HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-07-065 - Neighbourhood Design Initiative: Design Brief for Suburban Development & Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres and Related Implementation InitiativesI L REPORT 74
Report To: Development & Technical Services Committee
Date of Meeting: April 23, 2007
Submitted BY: Jeff Willmer, Director of Planning (741-2325)
Prepared By: Brandon Sloan, Senior Planner (741-2648)
Ryan Mounsey, Senior Planner (741-2324)
Ward(s) Involved: All
Date of Report: April 16, 2007
Report No.: DTS-07-065
Subject: Neighbourhood Design Initiative:
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Neighbourhood
Mixed Use Centres and Related Implementation Initiatives
RECOMMENDATION:
A. That the City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual be amended as follows:
1. to adopt in principle, adding a new Community Design Section 3.0 to the Urban
Design Manual with the urban design guidelines attached in "Appendix I" " to DTS
Report 07-065; and
2. to adopt in principle, revisions to the existing Neighbourhood Design section and
adding new design guidelines (new Section 4.0) to provide specific design direction
for Central Neighbourhoods and Suburban Neighbourhoods as attached in
"Appendix I" to DTS Report 07-065; and
3. to fully adopt Recommendations Al and A2 through a City-initiated update to the
Urban Design Manual, including a consultation process with relevant stakeholders;
and
4. to approve the "Design Brief for Suburban Development and Neighbourhood Mixed
Use Centres", as attached as "Appendix I" to DTS Report 07-065, and incorporate
into Part B in the Urban Design Manual; and
5. to renumber the 'Site Design' section as Section 5.0; and further
6. to renumber the 'Design and Massing of Buildings' section as Section 6.0.
B. That a new category regarding 'Neighbourhood Design' be formally added to the City's
Urban Design Awards program, which may recognize outstanding new Community
Plans, Neighbourhood Concept or Master Plans and plans of subdivision or vacant land
condominium.
C. That staff proceed with any necessary changes to the City's Standard Subdivision
Agreement as it relates to the Urban Design Manual changes, in consultation with the
Kitchener Homebuilder's Liaison Committee, to implement new standard conditions
and/or improvements to the subdivision process.
D. That the City of Kitchener continue to support the development of complete, compact,
transit-oriented and pedestrian-friendly communities and to continue with the education
and awareness initiatives of our Community and Neighbourhood Design guidelines in
Kitchener (such as staff seminars, industry workshop, conferences, media engagement,
public engagement and distribution of information, such as design brochures).
E. That Municipal Plan Amendment Application MP 07/02/TC/BS for the purpose of adding
a new community design policy to 'Part 4 — Community Plans', be approved in the form
shown in the Municipal Plan Amendment attached to DTS Report 07-065.
F. That staff continue to explore the right-of-way width and design standards for collector
streets and, following additional consultation, provide any additional recommendations to
Development & Technical Services Committee.
G. That new Council Policies be adopted regarding "On-street Parking" and "Decorative
Streetscape Elements" as attached as "Appendices E and F respectively to DTS Report
07-065.
H. That Community Services staff, with the Planning Division, proceed with preparing the
new Parkland and Open Space Master Plan, which should include but not be limited to:
• Identification of appropriate parkland needs and provision ratios (e.g. # ha /pope,
#ha/planning area) for existing and planned areas of the City.
• Identification of specific future parkland needs - location, types, sizes, facilities.
• Methods of acquiring parkland (including acquisition of suitably sized parks, open
spaces, etc that may be beyond the park dedication requirement).
• A recommended strategic approach to implementation.
• Consideration of any new approaches to park classification, design and
construction methods (e.g. "developer-build").
• Identification and mechanisms to ensure appropriate timing of park construction.
• Outline and provide strategic options for approaches to parks/open space
maintenance issues.
• Recommendations of new trail connections.
• Any necessary revisions to improve future parks planning through the City's
Staging of Development Report, creation of a future parks database or other
implementation tools.
• Any necessary updates to the Urban Design Manual (Design Brief for Suburban
Development, etc).
• Consideration of a program involving the display of Public Art, Industrial Artifacts
and other park or streetscape items for neighbourhoods in Kitchener.
I. That Community Services staff work with the Public Art Working Group and the Arts and
Culture Advisory Committee to revise the Public Art Policy and Public Art Master Plan to
strengthen the support of public art initiatives in suburban neighbourhoods.
J. That Community Services staff, with DTS staff, update the Bikeway Study (including
Community Trails), either as a stand-alone document or as part of a Transportation
Master Plan.
IN
K. That Community Services staff complete a Street Tree Inventory and Master Plan and
incorporate any related and necessary updates to the Urban Design and Subdivision
Manuals.
L. That Engineering staff be directed to prepare and provide any necessary updates to the
Kitchener Subdivision Manual to provide new standards in support of the new Design
Guidelines.
M. That City staff work with K-W Hydro and other utility corporations to develop improved
approaches to streetscape design (e.g. determine options or preferred treatments when
potential conflicts between street trees and utility locations are identified).
N. That Transportation Planning staff, including Operations staff, lead a review and prepare
any necessary documentation regarding the City of Kitchener's approach to the
requirements for and utilization of alternate intersection design for City streets (e.g.
roundabouts), including but not limited to the analysis of items such as:
• When should alternate intersection designs be considered
• What are the types of alternative designs and identify any preferred type
• Development of any necessary Council Policy or subdivision best practices
• Provide any design standards or options through the Urban Design Manual
and/or the Subdivision Manual
• Identification of any cost implications and potential options, such as whether this
item should be considered as part of the City's Development Charges
• Any necessary updates to the Urban Design Manual (Design Brief for Suburban
Development, etc)
• An understanding and recommended approach to Operations/maintenance
implications
O. That staff continue to develop and institute new techniques to identify, quantify and
appropriately plan for the financing of future maintenance requirements and resources
necessary to support the infrastructure required for the smart growth of the City and that
adequate funds be considered in the Operating Budget for the maintenance of
neighbourhood items in the public realm in Kitchener (e.g. parks, sidewalks, streetscape
features) .
P. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to work with City staff on
developing Streetscape Objectives for the design and access to Regional roads, in
particular for specific Regional Roads that are either new, that may have substantial
reurbanization potential along the road or are gateway entrances to the City of Kitchener,
such as future River Road extension, Fairway Road Extension, Ira Needles Boulevard,
Fischer-Hallman Road, Victoria Street.
3
111 1
� 6 611
Council and staff identified the need to continually improve the methods by which
neighbourhoods and subdivisions are designed and built within Kitchener.
Staff presented a report to the Development & Technical Services Committee on November 1
2004 (DTS Report #04-165). The report discussed the need for and the early stages of the
Neighbourhood Design Initiative, it included certain principles of neighbourhood design to
consider and provided a timeline for the project. In addition, the second portion of the report
further discussed the on-street parking issue.
Staff presented a further report (DTS-05-205) to DTS Committee in December 2005 as an
update on the Neighbourhood Design Initiative and this report included the new Design
Guideline Framework. The report also identified some of the options that can be used to help
address the on-street parking issue.
014!101011
Since the last DTS report on this project, the Province's 'Places to Grow' Growth Plan is now in
place and the City also has approved 'A Plan for a Healthy Kitchener'. These initiatives have
been taken into account in preparing the final design guidelines. The current report presents
Design Guidelines for Community Design, Neighbourhood Design and a Design Brief for
Suburban Development and associated recommendations to improve the neighbourhood design
process and outcomes in Kitchener.
1.0 Context
One of the overarching planning principles of the City's Municipal Plan is that the City is
committed to creating a safe, accessible and attractive environment through good quality urban
design (Part I — s.3.2.16 & .17). When considering the design of new subdivisions and
neighbourhoods in Kitchener, all stakeholders should be aware of the following policy within
Part 11 — Section 1.4 Neighbourhood Quality:
1. The City is strongly committed to excellence in community design as a way of
creating and maintaining pleasant, attractive and functional neighbourhoods. The
City shall take an active role in identifying, evaluating, developing and implementing
improved community design approaches."
The direction on the need to plan for and create complete communities is further established in
the Provincial Policy Statement (2005) and the Province's Places to Grow Growth Plan
(2006). Specifically, Section 2.2.7 of the Growth Plan states:
"New development taking place in designated Greenfield areas will be planned, designated,
zoned and designed in a manner that:
a) contributes to creating healthy communities;
b) creates street configurations, densities and an urban form that support walking,
cycling, and the early integration and sustained viability of transit services;
c) provides a diverse mix of land uses, including residential and employment uses, to
support vibrant neighbourhoods;
d) create high quality public open spaces with site design and urban design standards
that support opportunities for transit, walking and cycling."
0
One of the foundations of the Region of Waterloo's Growth Management Strategy is the goal
of "Building Vibrant Urban Places". This includes the intent to create safe communities, provide
housing choice and provide balanced live/work opportunities within the region. A further goal of
the RGMS is to provide greater transportation choice. This includes improved access to jobs
and services, integrated alternate transportation modes, increased walking and cycling, more
pedestrian-friendly environments and establishing an effective road network.
In addition, the City of Kitchener was the second municipality in Canada to adopt a Pedestrian
Charter (attached as "Appendix C"). The City is committed to improving walkability within our
community and neighbourhoods. Also, many other municipalities in Ontario have design
guidelines for subdivisions, neighbourhoods or city-wide, such as Brampton and Markham (see
"Appendix D" for summary chart and parks planning approach).
1. 1 Project Purpose
The Neighbourhood Design Initiative is a very comprehensive project that has included
extensive collaboration with many stakeholders. A summary list of the project milestones is
attached as Appendix "A". The main reasons for the project along with recommended changes
to the City's Urban Design Manual are to:
• Promote walkable neighbourhoods that contribute to complete communities
• Implement existing Municipal Plan Policy
• Address City initiatives, such as 'Pedestrian Charter', Growth Management, Healthy
Communities
• Build awareness amongst staff, industry, community
• Ensure comprehensive consideration and coordination
• Provide tools to address recurring issues (traffic, parks)
• Address public feedback (resident surveys, items at DTSC)
• Implement the City's urban design-based approach to development
• Address primary "structural" issues and details (street and park hierarchies)
• Provide new directions and considerations for future neighbourhood planning
• Ensure visioning and collaboration earlier in the development process
• Complete several outstanding (related) projects (on-street parking response, decorative
streetscape element policy, Residential Streetscapes Project follow up, Neighbourhood
Mixed Use Centre guidelines)
There are several 'products' of the project, many of which are reflected in the DTS report
recommendations and include raising the awareness of neighbourhood design objectives in
Kitchener. The main product is the proposed changes to the City's Urban Design Manual.
2.0 Proposed Urban Design Manual Changes
%..r
Kitchener is experiencing strong residential development pressures with a limited land supply.
The City continues to refine its established development approval processes with an emphasis
on design quality. Updates to the City's Urban Design Manual would assist in providing clarity
and predictably of the City's objectives and guidelines for community and neighbourhood
design. Specific guidelines for suburban development would expand on the limited existing
design guidelines in the Manual to clarify the City's design expectations and process for new
development within our suburban neighbourhoods. New or refined design guidelines would
help provide necessary tools for considering difficult and complex issues (e.g. traffic,
environmental conservation, park accessibility) early in the process and with a comprehensive
range of options.
5
At this time, two major changes are recommended for the Urban Design Manual to better
implement the new Design Brief. First, a new Community Design section is proposed to
address the largest scale design issues. Following this, a revised Neighbourhood Design
section is required to provide more detailed and relevant design guidelines intended for the
city's central neighbourhoods and suburban neighbourhoods. Many of the current, existing
neighbourhood design guidelines are community design issues and can be integrated into the
new Community Design section. The revised Urban Design Manual format is illustrated below:
Existing Table of Contents
Revised Table of Contents
1.0 City's Vision
1.0 City's Vision
2.0 Introduction
2.0 Introduction
3.0 Neighbourhood Design
3.0 Community Design
3.1 Creating a Sense of Place
3.1 Creating a Sense of Place
Streetscapes
Landmarks, Views and Vistas
3.2 Street Network
3.2 Trees and Woodlands
3.3 Streetscape
3.3 Heritage Resources
3.4 Parks and Open Space
3.4 Street Network
3.5 Heritage Resources
3.5 Transit
3.6 Transit
3.6 Parks, Open Spaces and Trails
3.7 Landmarks, Views and Vistas
4.0 Neighbourhood Design
3.8 Trees and Woodlands
4.1 Central Neighbourhoods
Character
Built Form
Amenities
➢ see Design Brief for Mixed Use Corridors
4.0 Site Design (includes 9 subsections)
4.2 Suburban Neighbourhoods
Character
Built Form
Amenities
➢ see Design Brief for Suburban Devt.
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
5.0 Design and Massing of Buildings
5.0 Site Design (includes 9 subsections)
5.1 Massing and Building Design
6.0 Design and Massing of Buildings
5.2 Infill Development
6.1 Massing and Building Design
5.3 Building Design and Microclimate
6.2 Building Design and Microclimate
2.1 Community Design
The existing Design Manual has some existing guidelines under section 3.0 Neighbourhood
Design. Many of these guidelines are being moved or replaced to the 'Design Brief' and the
remaining guidelines are more applicable at the 'community-scale'. As a result, a 'Community
Design' Section 3.0 is being created to include the existing guidelines that remain applicable
and a limited range of new guidelines that are intended to make this section work better with the
new 'Design Brief. The intent is to revisit this section in the next few months as part of the
larger Urban Design Manual update in order to further explore the possibility of providing
guidelines related to themes such as health, sustainability, safety, connections and natural
environment. The new Community Design guidelines are attached as "Appendix I".
R
2.2 Neighbourhood Design
A new 'Neighbourhood Design' Section 4.0 is proposed for the Design Manual. This section is
concise. Two types of neighbourhoods are addressed for Kitchener, Central and Suburban.
Central Neighbourhoods include the Downtown and the surrounding 9 residential
neighbourhoods (e.g. Victoria Park, Central Frederick) and the Suburban Neighbourhoods
include the remaining portions of the city (existing primarily post-war areas and newly
developing areas). General guidelines related to character, built form and amenities are
provided for each type of neighbourhood. The Central Neighbourhood guidelines focus more on
guidance for achieving compatibility for new infill developments in existing neighbourhoods
along with accessibility to amenities and they are supplemented by the existing 'Mixed Use
Corridor' Design Brief and the Downtown Urban Design Policies. The Suburban Neighbourhood
general guidelines highlight the main design elements for creating diverse, attractive and
walkable neighbourhoods and they are supplemented by the new 'Design Brief for Suburban
Development' and future Design Briefs such as 'Mixed Use Nodes'. The guidelines are attached
as "Appendix I ".
2.3 Design Brief for Suburban Development and Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
In general, Design Briefs are included in the Urban
Design Manual to provide more comprehensive and
detailed guidelines about a specific topic, such as drive-
thrus, commercial/mixed-use areas, etc. The new
`Design Brief for Suburban Development and
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres' is proposed to be
added to the Design Manual to provide the
comprehensive set of guidelines to supplement the new
Neighbourhood Design section 4.0. The Design Brief is
summarized in a'Neighbourhood Design Brochure' that is
attached as "Appendix H" and the full Design Brief is
attached as "Appendix J
Planning staff have worked with key stakeholders to
identify the primary design objectives and guidelines for
Kitchener's suburban neighbourhoods. Generally, the
guidelines deal with design considerations such as street
and park hierarchies and connectivity along with detailed
considerations such as on-street parking solutions, park
design, streetscapes and entrance features. From this
consultation, the design objectives were refined several
times and incorporated into the Design Brief.
The Design Brief is organized into three main sections. An introduction outlines the purpose and
primary design objectives. The main section of the Brief is the suburban design guidelines that
begins with a section on creating walkable neighbourhoods, includes a section on higher level
structural elements (streets, parks), has more detailed design items in a section about
reinforcing neighbourhood character and livability and includes a section on integrating mixed-
use centres. The final section, Implementation, includes a'demonstration plan' and outlines how
the guidelines are to be used through the development approvals process.
VA
A new concept that is included in the Design Brief is that numerous guidelines include
`guidelines tips' and `references' to assist with the actions to be taken for the specific guideline
through implementation and the approval process and to link sections with other relevant
policies or documents. The tips and references are intended to be for all users.
3.0 Key Issues Addressed and Key Changes
Some of the key issues that have been addressed in the new design guidelines include park
accessibility, traffic calming and multiple access points, streetscapes, on-street parking, general
aesthetics, identity and clarity. Additional changes include:
• Establish vision, design principles, guideline prioritization early
• Early site walks and neighbourhood concept plans
• New plan submissions & analysis
• Improved street connectivity
• More park frontage
• New park & open space terms
• Greater mix of dwellings and transit supportive development
• Focus on hierarchy and structure
• Ensure consideration of long term maintenance
• Attention to design details
New plans that may be required in subdivision planning include: Neighbourhood Concept Plans,
a Streetscape Plan for priority streets and a Priority Lot Plan for special lots.
