Item 5C - Downtown Urban Design Guidelines - RevisionsM E M O R A N D U M
March 2, 2016
TO: Landmarks Board
FROM: Lesli Ellis, Comprehensive Planning Manager
Deb Kalish, Senior Assistant City Attorney
James Hewat, Senior Historic Preservation Planner
Marcy Cameron, Historic Preservation Planner
SUBJECT: Public hearing and adoption of revisions to Section 1, The Historic
District of the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines pursuant to the
rulemaking procedures set forth in Chapter 1-4, B.R.C. 1981.
SUGGESTED MOTION
If the board accepts the proposed revisions, staff recommends the following motion
language:
I move that the Landmarks Board approve as to substance the proposed revisions to Section 1,
“The Historic District” of the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines pursuant to the
rulemaking procedures set forth in Chapter 1-4, B.R.C. 1981.
PURPOSE
Following the adoption of revisions to Section 1, “The Historic District,” of the
Downtown Urban Design Guidelines at their February 3, 2016 meeting, Landmarks Board
members Kate Remley and Deborah Yin drafted proposed revisions and request that
the Landmarks Board review and approve those revisions as to substance. See proposed
revisions in Attachment A. The Feb. 3, 2016, version of the Downtown Urban Design
Guidelines is available online at
https://documents.bouldercolorado.gov/weblink8/0/doc/131284/Electronic.aspx
If the board approves these revisions as to substance, three copies of the proposed
revisions will be filed with the city clerk and the public will be given notice that Section
1 is available for review and comment during a 15-day comment period pursuant to
Chapter 1-4, Rulemaking, of the Boulder Revised Code 1981.
SUMMARY
As part of the Design Excellence Initiative, and in response to City Council
direction in March of 2015, staff has been working on revisions to the Downtown
Urban Design Guidelines to improve usability, organization and graphics, remove
redundant and outdated items, and bring the 13-year-old document into
alignment with the plans, policies and regulations created since the last update.
The update to the Guidelines was prepared during seven working group
sessions facilitated by staff from August through November of 2015. In addition,
staff held a joint board meeting and a public open house in December of 2015 to
present the draft edits and recommendations from the working group. Reference
the February 3, 2016 Landmarks Board Memo for background information on the
process and proposed revisions.
On February 3, 2016, the Landmarks Board approved the revisions to the design
guidelines, and offered suggested changes to be considered in the future. See
Attachment B: Draft Minutes from February 3, 2016 Landmarks Board Meeting.
Subcommittee members Kate Remley and Deborah Yin state the intended
purpose of the revisions is to “restore the removed language that is not covered
elsewhere in the City’s ordinance or rules that pertain to the Historic District”
and to “address comments made during the Joint Boards meetings of the
previous revision exercise, that will the document has been streamlined there
was too much removed.”
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the proposed revisions as
to form.
Three copies of the proposed revision will be filed with the City’s Central
Records Department on March 3, 2016, and will be published in the Boulder
Daily Camera March 18, 2016, to allow for a 15-day public comment period per
Rulemaking, Chapter 1-4, of the Boulder Revised Code 1981.
NEXT STEPS
March 3-18 Public Comment Period; Notice of Rulemaking published in
the newspaper on March 3. If no comments are received, the
guidelines will become effective immediately after the public
comment period. If comments are received, staff will
forward them to the Board for consideration at its April 6
meeting.
March 3 If, after reviewing public comments, the Board makes
substantive changes to the proposed revisions to the
Guidelines and they are approved as to form by the City
Attorney’s Office, staff will publish those changes and a
second public comment period will begin. This process
continues until there are no further substantive changes to
the rule.
ATTACHMENTS
A: Proposed revisions by Kate Remley and Deborah Yin following the February 3,
2016 Landmarks Board meeting.
B: Draft Minutes from February 3, 2016 Landmarks Board Meeting
C: Notice of Rulemaking for Amendments to the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines
per Chapter 1-4 of the Boulder Revised Municipal Code, 1981
1
Proposed Revisions to Downtown Urban Design Guidelines
Kate Remley and Deborah Yin
March 2, 2016
The intent of these proposed revisions to the Revised Downtown Urban Design Guidelines is
To restore removed language that is not covered elsewhere in the City's ordinance or rules that
pertain to the Historic District.
