We
recently developed detailed urban design guidelines for the Fircrest Planning
Department, Planning Commission, and City Council.
The
Planning Commission wanted to create design guidelines that were unique to
Fircrest to replace the standardized concepts that were included in the last
comprehensive plan.
We inventoried current building and
design conditions in the city’s commercial and urban development zones. We
conducted a series of public participatory workshops with the public, planning
commission, city council, and other interested parties to critique current
conditions and possible design alternatives using photos and study sketches.
Based
on workshop results, we developed new design criteria and illustrated guidelines
for pedestrian trails and boardwalks, streetscapes and gateways, the historic
parkway or boulevard, building facades, massing and placements, landscaping, and
signage.
City
Council adopted the new guidelines and eventually incorporated the illustrations
into development code ordinances.