Before: Car oriented reverse lotted arterial
After: Pedestrian-oriented, front-facing development
Conservation of natural and cultural heritage
Design enhancements along priority streets
resources
Special landscaping at gateway entrances, with
Modified grid as the street pattern
supporting financial strategy
Transit supportive development & active street
Pedestrian-friendly streets created through
edges
enhanced street tree plantings, building design,
Integrated open space elements
varied building setback, park locations, vistas
Walkable neighbourhoods based on a 5-minute
Orient lots to face primary streets
walking distance (radius)
Require 1 street tree in front of each house
Provide a variety of visible park spaces within 5
Pro-active park design
minutes of most homes
Min. 50% of width of park as street frontage
Neighbourhood entrances
Locate buildings close to the street with direct
Provide commercial and mixed use
access for pedestrians
development within a central location
Integrate transit stops
Proactive traffic calming features
Enhanced elevations for priority lots in
Housing mix and densities
prominent public view locations
A new concept that is included in the Design Brief is that numerous guidelines include
`guidelines tips' and `references' to assist with the actions to be taken for the specific guideline
through implementation and the approval process and to link sections with other relevant
policies or documents. The tips and references are intended to be for all users.
3.0 Key Issues Addressed and Key Changes
Some of the key issues that have been addressed in the new design guidelines include park
accessibility, traffic calming and multiple access points, streetscapes, on-street parking, general
aesthetics, identity and clarity. Additional changes include:
• Establish vision, design principles, guideline prioritization early
• Early site walks and neighbourhood concept plans
• New plan submissions & analysis
• Improved street connectivity
• More park frontage
• New park & open space terms
• Greater mix of dwellings and transit supportive development
• Focus on hierarchy and structure
• Ensure consideration of long term maintenance
• Attention to design details
New plans that may be required in subdivision planning include: Neighbourhood Concept Plans,
a Streetscape Plan for priority streets and a Priority Lot Plan for special lots.
Before: Car oriented reverse lotted arterial
After: Pedestrian-oriented, front-facing development
4.0 Implementation
Each of the design guidelines will not apply in all instances. Every development site is different
and an element of flexibility should be used when applying the guidelines. The `required' portion
of the guidelines is that the primary design objectives should be met. The City does expect
urban design to be a key consideration for creating a safe, attractive and healthy community.
4.1 Demonstration plan
To help illustrate the guidelines, an example new community has been designed through a
`demonstration plan' that was prepared with the assistance of The Planning Partnership
consulting firm. A summary of the 'demonstration plan' is provided in the implementation
section of the Design Brief and portions of the same plan are utilized throughout the design
guidelines to illustrate specific design guidelines. Highlights of the plan include 4 walkable
neighbourhoods centred around a neighbourhood mixed-used centre, a transit route that runs
through the middle of the community with transit supportive development principles, a well
defined street hierarchy with multiple route options and multiple connections to the arterial
streets, traffic calming, higher densities oriented to the transit route, a variety of park/open
spaces located in central locations, walkability to the school, design options adjacent to the
arterial streets, employment, priority streets and lots, aging in place opportunities, housing
choice, heritage conservation and gateway/neighbourhood identity features. The demonstration
plan has also been designed to accommodate the recent direction through the Places to Grow
Growth Plan as it achieves at least 50 persons and jobs per hectare.
4.2 The Approvals Process
Implementation of the guidelines will require some
additional analysis and review. The intent is that
in a more comprehensive way, the spectrum of
design issues are considered early through site
walks with all staff and consultants that will be
involved with the project to better understand the
context of the site. This is immediately followed by
a meeting to determine the vision, design
principles and concept plan. A Neighbourhood
Concept Plan (NCP) should be developed to
illustrate the primary design features of the
development. These items are included in a
development application's Planning Report
submission along with an analysis of how the
development achieves the primary design
objectives OT the Design Brief, the design
guidelines and will positively contribute to the community. This will be reviewed by the
Planner and other staff, commented on and an analysis provided in the final DTS report.
City
Many of the items within the guidelines are already being done in recent subdivisions and
development applications. The guidelines have been written in a way that generally follows the
subdivision design process. The emphasis is on collaborative conceptual design and the pre-
submission stage. As part of the Design Brief implementation section, a one-page 'Subdivision
Design Review Checklist' is included to provide general guidance to help applicants or staff with
determining when certain design items are considered in the approvals process.
9
The Design Brief can and should be considered for any development applications within the
suburban neighbourhoods. The guidelines that are applicable and the level of analysis will vary
depending on the type and nature of the application (e.g. more analysis for large subdivision vs.
a typical zone change; however some guidelines may be applicable for a zone change).
4.3 Examples
Recent subdivisions have already been providing many of the items that are in the proposed
design guidelines. We have recent examples of subdivisions whereby the developer is working
on the park design with staff early and having the park built within the first year of development.
There are other examples whereby parks have significant frontage for visibility and at the same
time they are a more effective size which often results in additional saleable frontage for the
developer and new road connections. Many new developments include entrance features,
decorative signage and lighting along with alternate intersection designs and traffic calming
techniques. Several plans have started looking at priority lots more closely to ensure a high
level of design detail is considered for unique lots such as gateway, corner, terminating view
and heritage area lots. Recently, major steps were taken to conserve a heritage resource on a
property that is undergoing development as a new subdivision while balancing the grading and
economic objectives of the developer. In addition, new strides have been made to give
attention to streetscape plans, mixture of lot widths, significant pedestrian linkages, transit route
and park design. All of these new examples of subdivision design should make a positive
contribution to the fabric of our community.
4.4 Related Report Recommendations
This is a comprehensive project. There are many related initiatives that need to be updated or
further considered in order to make the design guidelines and the subdivision and community
planning process more effective. Many of these related initiatives are reflected in the
recommendations of this report and include matters such as proceeding with the new Parks
Master Plan which is a vital component of great neighbourhoods, updating the City's Bikeway
Study, further investigating roundabouts and major collector streets, integrating public art
through policy and proceeding with updates to the technical Subdivision Manual.
4.4. 1 On-street Parking Policy
A draft On-street Parking Policy was presented and discussed at the September 5, 2006 DTSC
meeting. In response to the discussion and consultation with the Homebuilder's Liaison
Committee, a section regarding `flexibility' was added since one set of standards cannot apply to
each different development. The final recommended Council Policy is attached as "Appendix E".
4.4.2 Municipal Plan Amendment (MPA)
Part of the "designed-based" approach to community and neighbourhood development involves
having the creation of new Community Plans follow the elements and guidelines that are
identified in the Community Design section of the City's Urban Design Manual (as amended).
The Community Plans should further investigate and provide policies for any aspects of the
Neighbourhood Design section of the Urban Design Manual that may be applicable to the
specific area of the City that is being designed. The development of new Community Plans will
still have regard for any other matters of community planning. Clarity for this process is
provided by adding a policy within Part 4 — Section 1.5 'Community Plans' of the Municipal Plan.
11C
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
No current Capital Budget request as part of this report; however additional budget items may
be considered in the future should the actions taken on the recommendations of this report
result in any budgetary requirements (e.g. future parkland/natural area acquisition).
11
With the installation of certain design elements within public lands there is an obligation for the
municipality to provide adequate resources through the Operating Budget to help maintain these
features for the community. An accompanying Council Policy is recommended that addresses
certain streetscape items, whereby the developer would be required to contribute a one-time
maintenance fee (ie 10% of decorative street signs or 50% of gateway entrance feature).
Also, DTS reports on new subdivisions will provide a synopsis of new infrastructure items
whereby the future maintenance of those items should be taken into account as financial
implications in the decision.
Kitchener's neighbourhoods are evolving and should be planned to accommodate the emerging
needs of a complete community with an emphasis on a high-quality public realm and
sustainable development. Achieving these objectives demands a comprehensive approach to
City building and involves a design-based approach to community and neighbourhood planning.
Design details need to be considered early in the planning and development process and
should be a collaborative effort between the municipality, the community-building development
industry, agencies and members of the community. The changes to the Urban Design Manual
to incorporate the Community Design and Neighbourhood Design guidelines, along with the
`Design Brief for Suburban Development and Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres' provide a
significant step towards continual improvement of our new neighbourhoods in Kitchener. This
initiative also helps identify the community's design expectations, helps ensure that the wide
range of issues in the planning and design process are considered and helps provide a variety
of tools to consider in the development process, with special emphasis on walkability, transit-
oriented development, accessibility to a range of land uses and greater emphasis on the public
realm. The ultimate goal is that each development and neighbourhood will contribute towards a
healthy, sustainable and livable Kitchener.
Example Neighbourhood Concept Plan (NCP)
12
Brandon Sloan, MCIP, RP
Senior Planner I
Della Ross, MCI P, RPP
Manager of Development Review
Jeff Willmer, MCI P, RPP
Director of Planning
George MacDuff, CET
Manager of Development Engineering
Ken Currier
Director of Operations
Ann Pappert
G.M. of Community Services
Ryan Mounsey, BES, MUDS, MCIP, RP?1
Senior Planner — Urban Design
Alain Pinard, MCI P, RPP
Manager of Policy & Long Range Planning
John McBride
Director of Transportation Planning
Rob Browning
G.M. of Development & Technical Services
Dan Ritz
Supervisor, Design & Development (CS)
List of Attachments:
Municipal Plan Amendment — Community Plans/Community Design
Appendix "A" — Summary of Project Milestones
Appendix "B" — Summary of Committee Consultations
Appendix "C" — City of Kitchener Pedestrian Charter
Appendix T" — Other Municipalities Approaches to Neighbourhood Design and Parks Plannip
Appendix "E" — Council Policy on 'On-street Parking'
Appendix T" — Council Policy on 'Decorative Streetscape Elements'
Appendix "G" — Summary of Resident Comments on Draft Design Brief
Appendix "H" — Neighbourhood Design Brochure
Appendix "I" — Amendments to the City's Urban Design Manual:
s. 3.0 Community Design
s. 4.0 Neighbourhood Design
Appendix "J" - Design Brief for Suburban Development & Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
13
Appendix A
Summary of Project Milestones
• Residential Streetscape Study (2000)
• First neighbourhood design guideline discussion (2001)
• Internal design workshop (staff and agencies), May 2004
• Neighbourhood design survey --public survey-- May 2004
• Neighbourhood Design Survey, Homebuilders Association, Aug. 27, 2004
• Report on shared Agenda: Growth Management — Subdivision Design — Update
on Kitchener By Design Initiative (DTS 04-159), Oct. 18th, 2004
• Report on Parking In Small Lot Subdivisions and Kitchener By Design:
Neighbourhoods (DTS 04-165), Nov. 1, 2004
• Report on neighbourhood design initiative and Design Brief for Subdivisions
(Draft Framework) (DTS 05-205), Dec 5, 2005
• Workshop session with resident liaison reps
• Workshop session with homebuilder reps
• Sessions with individual disciplines (eg Region transit, Engineering, Parks, etc) -
2006
• Joint workshop session with homebuilder and resident representative, Feb 13th,
2006
• Peer review and guideline facilitation — The Planning Partnership
• Internal workshop with Council, April 3, 2006
• Initiate draft guidelines
• Report Deferral of Proposed Municipal Plan Amendment — Community Plans —
Neighbourhood Design Initiative and Deferral of On-street Parking Policy
(DTS06-146), Oct.2, 2006
• Internal staff review — 2005, 2006, February 2007
• Public Liaison rep review — Jan-Feb 2007
• Homebuilder review — Project Updates 2005, 2006, Streetscape group 2006, Rep
review Dec/Jan 2007, March 2007
• City Advisory Committee Review — March 2007
• Consultant industry consultation, March 2007
Appendix B
Summary of Committee Consultations
Feedback
Actions Taken
-Committee
Safe & Healthy
-received for information
-a new primary design
Communities
-increased park frontage could be
objective is added re:
beneficial from safety perspective.
'Safety'. Wording used is
More eyes into park better.
from the Committee.
Narrow walkways have safety
- additional steps necessary
concerns (therefore 9m-15m linear
when reviewing the
parks better)
Community Design
-primary design objectives seem
Guidelines in the coming
reasonable. Should have one for
months to incorporate
`safety'. Discussed neighbourhood
guidelines on safety and
safety vs. personal safety
health at the community
-other discus sion/comments about
scale
site design (CPTED principles
considered in site plan reviews and
Urban Design Manual under
review)
Heritage Kitchener
-endorsed the Design Brief
-the 'Conservation' primary
-strong support for the initiative
design objective was revised
-stronger objective statement
based on the wording from
needed to conserve /preserve
the Committee.
heritage resources. Modify the
-minor modification to the
`conservation' objective
Demo Plan walking distance
-discussion on the cultural heritage
-additional steps necessary
and existing site resources section
when looking at the Heritage
-minor adjustments to the Design
Resource section of the
Brief plan
Community Design
Guidelines in the coming
months.
Arts & Culture
-arts and culture has direct
-the celebration of arts and
relationship with health and
culture was added to the
liveability
primary design objective
-provide clarity for community
about 'Livability'.
and neighbourhood
-definition added for nghbd.
-encourage public art awareness
-Intro to Community and
through info boards in gathering
Nghbd Design sections
places
described scale
-supported the Design Brief in
-Culture Plan 11 added as
principle, subject to incorporation
reference in the Design Brief
of several items.
-added new DTS staff report
recommendation
- staff to forward copy of
final Design Brief
Compass Kitchener
Public Art Working
Group
Environment
-strongly support the initiative and
the design objectives
-motion to adopt the design
objectives in principle
-need to examine impact of devt
on the environment (broad)
-promote public health
-seems to support Plan for Healthy
Kitchener
-discussion on related items:
density, rapid transit, affordability,
growth boundaries, noise pollution
-support the initiative
-public art is an integral -part of
neighbourhood identity
-integrate into Design Brochure
-promote and locate public art in
new neighbourhoods (parks, etc)
-endorsed the primary design
objectives subject to considering
the incorporation of sustainability
principles
-discussion about sustainability
-identification that planting of new
trees is important
-guidelines appear to be going in
the right direction for the City.
-walkability is a key design
element.
-discussion about what can be
done from a design perspective to
encourage transit usage
IN
-staff to forward copy of
final Design Brief
-the future revisions to the
Community Design section
will further review 'health'
and 'environment'
-added celebration of arts
and culture to 'Liveability'
objective
-the encouragement of -public
art in and around roundabout
intersections and park spaces
was added to the design
guidelines and brochure
-staff to review public art
policy in the future
-guidelines regarding
sustainability principles are
intended to be included.
These will most likely be in
the pending revisions to the
Community Design section
in the coming months.
-a guidelines was added
under the Building Design
Details section re:
encouraging energy
efficiencies in new buildings
-added graphic into the
Design Brief that encourages
the planting of additional
trees in boulevard or yard
space
Pedestrian Charter
Homebuilder's Liaison
-provided letter endorsing the
direction taken by the City and the
primary design objectives
-required additional information/
discussion of the -pro-posed design
guidelines
-pleased with direction Kitchener
is taking re: Pedestrian Charter and
prioritizing pedestrian issues and
needs within suburban areas
-excited about emphasis on
walkability
-discussion on many related issues
to pedestrians
-wanted to see 'trails' or
pedestrian routes on the demo plan
-several information update
meetings at Homebuilder Liaison
Committee (HLC)
-initial workshop session for HLC
reps. Discussion on garages,
driveways, small lot frontages, and
aesthetics of new subdivisions.
-input/info sharing as part of sub-
group, Streetscape Working Group
-meetings with HLC reps to
review Design Brief, Community
and Neighbourhood Design
-extensive letter with detailed
comments on most issues in
proposed guidelines
-major items: lotting pattern,
densities, guideline wording
(directive vs. suggestive),
implementation, street trees,
utilities, entry features, landscape
buffers, maintenance issues.
-discussion about how other
considerations such as existing/
new grades and economics should
factor into prioritizing the design
guidelines or the applicability of
each. Perhaps have a new
objective about efficiency or
balancing objectives.
3
-further discussions would be
helpful to continue to work
together on linking physical
urban design and the
promotion of walking to
destinations and recreation.
-Revised the demo plan to
show main pedestrian routes
(primarily as links through
the woodland/ park to
employment, school and
residential destinations).
-the majority of comments
received from the HLC rep
were extremely helpful and
incorporated into the Design
Brief.
-additional items were added
in the Implementation
section.
-a new primary design
objective, 'Balance'. was
added.
-further follow-up
discussions are required with
respect to some of the items
that are beyond the scope of
the Design Brief (ie.
minimum density targets)
Aft Aft Aft
Walking is the most ancient and universal form of travel. It is also an important
form of exercise and recreation. Every personal trip involves walking, alone or
in combination with taking public transit, driving or cycling.
A pedestrian is a person moving from place to place, either by foot or by using
an assistive mobility device. Pedestrians include residents and visitors of all
ages and abilities. In order to travel safely, conveniently, directly and
comfortably, they require an urban environment and infrastructure designed to
meet their travel needs.
To ensure walking is a safe, comfortable and convenient mode of urban travel,
the City of kitchener respects the following principles:
Accessibility
Walking is a free and direct
means of accessing local goods,
services, community amenities
and public transit.
Environmental Sustainability
Walking relies on human power and has
negligible environmental impact.
Personal and Community Safety
An environment in which people feel safe
and comfortable walking, increases
community safety for all.
Health and Well-Being Community Cohesion and Vitality
Walking is a proven method of A pedestrian-friendly environment
promoting personal health and Encourages and facilitates social
well-being. interaction and local economic vitality.
