|
|
|
 |
LAKEWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION STEPS
December 24, 2003
The Lakewood Comprehensive Plan Action Steps serve as a work program to implement the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies. While the Comprehensive Plan sets out an overall vision for the City of Lakewood. Ordinances, plans, and specific actions are used to implement the Plan. A key concept of the Action Steps is to encourage consistency between concepts in the Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies with ordinances, plans, and policies that are to be implemented by the City Council and the Planning Commission. The Comprehensive Plan Action Steps sets out a program to achieve this consistency in order for the vision of the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan to be realized.
The Action Steps are not geographically specific to certain areas of Lakewood. Those issues are best addressed in neighborhood plans, corridor plans, and special area plans that have and will be adopted.
The Action Steps cannot anticipate all future growth development scenarios that may occur within the City of Lakewood. It is recognized that the economic development climate and economy will likely cycle and change in the future. Trends such as retail development will likely move in unanticipated directions. Demographic trends will change. However, the Action Steps are intended to provide the tools and the flexibility so that issues can be addressed and with the intent of continuing to focus on maintaining a high quality of life within the City of Lakewood.
A. Community Image Identity Appearance and Design
Key Concept:
· Preserve and enhance Lakewood's identity.
A.1. Update the Community Resources Master Plan and adopt it as an amendment
to the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan.
i. Engage the Planning Commission in a dialog at the beginning of the planning
process to discuss the scope of work for the Community Resources Master Plan
reflecting the goals and policies adopted in the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan.
ii. Provide Planning Commission with periodic progress updates and dialogs on the planning process prior to adoption of the Plan.
A.2. Develop entry features/gateway elements at key entries to the City. As part of this process, identify departmental funding and maintenance responsibilities.
A.3. Develop and implement a unifying theme for the streets in the City.
A.4. Support existing goals adopted by the Heritage, Cultural, and the Arts Commission for promotion of cultural and civic activities in Lakewood.
A.5. Promote Lakewood's history and heritage.
B. Community Sustainability
Key concepts:
· Conserve open lands and resources.
B.1. Identify and map environmentally sensitive areas, wetlands, and other riparian areas. Utilize this information in the development review process.
· Preserve, expand, and restore natural habitats and wildlife movement corridors.
B.2. Identify, inventory and map wildlife movement corridors for properties not managed by Community Resources. Identification, inventory and mapping of wildlife movement corridors for properties managed by Community Resources will be done as part of the Community Resources Master Plan.
B.3. Identify and prioritize areas for restoration.
· Define and promote sustainable development.
B.4. Evaluate and develop criteria for development and redevelopment sites based on environmental and natural hazards.
B.5. Evaluate development projects based upon community sustainability criteria.
B.6. Develop specific performance criteria to evaluate the sustainability of
a development project with respect to:
i. Environment
ii. Community development
iii. Buildings
iv. Living patterns
· Promote energy efficient buildings.
B.7. Provide incentives for the construction of energy efficient buildings in the development of Performance Based Standards.
B.8. Develop an annual recognition program that recognizes developers for building
energy efficient buildings.
i. Use this program to enhance City of Lakewood identity and attract and retain
businesses.
· Be involved in regional efforts to promote community sustainability.
B.9. Provide representation and continue participation in regional community sustainability groups such as DRCOG, RAQC, etc.
B.10. Evaluate potential to form special improvement districts and utilize grant funds to support sustainability.
B.11. Collaborate with local funding sources to achieve sustainability goals and action steps.
· Promote the use of drought tolerant landscape materials and water conserving landscaping techniques
B.12. Encourage the use of drought tolerant landscape materials, where appropriate, and the use of water conserving landscaping techniques on City projects as appropriate.
B.13. Revise City Ordinances to encourage the use of drought tolerant landscape materials, where appropriate, and the use of water conserving techniques on private developments as appropriate.
