths.
4. Right in /right out access to private developments
are encouraged along Fischer Hallman Road
subject to a Regional Road Access Permit.
5. Strive to improve connectivity and accessibility to
local neighbourhoods by providing local street
connections to Fischer Hallman Road with interval
spacing of 200 -250 metres between intersections.
6. Provide a dedicated cycling route along both sides
of Fischer Hallman Road to accommodate cyclists
travelling in both directions.
7. Consider traffic calming options, including curb
extensions, bumpouts, on street parking and
vertical cues (such as landscaped centre medians)
to slow traffic speeds.
Landscaped center medians can narrow the perceived sheet
width and provide a place of refuge at pedestrian crossings.
Rom
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
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1 10
6. Centre medians should be designed to provide
sufficient soil volumes to support healthy tree
growth in accordance with street tree best
management practices.
7. Consider mid -block crossings at strategic locations
to link neighbourhoods or to provide trail crossings
to destinations.
8. Cleary demarcate pedestrian crossings and refuge
locations.
Buffer Zone Guidelines
1. Utilities located within the Buffer Zone should be
appropriately set back from the curb line.
2. The Buffer Zone should be adequately sized to
minimize risk of damage to landscape treatments
and site furnishings from passing traffic,
maintenance vehicles and snow storage.
c) Selected with regard for durability, ease of
maintenance, compatibility with the local climate
and availability for future replacement;
H
Of a similar and complementary style;
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
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1 -11
e)
Of a coordinated palette of colours and materials
Landscaping and Site Furnishing Zone Guidelines
that reflect the neighbourhood character (as
1.
Sightlines should be regarded in the placing of all
shown above),
vertical elements in the streetscape, including
f)
Located so as not to obstruct the Pedestrian
street lights, landscaping, pedestrian - scaled
Clearway Zone and in locations which do not
lighting and other street furniture.
impede emergency and maintenance vehicles,
2.
A high quality palette of the following streetscape
including snow removal vehicles; and
elements will be considered to create a cohesive
g)
Located and oriented to optimize the pedestrian
streetscape character:
and transit - users' experience (safety, comfort and
• Paving materials
convenience).
• Decorative street signs
4.
Encourage pedestrian - scaled lighting integrated
• Street furniture:
with road way lighting (mid -pole luminaire
• Garbage receptacles
attachments) or consider installing on decorative
• Seating
poles at intervals regular enough to cast sufficient
• Pedestrian - scaled lighting
0 Banner signage
illumination on the Pedestrian Clearway Zone.
• Bollards
LED lighting is preferred.
• Bicycle Racks
5.
Pedestrian - scaled lighting is a priority at
• Transit shelters
neighbourhood gateway locations and crossings.
3.
All of the above noted street furniture shall be:
6.
Landscaping in the Landscaping and Site
a)
Located at regular intervals along the corridor;
Furnishing Zone may serve as a visual cue for
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Located within the Landscaping and Site
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passing motorists as a traffic calming tool.
Furnishing Zone unless otherwise noted;
7.
Street trees in the Landscaping and Site
Furnishing Zone are intended to create shade,
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
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1 -11
protection from wind, street spray and precipitation
for pedestrians.
8. Street trees in the Landscaping and Site
Furnishing Zone shall be planted at regular
intervals dependant on soil volumes.
9. High branching street trees should be positioned
to ensure there is no interference with large
vehicular traffic or overhead lines. Canopies
should be a maintained at a minimum of 3 metres
higher than the grade of the Pedestrian Clearway
Zone for pedestrian comfort.
High branching sheet gees can reinforce the human scale
and increase pedestrian comfort (Dan Burden)
11. Boulevard landscaping is to be designed with
adequate soil volumes to support healthy tree
growth in accordance with street tree best
management practices.
12. Underground irrigation systems are preferred for
optimal maintenance.
13. Resilient and native tree species that are able to
withstand an urban setting with minimal
maintenance are preferred.
Pedestrian Clearway Zone Guidelines
1. Dedicate space for pedestrians and cyclists for
travel in both directions on both sides of Fischer
Hallman Road separated from the road way. An
uninterrupted multi -use trail on both sides of the
road is one such option.
2. A wide, uninterrupted, unobstructed and barrier
free Pedestrian Clearway will be provided along
both sides of Fischer Hallman Road.