To create an urban environment in all parts of the city that encourages and
supports walking, the City of Kitchener will:
• uphold the right of pedestrians of all ages and abilities to safe, convenient,
direct and comfortable walking conditions;
• provide a walking environment within the public right-of-way and in public
parks that encourages people to walk for travel, exercise and recreation;
• support and encourage the planning, design and development of a
walking environment in public and private spaces (both exterior and
interior) that meets the travel needs of pedestrians;
• provide and maintain infrastructure that gives pedestrians safe and
convenient passage while walking along and crossing streets;
• ensure that residents' access to basic community amenities and services
does not depend on car ownership or public transit use;
• set policies that reduce conflict between pedestrians and other users of
the public right-of-way;
• create walkable communities by giving high planning priority to compact,
human-scale and mixed land use;
• encourage research and education on the social, economic,
environmental and health benefits of walking as a form of travel, exercise
and recreation;
• promote laws and regulations that respect pedestrians' particular needs;
• advocate for improving the provincial and federal regulatory and funding
frameworks that affect the City's ability to improve the pedestrian
environment; and
• work with individual citizens, community groups and agencies, businesses
and other levels of government to achieve these goals.
An urban environment that encourages and facilitates walking supports
community health, vitality and safety. It increases use of public transit;
decreases car dependence; reduces conflict between vehicles and
pedestrians; leads to cleaner air; green public space; and supports green
tourism. Such an environment creates opportunities for the informal social
interaction that is one of the main attributes of a vibrant, liveable urban
community.'; and further,
That all other local area municipalities be encouraged to adopt a Pedestrian Charter."
w
w
A
H
r�
V
w
A
1 r
u
_
PON
. • r•-, p
O
...., c�
U
C/5
O
a
�'
r.,
bA•
�•
U p
$"'
a� O
•
U ct ct
�'
.�
U
ct O
bq
p +� .�
cn
c�
�,
c�
r--a .
N
O ct
O
ct
+
'�
rr U
i-•a
rr ct
;--4
;--4
4
CA
4—J
ct
U C)4 O
i M U bA
i Ct
con
QQc�
ct
7�
.� o
�
o
ct
o
o O .�
o
��----�� O
acI
un
CU
Pm
o PO4
*p
tb
7�
PC
M bb
ct
po"
O
U
a� aJ
O
4
O
cr 4—j
Ct
Ct
a�
ct
ct
U
Ct
u-,� .� rr
�
.� 4-� U i-•a
� '�
t Q
• � p O by �
C
C-.0
cr c�
un
Q
O
_�
�
Ct
.44
ct U •
O O
bA
0 �bA
U • tb N
U
""� U , bb
U • � U
•�
�-' O Q
O •�
Q
U° O -� Q
4IR O '�
CL4 I 7�
I c�
v�
bq • •�
b!J
.0
N
7�
'� v� --a p.
O a�
v� v� U bb
ct
;:3 7:�
� Cr
O
�
�
O
N
M
_O
rr, .D •,�
c�
U
coo
4-J
O
4-4
O 4-J
N °V� O ct
coo
rr
•^' O �;
O O
i
CA
-1
' p •� p
U •°
U °
N' .� U
c� �' . u N .�-a �O
O v;
r--� c� U
4-4 Con
c� N .� .--�
ct
v�
N
bio
N N
Q U
U U
N O
U O
.� •�
N c
CA
ct
CA
ct
Ct
ct
CA
a
4-1 Cn
4-1
4Z
,ct.�
o
WaQ
xv�C7
Z�
U
ct coo
N O
GA
r-q cr
• u
c� U
ct r
.�
U 4�
�-+
O ct ct
N N N N
�+ s—,
p • � ;� S=, cr • b�A
4� U
N
O
•�
con
•� p
c� cr
U •� �'
Cn
bA
�
U
�
M
OR
O
0
ri
00
bA
0 ;:s
ct
ct �
� N
OU
�
c� O
a 4�
N� •�
C
O�
O
i�
U P
Con
i
U i • .�•�
U
7�
U
7�
U
4-4
O
'
i
i
i
O •�
� N
.O Q
U �
N a �
Q 0 U
ct
U
ct
ct
c ct
O
OR
M83101:4:41millll a
New street-fronting residential development shall provide on-street parking opportunities
at a ratio of one parallel on-street parking space for every two residential houses, and in
accordance with the following criteria.
11111 liq
The Subdivider shall submit an on-street parking plan for all lots or blocks within the plan
intended for street-fronting residential development. The timing for the submission of the
required on-street parking plans shall be as follows:
a) Prior to Draft Approval
The subdivider shall submit a preliminary driveway location /on- street parking plan. In
addition to the criteria in parts 1.c), 2., 3. and 4., the preliminary plan shall also show
maximum driveway widths permitted by current zoning regulations for all lots.
b) Post Draft Approval
i) For plans where servicing is to occur before registration - parking plan required
prior to approval of servicing drawings
ii) For plans where servicing is to occur after registration - on-street parking plan
required prior to registration
iii) For plans which are registered with lotless blocks - on-street parking plan
required prior to approval of servicing drawings of the blocks to be lotted
c) The driveway location /on- street parking plan shall show the following:
the location of driveways, driveway ramps and curb openings for all lots;
the pairing of driveways, except where considered impractical or unnecessary by
the City's Director of Transportation Planning;
where lots in the subdivision abut a park entrance or a public walkway, driveways
on the side of the lot furthest away from the park entrance or public walkway, as
the case may be; and
iv) the location of concrete transit pads, community mailbox pads, and fire hydrants,
where the location has been determined by the appropriate authorities.
d) The Subdivider shall submit with the plan, a letter from its consulting engineer that
the plan has been coordinated with the Grading Control Plan, planned utility
locations, and other street furniture.
HMO= 0 0 0 0 1
The on-street parking spaces shall be located at the prescribed ratio in accordance with
the following:
i) within the street block containing the units and/or on either side of an abutting
intersecting street within the flankage of the corner lot
ii) a minimum of 1.5 metres from the driveway ramp/curb opening
iii) a minimum of 9 metres from an intersection, as measured from the point of
intersection formed by the projection of the curb lines or edges of pavement
where there is no curb
iv) not to be located across from a "T" intersection
v) parking is not permitted along school frontages
vi) parking along park frontages shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
vii) parking is not permitted within 3 metres of a fire hydrant
viii) parking is not permitted within 15 metres of a bus stop
ix) parking is not to be located in front of a pedestrian walkway or trail which
continues on the opposite side of the street
• 0 2
On-street parking spaces shall be shown in accordance with the following:
i) where there are two or less tandem on-street parking spaces provided, the length
of each on-street parking space shall be 5.5 metres
ii) the width of each on-street parking space shall be 2.4 metres
iii) where there are more than two tandem on-street parking spaces provided, the
length of each internal on-street parking space shall be 6.7 metres
L21
In cases where the require parking cannot be provided, consideration will be given to the
following alternatives:
- communal off-street parking lots constructed by the subdivider as common-element
parking (owned & operated by a condominium corporation)
- incorporating parking spaces into the centre islands of cul-de-sacs
- increasing the length of driveways (which may include lots with detached garages)
- other innovative concepts
11i,1111111 qi�p;;111 111 111;;� li 11 �; I I q 111! 1111
DECORATIVE STREETSCAPE ELEMENTS
Within new subdivisions, a Subdivider may choose to provide decorative streetscape
elements, such as gateway entrance features, street name signs and street lights that
are different than the standard. The following policy is intended to provide guidance to
the timing, type, provision, approval and maintenance of these items.
1.0 Decorative Street Signs / Posts
Timing — Prior to registration, the Subdivider shall advise the City's
Transportation Planning Division as to whether they wish to use the City's
standard street name signs or the decorative street name signs for the
subdivision.
1.2 Type — The decorative street sign style shall utilize white letters/border on
blue background for new subdivisions. Graphics are not to be
incorporated on the sign. The style for the sign and post is shown below:
1.3 Provision — The Subdivider shall be responsible for 100% of the costs for
the manufacture and installation of the approved decorative street
signs/posts. The signs/posts shall be installed by the City upon
assumption of the streets by the City. In the event that adjacent
developments do not choose to incorporate the decorate style, the
Subdivider may be responsible for additional costs to provide signs/posts
along connecting streets to a logical transition point as defined by the City
in order to ensure consistency in style on a street.
1.4 Approval and Discretion— The use of decorative street signs/posts, the
sign detail and the installation shall be to the satisfaction of the City's
Transportation Planning Section.
1.5 Maintenance — The Subdivider is required to make a one-time cash
contribution towards future maintenance and replacement costs equal to
10% of the capital costs of the total decorative street signs/posts for the
subdivision, payable to the City of Kitchener (to the attention of the
Transportation Planning Section) prior to registration of the subdivision.
The City shall be responsible for the remainder of the cost of replacement
or repair.
2.1 Timing — Prior to servicing or registration whichever comes first, the
Subdivider shall advise K-W Hydro and the City's Transportation Planning
Section as to whether they wish to use the typical street light standards or
the decorative street light standards for the subdivision.
2.2 Type — Decorative street lighting in new subdivisions
will be limited to the Talisman Pole and Washington
Luminaire.
2.3
2.4 Approval and Discretion — The use of decorative street lights, the street
light standard detail and the installation shall be to the satisfaction of K-W
Hydro and the Transportation Planning Section.
2.5 Maintenance — The Subdivider is required to make a one-time cash
contribution towards future maintenance and replacement costs equal to
10% of the capital equipment cost plus PST, of the total decorative street
lights for the subdivision, or a minimum of $2000.00, whichever is greater,
payable to the City of Kitchener (to the attention of the Transportation
Planning Section) prior to registration of the subdivision.
IN
3.0 Gateway Entrance Features
3.1 Timing — With the preparation of a new Community Plan, the locations of
community-scale gateway entrance features should generally be
identified. With the preparation of a new Neighbourhood Concept Plan,
neighbourhood-scale gateway entrance features should generally be
identified. With the submission of a subdivision application, the location
of gateway entrance features, if any, should be specifically identified.
3.2 Type — Gateway entrance features may take many forms depending on
the scale (community, neighbourhood primary and neighbourhood
secondary), the context (surrounding use of entrance features and built
form) and if there is an intended streetscape theme (ie. entrance feature
along with other decorative streetscape elements within the subdivision).
An entrance feature may consist of vegetation (shrubs, ornamental grass,
trees, etc.), large stones/rocks, individual pillars, decorative fence or
decorative noise attenuation wall (if required) with or without pillars.
Water features are generally discouraged.
Materials — the materials chosen should be as low maintenance as
possible and should reflect the style and character of the streetscape and
buildings within the subdivision/neighbourhood/community.
Signage - decorative signage may be placed on or within the entrance
feature to help provide a sense of location and identity for the subdivision/
neighbourhood/community. Signage should only include the name of the
subdivision/neighbourhood/community and may include a visual symbol
or logo. Signage should be sized to be in scale with the entrance feature
and not be the most dominant element.
Lighting — accent illumination of entry features may only be considered in
limited circumstances with all efforts made to not contribute to light
pollution or operating costs (ie. consider solar panels to power the
finhfinn)_
3
3.3 Location — Entrances features may be located within a corner visibility
triangle, centre median and/or park or other public space frontage.
Features shall not obstruct visibility or flow of all modes of travel and
should not be greater than 0.9m in height within visibility triangles
(Reference: Zoning By-law, Section 4 and Municipal Code, Chapter 842).
If taller materials (ie trees) are desired for entrance features at daylight
triangles the following options may be considered:
Provide a 2.0-3.Om wide landscape buffer block behind the
visibility triangle as a common element condominium; or
Provide a 2.0-3.Om wide landscape buffer block behind the
visibility triangle dedicated to the City; or
Provide a 2.0-3.Om wide easement behind the visibility
triangle over the adjacent lot or block in favour of the City.
If an entrance feature is to be located within a visibility triangle that is the
intersection of a City street and an arterial street (Region), the daylight
triangle shall be assumed to be part of the City street and dedicated to
the City.
If a centre median is included, ensure that adequate right-of-way and
carriageway width is provided.
3.4 Provision — The Subdivider shall be responsible for 100% of the
installation cost for the approved entrance feature.
The Subdivider should install the entrance feature within one year of the
first building permit of the Stage containing the feature, or, in the event of
winter conditions by June 1 s' of the following year.
3.5 Approval — The inclusion of a gateway entrance feature is to the
satisfaction of the City and should be known prior to draft approval of the
subdivision. Preferred materials and final details for the entrance feature
are to the satisfaction of Community Services, in consultation with the
Director of Planning. The entrance feature should be shown on a
Streetscape Plan, prepared by a Professional Landscape Architect, if one
is required for the subdivision. The location of the entrance feature should
be indicated on the Streetscape Plan prior to servicing of the subdivision
and the construction details shown on the same updated plan prior to
registration of the Stage containing the feature. If a Streetscape Plan is
not being prepared for the subdivision, the entrance feature should be
shown on a Landscape Plan, to be prepared by a Professional
Landscape Architect, and submitted and approved prior to registration of
the Stage containing the feature to the satisfaction of the City's
Community Services, in consultation with the Director of Planning.
3.6 Maintenance — The Subdivider shall be responsible for a one-time
contribution of 50% of the cost of the entrance features for the subdivision
that shall be used towards future replacement or repair. The payment
shall be made to the City prior to registration of the subdivision. The City
shall be responsible for the remainder of the cost of replacement or
repair.
0
07002MEW
TQ il � 0 . NOT47trollill�
In 2006, the City of Kitchener prepared a draft Design Brief which states the City's
design and development expectations for suburban development. In January 2007, the
draft document was mailed out to interested residents from the City's previous
neighbourhood design public survey. This provided residents with an opportunity to
further participate in the process by reviewing the document and providing their
comments through a serious of short questions.
Overall, the comments received were generally in support of the draft Design Brief.
There were numerous comments that were supportive of the proposed primary design
objectives and the concept of "complete communities ". Complete communities are
transit supportive, promote more exercise/recreational opportunities through pedestrian
connections, encourage the interaction of neighbours, and provide a sense of place. The
respondents strongly agreed with the concept of "eyes on the street ", having improved
lot corners, a greater lot set back and street furniture. However, there was some
constructive criticism as well. The respondents felt that the document was long and
contained some unfamiliar terminology. The recommendations for improving the brief
included initiating a citizen's focus group to sit in on the meetings, longer walking signals
at busy intersections, less roundabout intersections in residential neighbourhoods and a
larger focus on tree planting. There was also a concern regarding increased
development costs to developers and residential taxes as a result of the guidelines.
A more detailed review of the survey's comments is provided below organized by the
survey questions. In total, the City received four complete survey forms.
1. What did you think of the proposed neighbourhood design goals?
• Residents strongly agree with the concept of "complete communities" that
promote more exercise/recreational opportunities, vehicular emission control,
interaction of neighbours, a'sense of place', etc.
• Numerous residents indicated they believe the design goals are comprehensive
and are beneficial for neighbourhood structure.
• A concern was raised regarding costs for implementing the design goals being
passed on to homeowners and an increase in property taxes for maintenance.
2. Do you find the Urban Design Brief easy to understand?
• Several respondents indicated the design brief was not easy to understand due
to unfamiliar terminology and that a definitions section would be helpful.
• One respondent indicate that the Design Brief was to long and hard to
understand.
3. Do vou think the DroDosed auidelines will assist in imDrovina the aualitv of new
subdivision development in Kitchener? Please state how.
• Respondents felt the proposed guidelines focusing on "walkable" transit
supportive development and park space will help improve the quality of new
subdivisions but only if they are adhered to.
• A concern was raised regarding pedestrian crosswalks on roundabouts
4. Based on your review, what issues were well addressed in the new guidelines that will
help improve neighbourhood quality and design in the Cites
• Residents indicated a strong support for wider streets and boulevards, larger
building lots, a zoning mix and a pedestrian friendly environment.
• The concept of "eyes on the street", increased street furniture, and improved
corner lot design was positively received.
the new guidelines?
• A respondent suggested that that there was no analysis of additional cost
associated with these design guidelines.
• A resident recommended increased trees in the plan to improve air quality.
• A concern was raised concerning the need for longer "walk" signals at busy
intersections and that low income housing should not be allowed in every
neighbourhood.
6. Are the graphics appropriate or reguire some changes?
Respondents indicated that a legend could help improve the graphics.
7. Do you have any suciclestions for the proposed Demonstrative Plan?
• One resident proposed a "focus group" of citizens be formed to sit in on meetings
as an unbiased party.
• A concern was raised regarding the amount of roundabouts in the plan.
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
APPENDIX I
2007 City of Kitchener A -1
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
REvisEDTABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
3.0
Heading/Topic
COMMUNITY DESIGN (new section)
Page
A-3
3.1
Creating A Sense of Place (from neighbourhood design section)
A-4
3.1.1
Community Structure (new sub-section)
A-4
3.1.2
Streetscapes (from neighbourhood design section)
A-4
3.1.3
Landmarks, Views and Vistas (from neighbourhood design section)
A-5
3.2
Trees and Woodlands (from neighbourhood design section)
A-6
3.3
Heritage Resources (from neighbourhood section section)
A-7
3.4
Street Network (from neighbourhood design section)
A-9
3.5
Transit (from neighbourhood design section)
A -11
3.6
Parks, Open Space and Trails (from neighbourhood design section)
A -12
4.0
NEIGBOURHOOD DESIGN (revised section)
A-13
4.1
Central Neighbourhoods (new sub-section)
A -14
4.1.1
Character (new sub-section)
A -14
4.1.2
Built Form (new sub-section)
A-15
4.1.3
Amenities new sub-section)
A-15
4.2
Suburban Neighbourhoods (new sub-section)
A-16
4.2.1
Character (new sub-section)
A-16
4.2.2
Built Form (new sub-section)
A-16
4.2.3
Amenities new sub-section)
A-17
Summary:
• Adopt in principle to provide proper implementation for the Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
• Receive final approval for recommended revisions through a comprehensive update to the Urban Design
Manual anticipated later this year or early 2008.
