The Urban Design Studio is a long-term program with a focus on delivering urban design services to customers in the Planning and Development Services Department, to other City departments, and through external public and private partnerships. The initial phase of this project is focused on the development of a design review program known as Urban Design Project Review. This effort includes development of design guidelines, new and revised design standards, municipal code amendments and administrative procedures to be considered through a public hearing and City Council action.
Urban Design Project Review Package
Current Status
The Planning Commission recommended City Council consider the Urban Design Project Review package, as revised, on October 18, 2023. The City Council review phase will kick-off with a briefing at the Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Council committee of City Council scheduled for January 24, 2024.
Urban Design Project Review Proposal Summary
Planning Commission Recommendation
The Planning Commission’s Final Recommendation package consists of the following documents. These documents reflect the Commission’s consideration of the testimony provided during the public hearing process, subsequent deliberation, and the final October 18, 2023, recommendation.
Upcoming Meetings and Next Steps
Planning staff will present the Planning Commission’s recommendations to the Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee of the City Council on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
City Council public meeting and final decisions (TBD)
Previous Meetings
Previous meetings, including Planning Commission public meetings, are outlined under the Past Meetings section below.
Summary of Package Items
The City currently regulates the design of new projects through prescriptive Code standards with building permits and without qualitative review. These requirements vary by zoning and building type but are fairly inflexible and do not always reflect the best approach to urban design challenges or support creativity. The proposed UDPR provides an opportunity to find the best way a development project can achieve community urban design goals given its unique context. This includes how required standards are applied as well as exploring thoughtful, more creative solutions. The proposed package includes the creation of the Urban Design Project Review program and amendments to prescriptive Code standards.
The Urban Design Project Review package includes:
- Creation of a new Urban Design Project Review permit process focused on medium- to large-scale projects in Downtown and Mixed-Use Center (see map and description below for more info)
- Creation of a City-Council appointed Urban Design Board, with a mix of professional experience, community interests related to urban design, and geographic diversity, to assist in review of the largest, most significant projects
- Creation of an Urban Design Project Review Manual to provide clear and objective design guidance for new projects
- Modifications to some of the existing Code standards (see further description below).
Urban Design Project Review
This would be a new land use permit considering a project’s relationship with the urban environment, the public realm, connectivity, climate responsiveness, and other urban design concerns. Permits would be required for larger developments located within any of the City’s 16 designated Mixed-Use Centers (see map). The largest developments would be subject to the highest level of review (through the appointed Urban Design Board) while smaller projects would receive administrative review. Additionally, building size thresholds within Neighborhood Centers would be lower than those of the other Mixed-Use Centers (Downtown, Tacoma Mall and Crossroads Centers). All levels of review will include public notice and opportunities for comment. Board-level reviews will include one public meeting at the Concept Design stage.
It is worth noting, the areas where this review would be required are not those subject to the changes being made with the Home in Tacoma project.
Amend Existing Design Code Standards
Amend certain development and design standards within Mixed Use and Downtown Zoning District to improve effectiveness and ensure integration with the new design review process requirements. This includes:
- Maximum Setbacks: Establish maximum setbacks for residential development within Mixed Use Center (X) districts and establish maximum setbacks for all Downtown districts.
- Residential yard space requirements: Revise yard space requirements overall and amend exception/reduction qualifications.
- Mixed Use District Building Standards: Reorganize existing standards to better align with Urban Design program priorities and revise standards to improve efficacy. New provisions include residential transition standards.
- Downtown District Building Standards: Reorganize existing standards to better align with Urban Design program priorities and revise standards to improve efficacy. New provisions include residential transition standards, mass reduction standards for certain developments, and transparency standards.
Urban Design Project Review Development
Overview
As the City’s Urban Design Studio, we are working to launch the Urban Design Project Review Program. Similar to many other communities’ programs, Urban Design Project Review in Tacoma will set standards and a process to guide the design quality of the city’s landscape and buildings. The incorporation of “urban design” in the program’s title is meant to communicate the scope and scale of the program’s priorities and differentiates it from a design review program that is focused primarily on building architecture. The goal is to support a built city that is welcoming to all community members and visitors, enhancing our lived experience throughout Tacoma.
We understand the importance of design in community building. Throughout the One Tacoma Plan and Tacoma 2025, policy guidance highlights design review as an opportunity to create unique places, promote innovation and quality, and imbue public space with features and amenities that promote the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.
Project Advisory Group
The Design Review Project Advisory Group was chartered by the Planning Commission in 2019 and reconvened in early 2022 with new Urban Design Studio staff. The PAG was the primary source of stakeholder co-creation t in the development of the preliminary draft Urban Design Project Review proposal. Group participation included those representing design professionals, community nonprofits, and affordable housing and for-profit developers.
Urban Design Open House and Survey
Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to the Urban Design Review survey this August-September 2022. The feedback received was instrumental in the development of the draft project proposal.
Let’s Connect
Urban Design Studio staff welcome invitations from community groups who are interested in hosting a virtual conversation on the proposed Urban Design Project Review program. We would appreciate the opportunity to provide a project update and hear ideas about how to make this program successful.
Sign up to receive project updates or email comments and questions to: designreview@cityoftacoma.org