C. Residential
Key Concepts:
· Develop design guidelines to promote infill development that interacts well with the character of adjoining neighborhoods.
C.1. Work with neighborhoods to identify key characteristics and values in developing design guidelines.
C.2. Utilize identified key neighborhood characteristics and values when applying Performance Based Standards.
· Provide a range of housing choices for a variety of households.
C.3. Through the Lakewood Housing Authority, continue to provide affordable housing information and participate in local and regional affordable housing programs.
C.4. Schedule an annual study session with the Lakewood Housing Authority regarding the Strategic Plan and the CDBG/HOME program.
C.5. Establish guidelines and incentives for developers to provide affordable housing as part of residential developments and redevelopments.
D. Neighborhoods
Encourage neighborhoods to define their boundaries through social interaction
patterns and emergence of their unique identity.
Key Concepts:
· Develop partnerships between the City and neighborhoods.
D.1. Develop a neighborhood communications plan that:
i. Ensures effective and regular communication with neighborhoods;
ii. Utilizes all available media communication;
iii. Provides increased opportunities for residents to share information with
the City and interact with the City;
iv. Provides opportunities for residents to become more involved with their
neighborhood organization;
v. Provides residents with information on volunteer opportunities;
vi. Provides residents with information on how to receive volunteer assistance;
and
vii. Results in the development of neighborhood plans
D.2. Identify key issues of concern to neighborhood residents and property owners through the neighborhood planning process.
D.3. Utilize adopted neighborhood plans to guide decisions regarding improvements and projects in neighborhoods.
D.4. Designate a liaison from the Planning staff to each neighborhood to ensure effective communication, exchange information, foster partnerships, develop plans, implement projects, etc.
· Increase aesthetic value and sense of safety in neighborhoods.
D.5. Develop Performance Based Standards related to site plans, building materials, and landscaping to enhance the aesthetic and environmental quality of neighborhoods for both private and public development.
D.6. Review all development proposals for public safety considerations.
i. Refer development proposals to all public safety departments for a review
of public safety concerns.
ii. Evaluate development proposals under Crime Prevention Through Environmental
Design (CPTED).
· Invest in neighborhoods.
D.7. Conduct neighborhood assessments and surveys to identify neighborhood needs so as to prioritize the use of Neighborhood Planning Program resources and planning efforts.
D.8. Continue neighborhood clean up efforts, e.g., Neighborhood SCRUB, dumpsites, CCAP, etc.
D.9. Use Community Development Block Grant dollars to implement neighborhood plans and projects.
D.10. Seek support from businesses to assist with neighborhood plans, programs, projects and events. Recognize these support efforts.
D.11. Develop a program to maintain public facilities in neighborhoods.
· Public outreach/serve all populations in the community.
D.12. Register neighborhood organizations with the City to facilitate communication.
D.13. Notify registered neighborhood organizations of public and private development proposals and infrastructure projects occurring within and adjacent to the boundaries of their organization.
E. Urban Centers
Key Concepts:
· Guide development and provide incentives so that new development and redevelopment occurs in appropriate locations including major urban centers, employment, community, and neighborhood centers, and residential areas.
E.1. Develop and adopt zoning tools that encourage quality mixed-use developments.
Establish a set of tools and criteria for effectively integrating uses, including
but not limited to:
i. Performance Based Standards.
ii. Funding mechanisms and strategies to encourage creativity and mixed-use.
iii. Bonuses and incentives.
iv. Public/private partnerships.
E.2. Develop Performance Based Standards for development in each type of district.
· Encourage and promote high quality infill and redevelopment projects.
E.3. Identify and map infill and redevelopment opportunities.
E.4. Market infill and redevelopment opportunities.
E.5. Develop and implement innovative strategies of revitalization in concert with property owners, the business community, the media, the financial community, investors, residents, and public/private partnerships.
E.6. Develop Performance Based Standards that allow for the development of buildings that meet employer and industry needs.
