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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-16-2016 Item 12 Conceptual Review for mixed use project located at 1101 Monterey and 1144 and 1166 Higuera street Meeting Date: 2/16/2016 FROM: Michael Codron, Community Development Director Prepared By: Rachel Cohen, Associate Planner SUBJECT: CONCEPTUAL REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY FEEDBACK FOR A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT TO ALLOW BUILDING HEIGHTS UP TO 75 FEET FOR A MIXED-USE PROJECT THAT INCLUDES AN 80-ROOM HOTEL, 26,000 SQUARE FEET OF RESIDENTIAL UNITS, 20,000 SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL/RESTAURANT SPACE, 33,000 SQUARE FEET OF OFFICE SPACE AND A 45-FOOT TALL PARKING GARAGE AND TRANSIT CENTER. RECOMMENDATION Receive a presentation regarding the proposed project and provide input and guidance to questions posed by the applicant. REPORT-IN-BRIEF The applicant has submitted plans for conceptual review of a project located at 1101 Monterey and 1144 and 1166 Higuera Streets. The proposed project includes the construction of two new, 75 feet tall, mixed-use structures with approximately 20,000 square feet of retail/commercial space, 45,000 square feet of hotel space (80 rooms), 26,000 square feet of residential space, 33,000 square feet of office space and a 45-foot tall parking garage (4 to 5 decks) and transit center. The applicant is proposing a Planned Development for the site to allow for more flexible development parameters such as increased building height, which the Zoning Regulations enables for projects with “significantly higher design quality.” DISCUSSION The project proposes the construction of mixed-use structures (hotel, office and housing) and a combined parking garage/joint RTA and SLO City Transit Center with a Planned Development Overlay. The applicant has requested a conceptual review by the City Council in order to receive feedback and early guidance regarding the project prior to Figure 1: Site location 1 2 3 12 Packet Pg. 220 completing the environmental review and proceeding with detailed design plans. Project Information 1. Site Information/Setting The project site is zoned Retail Commercial (C-R) and consists of three lots within the downtown core (Attachment A, Vicinity Map and Attachment B, General Plan Downtown Planning Area and Core Map). The sites are developed with a gas station (#1) (now demolished), the SGS Automotive services (#2), and a commercial space with a large surface parking lot (#3) (refer to Figure 1). The project site is bounded by Monterey Street to the north and Higuera Street to the south, Santa Rosa Street to the west and Toro Street to the east. The proposed site is adjacent to varying building heights including the Mortgage House (1.5 stories), County Government Center (4 stories, ~60 feet), San Luis Diagnostic Center (2 stories), and Bank of America (1.5 stories). Table 1: Site Information Site Size 71,344 s.f. Present Use & Development Gas Station (demolished), Car Dealership, Commercial Space Topography Flat Access Monterey Street, Higuera Street, Santa Rosa Street and Toro Street Surrounding Use/Zoning North: C-R (Retail Commercial: San Luis Diagnostic Center, Parking Lots, Training Center, and The Mortgage House) East: C-R (Retail Commercial: Petra Restaurant) South: C-R & O (Retail Commercial & Office: Bank of America ) East: C-R (Retail Commercial: SGS Automotive services, Apothecary Tattoo) 2. Project Description A summary of significant project features includes the following (Attachment C, Conceptual Project Plans): 1. A 75-foot (seven-story) hotel with: a. 45,000 square feet (80 rooms) of hotel; and b. Approximately 10,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space on the first floor. 2. A 75-foot (five-story) structure that includes: a. 33,000 square feet of office space; b. 26,000 square feet of residential space; and c. Approximately 10,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space on the bottom floor. 3. A private/public mid-block plaza that includes space for outdoor dining, benches, planters and other amenities. 4. A 45-foot (4 to 5 deck) parking garage and transit center. 12 Packet Pg. 221 5. A Planned Development (PD) to allow for more flexible development parameters such as a maximum building height of 75 feet, design, and public amenities. Applicant Questions The applicant has proposed the following questions for City Council discussion: 1. Is the proposed mix of uses consistent with the vision for this portion of Monterey Street to be a continuation of the downtown core with an intensified mixed-use development rather than more auto-centric uses? 2. Does the Council support the concept of a parking structure and transit center at this location? 