• Interim updates include:
• Create new Community Design section which includes many sections currently located within the
Neighbourhood Design section (Section 3.0). Provide additional guidelines to address Design
Brief. Additional guideline sections and revisions will be considered through city-initiated
update.
• Revise Neighbourhood Design section to provide specific guidelines applied to "Central" area
neighbourhood and "Suburban" area neighbourhoods. Primary focus is to provide direction on
Character, Built Form and Amenities. More detailed design guidelines provided in approved
Design Briefs.
• New guidelines highlighted for reference purposes.
2007 City of Kitchener A-2
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
A grid street pattern with transit supportive
development is typical for many older communities
across the city.
A conventional street pattern with a segregated
land use pattern is common for many modern
communities.
2007 City of Kitchener A-3
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
Goal
To create communities that have a distinctive character,
pedestrian- friendly streets and prominent landmarks, views and
vistas.
Design Guidelines
3.1.1 Community Structure
1. Create a community of identifiable and walkable
neighbourhoods and districts.
2. Identify and incorporate existing natural, cultural and built
heritage features into new communities.
3.1.2 Streetscapes
10. Provide consistent streetscape elements to complement and
unify the built form (i.e. decorative street lights, tree
hierarchv, sisinasie. etc.) and to assist with wav finding.
12. Promote "eyes on the street" by minimizing front yard
setbacks and providing porches, doors and front windows
facing the public street.
13. Plan for active uses such as retail, services and restaurants
at the street level to encourage pedestrian activity and
movement between private and public spaces.
Boulevards with distinctive landscape details and
branding, along with the maturing forest are a,
create an attractive gateway into boon Mills
community.
2007 City of Kitchener A-4
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
14. Minimize the use of physical noise attenuation measures.
sidewalk/traveled portion of the road.
15. Ensure garages do not dominate the streetscape. Use of the
following design alternatives should be considered:
■ Limit the garage width and projection.
■ Construct garages flush with the front of the
dwelling.
■ Develop detached garages to the rear of the
dwelling, accessible by either rear lane or front
driveway.
■ Locate garages below the ground floor level.
■ Construct tandem garages.
16. Ensure streets are well lit, and coordinate street tree
plantings and street lighting to avoid blocking street
lighting.
17. Enhance streetscapes through tree planting. Ensure optimal
conditions are provided for the maintenance of health trees.
le. Appropriate topsoil depth and social chemistry,
structural soils for urban conditions and sufficient root zone.
3.1.3 Landmarks, Views and Vistas
18. Use massing and architectural detailing to create a landmark
structure in locations that terminate significant views.
19. Provide special attention to heritage resources and public
buildings that occupy prominent sites and create pedestrian
scale pubic spaces for residents and informal gathering near
the building entrance.
20. Enclose prominent intersections by locating buildings or
This section of Queens Boulevard includes mature
trees, distinctive lighting, attractive landscaping
and a safe pedestrian realm. These elements create
apositive image of the city.
2007 City of Kitchener A-5
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
Goal
To incorporate trees and woodlands of value into new
development.
Design Guidelines
24. Protect larger woodlands and maintain, enhance or restore
adequate linkages between natural areas. Creation of new
linkages should be considered where none presently exist if
ecologically appropriate.
25. Design new development to incorporate, protect and
conserve existing healthy trees and woodlands.
26. Avoid the fragmentation of woodlands and maintain or
create appropriate buffer areas for conservation of
significant natural features and functions.
27. Minimize grading and hydro geological changes to the
existing site to avoid disruption to natural systems.
28. Incorporate existing trees into the streetscape, where
possible.
City Design Standards and Policies
■ Tree Management Policy DS-C- I
■ Storm Water Management Facilities DS-C-2
Planning and conservation strategies in the
Strasburg Creek Watershed and the Huron
Planning Community include a vision for an
Environmental Education facility and the
maintenance of ecological integrity within the
proposed 200 hectare Huron Natural Area.
Protection of the root zone, soil structure and the
understorey growth is necessary to ensure the
survival of mature trees and woodlands. Paige
wire fencing and signage at a woodland in a new
subdivision in the Chicopee area protects trees
during construction.
2007 City of Kitchener A-6
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
Goal
To ensure new development complements and, where possible,
incorporates heritage resources of natural, historical,
architectural or cultural significance.
Design Guidelines
29. Conserve significant heritage resources including buildings,
structures, district streetscapes and landscapes using
strategies such as:
■ Preservation - maintaining and/or restoring a heritage
resource within its context of setting.
■ Adaptive re-use — rehabilitation of a heritage resource
for a new function.
■ Incorporation — integration of individual components of
a heritage resource into a new development.
■ Contrast — integration of new, contrasting building
materials in a way which respects the integrity of the
heritage resource.
30. Sensitively rehabilitate heritage buildings where required
for persons with disabilities while having the lowest impact
on significant heritage features.
31. Identify significant architectural details and features of
heritage resources and incorporate similar details and
features into new building designs. Design strategies
should be sensitive to existing heritage resources, providing
for some reproduction of character defining features while
maintaining some distinction between old and new.
32. Ensure that the design and location of lighting, streets,
signage, parking, public works facilities, grading and other
site features respect the integrity and character of the
heritage resource.
33. Ensure that new development proposed near significant
heritage resources is compatible and incorporates a high
level of urban design particularly as it relates to views,
streetscape character and building material selection.
34. Ensure all new development is in compliance with the
policies and consistent with the guidelines of any applicable
Heritage Conservation District Plan and the
recommendations of any applicable heritage impact
assessment as approved by the City.
Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation
District.
The Shantz Terrace housing development, at the
corner of Ottawa Street and Maurice Street,
integrates the historic building on this
townhouse site through thoughtful site planning
and the appropriate use of materials, building
form and roof lines.
2007 City of Kitchener A-7
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
City Design Standards and Policies
■ Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District
■ Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District Plan
2007 City of Kitchener A-8
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
Goal
To create a highly connected street network providing for
appropriate traffic distribution, safe pedestrian and cycling
conditions, barrier free access and efficient public transit.
Design Guidelines
3 5. Minimize the impacts on natural environment and cultural
heritage features.
36. Ensure the street network, including layout and design,
accommodates all intended users including pedestrians,
persons with disabilities, cyclists, emergency vehicles and
automobiles.
Preferred street network with provides continuous
connections between neighbourhoods and major
streets.
destinations.
42. Balance the use of grid and curvilinear street patterns to
increase route options.
43. Ensure the local street network is easy to navigate and is
well integrated with the arterial road network. Improve
connectivity and accessibility by providing multiple local
street connections to arterial streets with interval spacing of
200-450 metres between intersections.
44. Ensure a spacing of no more than 400 metres between
collector and arterial streets.
45. Provide direct pedestrian access between arterial streets and
adjacent neighbourhoods (walking distances should be
minimized and steps or steep grades should be avoided).
46. Ensure a spacing of approximately 200-250 metres between
intersections of local streets and collector streets. Encourage
shorter intervals that provide access to transit routes.
continuous.
2007 City of Kitchener A-9
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
47. Design intersections to balance the needs of automobiles,
trucks, buses, cyclists, persons with disabilities and
pedestrians. Where necessary or appropriate, incorporate
consistent traffic calming measures to moderate vehicle
speeds and promote pedestrian and cyclist movement.
48. Design streets to avoid reverse lotting. Where appropriate,
a system of service streets and looped local streets located
parallel to major streets may be used to avoid reverse lotting
on arterial streets. The use of private rear lanes may also be
considered.
49. Design street patterns which optimize passive solar gain
where possible (i.e. east-west street orientation to maximize
south exposure of buildings).
City Design Standards and Policies
■ Traffic Calming Policy - DSA -7
■ Transit Supportive Policy - DSA — 6
Pedestrian safety and accessibility is improved
through mid-block pedestrian connections.
2007 City of Kitchener A-10
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
Goal
To ensure new development is transit supportive.
Design Guidelines
50. Design for convenient pedestrian access with transit routes.
Minimize walking distances between transit stops and
primary activity areas.
51. Design neighbourhoods so that transit service can be
provided to 95% of all dwelling units within 450 metres
walking distance of a transit route. All multiple dwelling
units should be located within 300 metres walking distance
of an existing or planned stop. A closer location is
encouraged for the higher density uses. Location of
existing and planned transit stops should be considered
early in the design process.
52. Locate buildings in commercial areas close to or at the
property line to facilitate pedestrian access and encourage
transit use.
53. Provide continuous sidewalks on both sides of roadways to
support transit use.
54. Orient higher intensity uses toward existing and planned
transit facilities, corridors and planned commercial areas.
55. Ensure transit facilities are easily visible, well lit and
integrated with the ultimate landscape design in terms of
tree/shrub planting, grading, etc.
56. Coordinate transit stops with major activities, pedestrian
routes and building entrance locations. Shade trees should
be planted near transit stops to provide shade from the
summer sun, but not in a location which blocks street
lighting.
City Design Standards and Policies
■ Transit Supportive DS-A-6
■ City of Kitchener Sidewalk Policy
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
Large shopping centres (a planned commercial
area) serve as nodes in the transit system.
Place buildings, with pedestrian-oriented uses,
close to the street along transit corridors.
2007 City of Kitchener A -11
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
Goal
To provide a variety of outdoor recreational and amenity
opportunities for all age groups. To provide an accessible linked
parks and open space system.
Design Guidelines
57. Ensure that the following are addressed in the location and
design of parks, and the preservation of natural features:
■ The existing ecological characteristics of the
natural features, future management strategies,
and the timing of construction.
■ Coordination with the City's recreational and
open space objectives.
■ Monitoring and response program for all parks
and natural systems.
58. Create an interconnected open space system with a variety
of park spaces located within walking distance to most
homes.
59. Provide for a continuous and linked community trail system
separate from the street network.
60. Design urban areas to allow for appropriate public access to
important natural features, community trails and major park
361
M
ME=
63. Locate active recreational uses and any associated parking
facilities in a manner which minimizes conflict with
adjacent residential uses.
64. Provide small-scale parks and sitting areas to encourage
community interaction.
65. Provide plazas or urban squares in key commercial areas,
which are well lit and well integrated into the immediate
area. Consider opportunities to integrate public art features.
66. Provide trail connections leading to park spaces, natural
areas and other destinations such as schools, employment
and community facilities.
Design Standards and Policies
• City of Kitchener Leisure Facility Master Plan
• City of Kitchener Public Art Policy
Hibner Park on Ahrens Street is an intimately
scaled open space, onlyO. 2 ha, and includes a
fountain, play area, sitting areas, decorative
lighting and gardens. It is a visual focal point and
gathering spot in this older neighbourhood,
2007 City of Kitchener A-12
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX |: Urban Design Manual Revisions
This section deals with urban design a1the neighbourhood scale,
a scale of development which is larger than a city block or
individual subdivision development
community which includes a variety of neighbourhoods and
supporting land uses. Local neighbourhood examples include
Cedar Hill, Belmont Village, Forest Hill and Williamsburg.
Kitchener has many neighbourhoods that vary in terms of scale,
density, built form and character. From a general design
perspective, the City has two categories of neighbourhoods,
Central and Suburban, which can be defined by their geographic
location in the city.
Specific urban design guidelines apply to two
types of neighbourhoods, central neighbourhoods
located in the centralpart of the city, and
suburban neighbourhoods, located at the outer
portions o the city.
A-13 2DD7 C�yof��hener
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
Goal
To ensure new infill development is compatible with the
existing neighbourhood.
Design Guidelines
4. Use materials that are similar to those found in the existing
neighbourhood. Allow opportunity for contrast and variety.
5. Maintain the rhythm of existing building separations, the
size and dimensions of existing fagade openings, and the
proportion of opening to wall.
6. Emphasize the ground floor level facing the street with
strong vertical and horizontal articulation, window openings
and building entrances.
7. Avoid locating mechanical equipment in public view or
facing public streets. Provide effective screening
1 11 . 11 A *11 11
2007 City of Kitchener A-14
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
15. Strengthen connections to parks, schools, recreational and
11, 11 f, . 11. A. 11 •> 11
20. Consider opportunities to integrate public art into the site or
building design features to enhance identity and public
realm quality.
City Design Standards and Policies
Mixed Use Corridors Design Brief
Design Guidelines for Downtown
2007 City of Kitchener A-15
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
Goal
To create diverse, attractive, walkable neighbourhoods that
contribute to complete communities.
Design Guidelines
2007 City of Kitchener A-16
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
City Design Standards and Policies
■ Design Brief for Suburban Development and
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
APPENDIX 1: Urban Design Manual Revisions
2007 City of Kitchener A-17
Urban Design Manual Update for
Design Brief for Suburban Development & Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
il�Pti 12007
Design Bri
i
Design Briefs
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
1.0
Heading/Topic
INTRODUCTION
Page
A-3
1.1
Design Brief Organization
A-3
1.2
Context
A-4
1.3
Purpose
A-4
1.4
Primary Design Objectives
A-5
2.0
SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT GUIDELNES
A-6
2.1
Creating Walkable Neighbourhoods
A-6
2.2
Establishing Neighbourhood Structure
A-8
2.2.1
Existing Site Features
A-8
2.2.2
Neighbourhood Gateway Features
A-10
2.2.3
Street Network
A -12
2.2.4
Traffic Calming & Street Intersection Design
A -14
2.2.5
Lotting Pattern
A-15
2.2.6
Priority Lots
A-16
2.2.7
Parks Hierarchy
A-17
2.3
Reinforcing Neighbourhood Character & Liveability
A-19
2.3.1
Residential Streetscapes
A-19
2.3.2
Pedestrian Friendly Streets
A-20
2.3.3
Street Trees
A-21
2.3.4
Built Form
A-22
2.3.5
Building Design Details
A-23
2.3.6
Street Furniture
A-25
2.3.7
Transit Stops
A-25
2.3.8
Park Design
A-26
2.3.9
Trails & Walkways
A-27
2.3.10
Cultural Heritage Resources
A-28
2.3.11
Noise Mitigation (if necessary)
A-29
2.3.12
On-Street Parking
A-31
2.3.13
New Development in Existing Neighbourhoods
A-32
2.4
Integrated Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
A-33
3.0
IMPLEMENTATION
A-34
3.1
The Demonstration Plan
A-34
3.2
The Approvals Process
A-36
3.3
Supporting Information
A-37
3.4
Subdivision Design Review Check List
A-3 8
3.5
Acknowledgments
A-3 8
3.6
Glossary of Terms
A-39
2007 City of Kitchener A-2
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
DESIGN BRIEF FOR SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT &
NEIGHBOURHOOD MIXED USE CENTRES
The City of Kitchener is committed to ensuring that its residents
enjoy a high quality of life through the creation of attractive,
walkable neighbourhoods that contribute to complete
communities, particularly new neighbourhoods being developed
in designated greenfield areas.
The City's Urban Design Manual has been updated to include a
Design Brief that provides a comprehensive set of design
guidelines for new development located in the City's Suburban
Neighbourhoods or within the City's Neighbourhood Mixed
Use Centre land use designation. This Design Brief states the
City's design expectations for new development with focus
given to primary structural elements such as existing site
conditions, street design and parks hierarchy, and to specific
secondary design elements such as streetscape design, built
form, building design and park design.
This Design Brief is organized into three sections with
corresponding sub sections. The first section, Introduction,
provides a brief overview of the Design Brief in terms of its
context, purpose and primary design objectives.
The second section, Suburban Development Guidelines,
includes a series of design guidelines organized into four sub
sections which support the primary design objectives. The first
sub section is creating walkable neighbourhoods, followed by
establishing neighbourhood structure, reinforcing
neighbourhood character and liveability, and lastly, integrated
neighbourhood mixed use centre which addresses commercial
or mixed use development planning within or adjacent to
neighbourhoods. Numerous guidelines also include
supplemental guidance in the form of "guidelines tips" and
"references" to assist with guideline implementation and the
approvals process. The Guideline Tips refer to specific actions
that an applicant or City staff may be required to perform to
achieve the guidelines. Key references have also been
identified for important guidelines to direct users to relevant
documents. The references have only been identified for select
guidelines and will be updated through future updates to this
Design Brief.
Design Briefs
Walkable neighbourhoods with central park
spaces contribute to complete communities
(Markham, ON).
The City's Suburban Neighbourhoods are located
at the outer portions of the city as shown above.
2007 City of Kitchener A-3
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
The third section, Implementation, describes how the Design
Brief will be incorporated into the City's approval processes and
provides supplementary information related to the
Demonstration Plan, supporting technical information and a
glossary of terms to explain key terms in this Brief.
The City of Kitchener has a diverse range of suburban
neighbourhoods. These neighbourhoods continue to evolve and
present new design challenges. In the early 2000s, Kitchener
experienced challenges related to on-street parking, accessibility
to active park spaces, shops and transit routes, general woodland
and tree conservation, emerging housing types and trends
resulting in car-oriented streetscapes and the integration of
roundabout intersections.
The City has undertaken numerous initiatives to improve the
quality of life for its citizens. Specific initiatives include the
Environics Survey, the adoption of a Pedestrian Charter and the
Healthy Communities Plan. This Design Brief has been
prepared to support these initiatives. The City is also
experiencing additional changes related to local, regional and
provincial growth management strategies. Of particular note,
The Places to Grow Growth Plan provides specific direction for
development taking place in designated Greenfield Areas and
desire for Complete Communities. This Design Brief presents a
progressive design strategy to assist with these initiatives.
