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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFP for Professional Planning Services Signage and District codification for N 7th Urban Renewal District Bozeman Montana (3).docx Request for Proposal August 6, 2012 Keri Thorpe, Assistant Planner City of Bozeman Planning & Community Development PO Box 1230 Bozeman, MT 59771 (406)582-2260 kthorpe@bozeman.net OVERVIEW Bozem an is a small city located in southwest Montana with a population of approximately 40,000. Bozeman has four Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts, one of which encompasses N. 7th Avenue which is largely comprised of automobile oriented, strip commercial development built in the 1960’s and 70’s. The N. 7th Avenue Urban Renewal District was established by the City of Bozeman in 2006 and a District Plan was adopted to remedy conditions of blight to create an active and attractive corridor with a distinct character. Several strategies were adopted to achieve this goal including, but not limited to: Develop the corridor as a focus for commercial and entertainment activities that serve residents and visitors alike Strengthen the corridor as a neighborhood service center Provide mixed use development Guide new development along the corridor such that it improves the aesthetic experience Coordinate public and private improvements Provide flexible public space along the corridor Increase pedestrian connectivity along the corridor Scope of services will involve reviewing the adopted plans which guide redevelopment of the corridor and drafting recommending Unified Development Code (UDC) changes to the existing zoning standards for the M-1 and B-2 zoning Districts (including sign code) to create a new zoning district for N. 7th Avenue. The goal is two-fold: Simplify the redevelopment process for properties within the N. 7th Avenue district by codifying the goals and design objectives into a consolidated regulatory structure. This includes allowed uses, dimensional standards and site development standards, specifically for access, parking, landscaping, and signs. An incentive based regulatory structure is preferred for the new zoning district. Resolve the areas of conflict between the District Plan and the Transportation Plan. This includes a determination of the minimum standards for public right-of-way improvements required for redevelopment. STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS Respondents to the RFP shall include a Statement of Qualifications demonstrating that they are qualified to complete the analysis and tasks described in the Scope of Services. Demonstration of successful completion and implementation of similar projects for comparable communities is essential. All Statements of Qualification must contain the following information: A brief statement of consultant’s understanding of the goals of this project and the services required of the consultant. No more than three (3) typewritten single spaced pages fully describing the firm's qualifications and experience successfully completing similar projects. Qualifications of key individuals to be assigned to this project, their availability during the relevant time periods, and their recent experience on similar projects. Project management chart. Sample schedule depicting all tasks typical for similar projects completed by your firm. At the discretion of the firm, a company brochure. A description of the qualifications of any sub-contractors and the role they will play in completing the work. (Qualifications Evaluation Criteria are attached as Exhibit C) In addition to the Statement of Qualifications, respondents shall provide the following: A detailed narrative describing the process and tasks proposed to complete the Scope of Services described below. Statement of non-discrimination. SCOPE OF SERVICES A. Location and Purpose Work performed by the selected consultant will involve: Reviewing the N7th Avenue Urban Renewal District Plan, the Bozeman Design Objectives Plan (BDOP), the Bozeman Area Transportation Plan (2007 Update), the Design and Connectivity Plan (DCP) for N. 7th Avenue Corridor, and applicable sections of the Bozeman Unified Development Code (UDC). The aforementioned plans and documents are available at www.bozeman.net and www.nsurb.net Identifying areas of inconsistency and/or incompatibility within and between the goals, objectives and implementation strategies of these planning documents. Recommending amendments to the existing regulatory structure of the UDC, including, but not limited to, the existing zoning standards for the M-1 and B-2 zoning Districts and the sign code, to create a new zoning district for N. 7th Avenue. (Note: A small portion of the District is zoned R-4 (High Density Residential) and will not be included in the new N. 7th zoning District.) The recommended amendments to the UDC will then be utilized by City staff who will complete the zone code amendment process. An estimated time and work schedule shall be provided before work begins. It is anticipated that the work will take a maximum of six (6) months to complete from date of notice to proceed. The City will consider grouping work tasks at the consultant’s request. B. Reports and Meetings and Public Participation The NSURB is the designated Agency for the North 7th Urban Renewal/Tax Increment Financing District. City of Bozeman Planning Staff has been assigned to assist the NSURB with the implementation of the District Plan adopted by the City Commission in 2006. To that end, staff has identified the need to update the regulatory structure and development review standards in the UDC to assist with District Plan implementation and mitigate potential confusion created by adopted plans with conflicting directives. City staff will be available to meet with the consultants to provide detailed information, support and direction. The City of Bozeman is committed to meaningful public participation and intends the code update process be transparent and understandable to participating parties. The proposal provided by respondents should include a minimum of one (1) public meeting to engage interested parties and to solicit input on the project. Other methods of participation and engagement are encouraged, such as stakeholder group meetings or individual interviews. The NSURB has one regular monthly meeting, on the first Thursday of the month. The selected consultant should attend the monthly NSURB meeting, either in person or by teleconference, to provide updates