The Recommended Vision & Policy Framework for Downtown Ann Arbor (pdf), prepared in 2005 by Calthorpe Associates, calls for the development of new Urban Design Guidelines that:
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Encourage high quality building design
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Prioritize the pedestrian experience
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Complement the recommended overlay zones
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Clearly illustrate the goals and standards for each requirement while being as objective as possible
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Promote green building technologies
In 2006, City Council adopted a work plan for the Downtown Design Guidelines project and appointed an advisory committee to work with staff to guide the development of zoning changes and amendments to the Master Plan. Committee meeting notes and public workshop materials are provided on the Project Archive page.
On October 15, 2007, City Council approved the recommendations of the Design Guidelines Advisory Committee and directed city staff and the Planning Commission to move forward with implementing code amendments. The full report is provided on the Recommendations page.
Implementation Status
In December 2007, the City Planning Commission began working with staff to develop code amendments to implement the recommended design guidelines changes. The Planning Commission will also review code amendments to implement the A2D2 zoning recommendations.
Committee meeting dates will be posted on the A2D2 zoning page. As draft language is developed, it also will be posted on this site.
Updated: May 7, 2008