The primary purpose of this Design Brief is to:
• provide a tool for implementing the planning principles in
the City's Municipal Plan and specifically Urban Design
policies in Part 11 — Sections 1.4 and 6.0;
• provide design guidelines to implement the Neighbourhood
Mixed Use Centre land use designation.
• provide a tool for implementing specific sections in the
Urban Design Manual;
• provide a tool to assist municipal staff, agencies and the
development industry to implement the Places to Grow
Growth Plan with emphasis on creating complete
communities; and
• establish a design-based approach to neighbourhood
planning and development and to continually improve the
quality of neighbourhoods by promoting a greater variety of
design solutions.
2007 City of Kitchener
Design Briefs
The City of Kitchener has experienced strong
demand for smaller lot housing resulting in car-
oriented streetscapes.
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
WE
The Design Brief is based on contemporary design principles
and clear objectives that were prepared in the context of
development experiences in Kitchener and other cities across
Ontario. They also reflect regional and provincial growth plan
strategies, the City's Municipal Plan policies, a comprehensive
public survey on neighbourhood design and continued updates
to the City's Urban Design Manual. The primary design
objectives for this Design Brief are identified below:
1. WALKABILITY: to create walkable neighbourhoods that
are well connected and fully accessible to major
destinations and surrounding neighbourhoods.
2. VARIETY: to build neighbourhoods that provide a
range of housing types, park and open spaces and
neighbourhood focal points.
3. PLACEMAKING: to create streetscape quality, and
contribute to neighbourhood character and sense of
place.
4. CONSERVATION: to conserve, protect and integrate
existing natural and cultural heritage resources.
5. CONNECTIVITY: to provide multiple route options for
all modes of travel.
6. TRANSIT SUPPORTIVE: to design and build
neighbourhoods that provide greater opportunity for
transit usage.
7. SAFETY: to promote design practices that contribute to
neighbourhood safety.
8. BALANCE: to promote neighbourhood design quality
through a balanced approach with economic
considerations.
9. LIVEABILITY: to promote design solutions that
contributes to sustainable practices, the celebration of
arts and culture, healthy and complete communities.
Design Briefs
Decorative crosswalks reinforce walkability in
neighbourhoods (Kitchener, ON).
Neighbourhood interaction and character is
improved through well integrated, active parks
spaces (Markham, ON).
Alternative lotting patterns such as wide-shallow
lots and intensive tree planting along park
frontages contributes to attractive streetscapes
and liveability (Milton, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-5
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
The Suburban Development Guidelines state the City's design
and development expectations for new development located in
suburban neighbourhoods. The design guidelines are organized
into the following sections to assist with new development in
Suburban Neighbourhoods:
2.1 Creating Walkable Neighbourhoods;
2.2 Establishing Neighbourhood Structure;
2.3 Reinforcing Neighbourhood Character & Liveability;
and
2.4 Integrated Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres.
The City supports the preparation of a conceptual design plan, a
Neighbourhood Concept Plan (NCP), to illustrate the
proposed neighbourhood areas and connections such as the
street network, pedestrian linkages, the hierarchy of parks and
open spaces and other prominent features. This conceptual plan
should be discussed at the pre-submission meeting and
incorporated into the application submission.
A primary objective of this Design Brief is to promote walkable
neighbourhoods that support the City and Regional Pedestrian
Charter. All neighbourhoods should be designed to have
convenient, accessible and direct access to surrounding
neighbourhoods, parks, shopping areas, schools, places of
employment and worship, transit routes and neighbourhood
focal points.
1. Encourage a modified-grid street pattern that
contributes to short walking distances to provide
convenient access to key destinations and focal points
including parks, schools, transit routes, priority lots and
planned commercial areas.
2. Provide a 5-minute walk to major pedestrian
destinations such as transit stops, neighbourhood park
spaces and focal points. Longer walking distances may
be considered for larger scale park spaces and
commercial areas.
Guideline Tip.- Show neighbourhood units on NCP. Provide
walk shed analysis in application submission.
Design Briefs
The City of Kitchener supports walkable
neighbourhoods based on a 5-minute walking
distance (Demonstration Plan).
The 'NCP' is an illustrative diagram showing the
primary design elements (Demonstration Plan).
Strong focal points include heritage buildings and
small park spaces (Demonstration Plan).
2007 City of Kitchener A-6
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
Design Briefs
3. Design neighbourhood units based on a 5-minute
walking distance ranging between 400-500m radius
between a defined focal point to outer neighbourhood
edge which can be defined through a defined street
hierarchy, special landscaped streets or neighbourhood
theme elements.
4. Promote centralized neighbourhood focal points such as
small-scale park spaces, trail head entrance features and
landscaped roundabout intersections.
5. Consider providing park spaces at strategic locations
that create pedestrian linkages between abutting
neighbourhoods.
6. Provide multiple street connections and pedestrian
linkages to community trails, transit routes, arterial
streets, planned commercial and employment areas.
7. Provide major mid-block pedestrian linkages along long
streets (i.e. > 200m) or to provide access to focal points
or trails. Major linkages should be at least 9m in width.
8. Locate institutional and commercial uses close to the
street and utilize appropriate siting and design to
integrate with surrounding residential
neighbourhood(s).
9. Create pedestrian friendly streets through attractive
building facades, street trees and interesting streetscape
elements.
10. Provide sidewalks along all street frontages. Limited
exceptions may be considered to conserve prominent
site features or other special circumstances.
Reference*- City of Kitchener Sidewalk Policy
2007 City of Kitchener A-7
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
Neighbourhood form, function and character is largely
influenced through the sensitive integration of existing site
features in combination with several other primary design
elements such as the street hierarchy, the lotting pattern, the
parks hierarchy and gateway features. Neighbourhood
structural elements should relate to the larger community
structure as noted in the Urban Design Manual.
2.2.1 Existing Site Features
1. Conserve and integrate (where appropriate) natural
features such as hedgerows, mature trees, woodlands,
valleylands and wetlands through land dedications,
creative parks and open space planning, street
alignments such as single-loaded streets or alternative
lotting or floor plan configurations.
Guideline Tip.- Prepare 'Existing Conditions Plan 'showing
existing grades, existing site, features such as woodlands, trees,
cultural heritage resources and prominent views/vistas. This
plan should be discussed at the pre-submission meeting and
incorporated into the NCP.
Guideline Tip: Prepare Conceptual Grading Plan that
illustrates existing and then proposed grades in relation to site
features and confirms opportunity to integrate site features
through sensitive grading proposals. Discuss grading plan
implications during pre-subm ission meeting.
Reference*- City of Kitchener Tree Management Policy
2. Identify existing cultural heritage resources and
determine appropriate conservation techniques.
Preferably, these resources should be conserved on their
original sites (in situ). Alternative conservation options
may be considered subject to study and analysis such as
through a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA).
Guideline Tip.- Prepare 'HIA'early in the design process. The
WIA 'could be in two phases — Phase L identification and
description of the heritage resource and attributes and
recommended options including conservation. Phase IL at such
time as the development proposal moves, forward to detailed
design, the design would be confirmed with the City to address
implementation design guidelines and investigation.
Design Briefs
Single loaded streets provides an effective strategy
to maintain the integrity of sensitive environmental
features and promote prominent views (Markham,
ON).
Alterative lotting patterns, such as lane based
development, provides one strategy to conserve
existing trees along major streets
(Markham, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-8
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
3. Encourage views and vistas to prominent site features
such as woodlands, watercourses and heritage
resources. This could be accomplished through the
strategic location of park and open spaces and street
design such as single-loaded streets.
4. Provide buffer area around existing natural features,
such as woodlands and significant wetlands, to
minimize edge impacts and to help ensure conservation
of the feature. Ensure that lots and blocks for
development are created outside the established buffer
area.
Guideline Tip*- Identify buffer areas on 'NCP'. Identify and
discuss buffer area strategies during pre - submission meeting.
Prepare EIS or similar analysis and submit with development
application to help determine buffer requirements.
Guideline Tip.- Zone buffer areas as Open Space.
5. Encourage innovative design strategies and Stormwater
Management (SWM) techniques for developments
located within sensitive ground water recharge areas.
Specific design strategies may include alternative street
and lotting patterns, infiltration galleries or greenway
system.
Guideline Tip.- Follow Subwatershed or similar drainage
studies to implement recommended design and engineering
techniques early in the development process through the design
of the plan, engineering drawings and /or conditions of
approval. In certain groundwater recharge sensitive areas,
specific engineering studies may be required with application
submission.
Design Briefs
Neighbourhood character and woodland
preservation are reinforced when woodlands are
located in highly visible locations such as
terminating vistas along single loaded streets
(Kitchener, ON).
Existing grades can be integrated into new
subdivision development through attractive
landscape materials such as armour stone
retaining walls and decorative planting materials
(Kitchener, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-9
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.2.2 Neighbourhood Gateway Features
6. Encourage larger scale, more decorative entrance
features such as decorative walls and pillars at primary
gateways. Primary gateways are typically located at the
major collector/arterial street intersection entrance.
Guideline Tip: Show gateway locations and concept design on
Neighbourhood Concept Plan. A detailed design drawing will
be required later in the approval process.
Guideline Tip.- The proponent is responsible for the design of
the feature to the City's satisfaction and is responsible for 100%
of the cost of the installation of the entry feature and shall
provide a one time fee of 50% of the value of the construction
cost to the City of Kitchener towards the long term maintenance
of the feature. A landscape buffer block or easement ma y be
required behind the daylight triangle if afeature taller than
09m is desired. Maintenance costs may be waived on
condominium blocks.
Guideline Tip.- Establish appropriate right-of-way and carriage
way widths to accommodate proposed gateway, eature.
7. Provide smaller scale, lower maintenance entrance
features at secondary gateways. Encourage natural
landscape features such as rocks or stone and drought
tolerant ground cover and street trees.
8. Locate gateway features along major streets.
9. Encourage coordinated gateway themes through use of
similar landscape materials, public art, signage,
decorative lighting and other streetscape elements.
Reference*- City of Kitchener Public Art Policy
Reference*- City of Kitchener Culture Plan II
10. Locate above-ground utilities away from gateway
entrances, street intersections or public spaces.
11. Encourage front-lotted development along gateway
entrances and provide architecturally enhanced, well
articulated building elevations that contribute to a sense
of place and neighbourhood entrance.
Design Briefs
Primary gateway features are defined through
enhanced landscaped medians that ma y include a
variety of plant materials, trees and decorative
wall (Milton, ON).
Secondary gateway features are smaller than
primary gateway features and include low
maintenance landscape materials (Kitchener, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-10
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
12. Encourage landscaped medians at primary
neighbourhood entrances as follows:
i) Preferred Landscaped Median (>2m median).
Provide large canopy trees with low level plant
materials. Consider decorative pillar feature and
avoid sodding.
ii) Narrow Landscaped Median (1.5-2.5m median).
Encourage smaller plant materials and hardscape
materials such as paving stones, coloured stamped
concrete or decorative pillars at primary gateway
entrances. Provide structural soils for small trees.
13. Encourage enhanced boulevard treatment by planting
large canopy street trees (70mm caliper) within public
boulevard spaced at short intervals (6-7.5m spacing on
centre).
14. Encourage corner entrance features within the daylight
triangle at primary neighbourhood entrances, such as
low-level landscaping or architectural walls, or
stones/rocks with signage. Encourage taller landscape
elements, such as large canopy trees and larger scale
architectural walls within a landscaped buffer block.
Guideline Tip.- Landscaping elements must comply with City
and Regional corner visibility triangle requirements. Taller
landscape features and decorative walls may be accommodated
within a "landscape buffer block" with a width of 2. Om-3. Om
beyond the visibility triangle. The block could either be a
common element condominium, a block dedicated to the
appropriate road authority (typically City) or an easement in
favour of the City. Identify landscape buffer blocks on
subdivision plans.
References*- City ofKitchener Zoning By-law, Section 4. City of
Kitchener Municipal Code, Chapter 842.
Design Briefs
Specific—low maintenance— landscape features,
such as decorative street lighting with shrubs and
low level landscape materials, are appropriate
within narrow medians (Kitchener, ON).
Low-level landscaping, including decorative
gateway signage, provides appropriate features at
intersections (Kitchener, ON).
A Landscape Buffer block provides opportunity to
accommodate taller trees for gateway entrance
features and landscaping along noise barriers
(Demonstration Plan).
2007 City of Kitchener A -11
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.2.3 Street Network
15. Create a modified grid-street pattern, where appropriate
depending on site conditions, that is based on a
hierarchy of streets that promotes connectivity and
provides opportunity for an efficient transit route.
16. Provide multiple street connections to abutting
neighbourhoods. Minimize use of pedestrian linkages
to function as neighbourhood linkages.
17. Encourage shorter block lengths providing access to
major pedestrian destinations and transit routes.
18. Encourage a centralized transit route that provides
direct access to surrounding neighbourhoods.
Guideline Tip.- Show preferred transit route on 'NCP'and
consult with Grand River Transit during pre- submission.
19. Maximize street connections along transit routes
typically spaced at 60-70m blocks.
20. Promote single-loaded streets along prominent natural
features, park and open spaces.
21. Locate transit stops near gateway entrances, planned
commercial areas, employment areas, higher density
housing blocks, live-work areas and parks.
22. Encourage creative street alignments to reinforce
neighbourhood focal points and priority streets.
`Arterial Streets' (>20m ROW, 5,000-20, 000 AADT)
23. Create a local street system that is integrated with the
arterial street with multiple points of access ranging
between 200-400m in length.
24. Promote direct driveway access for higher density
residential, commercial or employment uses that
contributes to an integrated street network system.
25. Promote attractive streetscapes through a variety of
design solutions which may include landscaped buffer
blocks, decorative fencing, centre landscaped medians,
enhanced streetscape elements and front-lotted
development or use of window streets.
26. Provide clear and direct pedestrian access to arterial
streets through a variety of street or block designs.
`Collector Streets ' (18 -28m ROW, <8, 000 AADT)
27. Consider a variety of collector street hierarchies to
accommodate bicycle lanes, on-street parking, shared
bike/parking lanes, streetscape elements and transit.
References: City ofKitchener Subdivision Manual
Design Briefs
Neighbourhood connectivity is improved through a
modified grid street system with multiple street
connections to arterial streets and abutting
neighbourhoods (Demonstration Plan).
Neighbourhood accessibility is improved when
transit routes are located along major collector
streets.
Pedestrian accessibility along arterial streets is
improved through use of window streets orftont-
lotted development.
2007 City of Kitchener A-12
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
28. Encourage enhanced landscape boulevard treatments
and functions along the primary collector street such as
bicycle lanes and primary gateway features.
29. Encourage dedicated bicycle lanes (1.2-1.5m lanes)
along primary collector roads, to streets providing
access to major trails, employment and to regional
bicycle lanes. Encourage existing or planned bicycle
routes to be extended in future plans.
References: City & Regional Bicycle Master Plans.
Local Streets (16-20 m ROW, <2, 000 AADT)
33. Consider reduced/narrow ROW for local streets, cul-de-
sac streets, single loaded streets and alternative lotting
patterns, where appropriate. Ensure on-street parking
requirements are accommodated.
Guideline Tip.- Discuss proposed alternative development
standards earl y in the design process with City staff to
determine if acceptable in the specific site circumstances.
34. Block length should generally not exceed 200-250m in
length unless site features or other special
circumstances dictate otherwise.
35. Design streets to terminate at public buildings, park
spaces, other focal points and vistas.
36. Consider street alignments carefully to address existing
site features.
Priority Streets
37. Identify the prominent streets through a neighbourhood
as `priority streets'.
Guideline Tip.- Priority streets should be shown on the NCP.
38. Carefully consider the street function, lotting pattern,
intersection design, entrance features and the provision
of enhanced landscape elements along priority streets.
Guideline Tip.- A 'Streetscape Plan 'may be required as a
condition of approval to ensure coordination ofstreetscape
elements on priority streets.
Design Briefs
A wide ROW is required to accommodate a variety
of street functions, utilities and specific streetscape
elements such as travel lanes, on- street parking,
bicycle lanes and landscaped medians.
A wider, prioritized ROW, can be considered to
accommodate travel lanes, on-street parking and
bicycle lanes.
The standard ROW (I8 -20m) can accommodate
basic street functions with some overlap between
travel lanes and on-street parking.
Alterative streetscape elements such as landscape
medians distinguish priority streets from other
neighbourhood streets (Markham, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-13
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
"low
A wider, prioritized ROW, can be considered to
accommodate travel lanes, on-street parking and
bicycle lanes.
The standard ROW (I8 -20m) can accommodate
basic street functions with some overlap between
travel lanes and on-street parking.
Alterative streetscape elements such as landscape
medians distinguish priority streets from other
neighbourhood streets (Markham, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-13
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.2.4 Traffic Calming & Street Intersection Design
36. Consider a variety of traffic calming measures within
the proposed street network such as roundabouts, curb
extensions, stop-control mechanisms and landscaped
medians.
Guideline Tip.- Show proposed tra c calming locations on
, ff
`NCP'and ensure appropriate 'ROW'is provided.
Guideline Tip.- A detailed functional design will be required as
a condition of draft approval. The proponent will be
responsible for 100% of the cost of constructing the street and
traffic calming feature with the Municipality responsible for
100% of the maintenance of said feature, after maintenance
guarantee period.
Reference*- City's Traffic Calming Policy and Canadian Guide
to Traffic Calming (Transportation Association o Canada-
)f
TA C)
37. Encourage traffic calming along collector streets, major
pedestrian intersections and crossings such as
neighbourhood parks, community trails, planned
commercial areas and school sites.