3. Provided that the applicant demonstrates full compliance with all of the required information needed for buildings up to 75 feet included in Zoning Regulations Section 17.42.020 C. (height regulations for the C-D zone), could building height of 75 feet be supported? 4. What other features or details would the Council like to see included in the plaza design? 5. The project proposes to eliminate the multiple driveways on the site and only include a main hotel entry driveway off of Monterey Street (as well as entrances into the parking garage). Does the Council have comments and/or feedback on the proposed location of the main hotel driveway entry? Advisory Body Feedback On December 7, 2016 the Architectural Review Board (ARC) reviewed and discussed the proposed project and provided the following comments:  The 75-foot height request presents compatibility concerns with the surrounding neighborhood given the site context. A height of 45 to 60 feet may be acceptable pending further detail and 3D views.  Provide additional 3D views/massing modeling in order to better understand the relationship of the project’s massing with the neighborhood. The view of the project from the Monterey Street side is important.  Consider alternate locations for the proposed plaza in order to address noise concerns from Santa Rosa. Location along Monterey Street or Higuera Street may be more appropriate (while maintaining solar access to the plaza).  More detailed information about the parking structure is needed. The parking structure should incorporate storefronts facing the street.  Generally the architectural style is headed in the right direction. On January 27, 2016 the Planning Commission (PC) reviewed and discussed the proposed project and provided the following comments:  The mix of uses appears to be appropriate for the site, especially the inclusion of affordable and workforce housing.  This location is appropriate for the transit center and some commissioners shared that the 12 Packet Pg. 222 applicant may consider locating the transit center closer to the intersection of Higuera and Santa Rosa Streets.  The site is an appropriate location for a parking garage. Several Commissioners questioned if all the proposed parking spaces (approximately 600) were needed at this location and suggested the applicant consider reducing the total number of spaces.  A taller building height (taller than 45 feet) is supportable at the proposed location; however the applicant should consider spreading the height of the buildings across the site.  The applicant should consider activating all sides of the project and locating the plaza at the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets.  The proposed circulation appears to be appropriate; however more information will need to be provided. Project Analysis The Zoning Regulations and General Plan are the pertinent documents to conduct preliminary review of the proposed project. Key Council discussion items are identified below. 1. Mix of Uses The applicant is proposing a mixed-use project with two structures that include: a hotel, residential units, office space, and retail/commercial space. The Retail Commercial (C-R) zone allows all of these uses (Table 9, Zoning Regulations). The Land Use Element (LUE) specifies a variety of policies related to types of uses within the Downtown Planning Area and the Downtown Core including Tourist Commercial Uses, professional and governmental services, downtown residential, and entertainment and cultural facilities (LUE 3.6, 3.8.5 and Chapter 4). As proposed, the project uses appear to be consistent with the LUE and the Zoning Regulations The City Council should discuss if the proposed location and mix of uses are appropriate at the proposed location in regards to the City’s General Plan and Zoning Regulations. 2. Parking Garage and Transit Center The applicant is proposing to construct a 4-5 level parking garage that would also be a part of a new regional transit center (Attachment C, Project Plans, Sheet A3). These uses are allowed within the C-R zone with a Use Permit from the Planning Commission. The parking garage and joint RTA and SLO City transit center are consistent with the location proposed within the current Downtown Concept Plan and with the LUE and the Circulation Element (CE) (LU E policies 8.2.2. and CE 3.2.81). The applicant is proposing a private/public partnership for the parking garage. In this arrangement, the developer would move forward on the construction of the garage with an 1 LUE 8.2.2. Upper Monterey: (a) The City shall investigate adding the Upper Monterey area to the Downtown Parking District, thereby allowing in-lieu payment towards common parking facilities. (b) The City shall integrate a new Downtown Transit Center in the Upper Monterey area and provide enhanced connectivi ty to the center from the Upper Monterey area. CE 3.2.8. Regional Transit Center: The City shall work with other agencies to develop a regional transit center downtown. 