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A clearly defined and uninterrupted multi -use hail can
accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians (Kris Westwood)
Land Use Transition Zone Guidelines
1. Consideration may be given to encroachment
agreements for architectural projects, signage,
awnings, canopies, private street furnishings or
outdoor displays into the public right of way if
located entirely within the Land Use Transition
Zone subject to City approval for City streets or
Regional approval for Regional roads.
2. Transit stops and shelters should be designed in
accordance with Grand River Transit Location and
Design Guidelines. Encourage locating transit
shelters near prominent building entrances in the
Land Use Transition zone where reasonably
practicable, or alternatively to be located in the
Landscaping and Site Furnishing Zone.
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Locate transit shelters behind the Pedestrian Clearway
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
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Private Realm- Streetscape Design Guidelines
The Design Plan for Fischer Hallman identifies residential and mixed use /commercial streetscape areas comprising
the Urban Character Area. The following design guidelines apply according to the streetscape area applicable to the
subject site.
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Residential Streetscape Commercial / Mixed Use Streetscape
• Backlotting and sidelotting of residential Any blocks created should have sufficient frontage
development to Fischer Hallman Road on Fischer Hallman Road.
or neighbourhood gateway streets is not
permitted.
• Long blocks of similar and /or
concentrations of small lot frontage is
discouraged.
• Encourage front yard setbacks that are Minimal front yard setback to ensure the
comparatively larger than front yards in building addresses the street. Locate
the commercial /mixed use streetscape buildings that are near transit stops closer to
areas to provide sufficient front yard for the street.
landscaping.
• Prominent building entrances are to be oriented toward the public realm.
• Buildings to maintain a generally consistent street edge with subtle variations in setbacks.
• Siting and orientation of building(s) on a lot & distribution of building heights and massing
shall minimize the appearance of bulk, frame intersections and reduce impacts (shadow,
overlook) on adjacent residential properties.
• Architectural projections (eg: steps, Canopies, awnings and "spillover" uses (eg:
porches) in the front yard acceptable restaurant patios, informal gathering places)
in the front yard encouraged.
• Midrise building form encouraged. Heights will generally be between 3 to 6 storeys with
opportunities for taller buildings at locations specified by the Rosenberg Secondary Plan and
Zoning By -law. Increased step backs and terracing of upper storeys may be regulated.
• Subtle variations of building heights and rooflines are encouraged to create interest along the
streetscape.
• Ensure a compatible transition of building heights from buildings located in the corridor and
the low -rise buildings in the adjacent low rise neighbourhoods.
• Massing of development will maintain a human scale and a 1 :2 height -to- corridor ratio.
• A podium base of 3 to 6 storevs is considered appropriate with stepbacks for upper storevs.
Massing
Provide for interruptions of long spans of building mass along a streetscape to create
permeable building blocks.
• Buildings will be oriented to reduce the appearance of mass and minimize shadow and
overlook conditions on adjacent low -rise residential development.
Building
Blank facades to Fischer Hallman and 0 Blank facades to Fischer Hallman and
Facades
intersecting gateway streets are not intersecting gateway streets are not permitted.
permitted. • Corner lots will be developed with facades
• Corner lots will be developed with that address both street frontages.
facades that address both street • Ground floor facades, window openings,
frontages. entrances & outdoor patio areas may be
regulated.
Materials/
0 High quality building materials and architectural articulation will be required for all buildings
articulation
fronting on Fischer Hallman and /or intersecting gateway streets.
• Buildings at priority lots (gateways, corner lots, site of cultural heritage interest, village
greens, neighbourhood parks or terminus sites) are encouraged to be designed as landmarks
with architectural innovation.
Parking location
• Structured parking is strongly encouraged.
• Surface parking will not be permitted in the front yard or yard abutting a street and is to be
located in the rear or side yard.
• Shared parking and internal accesses among uses and developments will be encouraged
where appropriate.
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
-7-
1 -14
Characteristic
Service areas
Access
Transportation
Demand
Management
Residential Streetscape Commercial / Mixed Use Streetscape
• Garbage facilities, parking, loading & service areas will be designed and oriented to be
screened from view from the public realm and adjacent low rise residential properties and to
minimize adverse impacts on adjacent properties.
• Access via private rear lanes or window Consolidated access points may be
streets may be considered to support encouraged as a measure to minimize
planning objectives for streetscape, built impacts on traffic flow and to reduce the
form, and reduce conflict between multi- number of interruptions in the Pedestrian
use pathways, cycling routes, sidewalks, Clearway Zone. Connectivity internal to the
driveways and transit. site /block should also be considered.