38. Provide consistent traffic calming measures in
neighbourhoods to promote driver familiarity.
39. Encourage roundabout intersections along primary
collector street intersections. Include diverter
medians /splitter islands at street intersections. Locate
driveways beyond splitter islands and include
decorative crosswalks. Incorporate vertical decorative
elements to identify splitter islands for winter
maintenance.
Guideline Tip.- Roundabout intersections may be required at
warranted intersections on Regional roads.
40. Consider curb extensions at collector/local street
intersections and in areas providing access to major
pedestrian destinations such as school sites,
neighbourhood park spaces and transit stops.
41. Consider special pavement markings or impressed
colour concrete bands at major pedestrian crossings.
Design Briefs
Roundabout intersections provide effective traffic
calming along major streets and create attractive
focal points (Calgary, AB).
Curb extensions slow traffic at major street
intersections and provide safe pedestrian
crossings particularly at elementary and park
space locations (Mississauga, ON).
Special pavement markings such as stamped
impressed concrete patterns distinguish
historically significant crossings from other
intersections (Kitchener, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-14
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.2.5 Lotting Pattern
42. Establish a mix of lot frontages along all street blocks to
promote variety and on-street parking opportunities.
Promote a greater variety of lot frontages along longer
streets. Discourage long blocks of similar lot frontages.
43. Encourage a mixture of lots for different dwelling types
within a neighbourhood and on a street block. This
could include providing semi-detached lots along streets
with townhouse blocks or small lot frontages.
Guideline Tipe- Identify and confirm range of lot widths along
streets and blocks through the draft plan and lotting plan,
special condition and /or Zoning By-law regulations.
Reference*- May 29, 2000 Council resolution: "That Council
confirm its commitment to mixing lot sizes within subdivisions
as set out in the Municipal Plan and direct... to continue
to ... prepare implement zoning by-laws for Plan of Subdivision
respecting this objective where appropriate. "
44. Orient and design higher density blocks in close
proximity to transit routes, arterial and collector streets,
planned commercial areas or other appropriate
locations.
45. Provide a mix of townhouse block lengths ranging
between 3-6 units per block. Consider longer blocks to
a maximum of 8 units facing window streets.
46. Ensure cluster townhouse development includes front-
facing units along public streets.
47. Limit driveway conflicts with transit routes/stops
through the encouragement of multiple dwelling blocks
or private lane-based development along the route.
48. Provide front-facing development along priority streets
and window streets where possible.
49. Discourage rear-lotting along arterial streets.
50. Encourage small lot frontages in close proximity to
neighbourhood park spaces within walking distance to
planned commercial areas and along window streets.
Discourage small lot frontages on priority streets and
directly across from school sites. Discourage large
concentrations of small lot frontages.
51. Ensure dwelling types and lotting pattern are designed
to conserve and be sensitive to existing site resources.
52. Provide an adequate supply of lots and blocks for
affordable housing.
Design Briefs
A mix of lot frontages along streets and individual
blocks contributes to interesting streetscapes,
offers housing choice and promote transit
supportive development (Demonstration Plan).
Higher density housing such as three-storey
townhouse blocks provides increased density and
massing along arterial streets (Scarborough, ON).
A variety of lotting and park space design
solutions can be applied to roundabout
intersections (Demonstration Plan).
2007 City of Kitchener A-15
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
53. Consider flankage lots along local street frontages,
secondary collector streets or lots abutting landscaped
buffer blocks.
54. On corner lots, locate building entrance to primary
street frontage and encourage larger lot frontages.
55. Promote alternative lotting patterns such as wide-
shallow lots that provide on-street parking spaces.
56. Ensure all rear yards abutting natural features or noise
attention measures have sufficient, liveable rear yard
space.
Guideline Tip.- Review grading and engineering plans to ensure
that there are no netative impacts such as steep grades or berm
encroachments to the required rear yards.
57. Encourage small park spaces to be integrated into the
lotting pattern and connected to the open space system
with preference given to corner locations, mid-block
locations along long streets or external roundabout
intersections.
2.2.6 Priority Lots
58. Encourage larger or alternative lot frontages on
identified priority lots and blocks which include:
gateway lots (G); corner lots (C); terminating vista lots
(T); park space lots (P); window street lots (W);
heritage area lots (H); and conservation block lots (CB).
Guideline Tip*- Identify Priority lots' on 'NCP'for discussion
purposes. Identify Priority lots' on a Priorit y Lot Plan prior to
development approval.
59. Create strong terminating vista lots (T) by carefully
aligning lot at terminating intersection. Orient front
door entrance at terminus view and locate driveways to
the outside portion of the terminating lot. Increase the
front yard setback to allow additional landscaping for
visual appeal.
60. Consider a variety of design solutions for corner lots
(C) such as larger sized single detached lots (12-16m)
with front door and garage facing primary street or
smaller lot frontages (<12m) with front door facing
primary street and garage door facing minor street.
Alternatively, consider asymmetrical semi-detached lots
with front doors and garage doors facing both streets.
61. Create a sensitive transition in lot and street pattern
along the urban-rural interface. Consider providing
single loaded streets or streets with an open space block
abutting the urban-rural interface. Encourage trail
Design Briefs
linkage within open space block that
can be integrated into future
.11 '. 11 11 11 j
A variety of housing types, such as a series of
semi-detached units and short townhouse blocks,
contribute to attractive, pedestrian streetscapes
(Waterloo, ON) .
Memorable vistas are created when prominent
house features, not garage doors, are centrally
located at terminus views (Demonstration Plan).
2007 City of Kitchener A-16
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.2.7 Parks Hierarchy
62. Establish an interconnected open space system through
an appropriate distribution of park spaces that include:
larger sized neighbourhood parks; smaller scale
parkettes; green common areas; strategically located
linear parks. This system should be integrated with park
space; cultural landscapes; lookouts; and urban plazas
for planned commercial areas.
Guideline Tip.- Show conceptual locations for park types,
functions and connections on 'NCP
63. Locate neighbourhood park spaces within 400m
walking distance to most homes, preferably as
neighbourhood focal points or between two
neighbourhood edges. Increased walking distances may
be considered for larger park spaces.
64. Neighbourhood Park Spaces: Locate neighbourhood
park spaces at prominent street intersections, adjacent to
school sites and in close proximity to community trails,
along priority streets and at shared neighbourhood
boundaries. Neighbourhood park spaces should include
a variety of amenities, such as playground facilities,
seating areas, open turf areas for unstructured play,
designed space for visual or performing arts such as an
interactive amphitheatre or exhibition space, landmarks
and bicycle racks. These parks should range between
1.0-2.5ha in size, be located within about a five-minute
walk of most residents and be visible from the street.
As a general principle, provide at least I m frontage for
every 100sm of park area along public streets.
65. Parkettes: Integrate smaller scale parkettes as
neighbourhood focal points, along long residential
blocks or adjacent to community trails or SWM
facilities. Parkettes may range in size from 0.2ha to
1.0ha in size and should include playground equipment,
seating areas and bicycle racks. Parkettes are preferred
at street intersections and should be rectangular or
square in shape and have at least two full frontages
along public streets.
66. Commons: Integrate small scale passive green space in
neighbourhoods that may contribute as a focal point.
Commons range in size, and have 100% street frontage.
Specific commons, such as cul-de-sac islands, will be
considered part of the ROW and not subject to parkland
dedication. Triangular configurations may also be
considered.
Design Briefs
Neighbourhood identity and interaction is
improved when park spaces have frontage along
public streets (Kitchener, ON).
A shared park space located at a neighbourhood
edge improves connectivity between
neighbourhoods (Calgary, AB).
2007 City of Kitchener A-17
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
67. Linear Parks: Encourage linear park spaces in
neighbourhoods, particularly as neighbourhood focal
points along long blocks and to provide linkages or
access to larger park spaces, trails or major pedestrian
destinations. Linear parks typically range between 12-
20m in width and will be considered part of the
parkland dedication. These parks should make
provision for pathway, signage, small seating area and
landscaping to ensure strong streetscape and promote
compatibility with adjacent properties.
68. Stormwater Management Facilities: Integrate SWM
facilities as a prominent feature in the design of the
neighbourhood unit. Incorporate into the parks, trail and
open space location and design.
69. Lookouts: Incorporate small seating areas along trail
locations with interesting views of cultural and natural
features with appropriate interpretative signage.
70. Urban Plazas: Encourage hardscape amenity spaces
adjacent to or within neighbourhood mixed use centres
and high density developments, particularly at gateway
intersections and centralized locations. These spaces
may contribute to the public realm however, may be in
public or private ownership. These spaces should
include decorative street furniture, a combination of
hard and soft landscaping elements and interesting
landscape features, signage and decorative lighting.
Design Briefs
Landscaped cul-de-sac island provides
opportunity for small scale, passive green space
(Kitchener, ON).
Linear park space provides appropriate mid-block
linkages along long blocks and improves access to
parks and trails (Waterloo, ON).
Stormwater management facilities provide
opportunity for pedestrian trail connections within
neighbourhoods (Guelph, ON).
Stormwater management facilities provide ideal
opportunities for landscaped seating areas
(Waterloo, ON) .
2007 City of Kitchener A-18
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
The City of Kitchener encourages specific design elements in
the public and private realm that create, or reinforce
neighbourhood character and liveability. Specific design
elements, such as street tree planting and interesting park
spaces, create or contribute to neighbourhood character.
Liveability is also improved when specific design features, such
as noise mitigation and on-street parking, are well integrated
into the neighbourhood design.
2.3.1 Residential Streetscapes
1. Provide articulated building elevations with a variety of
compatible roof forms and pitches.
2. Encourage consistent fencing style on lots in public
view with preference given to wrought iron fencing or
decorative 1.5m high wooden fences.
3. On flankage lots, fencing is encouraged between rear
property line and rear building fagade and should not
block building elevation facing public street.
Guideline Tip.- Home builders are encouraged to develop
fencing guidelines and install fencing prior to occupancy.
Fence designs are to be prepared by a Landscape Architect and
identified on Streetscape Plan for Priority Streets.
Reference*- City of Kitchener Fence By-law
4. Provide enhanced building facades in prominent site
locations including all priority lots.
5. Encourage a high quality of fencing that contributes to
the public realm. A black wrought iron fence or similar
level of quality is recommended.
6. Below ground utilities are encouraged particularly
along priority streets. Where required, incorporate
above-grade utility and servicing structures such as bell
switching stations into the residential streetscape
through compatible building design elements and
decorative fencing with intensive landscaping.
Guideline Tip.- Consult utility companies regarding streetscape
integration and appropriate building designjeatures.
Design Briefs
Attractive, residential streets are created through
paired street tree planting, articulated building
massing and architectural variety (Kitchener,
ON).
Low-level, decorative fencing provides an
acceptable fencing solution along arterial streets
(Mississauga, ON).
Residential streetscapes are enhanced when utility
buildings incorporate similar building materials,
rooflines and architectural features such as this
telephone switching station (Kitchener, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-19
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.3.2 Pedestrian Friendly Streets
7. Provide subtle variation in building setbacks along
longer street blocks.
Guideline Tip.- Considered modified Zoning By-law
regulations.
8. Encourage flush or partially recessed garages. Minor
garage projections may be considered subject to
providing additional fagade elements that reinforce the
street such as porches, verandas, porticos.
Reference*- Zoning By-law, Section S.
9. Promote 'eyes on the street' by maximizing window
openings with detailed window treatment on elevations
facing public streets, park spaces and walkways.
10. Ensure that front doors are fully visible from the public
street. Front doors may be recessed from the building
fagade subject to providing specific architectural
features such as porches or porticos that reinforce the
entrance and promote activity along the street.
11. Encourage decorative front yard walkway connection
providing unobstructed access from front door to
sidewalk. Encourage different paving materials such as
impressed coloured concrete and interlocking stone.
Design Briefs
Long, monotonous streets are avoided through
subtle variation of building setbacks (4.5-6 Om)
and gentle street curves (Demonstration Plan).
Front yard porches and different housing
elevations located on wide-shallow lots contribute
to attractive streetscapes and reduce the impact of
the automobile on the street (Milton, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-20
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.3.3 Street Trees
12. Provide adequate and appropriate growing medium for
street trees to promote long-term health. Promote best
management practices that protects soil during
construction phases.
13. Encourage diversity in tree species to add visual interest
along streetscapes and minimize disease. Also promote
planting themes that establish hierarchy such as
alternative species for street intersections, trail head
entrance and gateways.
Guideline Tip: Prepare Street Tree Planting Plan showing
location and recommended tree planting details subject to
approval.
14. Provide at least I street tree for each residential
dwelling unit, excluding multiple dwellings that are
subject to site plan approval, and at least 3 street trees
for each flankage lot.
Guideline Tip.- The City may require street tree compensation
(relocation or financial) in situations where site servicing and
utilities conflict with boulevard planting.
15. Use large canopy trees in all public boulevards. All
street streets should be at least 50mm caliper trees.
Guideline Tip.- Coordinate Street Tree Planting Plan with Site
Servicing Plan to avoid conflicts with proposed infrastructure.
proposed
Consider alternative servicing connections to maximize street
tree planting opportunities. Encourage proponent and City
staff to review with Hydro Authority.
16. Encourage double-loaded (paired) street trees along
park space frontages, open space frontages, non-
residential development frontages or reverse lotted
frontages.
17. Consider ornamental street trees at specific locations to
add interest such as narrow landscaped medians, trail
head entrances or along pedestrian linkages.
18. Encourage additional tree planting in rear yards of
single detached lots abutting taller, higher density
housing with outdoor decks.
Design Briefs
Additional trees in the boulevard, front or rear
yards are beneficial and encouraged
(Kitchener, ON).
A combination of higher density housing with
street trees and shrub planting contributes to
attractive streetscapes along 'window streets'
(Mississauga, ON).
The visual impact of reverse-lotted development is
improved through intensive tree planning within
the public boulevard and a landscaped buffer
block between the sidewalk and rear yard
(Kitchener, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-21
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.3.4 Built Form
19. Reinforce residential streetscapes by locating all
buildings close to the street, particularly at gateway
intersections.
20. Encourage vertical building elements at gateways and
major street intersections.
21. Encourage taller building forms such as 3-storey
townhomes along major streets with wide streets or
large park spaces.
22. Avoid significant, abrupt changes in building height
along streetscapes. Promote compatible height through
transition in roof massing.
23. Encourage increased rear yard setbacks for taller
buildings abutting lower buildings with vertical
landscaping.
24. Encourage articulated rooflines and transition in
massing for townhouse blocks particularly for longer
townhouse blocks (> 6 units per block).
25. Consider increased setbacks with tree planting for
intensive apartment blocks adjacent to existing or
planned single detached dwellings.
26. Encourage compatible building elements for non-
residential development or higher density residential
buildings abutting low rise housing. Encourage pitched
rooflines, similar building materials and appropriate
setbacks.
27. Orient building massing towards roundabout
intersection and encourage higher quality building
designs and architectural details to enhance gateway
intersection.
Design Briefs
A pedestrian oriented streetscape is created when
all buildings, including schools, are located close
to the street (Markham, ON).
An urban street enclosure is created when taller
buildings face large park spaces and transit streets
(Markham, ON).
Gateway intersections are reinforced when
buildings include vertical massing and frame the
intersection (Milton, ON).
Taller buildings can be integrated with lower rise
housing forms through landscaping and
articulated buildingfaqades (Markham, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-22
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.3.5 Building Design Details
28. Promote a variety of housing elevations along each
street and avoid repetition of similar housing designs.
As a general principle, provide at least 3 different
elevations for every 10 lots in a block with a minimum
of 3 dwellings sited between the same elevation.
Provide variations in rooflines, window placement,
materials, colour and porches.
Guideline Tip.- Consider a variety of lot frontages to
accommodate different housing styles. Encourage Subdividers
to develop architectural guidelines and encourage builders to
review housing elevations to ensure streetscape variety. Offer
several different elevations for popular housing models.
29. Encourage porches and verandas on all lots with
emphasis on priority lots and along priority and window
streets. Porches should be at least 1.5m in depth.
30. Create interesting streetscaves by providing a variety of
architectural features and details such as verandas,
pediments, bay windows, muntin window bars, dormers
and decorative brick patterns such as corbelling or
soldier coursing.
31. Ensure primary front door is parallel with fagade and
faces a public street.
32. Balance window openings along side elevations.
Encourage centrally located bay windows.
33. As a principle, garage doors should not occupy more
than 60% of the front fagade width.
34. The roof line of the front facing garage(s) should be
coordinated with the main roof line of the dwelling.
35. Break up large garage doors by incorporating individual
garage doors on houses with double car garages.
36. Changes in building materials should occur at wall
setbacks, projections or horizontal definition.
37. Integrate steps and landings into the building design,
especially for lots with grade changes.
38. Encourage energy efficient technologies such as solar
panels and internal fixtures. Ensure all elements are
sensitively integrated into house design.
39. Require architecturally enhanced elevations on
identified priority lots, with the following as general
guidance:
i) Gateway Lots (G): Provide articulated building
facades with enhanced architectural treatments such
as brick facades, turrets, towers, recesses, bay
windows, porches, glazing and other details.
Design Briefs
An enhanced front elevation may include aftont
yard porch, aftont gabled roof, brick fagade with
a variety of window details, and two single car
garage doors.
