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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-12-096 - Part 1J Staff Report K~`rcH~,~~R Community Services Department www.kitchenerca REPORT T0: 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: U11ard 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 1-1 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 forthe Fischer Hallman Mixed Use Corridor, staff also identified the need to update several outdated auidelines in the Mixed Use Corridor Desian Brief 1-2 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. 1-3 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 acorridor-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 atransit-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 1-4 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 forthe 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 municipallagency 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 aCity-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 1-5 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 forthe 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 1-6 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 atransit-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 AttarhmPnt~• AppendixA-Fischer Hallman Road Mixed Use Corridor Design Brief Appendix B -Proposed Amendment to PartA 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 1-7 4.8 FISCHER HALLMAN ROAD CORRIDOR I~ Dawnt~wn Boundary ,~' Mind ~1se Cr~rridr~r~ ~~ ~y ~~~At~ ~o,Qa~ ~~ LANCASTER _~,~y r ~~ . >~ ~~~` ~~~~ ,~ KNNas~~E~r ~r ~~ICTt ~t? DRIA S1 ~ RRIOOR ~1" ~ - - ~.'` ~ ~~,~ 6 ~~C? ~ was RAru~a GQ~~~ ~ 6ELMQNT ~~,~.. QCONIR1!f}4NlarO ~ ~ ~ W ~ RRIN)DR ~, ~J~ ~~~ ~ ~,~ ~ ~'~ n~. ~~i ~ ~{` ~. ~C~. MNNGS ~ Q ".~ ~ : gl1EEN 3TAEET SOd1 GORRNDOR l ~EASTCC1RRIp ~ ~INN ~ h/ ~ N ~, ~'~~~ ~~?~, ~~~,~ ~ `~ ~ , ~~ { ~~~,- ~~ m w ~~'~~ ~~ ~ "~ ~AS~~~p~' ~' S ®,~ `~ ~ m ,~: . ~ah~i~? ~." ~~~ d -~ -- ~. i P ~ fl4POSEN3 FtQ3 MUC B tNER NIAN:LMAW GINI3ARY ~~ ~ ' ~ ~, _- _ _ - - ~,~~~~ 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 ofthis 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 forthe 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 atransit-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 -'- 1-8 APPENDIX A - FISCHER HALLMAN ROAD MIXED USE CORRIDOR DESIGN BRIEF Fischer Hallman Mixed Use Corridor Design Plan z ~ ,« ~o~1MON `~ n~~ ~, CoMh~of~WEA~.TH PARK ~* "~ ~~ Design Plan Legend ~yrlrbQls L~nh~yes ~~ Pedestruan ~ ` ~ ~ '~ ~' Trad ~' " ~ ~ a Mutts-use Trail Sirestsca,pe Typol'ogres Urt~an k;haracter Streetscape -Resirlentia# -Commercial' ,~~,~ Ailoxed lies ~4~Iural Skreetsra~e ~enfage ,4e~o-~arces Herlta3c~C rC~tct~rier il~tErtlilCy df Histona 6ulk~ings Property on the Municipal Heritage Register T ©esignated !Heritage Resource 2 HURON NATURAL AREA ~RITTANIA .,r. ,-:. GRES ,~, ,, _, -P ~ y a~M a. A .. ..c~~ A .re~'~~ki~~~ ~y~r~ PARKVALE ~~~'"'~'pr PARK ~~ ~ ~IURC~N g7 TRAi L ~,~94D!~ :n '~ d w °° a u Z ., Ate' . }~~ Y Q^ City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B -Design Briefs -2- 1-9 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. Considertraffic calming options, including curb extensions, bumpouts, on street parking and vertical cues (such as landscaped centre medians) ~~. , Landscaped center medians can narrow the perceived street width and provide a place of refuge at pedestrian crossings. City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B -Design Briefs -3- i-io 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; d) Of a similar and complementary style; 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 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: a) Located at regular intervals along the corridor; b) Located within the Landscaping and Site Furnishing Zone unless otherwise noted; 6. Landscaping in the Landscaping and Site Furnishing Zone may serve as a visual cue for passing motorists as a traffic calming tool. 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 -4- 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. 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. 