• Transportation Demand Management measures are encouraged for all development
applications.
• Reduced parking requirements will be considered for all developments which achieve the
objectives of the TDM Plan
Landscape
Soft landscaping treatments, including
treatment in the
tree planting are encouraged.
front yard or
yard abutting a
street
Sustainable
Private amenities may be provided in
building
the form of rooftop gardens, private
strategies/
balconies.
amenity space
Solar panels, green roofs and other
sustainable building design strategies
are encouraged.
• Hardscaping treatments (eg: planter boxes)
are encouraged.
Solar panels, green roofs and other
sustainable building design strategies are
encouraged.
Pedestrian Consideration may be given to integration of
scaled lighting pedestrian - scaled lighting in building /site
design where appropriate.
* In the case of a residential development proposed within a Commercial /Mixed Use Streetscape area consideration of Residential Streetscape
design guidelines may be appropriate.
Urban Character Area- Example Residential Typology
Urban Character Area- Mixed Use /Commercial Typology
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
-8- 1 - 15
Urban Character Area Streetscape
Potential Option (for illustrative purposes):
Off road multi -use trails, landscaped centre median, off street parking, residential and commercial frontages
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City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
-9-
1 -16
Urban Character Area Streetscape
Potential Development Options
Mixed Use Development
• Active uses at grade •
• Regular building openings at
the sidewalk •
• Human scaled podium base •
with stepbacks to upper storeys
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Commercial Development
Residential Development
Curb extension to create semi-
public plaza
On sheet parking
Articulated fagades addressing
both sheets
• Soft landscaping within the front yard
• Pedestrian scaled lighting
• Front lotted development — driveways
located at the rear
• Pedestrian Scaled lighting
• Landscaped centre median
• Wide, uninterrupted multi -use hail
• Parking areas screened from view
• Minimal front yard setbacks with handscaping to animate Mixed Use sheet edge
• Relatively larger setbacks with softscaping along Residential sheet edge
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
0 1 � 17
Natural Character Area Vision
The primary focus in the Natural Character Area of the
Fischer Hallman corridor will be to conserve, maintain
and enhance natural heritage features and
landscapes. This area will be characterized by a
narrowed right of way with enhanced vegetation on
both sides of the road. Opportunities to improve
linkages between the Fischer Hallman corridor and the
Huron natural area will be considered within this area.
Conserving the existing vegetation is a priority in this area
Public Realm- Streetscape Design Guidelines
The Fischer Hallman Road Environmental Assessment
will help guide the future design considerations in this
area. The following public realm streetscape design
guidelines provide high level design direction for
consideration in this process.
Road Way Guidelines
1. Consider water management and infiltration in the
design of the road way.
2. Minimize the width of the road way as a traffic
calming measure and to minimize any impacts on
the natural landscape.
3. Design of road way will maintain existing
viewsheds (eg: to the Huron Natural Area).
Buffer Zone Guidelines
1. Utilities located within the Buffer Zone should be
appropriately setback from the curbline.
Landscaping and Street Furnishing Zone
1. Strive to conserve all existing vegetation.
2. Consider implementation of a naturalized
streetscape treatment.
3. Avoid introduction of any non - native landscaping.
Pedestrian Clearway Zone
1. Dedicate space for pedestrians and cyclists for
travel in both directions on both sides of Fischer
Hallman Road separated from the road way. An
uninterrupted multi -use trail on both sides of the
road is one such option.
Private Realm- Streetscape Design Guidelines
Policies in the Rosenberg Secondary Plan designate
much of the Natural Character Area as open space
and natural heritage, wherein private development is
limited. The following guidelines apply for private
development on lands in close proximity to the Natural
Character Area.
1. Development in close proximity to the Huron
Natural Area will maintain views and vistas to this
key feature of the Natural Heritage and Open
Space system.
2. Incorporate appropriate setbacks and buffers from
natural heritage features including any significant
habitat, if any.
3. Exercise environmentally responsible design and
construction practices.
4. Maintain and enhance natural features and
landscapes in building and site design.