12 Packet Pg. 223 agreement that the City would eventually purchase or pay back the developer for a portion of the construction costs. The garage would provide spaces needed for the new mixed-use project and the additional spaces would then be available for the City to maintain and manage. Additional public spaces in this location could provide an opportunity for the City to consider creating a new parking district or expanding the existing Downtown Core parking district. The City Council should discuss if the proposed location of the parking garage is generally appropriate in the context of the City’s General Plan and Zoning Regulations. Designs for the parking garage and joint RTA and SLO City regional transit center are still being developed. However, the applicant has met with SLOCOG, RTA and SLO Transit and determined the proposed design on Sheet A3 (Attachment C, Conceptual Project Plans) with office space within the parking garage and a parallel bus parked design is the most feasible and supportable by all agencies. The City Council should discuss if the proposed location of the Transit Center is generally appropriate and what additional information the City Council would like to see with future submittals. City Council Direction: If determined that the parking garage and/or the transit center is appropriate for this location, the City Council should provide specific recommendation to direct staff to pursue information necessary to assess a partnership with the developer for the garage and/or transit center. 3. Planned Development: Building Height and Amenities The applicant is proposing a maximum building height of 75 feet where normally the maximum height allowed within the C-R zone is 45 feet. The applicant is proposing to process a zoning amendment to include a Planned Development (PD) overlay zone over the subject site. With a PD overlay, the uses stay the same as allowed in the underlying zoning but provides flexibility to the property’s development standards, such as height (Section 17.50.020.E.). The applicant is proposing to base the PD on policy objectives that are outlined in the LUE for structures that are 50 to 75-foot tall within the Downtown (LUE Chapter 4, Section 4.20.4). The proposed PD would also incorporate additional requirements that are consistent with buildings over 50 feet within the C-D zone2. The applicant is proposing to include the following policy objectives (amenities): 1. Provide affordable and workforce housing; and 2. A pedestrian amenity of a private/public mid-block plaza along Santa Rosa. 2 Zoning Regulations Section 17.42.020: The applicant has proposed to include the following as part of the PD [based upon requirements for a building taller than 50 feet within the C -D zone]: 1. A minimum residential density unit value of 24 units per acre with an average floor area of 1,200 square feet or less; 2. Meet Title 24 California Energy Efficiency Requirements by a minimum of 15%; or achieve at least a Silver rating on the LEED-CS or NC checklist; or is designed to achieve a minimum value of 50 points on the SLO Green Build Multi-Family GreenPoint Checklist; 3. No more than 33% of the site area at the storefront level will be used for private parking facilities; and 4. Lots conform to the minimum size and dimension requirements provided in the Subdivision Regulations. 12 Packet Pg. 224 During the Architectural Review Commission and Planning Commission hearings a substantial amount of public testimony was provided regarding building height. Because this is a conceptual review, staff has not completed a General Plan policy analysis, however, the Council may benefit from reviewing the policies and program related to building height from Chapter Four of the LUE. These policies were first introduced to the General Plan when the Downtown Building Height Ordinance was approved in 2007. These policies were unchanged through the recent LUE update. In addition, staff has provided the policies relative to LUE Focus Area 2, Upper Monterey Area, for ease of reference (Attachment D). The City Council should discuss if the proposed development standards and policy objectives are generally acceptable for the proposed structure height of 75 feet. 4. Plaza Design As mentioned above in Section 3 (Planned Development: Building Height), the proposed project includes a private/public plaza that is currently located along Santa Rosa Street. The project applicant has indicated that the plaza would include space for window shopping, outdoor dining, benches, and planters. The City Council should discuss if the proposed location of the plaza is appropriate and if other amenities should be included as part of the design. 