An enhanced side elevation on a corner lot may
include a side gabled roof, a central boxed bay
window and additional window detail. Doors and
wrap - around porches are also encouraged
2007 City of Kitchener A-23
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
ii) Corner Lots (C): Emphasize corner massing
through towers, turrets and wrap-around porches.
Provide enhanced window treatment such as bay
windows along exterior side elevation and
encourage the continuation of the same materials
and detailing on all visible facades. Encourage
brick facades, gable dormers or gable roofs. Locate
door facing primary street frontage and enhance
doorway through architectural features. Attempt to
provide garage on flankage street. Locate utility
meter in internal side yard away from public view.
iii) Park Space Lots (P): Provide a variety of building
elevations facing public park spaces, including
porches, bay windows, a variety of building
material colours, porches and a variety of roof line
massing. Apply similar building design treatment
as well as projecting window treatments on side
elevations abutting park space. All elevations
facing park spaces or open spaces should have a
similar design quality as the front elevation.
iv) Terminating Vista Lots (T): Locate building
entrance or front window at terminating vista focal
point. Encourage large front windows, porches,
gable elements and strong vertical elements such as
dormers and pitched roof lines to accentuate vista.
Garages should be recessed behind the front porch
or even with the habitable portion of the dwelling.
v) Window Street Lots (W): Provide a variety of
building elevations facing arterial streets with
emphasis on bay windows, porches, verandas and
strong vertical massing features. Upgraded
architectural detailing along windows is
encouraged. Garages should be integrated into the
building design and not dominate the streetscape.
vi) Heritage Area Lots (H): Preserve the variety of
design, colour and construction materials that
enhances the character of the neighbourhood or
surrounding heritage building. Colours should be
selected from an approved heritage palette.
Traditional high quality materials or similar
architectural features such as front porches are
encouraged. Provide compatible roofline on houses
located immediately abutting heritage structure.
Guideline Tip.- Conditions of approval may be considered for
the proponent to prepare detailed design guidelines for priority
lots with the City prior to final approval (registration of a
subdivision) or to submit building elevations for priority lots for
review prior to applying for building permits for those lots.
Design Briefs
Attractive corner lots (C) are created through
articulated building elevations with enhanced
details such as bay windows, muntin windows,
keystones and gable dormers (Milton, ON).
The quality of public realm is improved when
abutting houses on park lots (P) include
architecturally enhancedfaqades (Milton, ON).
Neighbourhood character is improved then lots
are carefully located on terminating vista lots (T)
(Milton, ON).
Replica structures, such as the 1895 Hanlon
House, contributes to a strong sense of place
(Guelph, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-24
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.3.6 Street Furniture
40. Encourage decorative street lighting that functions as a
unifying streetscape element and contributes to a
consistent neighbourhood character. Encourage
decorative lighting along priority streets and consider
for local connecting streets. Avoid changes in light
standard along priority streets.
Guideline Tip*- Identify if decorative street lighting is to be used
prior to servicing or registration of a subdivision (whichever
comes first).
Guideline Tip.- The proponent is responsible for 100% of the
installation costs of the approved decorative lighting standard
to the satisfaction of the City and KW Hydro. The only
decorative street light is the King Luminaire. The proponent
shall also be responsible for a one-time supply of 10 % of the
cost of the light standards for future maintenance.
41. Encourage decorative street signs to add to identity.
Guideline Tip*- Identify if decorative street signs /posts are to be
used prior to registration of a subdivision. The proponent is
responsible for 100% of the installation costs of the approved
street signs /posts. The proponent will be responsible fora one-
time supply of 10 % of the cost of the street signs /posts for
future maintenance. Decorative signs are supplied by the City.
42. Integrate postal delivery sites into streetscape,
particularly within active park spaces, along flankage
lots and focal points. Encourage enhanced landscape
elements or architectural structures.
2.3.7 Transit Stops
43. Provide appropriate street furniture and landscape
elements at transit stops such as benches and garbage
receptacles. Provide higher quality street furniture
along 'Priority Streets', gateway entrances and planned
commercial areas. Provide clear areas for winter
maintenance.
Guideline Tip: Identify potential locations of transit stops prior
to approval. A condition of approval ma y be required for the
proponent to make the necessary arrangements with Grand
River Transit for the installation of transit pads and enhanced
landscaping around transit stop.
Design Briefs
Decorative street signs and lighting contribute to
pedestrian friendly streets and neighbourhood
character (Kitchener, ON).
Neighbourhood activity is improved through the
coordination of passive park space elements such
as benches, integrated mailboxes and decorative
Minor design details such as enhanced mailbox
facilities improve character (Markahm, ON).
Neighbourhood gateways are enhanced when
transit stops are integrated into the streetscape
design with decorative street furniture and
landscape materials (Waterloo, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-25
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.3.8 Park Design
44. Encourage a variety of functions, facilities and features
in each park space such as playground equipment,
seating areas, information kiosks, street trees, plant
materials, neighbourhood mailboxes, interpretative
signage, landmarks and trail linkages.
45. Build park spaces during early phases of development.
Guideline Tip: The proponent and City should determine if the
park space is to be 'developer-build'prior to draft approval.
Conditions of approval may be included to ensure the park
design is prior rior to registration, the park is graded,
L
topsoil and seeded within a certain time frame and the park
facilities constructed within one year of the first building
permit. Developer-build parks are subject to Development
Charge credits.
46. Ensure park spaces are at a similar grade to the public
street. Avoid major grade changes in active areas.
Guideline Tip: Prepare conceptual grading plan that respects
the existing topography and confirm opportunity to integrate
proposed park spaces through sensitive grading proposals.
These plans should be discussed at the pre-submission meeting.
47. Provide enhanced perimeter street tree planting along
street frontage. Encourage double row street tree
planting to reinforce street edge.
48. Ensure all park spaces include appropriate signage
visible from surrounding streets.
49. Locate playground structures with clear visibility to
public streets.
50. Provide a balance of hard and soft landscape materials
at street corners. Encourage a decorative hardscape
surface to accommodate street furniture such as bike
racks, mail boxes and signage.
51. Incorporate seating areas into the play area with waste
and recycling receptacles and trees for shade. Consider
backless benches in areas with multiple functions and
backed benches with areas of individual focus/activity.
52. Encourage architectural structures in active park spaces
associated with other neighbourhood uses.
53. Integrate neighbourhood mailboxes into park spaces.
Encourage sheltered facilities in active park spaces. Do
not locate mailboxes within 'No Stopping' zones or
along single traffic lanes abutting median islands.
54. Locate bike racks along trails, play areas and park
entrances. Provide hard surfaces under bike rack.
55. Provide on-street parking along public streets.
Design Briefs
A balance of hard and soft landscape elements
define street intersections and improves access to
park spaces (Kitchener, ON).
Architectural structures in park spaces contribute
to a strong neighbourhood sense of place (Milton,
ON).
Park space activity can be increased by locating a
variety of amenities, such as playground
equipment and internal mail box structures in
close proximity to one another (Markham, ON).
Seating areas can be located along pathways and
can also provide an interesting viewpoint to a
feature or vista (Markham, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-26
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
56. Provide a balance of hard and soft landscape features
and structures such as benches, information kiosks and
public art at the corners of roundabout intersections.
57. Consider providing low level plant materials and street
tree in large diverter islands.
58. Discourage active uses within roundabouts.
59. Provide pathways through parks that reflect desire lines
particularly at street intersection locations. Landscape
details should be increased at major pedestrian areas.
60. Do not located top soil piles on planned park spaces.
Encourage top soil piles to be located on future
development blocks or vacant sites.
2.3.9 Trails& Walkways
61. Emphasize connections to the community trail system
for prominent walkways or trailhead connections
through increased trail or walkway width (9m
recommended). Consider special treatments at trail
head entrances such as higher quality landscape
features, benches, decorative paving pattern,
interpretive or directional signage.
Guideline Tip.- The trail base should be installed as early in the
development process and in accordance with the City's
Subdivision Manual.
62. Provide wider trails on hills to accommodate trail
patrons such as the handicapped and elderly.
63. Sensitively integrate trails into or adjacent to natural or
open space features.
64. At major trail crossings, encourage landscaped medians.
All crossings should be designed for barrier free access
and vehicular lane widths should be at least 4.Om in
width.
65. Encourage native plantings along trail connections
abutting natural features.
Guideline Tip.- Submit streetscape plan showing recommended
plant species for approval.
66. Provide sensitive access to scenic drives through
creative or interpretive pedestrian trail linkages or
special pavement markings.
67. Recognize historical settlement patterns or routes
through special pedestrian crossings or landscape
elements.
68. Design trails so that they are at least 3m from property
lines with opportunity for landscaping.
Design Briefs
Roundabout intersections provide opportunities
for small green spaces adjacent to homes and
public art (Guelph, ON).
Trail connections and pedestrian linkages are
enhanced with native plant materials (Waterloo,
ON).
A landscaped, barrier free median provides a well
defined trail crossing along a collector street
(Guelph, ON).
An enhanced trail system with decorative fencing
and landscaped features reinforce cultural
heritage resources and create sense of place
(Kitchener, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-27
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.3. 10 Cultural Heritage Resources
69. Establish appropriate lot width and size to sensitively
integrated cultural heritage resource into proposed
development.
Guideline Tip*- Identify preferred lotting plan on 'NCP The
integration of existing cultural heritage resources will be
subject to an 'HIA'for approval.
70. Establish a compatible lot pattern and streetscape for
surrounding properties located in close proximity to the
cultural heritage resource.
71. Ensure proposed design alterations to cultural heritage
resources are in character with and to maintain the
integrity of existing heritage resources and their setting.
72. Enhance the historic nature of heritage properties by
using appropriately scaled landscaping. Lighting and
fencing should be of a traditional form and be
constructed of appropriate materials.
Reference: The City ofKitchener's Heritage Inventory List
contains a listing of all properties 'designated' or 'of interest
73. If heritage buildings are to be relocated, the preferred
relocated sites are lots abutting open spaces, parks and
lots facing open space or on corner lots.
74. Integrate cultural heritage landscapes or park spaces
with existing or relocated heritage resources. Consider a
variety of park space elements such as interpretive
signage, seating areas and public art. Discourage active
park space elements that may impact heritage attributes.
Reference*- City of Kitchener Culture Plan II
75. New buildings should be compatible with cultural
heritage resources. The massing, height, scale,
architectural style and details of new buildings should
complement surrounding heritage resources.
76. Preserve existing road edges where the City deems
appropriate. Consider avoiding sidewalks or curbs
along either side of the road where such features
negatively impact the historical character of the area.
77. Retain and integrate existing lanes, driveways or
linkages where appropriate. Consider a variety of
surface materials or integrated trail system that preserve
or enhance the heritage character of the area.
Design Briefs
Appropriate lot patterns are identified through
Heritage Impact analysis (Kitchener, ON).
The integration of new development near heritage
districts is improved through compatible
streets cape features (Kitchener, ON).
The relocation of heritage buildings may be
required to conserve heritage resources as long as
a genuine sense of place is maintained or created
(Kitchener, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-28
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
78. Provide special attention along scenic drives. Preserve
roadside vegetation, ditches, embankments, terrain, tree
canopy and adjacent structures that are important to the
visual context of scenic drive. Reinforce streetscape
through enhanced landscaped design that incorporates
similar features from surrounding area.
79. Ensure that new utilities and public infrastructure
complement existing or intended character. Utilities
such as transformers and pedestals should be located
away from the street or screened using appropriate
landscaping or site design.
80. Provide signage such as information signs, interpretive
plaques or kiosks, around public heritage resources. The
location of signage should not obstruct any significant
views or hinder the historical character of the area.
81. Encourage streetscape themes that reinforce heritage
resources.
Guideline Tip.- Prepare a streetscape plan that shows building
elevations, landscaping elements, lighting and other relevant
features.
2.3. 11 Noise Mitigation (if required)
82. Discourage sensitive land uses adjacent to noise
sources.
83. Encourage front-lotted development or non-residential
development adjacent to arterial streets. Rear-lotted
development to street noise sources is strongly
discouraged.
Guideline Tip.- Prepare preliminary noise analysis prior to
draft plan approval. Conditions of approval ma y be considered
for final noise study preparation, noise mitigation measures and
the design thereof to the satisfaction of the Region and City.
k-Y
Reference*- Regional Implementation Guidelines for Noise
Policies.
Reference*- City of Kitchener Zoning By-law, Section 5.24.
Design Briefs
Existing heritage structures can be integrated into
surrounding development through larger lot sizes
and period style fencing (Kitchener, ON).
Front lotted development and window streets
contribute to a pedestrian oriented streetscape and
represents the preferred design strategy to
mitigate noise along arterial streets
(Demonstration Plan)
2007 City of Kitchener A-29
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
84. Passive noise mitigation techniques are strongly
preferred. Where design measures are not possible to
eliminate the need for an acoustic barrier, encourage an
architecturally consistent acoustic barrier with
landscaped buffer block ranging between 3.0-4.6m in
width with low-maintenance landscaping between the
barrier and sidewalk. Encourage masonry style noise
wall with intermediate and terminating decorative piers.
Guideline Tip.- Show Landscaped Buffer Block on draft plan of
subdivision. Dedicate landscaped buffer block to appropriate
road authority (typically City with an easement in favour of
Region). The design and installation of any Landscaped Buffer
Block shall be 100% the cost to the proponent to the satisfaction
of the City (and Region if necessary). The municipality shall be
responsible for 100% of the maintenance cost for the
landscaping. The proponent is responsible for a contribution to
the Region for the future maintenance of the barrier.
Guideline Tip.- Contact noise approval authorit y in advance of
any final approval such as subdivision registration to determine
if noise attenuation updates are required.
85. Consider providing landscaped berm in the Landscape
Buffer Block. Private fencing may be located on crest
of berm. Fencing will be discouraged on descending
slope.
Guideline Tip: Maximum 3:1 slope across berm. Ensure
easements are provided on private property with preference
given to street facing descending slope to be dedicated to
municipality. Dedicate Landscaped Buffer Block to appropriate
road authority. Any Landscape Buffer Blocks shall be shown on
the draft plan, the design and installation shall be 100% the
cost to the proponent to the satisfaction of the municipality. The
municipality shall be responsible for 100% of the maintenance
cost.
Design Briefs
A landscape buffer provides an appropriate
transition between decorative noise walls and the
public right of way.
The quality of the public realm is improved when
private fencing is consistent and landscaping
provided on the street-side of the berm between the
fencing and the sidewalk.
2007 City of Kitchener A-30
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
2.3.12 On-Street Parking
86. Provide I on-street parking space for every 2-single
detached dwelling units. On-street parking spaces
should be provided on the same street as, or, along the
flankage of the houses that require the space.
Design Briefs
City park frontages provide opportunities to
provide on-street parking spaces (Mississauga,
Reference*- City's On-Street Parking Policy
87. Locate on-street parking spaces at least 9.0 metres from
street intersection to ensure adequate visibility.
88. Encourage lotting patterns that accommodate on-street
parking such as larger single detached lots ( >11 metres),
condominium lane-based townhouses, apartment blocks
and detached rear yard garage lots.
89. Encourage shorter blocks with flankage lots to
accommodate on-street parking spaces particularly for
small lot frontages.
90. Discourage continuous rows of small frontage lots.
Provide shorter block lengths to accommodate on-street
parking needs along side yard flankage.
91. Provide on-street parking along large park frontages or
open space street frontages.
92. Encourage shorter blocks of townhouse units (3-4 units)
on collector streets.
93. Consider minor widening to driveway curb opening
however, prohibit widenings that substantially increase
curb opening or eliminate on-street parking spaces.
94. Allow driveways to be widened into the closest side
yard provided that the resulting side yard is not less
than 2 feet and the garage width is less than a double
car garage.
95. Consider integrating parking spaces in landscaped cul-
de-sac islands. Orient landscaped islands facing public
street and incorporate street trees and other
complementary landscaping materials.
96. Consider developing an off-street, condominium
parking lot, to meet the visitor parking requirements.
On-street parking spaces are appropriate adjacent
to neighbourhood mail box facilities (Markham,
ON).
Alternative housing types such as detached
garages create opportunities for sufficient on-
street parking (Kitchener, ON).
Creative design solutions, such as partially
landscaped islands, provide opportunity for
additional on-street parking spaces; however snow
storage should be accommodated (Montreal, Que).
2007 City of Kitchener A-31
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
Design Briefs
2.3.13 New Development in Existing Neighbourhoods
97. Consider introducing or enhancing gateway features or
tree planting in mature neighbourhoods.
90. Improve or enhance pedestrian linkages io major
destinations such as community trails and planned
commercial areas.
99. Consider enhancing park spaces including the
celebration ofarts and culture m the introduction of
new park spaces.
lOO. Promote landscape enhancements within ou|-de-sao
islands, provided snow storage can beaccommodated.
101. Upgrade prominent transit stop locations through
enhanced landscape planting and street furniture.
102. Consider providing on-street parking spaces along park
frontages.
103. New development should complement the existing
neighbourhood character through compatible building
design and scale and compatible landscaping.
A-32 2DD7 C�yof��hener
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
Neighbourhood Mixed Use centres are localized commercial
centres that are accessible to surrounding neighbourhoods.
These centres should be easily accessible to the surrounding
neighbourhoods and contribute to neighbourhood identity and
complete communities.
104. Locate building mass close to the street particularly at
street intersections and along transit routes.
105. Locate service and utility areas away from public streets
and public view.
106. Encourage on-street parking to provide convenient
parking to businesses fronting the street.