To address comments made during the Joint Boards meeting of the previous revision exercise,
that while the document has been streamlined there was too much removed.
1. Section 1.1. Add the following
"I. Refer to Section 3 Public Realm for additional guidelines."
Rationale: In neither the previous nor the new edition does Section 1 address public realm
features such as restaurant seating rails, signage, etc. Currently instructions have been provided
by word of mouth and, typically, the public realm chapters were not used in Landmarks Board
reviews. Upon review of Section 3 guidelines, it is clear the chapter is applicable to the historic
district: nowhere is there language to exclude it, and it specifically makes reference to the
historic sections (3.5 Historic Features). To ensure that applicants and DRC members know to go
to Section 3 for guidance this sentence should be added.
2. PP. 14-23: Reorder the subsections in Section 1:
Section 1.1 becomes Section 1.4
Section 1.2 becomes Section 1.1
Section 1.3 becomes Section 1.2
Section 1.4 becomes Section 1.3
Rationale: The current Section 1.2 “The Guidelines for the preservation and restoration of local
landmarks and contributing buildings” and Section 1.3 “Guidelines for contemporary alterations
and additions to local landmarks and contributing buildings” should be most prominently
featured because they address the bulk of the character-defining features in the historic district.
In contrast, several of the items listed in the current Section 1.1 “General guidelines for the
Historic District,” such as awnings and screening of mechanical equipment, are relatively minor.
3. PP. 14-15: Reinsert original text from Section 1.1.5: “Maintain the Original Size, Shape, and
Proportion of Storefront Facades and Openings to Retain the Historic Scale and Character.” This
text should be inserted in the subsection “General guidelines for the Historic District” because it
applies to all construction in the Historic District. Insert the sentence as 1.1.A.. Renumber the
subsections following.
Rationale: This text was deleted from the revision, representing a substantive change.
4. P. 17: Remove the following text: “A. Distinguish additions to historic buildings.” This is the
heading of the old subsection 1.1.11. Revise subsection numbers 1., 2., 3., etc to A., B., C., etc.
2
Rationale: This is a hanging subsection heading (that is, there is no subsection B). As well, the
text in this heading is reflected in the subsections that follow, and the subsections that follow
concern both distinguishing additions and making them compatible, so it is no longer accurate.
5. PP. 17-19, Figs. 5-9: Reduce size, replace, renumber, and reference guidelines in Section 1.3.
a. pp 17, omit Figure 5.
b. pp 18, to remain as is except renumber Figure 6 as Figure 5.
c. pp 19 - Shall have four figures, 6 through 9. See attached proposed page 19.
d. Fig. 5 should be referenced from subsection 1.3.D and H.
e. Fig. 6 should be referenced from subsection 1.3.D.
f. Fig. 7 should be referenced from subsection 1.3.A.
g. Fig. 8 should be referenced from subsection 1.3.E.
h. Figure 9 should reference subsection 3.5.B in the caption.
Rationale: Figure 5 is intended to illustrate the guidelines in Section 1.3, however, it shows a new
building in a block, not an addition.. If it were a new addition it is not subordinate (1.3.1), does
not retain the proportions of other buildings on the block (it is larger) (1.3.2), does not retain the
established pattern or proportion of upper story windows (1.3.3), is not harmonious with the
historic building in terms of mass and scale (1.3.5). Additional images are proposed to show the
range of acceptable additions, from conservative to modern. Fig. 9 is added to fill the fourth
space on the page.
It is confusing to the reader if the figures appear without being referenced from the text.
As the Landmarks Board cannot edit Section 3, the reference for Fig. 9 must be in its caption.
6. pp 17, 1.3. Restore language to discourage theme design. Revise the paragraph to read as follows
(new material in bold font).
"The purpose of this section is to provide guidance for the design of additions or alterations to
contributing buildings in order to retain the historic character of the overall district. While
renovations and building design is expected to reflect the character of its own time
acknowledging the Downtown as a living district, it is important that it also respect the
traditional qualities that makes the Downtown unique, such as massing, scale, use of storefront
detailing, and choice of materials. Architectural styles that directly copy historic buildings, and
theme designs, such as “wild west” are not appropriate."
Rationale: This statement reinforces the Secretary of Interior's intent that new additions or new
buildings are to be reflective of current day construction methods & the continuing evolution of
styles, rather than replicating or falsifying historical styles. Theme design, like a stage set, is
false.