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. ~. ~,~ ~~ City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B -Design Briefs -5- i-iz A clearly defined and uninterrupted multi-use trail can accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians (Kris Westwood) Locate transit shelters behind the Pedestrian Clearway high branching street trees can reinforce the human scale and increase pedestrian comfort (Dan Burden) Private Realm- streetscape Design Guidelines The Design Plan for Fischer Hallman identifies residential and mixed uselcommercial streetscape areas comprising the Urban Character Area. The following design guidelines apply according to the streetscape area applicable to the subject site. ~., , .k t w~....n GOMMON ~~ ~~.~, ~ F i. 4 `g N1 '~ STRAS~I~RG =„ r ~ _ .~. CREEK NORTH ~~ . ,~ BRANCH .~~.~.u, C+~M~ION~fVEA'~.TH HELENA PA~tK FEASBY ',~. sT ~sW ~~ ,. ELM TREE GREEN ~,.. ,~ ,. My~,r~ ~r~°+~ r HURON NATURAL AREA ~' pro C~, ~r'~~~r ~~, ~,w. BRITTANIA ~~`ara ~" ~' ~' , CREs ~r - s`JVP ~;asr x~k .. ,i~ ~ t a' _ ~ ~~~rl'i ~ .s. .z PARKVALE ©~P'~or PARK p C rrA _ ~; ~' , . ~ .. ~ HUR[~N ~$~ TRAfL ~, . ~ - NA ,~, i~ _ ~ ~. s ~ ; ~~ ~ g k R K ~ W S ^~ '' p ~a - r~ u ~.61~ ,. ~rE - ,,,., `, Ni 1.1,. ~,_ ~n~{~ Z ~ Mn !? - „,,J."' I.ffl~i~ ' ' ~. ~~, Qesi n Plan t.e end P;1.1'i:: k~au~~da y ~fbrill Arl~alac;Ql 5lf~hSCap4r -Re.~delltlal -CrnmmerciaU ~~ Mixed Uae ha,ura~ ~greel5cape 'I City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B -Design Briefs -6- 1-1 Characteristic Residential Streetscape Commercial I Mixed Use Streetscape Lot /Block Backlotting and sidelotting of residential Any blocks created should have sufficient frontage configuration 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. _ _ Front yard and Encourage front yard setbacks that are Minimal front yard setback to ensure the yard abutting a comparatively larger than front yards in building addresses the street. Locate street setbacks the commerciaUmixed use streetscape buildings that are near transit stops closer to areas to provide sufficient front yard for the street. landscaping. Building Prominent building entrances are to be oriented toward the public realm. Placement 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 ad~acent residential properties. Front yard Architectural projections (eg: steps, Canopies, awnings and "spillover" uses (eg: projections porches) in the front yard acceptable restaurant patios, informal gathering places) in the front yard encouraged. Building height 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. Street Massing of development will maintain a human scale and a 1:2 height-to-corridor ratio. Enclosure A podium base of 3 to 6 store r~s considered appropriate with stepbacks for upper store s. 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 ad~acent low-rise residential development. Building Blank facades to Fischer Hallman and 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) 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 Residential Streetscape Commercial I Mixed Use Streetscape Service areas 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 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 beconsidered. Transportation Transportation Demand Management measures are encouraged for all development Demand applications. Management Reduced parking requirements will be considered for all developments which achieve the objectives of the TDM Plan Landscape Soft landscaping treatments, including Hardscaping treatments (eg: planter boxes) treatment in the tree planting are encouraged. are encouraged. front yard or yard abutting a street Sustainable Private amenities may be provided in Solar panels, green roofs and other building the form of rooftop gardens, private sustainable building design strategies are strategies/ balconies. encouraged. amenity space 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 desi n where appropriate. ~n the case of a resiaentia~ aeve~opment proposea within a c;ommercia~~~u~ixea use Streetscape area consiaeration of Kesiaentia~ Streetscape design guidelines maybe appropriate. Urban Character Area- Example Residential Typology City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B -Design Briefs -8- 1-15 Urban Character Area- Mixed Use/Commercial Typology Urban Character Area Streetscape Potential Option (for illustrative purposes): Off road multi-use trails, landscaped centre median, off street parking, residential and commercial frontages _s =~ ~' ~ . r ~ ~~ ~~ ,~ ,~ ., ~ _ ~' - *' -1 Wis.