Natural Character Area
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
1 -is
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Natural Character Area
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
1 -is
Part 3- Gateway Typologies
The Gateways within the Fischer Hallman Corridor are located at prominent intersections along the corridor. The
Gateways are the primary cross - corridor connection points for pedestrians and cyclists and as such clearly defined
pedestrian crossings are essential in these locations. The Gateways permit greater population and employment
densities than elsewhere along the Fischer Hallman corridor. Most importantly, the Gateways serve a vital place
making function. These are the locations where sense of place is instilled which helps define local neighbourhoods
and /or the Rosenberg Community as a whole. Unless otherwise stated herein, the public and private realm principles
of the Urban Character Area apply in the Gateways, and the additional guidelines for the Gateways contained herein
also apply. There are two gateway typologies within the Fischer Hallman Mixed Use Corridor- Community Gateways
and Neighbourhood Gateways. The following design guidelines apply according to the Gateway typology (as shown
below):
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City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
19
Community Gateway Vision
Community Gateways will be destinations for the many residents and employees of the Rosenberg Community,
providing a range of commercial and employment opportunities as well as transit hub connections to travel to and
from other locations throughout the City. These community gateways will be key locations to express community
identity and foster sense of place as the travelling public enters the Rosenberg Community.
Neighbourhood Gateway Vision
Neighbourhood Gateways will be vibrant lively places designed to reinforce neighbourhood character. These
locations will become inviting entrances into the neighbourhoods. These gateways will be neighbourhood focal
points; acting as gathering places for the residents of the surrounding area. Neighbourhood Gateways can be
considered the local "Main Street" of the neighbourhoods they serve.
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City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
-13-
1
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1 � 20
The following chart highlights the public realm characteristics which distinguish the two Gateway typologies.
Public Realm Characteristics
Characteristic Community Gateway
Place making capacity Intended to reinforce the sense of
place of the City of Kitchener and /or
Rosenberg Community as a whole
Land Use Transition Zone Minimal activity in this zone; not an
optimal location for "spillover" uses
Right of Way design
Higher volume of vehicular traffic.
• Highly legible pedestrian crossings
(including pedestrian refuge islands)
are a top priority in road way design.
• On street parking not appropriate.
Landscape and Site
• Will reflect the Rosenberg
Furnishing Zone elements
Community.
(including banners, public
. Street trees should be planted at
art, street furnishings,
regular intervals along both Fischer
wayfinding signage,
Hallman Road and the intersecting
commemorative signage)
street.
Gateway features
• Incorporate larger scale, more
decorative entrance features such as
decorative walls and pillars.
Prominent gateway features encouraged at Community
Gateway locations to identify Rosenberg Community
Neighbourhood Gateway
• Intended to reinforce the sense of
place of the local neighbourhood
• Maximize use of this zone; promote
"spillover" activity and social
interaction.
• Lesser volume of vehicular traffic.
• Highly legible pedestrian crossings
(including pedestrian refuge islands)
are a top priority in road way design.
• Consider traffic calming options (such
as bumpouts, onstreet parking) as a
high priority in road way design.
• Landscaped centre median to be
incorporated in intersecting street
design.
• On street parking encouraged in
certain locations- see Part 5 Site
Specific Considerations.
• Will reflect the local neighbourhood
with some reference to the broader
Rosenberg Community.
• Street trees should be planted at
regular intervals along both Fischer
Hallman Road and the intersecting
street.
• Incorporate smaller scale, lower
maintenance entrance features.
Widened boulevard encouraged at a Neighbourhood Gateway to
maximize activity in the land use transition zone (Dan Burden)
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
-14-
1 -21
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The following chart highlights the private realm characteristics which distinguish the two Gateway typologies.
Private Realm Characteristics
Characteristic
Built form
Ground floor use
Building orientation relative
to Fischer Hallman Road
Building orientation relative
to intersecting street
Community Gateway
Neighbourhood Gateway
• Balance of building heights on both sides
of the street and at a scale that does not
exceed 1 :2 height to corridor width in
order attractively frame the intersection.
• Corner lot buildings to have articulated facades on both street frontages.
• Landmark building design- architectural innovation and expression is encouraged.
• Active use
• Active use, particularly restaurants and
specialty retail.
• Minimal setbacks; oriented close to
• Comparatively greater setbacks than
Fischer Hallman Road
Community Gateways
• Greater animation of private and semi-
public space in front of the building
particularly at the intersection.