5. Hotel Driveway Location The proposal includes the location of the main hotel entry driveway along Monterey Street. The final submittal of the project would require a traffic impact study to analyze the project’s proposed interior circulation and impact of the overall project on the surrounding neighborhood circulation. The applicant has requested City Council discuss if the proposed location of the main hotel driveway entry appears generally appropriate for the project. 6. Discussion Items Staff recommends the City Council discuss and provide feedback about: 1. Mix of Uses. The appropriateness of the proposed project’s mix of uses at the subject location. 2. Parking Structure and Transit Center. The appropriateness of a parking garage and a transit center at the subject location and what additional information the Commission would like to see with future submittals. 3. Planned Development. Building Height and Amenities. Overall height of the proposed 75-foot tall structures in the context of the site/neighborhood, Downtown core, and within the height allowed in the Zoning Regulations for this zone. Should any performance standards or amenities be modified? 4. Plaza Design. The appropriateness of the proposed location of the plaza and if other amenities should be included as part of the design. 5. Driveway location. The appropriateness of the proposed location of the main hotel driveway entry along Monterey Street. 12 Packet Pg. 225 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Should the applicant decide to submit formal applications for a proposed project at this location, staff will prepare an initial study of environmental impact. Attachments: a - Vicinity Map b - Downtown Planning Area c - Project Plans d - Land Use Element Policies 12 Packet Pg. 226 O O O OC-R C-R C-D C-R O OC-R C-R PF C-D PF O-H O C-D-H C-RR-3-HR-3-HR-2-H C-R C-C C-D PF-H T O R O HIGUE R A PALM MONTE R E Y MARSH S A N T A R O S A VICINITY MAP ARCH-2484-20151101 Monterey St ¯ ATTACHMENT A 12.a Packet Pg. 227 At t a c h m e n t : a - V i c i n i t y M a p ( 1 2 4 9 : C o n c e p t u a l r e v i e w o f a n e w m i x e d - u s e d p r o j e c t a t 1 1 0 1 M o n t e r e y S t r e e t ) 1101 Monterey OTHR-2484-2015 Conceptual review and preliminary feedback for a Planned Development to allow building heights up to 75 feet for a mixed-use project that includes an 80-room hotel, 26,000 square feet of residential units, 20,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space, 33,000 square feet of office space and a 45-foot tall parking garage and transit center. February 16, 2016 Applicant: Stone Park Capital and NKT Commercial Representative: Mike Scott, RRM Conceptual Review The City accepts applications for Conceptual Review before detailed plans are completed because the process provides: An opportunity for staff and advisory bodies to provide early feedback to applicants An opportunity for the public to learn about and comment on project proposals early in the design phase Resulting in better planning applications that address the issues and concerns raised during the conceptual review process. 2 Some Context LUE Chapter 4 Downtown Concept Plan Upper Monterey Planning Area Housing Major City Goal Economic Development Strategic Plan Consolidated Transit Center 3 Downtown Core – Parking and Transit Land Use Element Figure 4 Upper Monterey Focus Area 8.2.2.A: The City shall investigate adding the Upper Monterey area to the Downtown Parking District, thereby allowing in lieu payment towards common parking facilities. 8.2.2.B: The City shall integrate a new Downtown Transit Center in the Upper Monterey area and provide enhanced connectivity to the center from the Upper Monterey area. 4 General Plan Policies Chapter 4: Downtown 4.5. Walking Environment 4.10 Open Places and Views 4.17. New Buildings and Views 4.20.4. Building Height Tall buildings (50-75 feet) shall be designed to achieve multiple policy objectives, including design amenities, housing, and retail land uses… 5 Planned Development (PD Zone) Intended to provide for flexibility in development standards (site planning, setbacks, height, etc.) The City expects each PD project to be of significantly higher design quality, including: more effective and attractive pedestrian orientation, environmental sensitivity, energy efficiency, and more efficient use of resources. 