17-7-5.1 Purpose.
This chapter is established to provide a zone that allows a mix of specific land uses that are typically found separately in “mutually exclusive” zoning districts. Mixed-use represents a departure from traditional zoning to the extent that it encourages a combination of land uses which might normally be regarded as incompatible. The intent of this zone is to create self-sustaining areas within the community that become traditional neighborhoods, in which residents may walk to work, to shopping, to transit and to recreational facilities. These neighborhoods should provide:
A. A variety of housing opportunities and choices that include a range of household types, family sizes, and incomes;
B. Streetscape treatments that include pedestrian-friendly features such as build-to lines, rear lot parking for shared uses, wide sidewalks and boulevards to separate pedestrians from vehicles;
C. Pedestrian lighting that is smaller in scale than typical street lighting, street furnishings, such as benches, drinking fountains, sculpture and trash receptacles located in conjunction with transit stops;
D. Large street trees that provide a canopy and shade to reduce the perception of an otherwise broad street width;
E. Bicycle racks and improved, sheltered transit stops with lighting and other amenities;
F. Convenient pedestrian-oriented commercial services; and
G. Enhanced employment opportunities.
Standards for the zone include requirements that help provide a true “neighborhood” by encouraging a mix of uses, parking concealment, and long-term maintenance. This zone is intended to be used in conjunction with area-specific overlay zones which address build-to lines, compact building design, preservation of open space, pedestrian friendly streets and streetscape, and building materials, colors and form control. Developments proposed with increased land use intensity and housing density, but without the above pedestrian-oriented elements, are unacceptable and will not be approved. (Ord. 11-20-2001 § 2 (part))