• Generally similar setback as the
0 Lesser setback than the setback to
setback to Fischer Hallman Road,
Fischer Hallman Road; greater setbacks
in some cases lesser setback than
may be appropriate to accommodate
to Fischer Hallman
outdoor patio areas
• Prominent building entrances will be
• Prominent building entrances will be
oriented towards Fischer Hallman
oriented towards the intersecting street
Road and interior to the site
(rather than Fischer Hallman Road)
Opportunities for greater building heights at Community
Gateway locations (Molinaro Group)
Minimal building setbacks along Neighbourhood Gateway
intersecting sheet frontage (Dan Burden)
Articulation of all sheet facing facades required along both
Community and Neighbourhood Gateways
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
-15-
1 -ii
Part 4- Site SDecific DesiLyn Considerations
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Heritage Resources
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Heritage Kitchener Inventory of
Historic Buildings
Property on the Municipal
Heritage Register
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City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
1P
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41
1 -23
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City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
1P
4P
41
1 -23
1. Heritage Resource: Conserve existing buildings b) Buildings at this gateway will be oriented to
and structures of historical or architectural Fischer Hallman Road with minimal building
significance or cultural merit. Development on setbacks from the Fischer Hallman Road street
adjacent lands will complement and where line.
possible incorporate the heritage resource. -- -
Impacts to the heritage resource will be evaluated
1 I
through the development review and
Environmental Assessment processes.
44
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Graduated increases in hei ht nom east to west aloe
g f g
Bleams Road across Fischer Hallman Road
Cultural Heritage Resource on the Municipal Heritage
Register 1940 Fischer Hallman Road
2. Bleams Road- Heritage Road: Consider an
interpretive panel on the south side of Bleams
Road to recognize the historical significance of
Bleams Road and the Village of Williamsburg.
3. Fischer Hallman and Bleams Community
Gateway: This Gateway is a destination for the
Rosenberg Community for commercial and To reinforce the human scale a 1:2 height -to corridor ratio
employment uses. It is an entrance point into (or 45 degree angular plane from the centre of the sheet) is
Rosenberg from the north as well as an entrance encouraged
point into Williamsburg from the south.
4. Possible midblock crossing: Consider amid -
a) Mid to high rise (8 to 10 storey) buildings are block crossing to improve east -west connectivity of
encouraged on easterly corners and lesser height neighbourhoods and linkages to the trail network.
(3 to 6 storeys) will be encouraged on westerly
5. Fischer Hallman Road and Rosenberg Way
corners to ensure a compatible transition of
Neighbourhood Gateway:
building height from adjacent low rise residential
area to the west. Mid and high rise buildings a) A top priority for this Gateway is to optimize
should maintain a human scaled podium base of 3 connectivity and linkages to the trail network, the
to 6 storeys with stepbacks of upper storeys to planned neighbourhood park to the east, the
maintain a human scale and a 1 :2 height -to- Huron Natural Area and the Huron Business Park.
corridor ratio. High rise residential development Consider incorporating this trail in the form of a
south of the gateway must also maintain a multi -use trail in the design of Rosenberg Way.
similarly scaled podium base along Fischer
Hallman Road with stepbacks to upper storeys.
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
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1 -24
Dedicated multi use trail to optimize connectivity (Dan
Burden)
b) Consider bump -out /curb extension to widen the
Pedestrian Clearway and Land Use Transition
Zones and to create an opportunity for on street
parking. On street parking is preferable on one
side of the street on Fischer Hallman Road both
north and south of the intersection during off peak
hours and on one side of the street on Rosenberg
Way both east and west of the intersection.
c) Orient primary building entrances with regard for
siting of transit stop. Incorporate the transit stop in
the Land Use Transition Zone if possible.
d) Building setbacks of up to 10 metres from the
street line will be encouraged at the corner of
Fischer Hallman Road to increase semi - public
space and /or where necessary to accommodate
outdoor commercial space (eg: patio or street
retail). Parking will not be permitted within this
setback.
e) Generally, minimal building setbacks will be
encouraged along Rosenberg Way to promote a
pedestrian- oriented streetscape. Consideration
may be given to setbacks of up to 10 metres from
the street line to increase semi - public space
and /or where necessary to accommodate outdoor
commercial space (eg: patio or street retail).
Parking will not be permitted within this setback.
