ZONING AND NON-ZONING TOOLS
Zoning Tools
Revised Zoning District Boundaries
Zoning district boundaries can be revised to better encapsulate areas for
which similar type of uses and forms of development are desired.
Boundaries can also be changed to consolidate multiple zoning districts
in a given area.
Special Exceptions / Special Permits for Certain Uses
Through special exceptions and special permits, a city can consider
special uses that may be desirable in an area but are not allowed by right
in a zoning district. Typically, the special uses are only allowed if certain
conditions are met and a public hearing process is conducted. This
zoning tool can provide flexibility within a zoning district and can enable
a city to control uses that may have harmful impacts.
Improved Dimensional Standards
Dimensional standards can be revised to better reflect the physical form
of development desired in a given zoning district. Dimensional standards
typically address lot sizes, heights, setbacks and frontage.
Design Review
Design review is a process through which a board reviews projects to
evaluate their consistency with the city’s zoning regulations and design
guidelines. Typically, a design review board determines whether a
proposed project is compatible with surrounding development,
considering factors such as a proposed building’s mass and appearance.
Design Standards / Form-Based Code
Design Standards and Form-Based Codes provide specific requirements
for the form of development, focusing on building and site design, the
relationship between buildings and the public realm, and other physical
elements. Form-Based Codes also address the scale and type of streets
and blocks.
Improved Signage Standards
Signage standards can be improved to better reflect the types and forms
of signs desired in different zoning districts in the city. Standards can
address sign sizes, heights, types, illumination and other related
elements.
Improved Parking Requirements
Parking requirements can be revised to ensure that the type, supply,
location and design of parking align with the desired character of
different neighborhoods (e.g., pedestrian-friendly). Greater flexibility in
requirements can also be provided through the allowance of shared
parking, offset allowances to public parking, and other means.
New Overlay Districts
Overlay districts are supplemental zoning districts that are placed over
underlying zoning districts and identify special provisions for the given
area. These overlay districts can be created to add requirements to an
area (e.g., extra environmental protections) or to provide greater
flexibility in an area (e.g., allowance of more uses or increased density).
Non-zoning Tools
Code Enforcement / Compliance Alternatives
Code enforcement is used to ensure structures meet building, fire and
other codes adopted by a city to protect the public health, safety and
welfare. Alternatives to compliance to codes can be determined for
existing buildings where strict compliance is difficult or impossible.
Streetscape and Street Improvements
A city can make improvements to streets and streetscapes to help create
safe, vibrant and walkable environments. Wide roads, for example, can
be narrowed, providing space for sidewalks and bicycle lanes.
Streetscape improvements can also address street lighting, signage,
landscaping, street furniture, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Public Parking Initiatives
A city can undertake initiatives to better manage parking and improve
parking access. Parking initiatives can address permits, meters, signage,
public lots or garages, and on-street spaces.
Facade / Signage Improvement Programs
Façade and signage improvement programs provide financial assistance
to property and business owners to help enhance their building facades
or signs. These programs can be established as straight grants, matching
grants or loans. Similar programs can help property owners make
handicap-accessible improvements and building code upgrades.