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On January 12th the Del Mar City Council initiated a planning process for Downtown revitalization. The central feature of the process includes a relatively new approach to developmental control called, “Form Based Code.” Form Based Codes are regulatory devices which place primary emphasis upon the physical form and character of existing and proposed development and to a lesser degree, on land use. Briefly, they focus upon the physical form, scale and character of development. Form-Based Codes are design oriented--concerned with architectural features, facades and the overall design of an area, bulk and lot coverage, open spaces, landscaping, pedestrian walkways and the compatibility of individual structures to adjacent structures. The revitalization and planning effort is to be guided by an advisory committee comprised of eight members: a property owner, business operator, citizen planner, design professional, financial expert, two council members and one resident-at-large. The
planning process will
begin this month with
a three month collection
and analysis of data
describing the existing
character and features
of the District. This
will be followed by
a five day period of
intensive design leading
up to a six month “community
conversation” and
public participation
program. A specific
plan and draft of an
environmental Impact
Report is expected to
result from this dialogue. The specific plan would be subjected to public review and submitted to the Planning Commission and City Council in early 2010. The estimated cost of the Specific Plan and Form Based Code is $400,000. In order to defray part of the cost, an application is being submitted to SANDAG, the San Diego Regional Planning Agency, under the Smart Growth Incentive Program for $200,000. The Program makes funds available to cities to demonstrate planning which supports compact, mixed use development focused around public transit.
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