Minimal building setbacks and primary entrances along
the Rosenberg Way frontage to animate the streetscape
f) Incorporate public art, wayfinding signage and /or
interpretive signage at trail connection e.g. to
highlight landmarks, views and vistas and /or to
provide information about the Huron Natural Area.
g) Building facades of corner buildings to address
both streets but to be oriented towards Rosenberg
Way.
h) Live /work developments will be encouraged along
Rosenberg Way.
i) Midrise buildings of up to 5 storeys in height
permitted on the west side of the intersection.
j) High rise buildings in a tower form of up to 10
storeys in height are encouraged on the east side
of the intersection.
k) Podium base of high rise buildings should balance
the mid rise scale of development on the west side
of the intersection with stepbacks to upper storeys.
6. Possible midblock crossing: Consider a mid -
block crossing to improve east -west connectivity of
neighbourhoods and linkages to the community
trail network. Consider the incorporation of public
art, wayfinding signage and /or interpretive signage
at this location to bring awareness to the Regional
Core Environmental Features in the area.
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
-18-
1 -25
A clearly defined mid block crossing to
establish /enhance linkages (Gary Toth)
7. Fischer Hallman Road and Seabrook Drive
Neighbourhood Gateway:
a) Provide a dedicated cycling lane in the design of
the Seabrook Drive road right of way.
b) Consider bump -out /curb extension to widen the
Pedestrian Clearway and Land Use Transition
Zones and to create an opportunity for on street
parking. On street parking is preferable on one
side of the street on Fischer Hallman Road north
of the intersection during off peak hours and on
one side of the street on Seabrook Drive both east
and west of the intersection.
c) Orient primary building entrances with regard for
siting of transit stop. Incorporate the transit stop in
the Land Use Transition Zone if possible.
d) Building setbacks of up to 10 metres from the
street line will be encouraged at the corner of
Fischer Hallman Road and Seabrook Drive to
increase semi - public space and /or where
necessary to accommodate outdoor commercial
space (eg: patio or street retail). Parking will not
be permitted within this setback.
e) Generally, minimal building setbacks will be
encouraged along Seabrook Drive to promote a
pedestrian- oriented streetscape. Consideration
may be given to setbacks of up to 10 metres from
the street line to increase semi - public space
and /or where necessary to accommodate outdoor
commercial space (eg: patio or street retail).
Parking will not be permitted within this setback.
f) Encourage live /work development along Seabrook
Drive.
g) Maximum five storey building height permitted.
Minimum fagade height of 2 storeys required.
h) Buildings facades of corner buildings to address
both streets but to be oriented towards Seabrook
Drive.
Corner buildings to be articulated at the corner and
address both sheet frontages
8. Stormwater Management Pond: A stormwater
management pond is likely to be located along
the west side of Fischer Hallman Road. There is
existing backlotted residential development with
privacy fencing along the east side of Fischer
Hallman Road. Streetscape character will differ
from the guidelines in this location given these
conditions.
9. Fischer Hallman Road and "Street A"
Intersection:
a) Consider bump -out /curb extension to widen the
Pedestrian Clearway and Land Use Transition
Zones and to create an opportunity for on street
parking. On street parking is preferable on one
side of the street on "Street A" west of the
intersection.
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
-19-
1 -26
Widened boulevard and on sheet parking to improve
the pedestrian realm (Dan Burden)
b) Generally, minimal building setbacks will be
encouraged along "Street A" west of the
intersection to promote a pedestrian- oriented
streetscape.
c) Buildings facades of corner buildings to address
both streets but to be oriented towards "Street A ".
d) Midrise buildings of up to 8 storeys in height will
be permitted on the west side of Fischer Hallman
Road provided that a podium base of 3 to 5
storeys is established along the Fischer Hallman
Road frontage with stepbacks to upper storeys.
e)
A transition of building height will be required from
taller buildings at the corner of Fischer Hallman
Road and "Street A" to the nearby low density
residential development to the east and west.
T
o
Stepbacks of upper storeys can help reinforce the podium
base and reduce the appearance of mass
10. Huron Road- Heritage Road: Consider an
interpretive panel on the north side of Huron Road
to recognize its historical significance.
11. Fischer Hallman and Huron Community
Gateway:
a) Encourage integration of public art and /or
landscaped entrance feature on the northwest
corner of Fischer Hallman Road and Huron Road
to identify this location as the primary entrance
into the City's Urban Area and the Rosenberg
Community from the South.
