Resolution No. 36293

Direct the Bureau of Planning and affected City Bureaus to facilitate the development of an expanded urban design context for the South Waterfront subdistrict that reflects the goals of the South Waterfront landowners and developers, the City, and the community (Resolution)

WHEREAS,  Mayor Tom Potter has convened South Waterfront developers and landowners, community representatives, and City bureaus to continue to work together in the implementation of the South Waterfront Plan; and

WHEREAS, through the adoption of the Central City Plan, Central City Fundamental Design Guidelines, the South Waterfront Plan, Zoning Code for South Waterfront, and South Waterfront Design Guidelines and the Greenway Design Guidelines for South Waterfront, a basic urban design framework for the South Waterfront subdistrict was established through the new development standards and design guidelines; and

WHEREAS, the Central City Fundamental Design Guidelines work in concert with the design guidance provided by the South Waterfront Plan, Zoning Code regulations and design guidelines to inform building, greenway, and urban design decisions in the South Waterfront subdistrict; and

WHEREAS, during the legislative process associated with the South Waterfront Height Bonus Analysis Project urban design guidance for the subdistrict was further refined to address preservation and enhancement of public view corridors, visual permeability, the creation of a diverse and interesting skyline, maintenance of a pedestrian environment with access to sunlight, and other design issues intended to create a district rich in urban variety and that is visually interesting; and

WHEREAS, development projects are beginning to occur in the district allowing the tools developed to guide the urban design decisions in the subdistrict to be tested by developers, the community and City; and

WHEREAS,  it is advisable and necessary to periodically evaluate the urban design tools and assumptions made by the City, developers, and community to implement the South Waterfront Plan and supporting documents;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Portland City Council directs the Director of the Bureau of Planning to convene an open public process with South Waterfront landowners and developers, community representatives, and affected City bureaus to work together in the preparation of a refined and ongoing urban design process for the South Waterfront subdistrict; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this process will engage and be conducted with the cooperation of affected City bureaus including the Bureau of Development Services, Portland Office of Transportation, Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Environmental Services, Office of Sustainable Development, and the Portland Development Commission; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this process will engage community representatives including those from Southwest and Southeast Portland; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this process will engage all landowners and their representatives including architects, urban designers, developers, and other professionals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this process will be conducted in close coordination with, and with the guidance of, the Portland Design Commission and Portland Planning Commission; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this process will result in the development of additional tools, including a South Waterfront Urban Design and Development Framework, to inform the design review process in its consideration of various urban design issues at various scales for the South Waterfront subdistrict to be used to evaluate future development proposals in the district; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the protection and enhancement of designated public scenic views, view points, and view corridors, including those identified in the Terwilliger Parkway Corridor Plan, will be considered during the development of this urban design process; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the creation of public view corridors through the subdistrict, as viewed from the east and the west, will be considered during the development of this urban design process; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Design Commission and Planning Commission proceedings regarding the creation of this urban design process will work to engage a broad cross section of community interests, will give equal consideration of all perspectives engaged in the process, and will strive to conduct proceedings at times and locations that encourages maximum involvement of all stakeholder groups, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any additional tools emerging from this process are intended to build upon or improve current standards or guidelines and not repeal existing entitlements; and

 subdistrict be modified to further the urban design goals and objectives created through this expanded urban design process; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council directs the Bureau of Planning to take lead responsibility for coordinating this expanded urban design process and to report back to the City Council any conclusions, findings or recommendations resulting from this process for the Council’s consideration within 12 months of the adoption of this resolution;

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 122-1-2005

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 36293