7. pp. 21-23, Figs. 9-12: Reduce size, replace, renumber, and reference. See attached proposed page
21.
a. Replace images used for Figs. 11 and 12.
3
b. Combine Figs. 9-12 onto a single page to reduce the apparent importance of any one style.
Renumber as Figs. 10-13.
c. Reference Fig. 10 from subsection 1.4.D. and F.
d. Reference Fig. 11 from subsection 1.4.A., B., C., and D
e. Reference Figs. 10-13 from the introduction to Section 1.4.
Rationale: In order to avoid promoting one of the many appropriate styles for new construction
and renovation in the historic district, a range of styles should be presented (consensus of
working group). Reducing the size of the various photos on the page will also contribute to
minimizing the importance of any one style. And, as above, it is confusing to the reader if the
figures appear without being referenced from the text.
8. pp. 20, 1.4.E. Current language - "Provide a variation of roof heights and types to make
apparent mass smaller."
Replace with "Provide a variation of roof heights in a large building. A variety of roof heights
& types within the district is desirable."
Rationale:
1) A small building should not have a variety of roof heights except as require by land use code.
However, a large building's large mass can be broken up into smaller scale units by varying roof
height.
2) A single building should not have a variety of roof types, it should have one or possibly two
maximum, if one of those roof forms is flat.
9. pp 20. Reinsert paragraph H. re: 25' bays for new construction and remodeling non-
contributing buildings, as follows.
"Maintain the rhythm established by the repetition of the traditional ~25’ facade widths for
projects that extend over several lots by changing the materials, patterns, reveals, and
building setbacks in uniform intervals or by using design elements such as columns or
pilasters."
Rationale: This guideline was in the previous edition and was inadvertently removed (per staff
email). New construction, additions and renovation should maintain or create an approx 25'
wide bay break down of the façade in order to maintain the historic rhythm of facades.
Figure 6 Compatible addition (right) to a historic building Figure 7 Compatible addition (left) to a historic building.
Fig. 8 A non-conforming addition with incompatible materials, massing and
window proportioning
(Source: National Park Service)
Figure 9 Preservation of historic signage (per 3.5.B)
p 19
Figure 10 A compatible new building in a historic downtown Figure 11 New construction with compatible material, scale, and window
proportioning
(Source: City of Boulder)
Fig. 12 A compatible renovation with references to adjacent building height and
contemporary references to the storefront building typology
(Source: Olson Kundig)
Figure 13 A compatible new building in a historic downtown
p 21
alternative image for Figure 13
A compatible new building in a historic downtown
alternative image for Figure 13
A compatible new building in a historic downtown
Attachment B: Draft Minutes from February 3, 2016 Landmarks Board Meeting
A. Public hearing and consideration of revisions to the Downtown Urban Design
Guidelines, Section 1, The Downtown Historic District.
Staff Presentation
Sam Assefa, City of Boulder, Senior Urban Designer, introduced the project to
the board.
Kalani Pahoa, City of Boulder, Urban Designer, presented an overview of the
revision process to the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines.
Public Hearing
There were no public speakers for item.
Motion
On a motion by B. Butler, and seconded by G. Clements, the Landmarks Board
voted (5-0) to adopt the proposed revisions to Section 1, “The Historic District: of
the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines” pursuant to the rule making procedures
set forth in Chapter 1-4, B.R.C 1981 and adopted the staff memorandum dated
February 3, 2016, including the following as the findings of the Board:
Suggested Revisions:
Section 1 The Historic District
1. Kate Remley suggested changing the order of the sub-sections in Section 1
The Historic District , to place the general guidelines for the district first,
and the minor guidelines (i.e. awnings and building colors) to the last part
of the section;
2. Kate Remley suggested changing the wording on page 4, from “Human-
scaled space” back to “human-scaled buildings;”
3. Kate Remley suggested changing the wording on page 17, from
“differentiated yet compatible” back to “subtlety distinguishable;”
4. Edits to the entire document to increase the sidebar notes column contrast
between the background and the white font for improved legibility.
5. Page 17 – 1.3.A changes the bullets to an alphanumeric list and merge
with the preceding “A”.