F. Economic Development
Key Concepts:
· Encourage business retention and expansion while continuing to actively
recruit new businesses and major employers.
F.1. Encourage major employers to locate in Lakewood.
F.2. Work with state, regional and county agencies on potential leads and associated follow-up.
F.3. Attend conferences, trade shows, or other appropriate venues to identify potential leads.
F.4. Maintain up-to-date marketing and collateral material for potential new business attraction to Lakewood. Create and maintain a working City website that is easy to access information for CEO's, site selectors, developers, brokers and businesses.
F.5. Publish economic development statistics and demographics on a regular
basis. As these statistics and demographics are updated, issue to City leaders
and interested parties.
F.6. Develop methods to analyze what markets will be competitive and successful
in this region.
F.7. Maintain a business visitation program, where businesses are contacted on a regular basis by economic development staff, city council, or other representatives as appropriate.
F.8. Act as a resource for businesses, providing information about state, regional and local business programs, access to capital, training programs, demographics, and incentives.
F.9. Assist businesses with relocation, expansion, and redevelopment efforts.
F.10. Continue to strengthen ties with local, regional, and state economic development agencies and community partners such as the West Chamber, Jefferson Economic Council, Metro Denver Network, Red Rocks Community College, Red Rocks Small Business Development Center, General Services Administration, Regional Transportation District, and other partners that can impact economic activity in the community.
F.11. Remain visibly active in the business community by establishing and cultivating relationships, facilitating idea and knowledge exchange, assisting in the resolution of issues, and promoting the development of creative ideas.
F.12. Create and implement opportunities or programs for businesses, brokers, or developers to enhance business activity and development opportunities.
F.13. Explore strategies to streamline the development review process for businesses in Lakewood or those wishing to locate in the City.
F. 14. Continue to advocate for businesses and the development community.
· Encourage infill and redevelopment of commercial, industrial and employment
areas.
F.15. Identify specific areas for redevelopment within mixed-use, commercial
and industrial corridors by considering infill, gray-field, and brownfield opportunities.
F.16. Develop a City-wide redevelopment strategy to focus redevelopment efforts to appropriate areas.
F.17. Promote the clustering of complementary businesses.
F.18. Develop innovative programs to support Lakewood businesses.
G. Transportation
Key Concepts:
· Ensure effective movement of people and goods.
G.1. Assess the effectiveness of the City's transportation system and identify
areas that could benefit from integrated transportation planning including transit,
vehicular and pedestrian travel.
i. Develop a transportation strategy for areas of Lakewood that connects such
elements as light rail, bus service, major corridors, neighborhoods, major employers,
shopping areas, and industrial areas.
ii. Work with RTD on the transportation strategy with plans for circulator bus
service, bike trails, bus shelters, and pedestrian facilities.
G.2. Design public transit systems and facilities to be an attractive transportation choice.
G.3. Work with RTD to determine best bus routes to service the community.
G.4. Work with RTD to mitigate congestion at transit hubs during peak load periods, Identify land uses that provide services to commuters, thus offering transit users opportunities for stopping, shopping, servicing, and recreation to slow the flow of ingress and egress of the traffic at the transit hub.
G.5. Work with businesses in high traffic areas to address congestion and parking problems and identify a range of innovative solutions.
· Use City investments in roadways to increase and express City identity.
G.6. Prioritize streets and sidewalks for improvements and enhancements.
i. Identify major thoroughfares that are important in expressing the City's
identity.
ii. Inventory existing thematic design treatments along major thoroughfares.
iii. Define themes for major thoroughfares that include standards for lighting,
signage, landscaping, pavement, and other streetscape elements.
H. Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Key Concepts:
· Plan for the development, expansion, integration, and maintenance of
Lakewood's parks, recreation, cultural, and open space system.