6 Site Information 7 •Zoning: Retail Commercial (C-R) •Site Area: 1.64 acre (71,344 square feet) County Govt. Center Bank of America San Luis Diagnostic Center The Mortgage House 8 9 10 Background: ARC 11 On December 7, 2015 the ARC reviewed and discussed the proposed project and provided the following comments: 1.The 75-foot height request presents compatibility concerns with the neighborhood given the site context. A height of 45 to 60 feet may be acceptable pending further detail and 3D views. 2.Provide additional 3D views/massing modeling in order to better understand the relationship of the project’s massing with the neighborhood. The view of the project from the Monterey Street side is important. 3.Consider alternate locations for the proposed plaza in order to address noise concerns from Santa Rosa. Location along Monterey Street or Higuera Street may be more appropriate (while maintaining solar access to the plaza). 4.More detailed information about the parking structure is needed. The parking structure should incorporate storefronts facing the street. 5.Generally the architectural style is headed in the right direction. Background: Planning Commission 12 On January 27, 2016 the Planning Commission reviewed and discussed the proposed project and provided the following comments: 1.The mix of uses appears to be appropriate for the site, especially the inclusion of affordable and workforce housing. 2.This location is appropriate for the transit center and some commissioners shared that the applicant may consider locating the transit center closer to the intersection of Higuera and Santa Rosa Streets. 3.The site is an appropriate location for a parking garage. Several Commissioners questioned if all the proposed parking spaces (approximately 600) were needed at this location and suggested the applicant consider reducing the total number of spaces. Background: Planning Commission 13 4.A taller building height (taller than 45 feet) is supportable at the proposed location; however the applicant should consider spreading the height of the buildings across the site. 5.The applicant should consider activating all sides of the project and locating the plaza at the corner of Santa Rosa and Monterey Streets. 6.The proposed circulation appears to be appropriate; however more information will need to be provided. Mix of Uses 14 The project includes: •a hotel, •residential units, •office space, and •retail/commercial space. Parking Garage & Transit Center 15 •Allowed within the C-R zone with a Use Permit . •Location consistent with Downtown Concept Plan and with the General Plan (LUE policies 8.2.2. and CE 3.2.8). PD: Building Height and Amenities 16 The applicant is proposing a Planned Development to allow adjustments of development standards for the C-R zone. The applicant is proposing: •A maximum building height of 75 feet, where normally 45 feet is allowed. Along with the mandatory project features of a PD, the applicant is also proposing: •Affordable Housing; and •Mid-block Plaza along Santa Rosa. Plaza Design 17 The proposed project includes a private/public plaza located along Santa Rosa Street. Hotel Driveway Location 18 The proposal includes the location of the main hotel entry driveway along Monterey Street. Council Discussion Items 19 1.Mix of Uses. The appropriateness of the proposed project’s mix of uses at the subject location. 2.Parking Structure and Transit Center. The appropriateness of a parking garage and a transit center at the subject location and what additional information the Commission would like to see with future submittals. 3.Planned Development: Building Height and Amenities. Overall height of the proposed 75- foot tall structures in the context of the site/neighborhood, Downtown core, and within the height allowed in the Zoning Regulations for this zone. Should any performance standards or amenities be modified? 4.Plaza Design. The appropriateness of the proposed location of the plaza and if other amenities should be included as part of the design 5.Driveway location. The appropriateness of the proposed location of the main hotel driveway entry along Monterey Street. Questions/Comments 20 Background 21 January 12, 2014: ARC Reviewed and approved two, one- story 5,000 square foot commercial buildings. Background 22 23 Site Plan 24 2010 Proposed location of a Transit Center Project Description 25 A 75 foot (seven-story) hotel with: 45,000 square feet (80 rooms) of hotel; and Approximately 10,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space. A 75 foot (five-story) structure that includes: 33,000 square feet of office space; 26,000 square feet of residential space; and Approximately 