on the project and to obtain any direction necessary on identified issues or concerns. C. Deliverables The selected firm shall provide: Draft amendments to the UDC to create a new zoning district for the N. 7th Urban Renewal District. At a minimum, the draft UDC amendments shall include: Intent and Purpose Authorized Uses Use Table Lot coverage and floor area Lot area and width Setbacks Buildin g Height Parking Landscaping Public right-of-way and pedestrian facility requirements Signs, including provisions to address non-conforming signs A written determination that the proposed N. 7th zoning district and sign code for the District conforms with the adopted Bozeman Community Plan (Growth Policy), N. 7th District Plan, Bozeman Design Objectives Plan and Bozeman Area Transportation Plan. A list of any unresolved issues and recommendations Twelve (12) hard copies and 1 MS Word version and 1 Adobe PDF copy of preliminary and final drafts of all documents will be provided. All PDF copies shall meet the standards of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act for accessible web posting. Final documents shall be provided at least ten (10) working days prior to any public hearing or meeting with the NSURB. An editable version of the final documents in electronic format shall be provided. All maps, project diagrams, and other location or facility related depictions must be submitted in a format compatible with the software used by the City of Bozeman. The City utilizes Microsoft Office as its primary software package, ESRI ARC/INFO, and Softdesk AutoCAD. All work submitted shall become the property of the City of Bozeman. Documents must: Conform to documentary requirements of statute Be clear and communicate well to elected officials and the public Methodology must be sound and understandable Conform to law Planning Staff and the NSURB have already outlined the following suggestions (EXHIBIT A) for the Planning Board’s consideration. This is the result of an initial brainstorming session and is not meant to be an exhaustive list or compulsory in nature. It is merely for general guidance. Planning staff also created a list of “Things to Consider” (Exhibit B) when creating a sign code for the District. Again, this is not exhaustive or compulsory. EXHIBIT A Create new N. 7th zoning District Flexible setbacks for proposals implementing (approvable by ADR/Planning Director) implementing elements (tied to construction eligible activities listed under N7Rehab) of District Plan or addressing ADA compliance issues for existing building Parking relaxation for areas of the District with Community Commercial Mixed Use designation under the Community Plan. These relaxations are established for those areas designated as “a Commercial Node” in Section 18.46.040.B.3.b. Increased flexibility for changes in use Establish N. 7 storm water mitigation plan. Consultant should look at a public system that can be installed in the public right-of-way rather than on each individual site. This reduces redevelopment costs considerably if the site’s storm water can be directed to a municipal system. Greater incentives for shared accesses and shared parking to the side or rear of developments. Establish that setbacks shall be measured from property line and not from public access easement Establish special designation for signs contributing to the District’s Distinct Character The District historically catered to auto centric business models Rather than tie the signs to a historic designation which hinders changes or removal of the signs – choose to designate them, but put an alternate set of guidelines in place should the sign need to be altered or removed (i.e. similar style and character, maintain neon) The guidelines may be different for each sign designated (Cats Paw building sign, Royal 7, Rainbow Motel, others?) Greater incentives to build 2-3 stories Eliminate CUP requirement for increased height in B-2 Eliminate parkland requirement for residential units on 2nd and subsequent floors. Eliminate DRB review or remove COA requirement if proposal meets district requirements. Or require COA, but allow for larger deviations Remedy discrepancies between District Plan and Transportation Plan Sidewalk/shared use path Establish a 10 foot wide asphalt shared use path for Area C from north end of District to Griffin (on both sides?). Establish a 6 foot wide concrete sidewalk for Area C and B from south side of Griffin intersection to Peach/Durston Establish a 5 foot wide concrete sidewalk for Areas B and A from south side of Durston intersection to Main Street. Establish a 10 foot wide asphalt path on the south side of Oak Street within the District. Establish a 6 foot wide concrete path (or 6 foot wide asphalt path?) on the north side of Oak Street within the District. 5 foot wide standard concrete sidewalk shall be installed on all other streets within the District outside of N. 7th Avenue. 4 foot wide bike lanes Boulevard width varies Urban landscape design from Beall (?) to Main street (or just Area A?). Preserve/allow on-street Parking Street vision triangle exemptions at traffic signal-controlled intersections Support narrowing of traffic lanes to allow for non-motorized transportation (bikes, mainly) EXHIBIT B NON-CONFORMING SIGNS IN THE N. 7TH AVENUE URBAN RENEWAL DISTRICT Why? Consider a special designation for certain nonconforming signs in the District as “a sign that is a positive contributing element to the N. 7th Avenue Urban Renewal District to be retained and preserved.” What? Based on the following criteria: The sign is unique because there are few, or no others similar to it in the community due to exemplary graphic, sculptural, or architectural design The sign was not mass designed or produced (this, generally, excludes signs rectangular in shape and internally illuminated) The sign, regardless of age, is easily identified with a specific historical and/or cultural era (such as art deco, auto-oriented commercialism of the post-war era; or, integrally identified with an historically or culturally important building The sign exhibits a unique character which substantially contributes to, rather than dominates, the N. 7th Avenue Urban Renewal District or area in which is located as may neon, turn-of-the-century painted brick, or “pop culture” sculptural elements Who? The designation would be made by the City Commission. The N. 7th Avenue Urban Renewal Board would make recommendations for such designations to the City Commission. How? Application for this N. 