18.31.030 Chapter organization.
This chapter is organized with six articles that focus on specific elements of development in the downtown. The regulations and guidance of this chapter are interrelated and intended to work together to ensure the vision of the downtown as provided in the comprehensive plan is achieved. The location, configuration, and proposed use(s) of a development determine which sections of this chapter will apply.
(1) The articles are the following. See the table of contents of this chapter for the list of sections under each article.
(a) Article I – Purpose and Applicability. This article describes where and when these regulations apply in downtown, the chapter’s organization, and how design standard departures are processed.
(b) Article II – Zoning. This article includes the downtown zoning map and addresses permitted land uses, density, and dimension standards. There are four zoning districts within the boundaries of downtown Covington, each intended to develop with their own unique character, intensity of development, and associated development standards.
(c) Article III – Street Types and Circulation. This article establishes the downtown street types and required design elements within the right-of-way. Development adjacent to sub-standard streets is required to upgrade streets to meet the standards. This article also establishes maximum block sizes and through-block connection standards to create a more walkable downtown environment.
(d) Article IV – Design Standards – Block – Frontages. This article establishes the block-frontage designations and required design elements for the portions of buildings facing streets. The standards regulate the most critical ground-floor design elements that effect the creation of a comfortable and lively pedestrian-oriented streetscape.
(e) Article V – Design Standards – Site Planning. This article contains the standards for the design and layout of development sites, minimum parking spaces and the layout of parking lots, and the design of pedestrian routes, on-site amenity areas, utility and service elements, landscaping, and exterior lighting.
(f) Article VI – Design Standards – Building Design. This article contains standards for the architectural massing and exterior design of buildings, ground-floor details, exterior materials, blank wall requirements, and the design of structured parking.
(2) Most sections within this chapter herein include the following elements:
(a) Purpose statements, which are overarching objectives.
(b) Guidelines use words such as “should” or “is/are recommended,” or “encouraged,” signifying voluntary measures.
(c) Standards use words such as “shall” and “is/are required,” signifying required actions.
(i) Some standards are easily quantifiable, while others provide a level of discretion to the applicant in how they are complied with. In the latter case, the applicant shall demonstrate to the Director, in writing, how the choices made for the development meets the purpose of the standard.
(ii) DEPARTURES may be considered for specific standards in this chapter. They allow alternative designs provided the Director determines the resulting design and overall development meets the “purpose” of the standards and other applicable criteria. See CMC 18.31.040 for related procedures associated with departures. (Ord. 08-21 § 3 (Exh. B))