10,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space. Project Description 26 A 45 foot (4 to 5 deck) parking garage and transit center. A private/public mid-block plaza that includes space for window shopping, outdoor dining, benches, planters and other amenities. A Planned Development (PD) to allow for more flexible development parameters such as a maximum building height of 75 feet, design, and public amenities. Santa Rosa Hotel & Mixed-Use Infill 1101 Monterey Street CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 16, 2016 1 Project Location Retail Commercial (C-R) Zoning 2 Chapter 4 of the General Plan Land Use Element describes the Monterey Street area as part of the Downtown core. Special Planning Area 8.2.2 (Upper Monterey) – emphasis on revitalization & enhancement. Also identifies that this area could be added to the Downtown Parking District & include a location for a new Downtown Transit Center. Site Site General Plan Guidance 3 Planning Matters 4 5 Processing Strategy PD Amendment - Allow Building Height of 75 Feet Goal: Allow modification to standards, specifically height, in order to achieve a superior project. Findings: Document why height appropriate with this project at this location (addresses precedent- setting concern). Project will include 2 of 4 mandatory features: 1.Affordable housing; 2.Energy efficiency; 3.Natural feature preservation; 4.Substantial public amenity (such as the proposed plaza, parking structure & transit center). 6 Summary – Consistent with the City’s General Plan; the project includes: Mixed use & infill development. Proposed uses & scale consistent with GP policies for the Downtown Core. Added height to accommodate hotel rooms & affordable housing. Transit center – long-range goal of City. Structured parking to serve development & benefits surrounding properties (existing & future developments). 7 Site Characteristics – Good Location for Project because: Relatively flat. Low elevation point in corridor. Tall building across street. Located on an arterial street. No sensitive resources or historic buildings. Compatible with surrounding land uses. 8 Conclusion Prior to proceeding with detailed plans, goal with tonight’s meeting is to obtain feedback from Council on mix of uses, overall site design, and added height. Given the many amenities within the project such as affordable housing, public plaza, public parking structure and transit center, have made the case that the project land use mix warrants consideration for added height. Assumption: All required studies and information and fully detailed plans to accompany formal application. 9 Questions? Appreciate opportunity to respond to questions as they come up with project discussion. 10 Land Use Element Page1-39 ! ! ! £¤101 MI L L C H O R R O P I S M O H I G U E R A HIGH MA R SH L E F FISLAY T O R O O S O S B UC HO N S A N T A R O S A M O R R O P E A C H M O NT E REY N I P O M O E L L A A BRANCH H I L L G A R D E N P AL M B E A C H P E P P E R LINCOLN O L I VE WOODBRIDGE G R O V E C A R M E L SANDERCOCK W AL N UT BEEBEE D A N A I R I S C H U RC H U P H A M OAK BRIDGE MURRAY CORRIDAMADONNA GRAVE S M I S S I O N SANTA BA RBA RA G E O R G E A R C H E R CAUDILL MONTALBAN PRICE C E N T E R WILSONSERRANO V I C T O R I A STORY A L M O N D RA CHEL N OFF 101 N ON OW HI L L C R ES T P A R K CY PRE SS W A L K E R WEST GA IL TA FT M O UN T A I N V I E W P A C I F I C P H I L L I PS WARD M B E R T BR E CK SWAZEY KENTUCKY ALLEY BIANCHI C O U R T P E N N Y IMA N I P O M O A L L E Y P AL M MI L L AL L EY PAULINE H I G UE RA PA C I F I C B R O A D MURRAY B R O A D M I S S I O N P AL M Figure 4 Legend Downtown Core Downtown Planning Area Roads Source: City of Sanu Luis Obispo, 2012 01,000500 Feet Downtown Planning Area and Core 12.b Packet Pg. 228 12.c Packet Pg. 229 12.c Packet Pg. 230 12.c Packet Pg. 231 12.c Packet Pg. 232 12.c Packet Pg. 233 12.c Packet Pg. 234 12.c Packet Pg. 235 12.c Packet Pg. 236 12.c Packet Pg. 237 ATTACHMENT D Land Use Element Policies Chapter 4: DOWNTOWN 4.5. Walking Environment The City shall plan and manage Downtown to include safe, interesting places for walking and pleasant places for sitting. To this end: A. Mid-block walkways, courtyards, and interior malls should be well lit and integrated with new and remodeled buildings, while preserving continuous building faces on most blocks. B. Downtown streets should provide adequate space for pedestrians. C. There should be a nearly continuous tree canopy along sidewalks, and planters should provide additional foliage and flowers near public gathering areas. D. Public Art should be placed along pedestrian paths. E. Traffic calming and pedestrian safety should be enhanced, where appropriate, through such features as road tables, pavement changes, bulb outs and scramble intersection signals. F. Landscaping should mitigate harsh micro-climates. 