7th Avenue designation would be made by the property owner to the Bozeman Planning Department as a request for Conditional Use Permit. Special conditions could be applied by the City Commission in conjunction with approval of the designation. The conditions would be confined to matters related to the sign including, but not limited to, the amount, if any, the designated sign shall count towards the signage allowance for the property. In processing the application, the Planning Director may request input from the Bozeman Historic Preservation Board and/or the Design Review Board. SIGNAGE FOR N. 7TH AVENUE – THINGS TO CONSIDER… CREATE A SEPARATE SIGN DISTRICT FOR N. 7TH AVENUE to facilitate implementation of the Design objectives within the District Plan. The goals of this N. 7th sign district shall be to Minimize visual clutter along the corridor Provide signage that indicates areas of interest such as the University, the Museum of the Rockies and Downtown. N. 7th Sign District standards should also IMPLEMENT THE OVERALL CORRIDOR GOALS OF THE DISTRICT PLAN (Goals italicized): Develop the corridor as a focus for commercial and entertainment activities that serve residents and visitors alike. As such the District Standards should encourage such businesses by allowing manually changeable reader boards to announce events for movie theatres, playhouses, theatres, and restaurants and bars with changing entertainment. So not to conflict with the goal to “minimize visual clutter” the reader boards permitted shall be manually changed only, conform to the design, material and freestanding sign standards set forth in this Division. Strengthen the corridor as a neighborhood service center. New development along the corridor should be “double fronted”, relating to the neighborhoods as well as the Avenue. Provide signage guidelines and/or additional signage allowances for double frontage lots in the District Provide a distinct identity for the corridor which expresses itself as a vibrant center of unique activities in a livable walkable setting. WAYFINDING SYSTEM shall be considered for the District as it matures. This may require working with property owners to find suitable locations on private property. Coordinating the wayfinding system with the Streamline bus stops would be ideal in addition to focusing on Gateway and Key intersections called out in the District Plan. Wayfinding system shall also strengthen connections between complementary uses – fairgrounds, high school, MSU, Downtown and future parks and open space. NEW SIGNS in the N. 7th Avenue Sign District are required to comply with the Design Objectives Plan and, if requested, meet the District Specific Standards for 20% signage area bonus. Those properties demonstrating superior quality signs that add visual interest to the District may request a 20% bonus to their allowed square footage. This shall be processed administratively; however, the Planning Director may request input from the Design Review Board. At a minimum, the signage shall meet the standards of the Bozeman Design Objectives Plan and shall meet the following criteria: Comprehensive sign plan provided Non-franchise in appearance (This is not meant to discourage use of franchise logos but rather encourage the use of franchise logo in a way that is unique to Bozeman). Wall signage that is comprised of internally lit channelized letters and symbols, including neon; OR, wall signage that is externally illuminated Uses a symbol or unique shape for the sign. Sign is incorporated into landscaped area. Reader boards are discouraged unless proposed for a business which hosts events and/or scheduled entertainment: movie theaters, playhouses, theaters and restaurants/bars with stages for live entertainment (see below). Reader boards shall be allowed in addition to freestanding signage but shall be attached and subordinate (smaller size, located beneath) to the free standing sign. EXHIBIT C QUALIFICATIONS EVALUATION CRITERIA Respondents to requests for proposals shall be evaluated on the following criteria with the selection committee choosing, in its opinion, the most qualified firm to provide the services required for the proposed project. The scope of required services is Attachment A. The City proposes to evaluate firms on strengths in the following specific categories: A. Methodology and Knowledge Familiarity with urban renewal law or policy for urban infill areas with established plans and design guidelines Familiarity with interpreting design objectives for site, buildings and signs for an urban area Familiarity with zoning standards and sign code that implements established guidelines and goals for an urban renewal area, overlay district and/or infill area Familiarity with urban renewal and administration of Urban Renewal Programs Understanding of urban development requirements and constraints of infill development. Ability to identify and explain conflicting elements of adopted plans and policies Ability to provide recommendations to remedy conflicting plans and policies and advance the implementation of the adopted Urban Renewal Plan Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports and documentation describing and supporting the recommendations B. Experience: Experience of principals of the firm and those responsible for this project in completing comparable work. Experience writing zone code, standards and policy for urban renewal or infill areas Experience writing sign code Experience in communities of similar size to Bozeman. Experience with the Planning document types which are the subject of this RFP. References of the firm’s past work which may be obtained by the City. C. Public Involvement 1. Ability to communicate complex topics clearly to the NSURB, Staff, and public. 2. Ability and willingness to work with citizen advisory groups to provide meaningful opportunities for understanding of zoning standards, design objectives, urban renewal and how the recommendations are generated. Weighting of the evaluation will be: 30% The qualifications of professional personnel to be assigned to the project. 30% Related experience on similar projects; 10% Capability to meet project schedule and budget requirements; 10% Location of firm in relation to project and familiarity with local conditions; 10% Present and projected workloads demonstrating the firm’s ability to provide the requested services; and 10% Previous work shows good attention to detail. Samples may be provided and/or the City may check references to verify work quality.