Item 4NItem 4N
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M E M O R A N D U M
January 8, 2019
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ken Baker, Sr. Director of Planning and Development
Services
Subject: Item 4N: Appoint two members from City Council to work
with City staff to develop possible ordinance amendments
related to Town Square.
Action
Requested: The purpose of this item is appoint two City Council
members to work with staff and Retail Properties of America
Inc. (RPAI) to modernize ordinances to create flexibility in
the provision of signage, storefront appearance and lighting
to address the rapidly evolving and unique retail demands
associated with Town Square and the pedestrian
environment.
Background
Information: Southlake Town Square is currently one of the City’s and
region’s preeminent community and shopping experiences.
Due to Town Square’s unique pedestrian and downtown
environment there is a desire by the City and Retail
Properties of America Inc. (RPAI) to modernize ordinances
(sign/zoning/lighting) to create flexibility in the provision of
signage and storefront appearance to address the rapidly
evolving unique retail demands associated with the
environment.
It is envisioned that the City staff and appointed City Council
members will work with RPAI to develop amendments to
related ordinances which regulate Town Square such as the
zoning ordinance, sign ordinance and lighting ordinance.
The proposed scope of the project will include the following:
Item 4N
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1) Conducting a visioning session to understand desired outcomes in terms of
flexibility for the provision of signage/storefront modifications that are possible
within the framework of the City’s desire to preserve the aesthetics and character
of the Town Square district.
2) Analyzing the current Town Square environment to understand view sheds,
driving, walking and congregation patterns. This includes inventorying existing
signage types, display windows, building façade (materials, colors, finish,
awnings) and façade lighting typology.
3) Preparing base plans and design manuals summarizing the Town Square
Environment analysis.
4) Identifying opportunities and constraints as related to signage (both tenant and
wayfinding), storefront facades and lighting. Identify the different needs and
flexibility desired for various tenants (anchors, street-entry, upper-floor).
5) Reviewing existing ordinances and identify limitations and opportunities.
6) Preparing proposed amendments to the sign, zoning and lighting ordinance to
address desired outcomes.
7) Preparing design manual with clear and concise guidelines using text,
precedent imagery, illustrations (Adopted as part of the ordinance) to allow for
administrative approval signs/facades/lighting within established design criteria
Once complete the proposed ordinance amendments will follow the normal public
adoption process. This includes a SPIN meeting and public hearings at the
Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. Also, City Council may
desire to hold work sessions on the proposed ordinance amendments.
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