107. Provide multiple pedestrian linkages to commercial
development including direct sidewalk connections at
intersection and perimeter sidewalk connections.
108. Encourage high quality building design, including
vertical massing element at neighbourhood focal points
such as roundabouts and gateway intersections.
109. Encourage compatible building design that
complements surrounding residential character.
Encourage pitched rooflines, brick facades, dormers and
articulated fagade treatments such as pilasters.
110. Encourage a similar architectural theme for sites with
multiple buildings.
111. Provide similar building design elements on all facades
particularly on facades in public view or backing onto
residential properties.
112. Encourage canopies above windows and signs. Ensure
canopies do not overhang on public sidewalk.
113. Provide windows along building facades facing public
streets. Spandrel glazed windows may be considered in
select locations.
114. Screen all rooftop mechanical equipment from public or
residential view. Encourage pitched rooflines or raised
parapets to screen rooftop equipment on each elevation.
115. Encourage compatible building signage that respects the
building form and architectural features. Encourage
directed lighting to limit potential impacts to
surrounding properties.
116. Provide enhanced landscaping at intersection corners,
site entrances and to buffer utility areas located in rear
yards. Encourage double row tree planting along
perimeter.
117. Provide enhanced landscape buffer between parking
areas and residential properties.
118. Promote higher density housing, such as townhouse
units, stacked townhouses or multiple dwellings within
or adjacent to mixed use neighbourhood centres.
Design Briefs
Pedestrian interest, comfort and safety is improved
when commercial buildings are located close to
the street (Milton, ON).
A decorative entrance feature with a defined
pedestrian sidewalk connection is appropriate at
major intersections (Waterloo, ON).
Mixed use buildings provide an ideal form of
development and reinforce neighbourhood
character (Markham, ON).
2007 City of Kitchener A-33
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
The Design Brief for Suburban Development forms part of the
Urban Design Manual and establishes important design objectives
and guidelines for new development located in suburban
neighbourhoods.
This Design Brief is intended to be read in its entirety and in
conjunction with the Urban Design Manual with sections
devoted to neighbourhood and community design and the
applicable official plan policies.
The Design Brief will be implemented jointly by City staff, the
proponent, approval authorities and other government agencies and
utilities. The City recognizes that each site and its context present
its own design opportunities and challenges. Given this, there may
not always be a single universal solution and there must be
discretion or balance considered when using the design guidelines.
In instances where guidelines may be in conflict, City staff will
prioritize specific guidelines in consultation with the proponent.
The key requirement is that the primary design objectives (Section
1.4 of the Brief) should be satisfied. In all cases, technical design
considerations and alternative design solutions must be reviewed
with appropriate City staff for review and approval. Alternative
design standards or solutions should be discussed early in the
design process.
The Design Brief has been developed in coordination of a
supporting Demonstration Plan prepared with the assistance of The
Planning Partnership. The Demonstration Plan is a detailed
concept drawing that illustrates the primary design objectives for
the City of Kitchener and illustrates specific design guidelines
which are referenced throughout the Design Brief.
From a design perspective, the Demonstration Plan also identifies
several design strategies that contribute to complete communities.
The proposed neighbourhoods and community features achieve a
minimum density target of 50 people+jobs per hectare based on
assumptions related to open space allocation and employment
statistics.
2007 City of Kitchener
Design Briefs
The Primary Design Objectives are:
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
1. WALKABILITY
2. VARIETY
3. PLACEMAKING
4. CONSERVATION
S. CONNECTIVITY
6. TRANSIT SUPPORTIVE
7. SAFETY
8. BALANCE
9. LIVEABILITY
A-34
Design Briefs
DEMONSTRATION PLAN
A-35 2DD7 C�yof��hener
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
Prbrity Street
Park space Drwoodiand
Neighbourhood Gatmay
Gomrnunit�o Gateway
A-35 2DD7 C�yof��hener
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
Design Briefs
The Design Brief will be applied to all development applications
located in the Suburban Neighbourhoods with emphasis given to
subdivision development, Committee of Adjustment applications,
Zone Change applications and site plan applications proposed
Step 1: seep 2;
within the City's Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centre land use
"Set up a pre-su mssw mecting
Understand the. c.ontext and and
idenfl4� oppartunifles
designation.
The Design Brief is to be read in context of the City's existing
-------------------------------------------
In Step 3: Step 4,
subrnit ac,; a -
dikWe changes any , rx cornmenu
Feeft k J
Official Plan policies, as well as, specific sections of the Urban
f � Ll wmal apphtation (drcWaflon process�
�
Design Manual related to the Community and Neighbourhood
Design guideline sections.
Poblit Notif icatillo, 0
The Design Brief is most effective when it is applied during the
Ste P 5:
A pp nova I
early conceptual stages of development, particularly for
subdivision applications. The City has prepared the following
framework with corresponding steps and actions to assist with
guideline implementation.
Step I Pre-Submission: The applicant submits a
neighbourhood concept plan with preliminary
neighbourhood vision and key design guidelines. The
neighbourhood vision should broadly define the key
neighbourhood features and contextual relationship to
surrounding neighbourhoods and community. The
neighbourhood vision will also assist in prioritizing the
design brief guidelines. City staff reviews the concept plan,
provides comments and identifies relevant studies as noted
on the Subdivision Design Checklist form.
• Step 4: The Circulation Process: The application is
circulated to appropriate staff, agencies (ROW, GRCA etc)
and public as required for the particular application.
The Neighbourhood Concept Plan illustrates the
key structural design elements in each
neighbourhood and relationship to surrounding
neighbourhoods and conditions
(Demonstration Plan).
2007 City of Kitchener A-36
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
• Step 5 -. The Approval Process: Staff review circulation
comments and provide written comments in the Planning
Report describing how the Design Brief has been addressed.
The application, with staff recommendations and draft plan
conditions, is taken before the Development and Technical
Services Committee (DTSC) for consideration.
The design process and key approval steps are further identified
in the Design Brief Check List. This list will confirm if specific
steps are not applicable, indicates key actions and identifies
roles and responsibility.
The Design Brief includes information to assist with the
development approvals process. The guideline tips identify
specific plans and studies to assist with guideline implementation.
A brief summary of the supporting plans and studies is provided
below and may be required prior to draft approval and/or
incorporated as specific conditions of approval.
• Existing Conditions Plan: Plan showing existing site
features on and surrounding site with grades and any
potential opportunities or significant issues.
• Neighbourhood Concept Plan: An illustrative plan that
schematically identifies the primary design elements. The
plan should identify the potential transit route, priority
streets, general land use type and density, locations of
park/open spaces and links, along with gateway and vista
opportunities and any connections to schools, employment
and shopping.
• Priority Lot Plan: A subdivision plan that highlights all
priority lot types and locations (G,C,T,P,H lots).
• Streetscape Plan: A detailed landscape plan of a priority
street that could show locations and construction details
for entrance features, crosswalks, street trees, potential
utility locations, traffic calming features, centre medians
(if any) and fencing/landscaping details for corner lots.
• Conceptual Grading Plan: A plan showing preliminary
grades for a new development that could be prepared and
discussed early in the process to understand the relation
with design initiatives and solutions.
• On-Street Parking Plan: A subdivision plan showing all
on-street parking spaces to the City's standards.
Design Briefs
% lww mw#l@VW# om Or a ONO; ft.* *lplow
The Existing Conditions Plan includes prominent site
features and constraints (Demonstration Plan).
A streetscape plan is a detailed drawing that
identifies the proposed gateway features and street
tree planting scheme (Demonstration Plan).
2007 City of Kitchener A-37
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
Design Briefs
*MM0 I . Is there an established Community Vision? city
Q) 2. Identify the surrounding land uses Both
0 3. Has an Existing Conditions Plan been prepared? Applicant
4. Has a site walk been con ucted? Applicant initiated
r.
Cn
LM
a.
ca
r.
Cn
r.
MIMMEM
5.
Set up a pre-submission meeting (Section 3.3)
Applicant initiated
6.
Identify and discuss existing relevant studies/ plans for the area
city
7.
Identify and discuss the design principles for the
Both
neiv,hbourhood/development to achieve the Primary Design
Objectives (Section 1.3)
8.
Identify and discuss the neighbourhood/ development vision
Both
(Section 3.3)
9.
Prepare and discuss a neighbourhood/development concept plan
Applicant / Both
10.
Determine submission requirements (Section 3.3)
Staff
11.
Refine NCP and prepare development plan for submission
Applicant
12.
Schedule additional follow-up meeting, if desired, to discuss
Both
refined plan/submission
13.
Include the NCP with supporting design principles and vision in
Applicant
the application submission documentation (Planning Report)
14.
Identify and discuss how the development addresses the Design
Applicant
Brief for Suburban Development in the application submission
documentation (Planning Report)
15.
Determine if NCP, principles, vision and submission achieve the
city
Primary Design Objectives. If not, applicant and City meet to
discuss how submission can achieve the Primary Design
Objectives prior to circulation.
16.
Planner for the application file to include an identification of key
city
urban design issues within comments to applicant
17.
Applicant to respond and work with City and file planner to
Both
achieve the Design Guidelines.
19. Have the Guidelines Tips from the Design Brief been considered city
when preparing conditions of approval?
OLM 20. Staff report to include discussion of how the development city
CL
CL addresses the Urban Design Guidelines (Planning Report)
"'C 21. Ensure the design conditions are fully implemented. Both
wS
The authors ofthe Design Brief would like io formally recognize the contributions that following specific firms or
individuals have provided for this Design Brief:
• Photo Credits: The Planning Partnership, Sianieo" M}{BC Planning Ltd., [}SP Group, Grand River Transit
• Laurel View Homes
• The Planning Partnership
2007 City ofKitc A-38 hener
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
For the purpose of this Design Brief, the following definitions have
been included for reference purposes and implementation:
AADT (Average Annual Daily Traffic): The total volume of
vehicle traffic in both directions of a road for a year divided by
365 days. Useful measurement of how busy the road is.
Affordable Housing: "is housing that is affordable to low and
moderate income households" (Region of Waterloo, A
Community Action Plan for Housing).
Built Heritage Resources: "one or more significant buildings,
structures, monuments, installations or remains associated with
architectural, cultural, social, political, economic or military
history and identified as being important to a community. These
resources may be identified through designation or heritage
conservation easement under the Ontario Heritage Act, or listed
by local, provincial or federal jurisdictions." (PPS, 2005)
Conserved "the identification, protection, use and/or management
of cultural heritage and archaeological resources in such a way
that their heritage values, attributes and integrity are retained. This
may be addressed through a conservation plan or HIA." (PPS,
2005):
Cultural Heritage Landscape: "a defined geographical area of
heritage significance which has been modified by human
activities and is valued by a community. It involves a grouping(s)
of individual heritage features such as structures, spaces,
archaeological sites and natural elements, which together form a
significant type of heritage form, distinctive from that of its
constituent elements or parts. Examples may include, but are not
limited to, heritage conservation districts designated under the
Ontario Heritage Act; and villages, parks, gardens, battlefields,
mainstreets and neighbourhoods, cemeteries, trailways and
industrial complexes of cultural heritage value." (PPS, 2005)
Complete Communities: "Complete communities meet people's
needs for daily living throughout an entire lifetime by providing
convenient access to an appropriate mix of jobs, local services, a
full range of housing, and community infrastructure including
affordable housing, schools, recreation and open space for their
residents. Convenient access to public transportation and options
for safe, non-motorized travel is also provided." (Places to Grow,
2006)
Designated Greenfield Area: "The area within a settlement area
that is not built-up area. Where a settlement area does not have a
built boundary, the entire settlement area is considered designated
greenfield area." (Places to Grow, 2006)
EIS (Environmental Impact Study): A study conducted prior to
development to investigate potential environmental impacts of the
proposed undertaking. An EIS will determine whether
development may proceed, and if so, will identify action s which
could be taken in order of preference to prevent, minimize or
mitigate the environmental impacts of the development (City of
Kitchener Municipal Plan).
Design Briefs
Pioneer Tower is an example of a built heritage
resource.
The Cornell MasterPlan provides an illustrated
example of a complete community.
2007 City of Kitchener A-39
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
• Elevation (Building): Means all exterior walls of a building
facing the same direction.
• Focal Point: A location of interest. This may be a park space,
unique intersection, heritage resource or natural feature. A focal
point could be at the walkable centre of a neighbourhood.
• HIA (Heritage Impact Assessment): A study to determine if any
cultural heritage resources or in any areas of archaeological
potential are impacted by a specific proposed development or site
alteration. It can also demonstrate how the cultural heritage
resource will be conserved in the context of the proposed
redevelopment or site alteration. Mitiagative or avoidance
measures or alternative development or site alteration approaches
may be recommended (Heritage Resources in the Land Use
Planning Process, 2005).
• Landscaped Buffer Block. Typically a 3.0-4.6m wide block that
is shown on a subdivision plan that is adjacent to an arterial or
collector street intended to provide landscaping to buffer an
adjacent residential lot or block.
• Neighbourhood: A geographic area which is of a size that is
defined generally based on a five-minute walking distance (400 -
500m). For the purposes of the Design Brief the physical structure
of a neighbourhood unit is considered. There are many other
aspects that can form or define a 'neighbourhood'.
• Neighbourhood Structure: The primary organizational elements
of each neighbourhood such as streets, open space resources, park
spaces, pedestrian linkages and land uses.
• Priority Lot: Special lots in prominent public view that
contribute to neighbourhood identity, character and image which
are subject to architecturally enhanced elevations.
• Priority Street: Important streets (typically collector streets) that
contribute to local identity, culture or unique streetscape elements.
These streets are subject to higher design emphasis.
• Reverse Frontage: Streetscape condition when residential lots
back onto street sometimes resulting in noise wall.
• ROW (Right-of-way): The dedicated road allowance. The
ROW includes specific street and utility elements such as
pavement, curbs, sidewalks, street trees, street lights, fire hydrants
and hydro boxes and excludes private property.
• Small Lot Frontage: A residential lot less than 10.6m wide.
• Streetscape: A streetscape is a combination of individual design
elements that give character to the street. Individual design
elements include landscaping, street furniture, lighting, sidewalks
and building facade treatments.
• Traffic Calming Measures: combination of physical
measures such as roundabouts and curb extensions that reduce
negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behaviour and
improve conditions for non-motorized users.
• Transit Supportive: 'Makes transit viable and improves the
quality of the experience of using transit. Often refers to compact,
mixed-use development that has a high level of employment and
residential densities to support frequent transit service. Also
refers to design principles that make development more accessible
for transit users.' (Places to Grow, 2006)
• Window Streets: An internal local street parallel to an abutting
arterial street.
2007 City of Kitchener
Design Briefs
The ROW includes all features located within the
City or Regional roadway boundary
A residential streetscape includes the ROW
features and includes the building design elements
that give character to the street
A window street provides one design solution to
improve connectivity and streetscape appearance
along major arterial streets
Design Brief for Suburban Development &
Mixed Use Neighbourhood Centres
�m
AMENDMENT NO. TO THE MUNICIPAL PLAN
OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER
CITY INITIATED AMENDMENT
- COMMUNITY PLANS
AMENDMENT NO. TO THE MUNICIPAL PLAN
OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER
CITY OF KITCHENER
- CITY -WIDE
TNMI 'V
SECTION I TITLE AND COMPONENTS
SECTION 2 PURPOSE OF THE AMENDMENT
SECTION 3 BASIS OF THE AMENDMENT
SECTION 4 THE AMENDMENT
A UU1'\TnTCT' C
APPENDIX 1 Notice of the Meeting of Development and Technical
Services Committee —
APPENDIX 2 Minutes of the Meeting of Development and Technical
Services Committee — ? (put deferral resolution in)
APPENDIX 3 Minutes of the Meeting of Development and Technical
Services Committee — April 23, 2007
APPENDIX 4 Minutes of the Meeting of City Council — April 30, 2007
2
AMENDMENT NO. TO THE MUNICIPAL PLAN
OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER
SECTION I — TITLE AND COMPONENTS
This amendment shall be referred to as Amendment No. to the Municipal Plan of the City of
Kitchener. This amendment is comprised of Sections I to 4 inclusive.
SECTION 2 — PURPOSE OF THE AMENDMENT
This Municipal Plan Amendment proposes to add a new text policy to Part 4 — Section 1.5 of the
Municipal Plan regarding the creation of Community Plans following the City's Urban Design
Manual on Community Design.
SECTION 3 — BASIS OF THE AMENDMENT
The City of Kitchener is updating the Urban Design Manual and adding a new Design Brief on
Suburban Development. Part of the "designed-based" approach to community and
neighbourhood development involves having the creation of new Community Plans follow the
elements and guidelines that are identified in the Community Design section of the City's Urban
Design Manual (as amended). The Community Plans should further investigate and provide
policies for any aspects of the Neighbourhood Design section of the Urban Design Manual that
may be applicable to the specific area of the City that is being designed. The development of
new Community Plans will still have regard for any other matters of community planning.
Clarity for this process is being provided by adding a new policy within Part 4 — Section 1.5
`Community Plans' of the Municipal Plan.
SECTION 4 — THE AMENDMENT
1. The City of Kitchener Municipal Plan is hereby amended as follows:
a) Part 4 — Section 1.5 'Community Plans' is amended to add new Policy #1 as
follows:
Community Plans shall be developed to generally follow the City's
Urban Design Manual guidelines on 'Community Design' and in
that regard shall also incorporate any appropriate matters with
regard to the 'Neighbourhood Design' section of the Manual and
any other applicable community planning matters."