H.1. Update the Community Resources Master Plan and adopt it as an amendment
to the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan.
iii. Engage the Planning Commission in a dialog at the beginning of the planning
process to discuss the scope of work for the Community Resources Master Plan
reflecting the goals and policies adopted in the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan.
iv. Provide Planning Commission with periodic progress updates and dialogs on the planning process prior to adoption of the Plan.
H.2. Coordinate and cooperate with Federal, State and local agencies with respect to existing sources of data for primary streams and gulches, environmentally sensitive areas, wetlands, riparian areas, wildlife movement areas, and restoration activities.
I. General Land Use
Key Concepts:
· Match Lakewood regulations with Comprehensive Plan concepts. Introduce
and apply the concept of Performance Based Standards through the implementation
of the concepts of respect and communication. In applying these concepts, property
owners and developers should respect adjoining transportation systems and adjoining
properties as well as communicating with members of the community.
I.1 Evaluate development proposals and rezonings for conformance with the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan.
I.2 Analyze methods to strengthen the tie between the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan and the City's Capital Improvement and Preservation Program.
I.3 Performance Based Standards
i. Modify the Zoning Ordinance to incorporate Performance Based Standards.
ii. Utilize a public process throughout this modification effort.
iii. Research including the following determinants and factors when developing
a system of Performance Based Standards:
a. Conformance with the Comprehensive Plan, and Neighborhood, Corridor and Special Area Plans
b. Regional Context
· MetroVision 2020
· Adjacent Jurisdictions
· Adjacent Districts
c. Environmental
· Habitat Areas
· Open Space
· Resource Stewardship
d. Engineering
· Capacities
· Hazards
e. Connections
· Road Connectivity
· Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity
· Transportation Circulation
· Access
f. Architecture
· Building Orientation
· Building Scale
· Use of Topography
· Solar Access
· Views
· Building Design
· Adaptability of Building
· Green Building Approach
g. Operational
· Lighting
· Signage
· Noise and Vibration
· Odor
· Privacy
· Safety
h. Social
· Mix of Community/Private Space
· Use of Public Art
· Historic Preservation
· Enhancement of Sense of Identity for the City of Lakewood
i. Economic
· Fit with Business/Industry Clusters
· Expected Income Stream/Fiscal Dividend over Time
· Long-Term Redevelopment/Restoration Strategies
· Process vs. Standard Product
j. Consideration of Contingencies (What Ifs?)
I.4. Establish a mapping database with a sufficient level of information to support land-use decisions.
I.5. Periodically analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the development review process and make recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the process.
I.6. Explore strategies to streamline the development review process for smaller businesses.
· Involve the Lakewood Planning Commission as well as other appropriate
entities in reviewing projects at appropriate points in their development.
I.7. To ensure historical continuity, create a Planning Commission orientation
packet/program for new planning commissioners. The purpose of this program would
be to provide history about the decisions of the Lakewood Planning Commission,
the 2003 Lakewood Comprehensive Plan, major milestones, definitions, terms,
etc.
I.8. Provide the Lakewood Planning Commission with a copy of the agenda for all Development Assistance Team meetings.
I.9. Add a standing agenda item to all Planning Commission meetings to include a review of the current Development Assistance Team agenda.
· Standardize the annexation process.
I.10. Develop a standardized annexation process that refers all applications for annexation and zoning to the Lakewood Planning Commission for review.
I.11. Ensure that annexations meet the following criteria:
i. Continuation of logical City boundaries.
ii. Achieves economic development goals.
iii. Protects the economic viability of the City.
iv. Provides for logical extension of services.
v. Ensures that land uses respect adjacent uses.
vi. Improves the transportation network.
· Implement the Lakewood Urban Growth Boundary
I.12. Identify, adopt, and maintain an Urban Growth Boundary.
I.13. Update the Urban Growth Boundary to identify future plan areas to guide logical and orderly development.
I.14. Identify and map areas contained in the future Urban Growth Boundary
that are outside current City boundaries.
 |
||
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Notice |
||