6. Page 19 – Figs 7-8 – Fix the figure ordering in the captions.
7. Fig 9 – Add historic district note to the caption.
Items to be recorded for consideration in a future revision to Section 1 The
Historic District :
1. Reorganize Section 1: The Historic District subsection order. Move
1.1 general building requirements for all areas of the historic district to
end of the section and move 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 forward in the order. The
working group reorganized to move common building elements in front;
however, the first few subsections are now the less-important building
features (building colors, awnings, mechanical equipment). 1.1 is
important, but not the heart of the guidelines (1.2 – 1.4 are the heart). LB
consensus to reorganize the subsections.
2. Page 17 – Landmarks Board discussed the revising language regarding
"differentiated but compatible" vs. "subtly distinguishable”. K. Remley
expressed concern that this was a significant . Majority of the board did
not want to change the guidelines back to “subtly distinguishable”. D.
Yin noted “differentiated, yet compatible” fits Secretary of the Interior
Standards. Page 17 – Fig. 5 – Figure shows a rather large addition that
does not seem subordinate. Comments from the Landmarks Board include
the size of the addition, confusion in the differentiation of the new versus
original buildings. Landmarks boards expressed a consensus to revise
this image or provide a different image. D. Yin suggested possibly
showing two images.
3. Page 21 - Fig. 9 - K. Remley commented that in her opinion the figure
does not follow any of the guidelines for historic building elements. D.
Yin commented that she considers the figure to comply with the
guidelines for new construction, and the list of historic building elements
is not a checklist for new construction.
4. K. Remley inquired as to why the examples of the Neo-traditional
building examples she submitted to the working group were not
incorporated. K. Remley requested that it would be helpful to show
range of acceptable styles.
5. Pages 19-23 – Figures – D. Yin noted the images are too big and have too
much prominence. Consider the resizing the images to four images per
page. K. Remley noted this may address concerns regarding Figure 9.
6. The Board agreed that it, if appropriate the Board could make some or all
of the changes above to Section 1 of the Guidelines through the
Rulemaking process after the entire document has been reviewed and
adopted by the City Council.
7. Page 4 – K. Remley prefers “human scale buildings” to “human scale
space”. The Board agreed that this was not an item it could change as it is
not in Section 1 of the Guidelines and not subject to its change through the
rulemaking processi.
Per 9-11-24, B.R.C., Landmarks Board and City Manager Authorized to Adopt Rules., the
landmarks board and the city manager are authorized to adopt rules and regulations
under chapter 1-4, "Rulemaking," B.R.C. 1981, that the landmarks board or the city
manager determine are reasonably necessary to implement the requirements of this
chapter. Ordinance No. 7225 (2002)
Attachment C: Notice of Rulemaking for Amendments to the Downtown Urban
Design Guidelines per Chapter 1-4 of the Boulder Revised Municipal Code, 1981
Notice of Rule-Making
The Landmarks Board of the City of Boulder proposes to adopt the following rule by the
rulemaking procedures set forth in Chapter 1-4 of the Boulder Revised Municipal Code, 1981.
The Secretary of the Board filed three copies of the proposed rule with the City Clerk, located in
the Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado, on March 3, 2016. Those copies
are available for public review and comment until March 18, 2016. Written comments should be
submitted to James Hewat at hewatj@bouldercolorado.gov, or the above address, by March 18,
2016.
The proposed rule was approved as to substance prior to publication by the Landmarks Board at
its March 2, 2016 meeting.
The proposed rule was approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office on March 1, 2016.
Notice of intent to adopt the rule was published in the Daily Camera on March 3, 2016.
REGULATION/RULE
Revisions to the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines to make minor edits and to restore
language that was removed in the revisions adopted by the Landmarks Board in February 2016.
This regulation is established to provide guidance for the review of Landmark Alteration
Certificates in the Downtown Historic District to ensure that proposed alterations of designated
properties will not adversely affect or destroy their historic character or architectural integrity
and that all changes are consistent with the spirit and purpose of Chapter 9-11, Historic
Preservation, of the Boulder Revised Code 1981.
The Landmarks Board of the City of Boulder proposes to adopt a regulation to amend Section 1
“The Historic District,” of the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines. As proposed, the amended
design guidelines will continue to provide guidance in preserving and protecting the historic
character of the district. A full and complete copy of the revised guidelines are available for
public review at Central Records at the Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway Street 2nd floor,
Boulder Colorado, 80302 or online at www.boulderhistoricpreservation.net.