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Gateway enhance features may also be integrated in
the design of the roadway (Gary Toth)
b) Buildings proposed on the northwest and
southeast corners of the intersection are to be
oriented to Fischer Hallman Road with minimal
building setbacks from the Fischer Hallman street
line. A podium base of 2 to 5 storeys in height is
encouraged along Fischer Hallman Road. Mid to
high rise buildings up to 8 to 10 storeys are
encouraged if taller buildings are located interior to
the site or stepped back from the Fischer Hallman
Road and Huron Road street lines.
c) On the northeast corner of the intersection the
buildings are encouraged to be oriented towards
Huron Road and be of a low to mid rise scale (2 to
5 storeys) as a transition from nearby low rise
residential development to the east.
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
-20-
1 -27
Midrise scale of development to transition from nearby
low rise residential development
d) A transition of building height will be required from
taller buildings near Fischer Hallman Road and
Huron Road to the nearby low density residential
development to the east and west.
e) Close proximity to nearby transit hub serving the
community; consider linkages to the transit service
in site design and development.
12. Vegetation: Existing vegetation on the northeast
corner of this intersection is to be conserved in
accordance with an approved Environmental
Impact Study (EIS). Appropriate scale and siting of
buildings on this corner will depend on the
outcome of the EIS.
13. Fischer Hallman and Street One of Subdivision
30T -07205 Neighbourhood Gateway: This
Gateway is an entrance point into Subdivision
30T- 07205. It is a primary path between a local
neighbourhood park and a municipal park.
a) Building and site design will be required to
preserve and enhance view corridor of both
terminus sites at either end of Street One.
b) A top priority for this Gateway is to optimize
connectivity for all modes of travel to the planned
District Park to the west.
c) Incorporate connections and linkages to the
planned neighbourhood park to the east.
d) Consider on street parking on Street One on both
sides of the street.
e) Median to be incorporated in the road right of way
on Street One.
f) Mid rise form of development (two to four storeys)
encouraged along Street One.
g) Mid to high rise form of development (8 -10
storeys) encouraged in a tower form stepped back
from the Fischer Hallman and Street One
streetl i n es.
h) Podium of any high rise development must
reinforce human scale and complement the
adjacent lower scale of development along Street
One.
i) Building setbacks of up to 10 metres from the
street line will be encouraged at the corner of
Fischer Hallman Road and Street One to increase
semi - public space and /or where necessary to
accommodate outdoor commercial space (eg:
patio or street retail). Parking will not be permitted
within this setback.
j) Generally, minimal building setbacks will be
encouraged along Street One to promote a
pedestrian- oriented streetscape. Consideration
may be given to setbacks of up to 10 metres from
the street line to increase semi - public space
and /or where necessary to accommodate outdoor
commercial space (eg: patio or street retail).
Parking will not be permitted within this setback.
Minimal building setbacks to animate streetscape
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
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1 -is
Minimal building setbacks except where needed to
enlarge the Land Use Transition Zone to accommodate
spillover uses (Dan Burden)
k) Potential transit hub to be located in the immediate
area. Transit facilities to be designed in
accordance with Grand River Transit Location and
Design Guidelines. Lay -by design for transit facility
is preferred.
1) Orient primary building entrances with regard for
siting of transit stop. Incorporate the transit stop in
the Land Use Transition Zone if possible.
m) Consider utilization of Land Use Transition Zone
and /or semi - public spaces for passive waiting
areas for the transit service.
n) Incorporate pedestrian linkages between building
entrances and transit hub location.
o) Encourage connectivity and linkages to the transit
facility from nearby sites.
14. Fischer Hallman and Street Two of Subdivision
30T -07205 Intersection: This is an entrance point
to Subdivision 30T- 07205. It is also a primary
entrance point into the Rosenberg Community and
the City Urban Area from the south for a large
portion of the travelling public.
a) Encourage integration of public art and /or
landscaped entrance feature at this location.
Public art can help instill a sense of place and reflect
neighbourhood identity
b) Encourage mixed use buildings of up to 6 storeys
in height at the intersection with possibilities for
greater height if stepped back from the Fischer
Hallman Road streetline.
Midrise scale of development with a mix of uses
15. District Park: Any buildings proposed on the
District Park lands should be oriented towards
Fischer Hallman Road.
City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B — Design Briefs
-22-
1 -29
APPENDIX B- PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE URBAN DESIGN MANUAL
2.0
INTROE3U0T10N
Urban Design is concerned with the following
• Designing buildings and the spaces between
them.
• Managing the resources of the built environment,
both new and existing.
• Meeting the needs of the developers and the
users of the urban environment.
