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To: Planning Commissioners, David, Delo, Jen
Subject: Using the AmeriGas block as a test site for developing a workable code
Hello. This is what I spoke about at the meeting on Tuesday (Feb 14).
This is not a transcription, but rather a document based on my notes.
I believe that to design building and massing for that one site would create valuable guidelines that Ben Noble
could then utilize.
Thank you.
— Fred Weis
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Your form-based code study session on Saturday with Ben Noble.
A few comments. I like Ben. I think he’s smart, and he can give us any Form-Based Code that you specify. But
he’s not an architect, and I don’t regard him as a planner. His orientation seems to be urban and
modern. Frankly, I don’t think he’s the right man for the job here.
[Added note: But he is what we have. My feeling is that he can create a code based upon the specifications
that you provide to him, but left on his own there may be some severe issues. The sheer vertical wall — no
stepbacks, no setback, right up to the property line — example that we saw is what I’m talking about. In a
larger city, maybe. Here, it is not appropriate.]
The proposed code for form and massing, with height, setbacks, and setbacks was horrendous. By making
stepbacks a percentage of ground floor area, it would allow a sheer vertical wall of whatever height you decide
– 5, 6, or 7 stories – just 10 feet away from a single-family home parcel, or ZERO feet from any other parcel.
This is not what we’ve been talking about here.
Here’s a proposal. Pick one site. Have a discussion among yourselves about what kind of FormBased Code it would take to satisfy what you want to see happen on that one site.
I propose the AmeriGas site – between 6th & 7th, between K and L. Here’s why:
 It is sure to be developed.
 It has a different kind of neighbor on each side. On K Street, there’s a major thoroughfare with
likely bus routes. The other side of K Street are 1-story commercial buildings that will likely be redeveloped. On 7th Street, there are historic one-story residences across the street. For purposes of the
2
exercise, assume that L Street will be a linear park. The heights would have to step down to that, for
light and solar access. On 6th Street it’s across from Bud’s mini-storage – that’s commercial.
 It’s a full block.
 It could have an alley.
 It could have a Woonerf (pronounced: Vonerf) on 6th Street, as a walking street.
That one block has about every type of neighbor we’re going to find in the Gateway Area. You’ll need a bus
pullout, deep sidewalks, some private-public areas. On 7th Street a big setback to avoid solar shading.
Diagonally, there’s the Montessori Garden and the Trailer Park.
When you come up with the elements of a Form-Based Code that would work for that site, you’ve
gone a long way toward a final building and massing code.
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