4.17. New Buildings and Views Downtown development nearby publicly-owned gathering places shall respect views of the hills. In other locations Downtown, views will be provided parallel to the street right-of-way, at intersections where building separation naturally makes more views available, and at upper-level viewing decks. 4.20.4. Building Height New buildings shall fit within the context and scale of existing development, shall respect views from, or sunlight to, publicly-owned gathering places such as Mission Plaza, and should be stepped back above the second or third level to maintain a street façade that is consistent with the historic pattern of development. Generally, new buildings should not exceed 50 feet in height. Tall buildings (50-75 feet) shall be designed to achieve multiple policy objectives, including design amenities, housing and retail land uses, such as: A. Publicly accessible, open viewing spaces at the upper levels B. Housing affordability in excess of the Inclusionary Housing Requirement C. Energy efficiency beyond State mandated requirements D. Adaptive reuse of a historical resource in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation E. High residential density (e.g. above 24 units per acre) achieved by a concentration of smaller dwelling units F. Street level features such as a public plaza, public seating and/or public art G. Provide midblock or other significant pedestrian connections H. Increased retail floor area, including multi-story retail I. Directly implements specific and identifiable City objectives, as set forth in the General Plan, the Conceptual Plan for the City’s Center, the Downtown Strategic Plan and other key policy documents 12.d Packet Pg. 238 At t a c h m e n t : d - L a n d U s e E l e m e n t P o l i c i e s ( 1 2 4 9 : C o n c e p t u a l r e v i e w o f a n e w m i x e d - u s e d p r o j e c t a t 1 1 0 1 M o n t e r e y S t r e e t ) ATTACHMENT D J. Receiving Transfer of Development Credits for open space protection or historic preservation K. Proximity of housing to convenient transit connections Chapter 8: SPECIAL FOCUS AREAS 8.2.2. Upper Monterey In the Upper Monterey area, the emphasis will be on revitalization and enhancement. The area above Johnson shall have an emphasis on land use compatibility and neighborhood preservation. The following actions will be pursued in this area. A. The City shall investigate adding the Upper Monterey area to the Downtown Parking District, thereby allowing in-lieu payment towards common parking facilities. B. The City shall integrate a new Downtown Transit Center in the Upper Monterey area and provide enhanced connectivity to the center from the Upper Monterey area. C. The City will work with hotels in the Upper Monterey area to provide shuttle service to the Downtown and Downtown Transit Center. D. The City will promote restaurant development in the Upper Monterey area, and include outdoor dining opportunities and other public activities oriented toward Monterey Street. North of California, these types of activities shall be prohibited on the creek side of buildings. E. The City will evaluate reconfiguring Monterey Street in this area to enhance bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to Downtown and to Cal Poly. F. The City will work with local hotels and Cal Poly to develop enhanced meeting rooms and conference facilities. These types of facilities would not be located on the east side of Monterey north of California Street, nor is a stand-alone conference center appropriate for this area. G. The City will work with developers to assemble adjacent properties into lots of suitable size for redevelopment limited to areas southwest of California Street. H. The City will develop an Upper Monterey area master plan and design guide that will provide guidance on street enhancements, façade improvement programs, and pedestrian enhancement along Monterey Street. As part of this effort, the City will investigate the ability to apply form-based codes to guide future development and will involve residents in adjoining areas as well as business and property owners along Monterey Street as part of the public review process in development of the master plan/design guide. Particular attention will be given to creek protection, noise, safety, light and glare, and privacy impacts to adjoining neighborhoods. 12.d Packet Pg. 239 At t a c h m e n t : d - L a n d U s e E l e m e n t P o l i c i e s ( 1 2 4 9 : C o n c e p t u a l r e v i e w o f a n e w m i x e d - u s e d p r o j e c t a t 1 1 0 1 M o n t e r e y S t r e e t )