• Coordinating the various design disciplines to
achieve a team approach to urban development
• Encouraging sustainability
Good urban design seeks to create a safe, functional
and attractive built environment. An equal partnership
among respective professions, including Architects,
Landscape Architects, Planners and Engineers is
required to achieve this objective.
The Guidelines are presented in a hierarchical fashion.
`Community Design' and `Neighbourhood Design', deal
with urban design at a larger scale. `Site Design',
addresses detailed site planning issues, `Building
Design and Massing' examines specific building
design and streetscape issues and `Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design' addresses safety and
security in site design.
The Guidelines are intended to be flexible. They are
not intended to prescribe specific design solutions but
rather to express the preferred design objectives of the
City. The development process is viewed as a
cooperative venture between the City and the
development industry. A successful development will
achieve the City's Vision while meeting the individual
needs of the proponent.
Each section of the document contains a goal and
specific design guidelines. The goal establishes the
overall aim of the particular subject. The design
guidelines set out directions and techniques, which will
achieve the stated goal and the City's Vision.
Planning.
These Urban Design Guidelines represent a
framework for establishing Kitchener's future urban
form. It sets out a number of positive design
principles, which should be followed in the design of
new communities, sites and buildings. These
guidelines should be reviewed and evaluated with all
planning processes and approvals including plans of
subdivision and site plan approval.
The purpose of the Guidelines is to ensure that new
development is consistent with the City's Vision for
urban design stated herein. New development should
demonstrate conformity with the five guiding principles
contained within the Vision: Function, Order, Identity,
Appeal and Built Form.
There may be instances where due to site conditions
or unique circumstances, certain guidelines and
standards may be in conflict with each other or
physically not achievable. In all cases, proponents are
encouraged to discuss these conflicts with the
appropriate City staff. In the development of City
projects, all Departments shall have regard for these
Guidelines.
2-1
The Evolution of
Kitchener's Urban Form
Kitchener's present urban form has been shaped by
several factors, including the local economy,
transportation and population growth. This form is
very much a product of these factors linked together
over the last century.
2010 City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part A — Urban Design Guidelines A -2
_ - -
The Guidelines are supported by Design Briefs (Part
_The City of Kitchener is committed to achieving a high
6 and a comprehensive set of Desic Standards;�Part
standard of urban design in the public and private
C). The Design Briefs address specific land uses or
realm. These guidelines, in coniunction with Council
types of development and the Standards4,-ontain
approved Urban Design Briefs, have been adopted by
- - -
detailed information, definitions and technical criteria.
City Council in order to implement the existin_g urban
Specific design standards and policies are referenced
design policies contained within the Official Plan.
throughout the Guidelines, Although comprehensive
Amendments to the content of the Design Manual will
Design Briefs are only available for certain forms of
be adopted by City Council, with the exception of
development, the requirements contained in Part A
minor amendments that are technical or editorial in
and Part C of the Urban Design Manual should be
nature which will be approved by the Director of
reaarded at the earlv desian staae of all Droiects.
Planning.
These Urban Design Guidelines represent a
framework for establishing Kitchener's future urban
form. It sets out a number of positive design
principles, which should be followed in the design of
new communities, sites and buildings. These
guidelines should be reviewed and evaluated with all
planning processes and approvals including plans of
subdivision and site plan approval.
The purpose of the Guidelines is to ensure that new
development is consistent with the City's Vision for
urban design stated herein. New development should
demonstrate conformity with the five guiding principles
contained within the Vision: Function, Order, Identity,
Appeal and Built Form.
There may be instances where due to site conditions
or unique circumstances, certain guidelines and
standards may be in conflict with each other or
physically not achievable. In all cases, proponents are
encouraged to discuss these conflicts with the
appropriate City staff. In the development of City
projects, all Departments shall have regard for these
Guidelines.
2-1
The Evolution of
Kitchener's Urban Form
Kitchener's present urban form has been shaped by
several factors, including the local economy,
transportation and population growth. This form is
very much a product of these factors linked together
over the last century.
2010 City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part A — Urban Design Guidelines A -2
_ - -
Deleted: The City of Kitchener is
committed to achieving a high
standard of urban design in the public
and private realm. These guidelines,
in conjunction with Council approved
Urban Design Briefs, have been
adopted by City Council in order to
implement the existing urban design
policies contained within the Official
Plan. ¶
Deleted: and Policies
Deleted: and Policies
Deleted: This information will be
necessary at the design stage. S
Deleted: .
1 -30