-, "~;+,_ ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ N ~ N c~ ~ ~ ~ N N N ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ U ~ N N - ~ ~'~ L ~ ~ ~ ~ N ~ N U ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ N ~ ~ ~ ~ }' ~ N ~ ~ ~ O ~ ~ N J (n LL J ~ f ~` ~ ~ -~ ~~.a~ „~. '~'":-~ ~~, ~ ,~ °_ ~ ,; ~ r :- ., , a ~' ~ ~~ I ~ ~ a- , -'~'~ ~~ - - t ~ 1 ,~: = N ~ '~ c ~ ~ c~ ~ ~ N ~ ~ ~ N ~ ~ J v i ~ ~ ~ [ ~ N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ •N ~ ~~ U ~ 'Q •~ ~ ~ ~ to ~ ~ L U ~ ~ N N ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ J (~ ~ J ~~ ~~~ d~ I I I "1 u 1 .4 ~~. + ~P a ~, , 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 • Muman scaled podium base with stepbacks to upper storeys Commercial Development Residential Development • Pedestrian Scaled lighting • Landscaped centre median • Wide, uninterrupted multi-use trail • Parking areas screened from view • Minimal front yard setbacks with handscaping to animate Mixed Use street edge • Relatively larger setbacks with softscaping along Residential street edge City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B -Design Briefs ~ 1 ~ 17 • Soft landscaping within the front yard • Pedestrian scaled lighting • Front lotted development -driveways located at the rear • Curb extension to create semi- publicplaza • On street parking • Articulated facades addressing both streets 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. .i. ~ ~ ~. a +j,J ~i i~~,s ! ~^~- ~~ art ;:~~ ~ .~~* i~ r ~~ ~ ~' ` , ~, ~ ,. ~_ ;~ ~~ Natural Character Area City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B -Design Briefs -11- i-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 belowl: F W ~ STRASBUR ' ~ ~ ~ C!REEK Nd~tTF ~ -- BRANCH d ~(7l~MCN1NEALTH HELENA `' PARK F£ASBV ,,.:..... ST 'JV~ ~ '~ ELM TREE GREEN 4 E ."1 ~f~~ ~~ ~~ d C~~~~ ~.. `,.,,,~ L HURUN '~' ~~~~ NATURAL AREA y ~~~ ~~~, tpr~~ '~; ~, H~'~ BRITTANIA ~C~~a ~ ,s.^ ,, ORES ~r °~~:•. • S1NP ~~F ,., ~ ~.- . .,x~ ~~, ~:, rc.«...r Z ~~V ~~ CEP,. p PARKVALE ~~~ar ~ _ PAR~C ~n~ ~~ r~ TRAM, ~ ~ ^r'A ~. r fi i, .. o~ _ ~ rn~ ~. s - „, R• "r N~r~ +~~~ ~~ ,M., §P~. ~ b ,. ~;~ ~~ Qesign Plan Legend ',~~t~' 8~i~nda~y ~~ ~~ Nedghhaurhoad '~at?~f.'~N C~mmaandy ,r~l ~ Gatewray City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B -Design Briefs -12- 1-19 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. City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part B -Design Briefs 3 1 ~ 20 The following chart highlights the public realm characteristics which distinguish the two Gateway typologies. Public Realm Characteristics Characteristic Community Gateway Neighbourhood Gateway Place making capacity Intended to reinforce the sense of Intended to reinforce the sense of place of the City of Kitchener and/or place of the local neighbourhood Rosenberg Community as a whole Land Use Transition Zone Minimal activity in this zone; not an Maximize use of this zone; promote optimal location for "spillover" uses "spillover" activity and social interaction. Right of Way design Higher volume of vehicular traffic. Lesser volume of vehicular traffic. • Highly legible pedestrian crossings Highly legible pedestrian crossings (including pedestrian refuge islands) (including pedestrian refuge islands) are a top priority in road way design. are a top priority in road way design. • On street parking not appropriate. Considertraffic 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. Landscape and Site Will reflect the Rosenberg Will reflect the local neighbourhood Furnishing Zone elements Community. with some reference to the broader (including banners, public Street trees should be planted at Rosenberg Community. art, street furnishings, regular intervals along both Fischer Street trees should be planted at wayfinding signage, Hallman Road and the intersecting regular intervals along both Fischer commemorative signage) street. Hallman Road and the intersecting street. Gateway features Incorporate larger scale, more Incorporate smaller scale, lower decorative entrance features such as maintenance entrance features. decorative walls and pillars. 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 " 1-21 Prominent gateway features encouraged at Community Gateway locations to ident~ Rosenberg Community