Establish design standards for placemaking.
Having thoughtful design standards that are both flexible and responsive to diverse conditions is an essential component of moving toward a community filled with special places that are inviting and memorable. Such standards are needed for the benefit of government projects involving public spaces, as well as for private entities striving to build quality developments on adjoining private lands. Without comprehensive standards that address both the public and private realms, even hard work and the best intentions will frequently not result in the high level of quality “placemaking” that the community expects and deserves.
Within the public realm, street and sidewalk design, landscaping and progressive storm water management, usable and calming pockets of greenspace, street life and art, festivals, celebrations and other special events, and transportation connections and destinations are all important. In the private realm, there is an equally long list of design issues that must be addressed, including building mass and height, building orientation toward public spaces, provision of usable open space, design of streetscape features, location and orientation of garages and off-street parking, integration of mixed uses and diverse housing choices, and relationships to adjoining and/or surrounding land uses. For both public and private land development, accommodating the needs of bikers and pedestrians in addition to vehicles is an increasingly important challenge.
Historically, government regulations and policies relating to development have been fairly rigid and not responsive to diverse conditions. That needs to change. Also, in many instances there are conflicting goals between different arms of government that ultimately discourage rather than encourage the creation of special places. That also needs to change. These elements of change, which will likely require amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Land Subdivision Regulations (and related regulations and policies), should be pursued with a high expectation of what needs to be accomplished as both public and private lands are developed.
- Amend the zoning ordinance to include placemaking elements.
Objective: A1a
Pursue incentives and regulatory approaches that encourage creativity and sustainability in housing development.
Objective: A1b
Accommodate the demand for housing in Lexington responsibly, prioritizing higher-density and mixture of housing types.
Objective: A1c
Plan for safe, affordable and accessible housing to meet the needs of older and/or disadvantaged residents.
Objective: A1d
Create and implement housing incentives that strengthen the opportunities for higher-density and housing affordability.
Objective: A2b
Respect the context and design features of areas surrounding development projects and develop design standards and guidelines to ensure compatibility with existing urban form.
Objective: A2c
Incorporate adequate greenspace and open space into all development projects, which serve the needs of the intended population.
Objective: A3a
Enable existing and new neighborhoods to flourish through improved regulation, expanded opportunities for neighborhood character preservation, and public commitment to expand options for mixed-use and mixed-type housing throughout Lexington-Fayette County
Objective: A3b
Strive for positive and safe social interactions in neighborhoods, including, but not limited to, neighborhoods that are connected for pedestrians and various modes of transportation.
Objective: A3c
Minimize disruption of natural features when building new communities.
Objective: A3d
Promote, maintain, and expand the urban forest throughout Lexington.
Objective: A4a
Incorporate schools, libraries, and other community-focused educational institutions into neighborhoods in order to maximize safe routes for all pedestrians and bicyclists.
Objective: A4b
Plan for equitable and accessible social services and healthcare facilities that address the needs of all residents, maximizing the opportunity to reach geographically underserved areas throughout the community.
Objective: B2b
Anticipate the community's needs by encouraging environmentally sustainable uses of natural resources.
Objective: B2d
Prioritize multi-modal options that de-emphasize single-occupancy vehicle dependence.
Objective: B3a
Support the funding, planning and management of a green infrastructure program.
Objective: B3b
Identify and protect natural resources and landscapes before development occurs.
Objective: B3c
Incorporate green infrastructure principles in new plans and policies, including, but not limited to and transportation.
Objective: B3d
Coordinate interrelated planning, programs and activities that impact the protection, conservation and restoration of landscapes and natural resources.
Objective: D1a
Support the Complete Streets concept, prioritizing a pedestrian-first design that also accommodates the needs of bicycle, transit and other vehicles.
Objective: D1b
Develop a viable network of accessible transportation alternatives for residents and commuters, which may include the use of mass transit, bicycles, walkways, ridesharing, greenways and other strategies.
Objective: D2c
Collaborate with service providers about how their community facilities should enhance existing neighborhoods.
