§ 16.20.120.3. Introduction to the DC districts.

The downtown center districts are the DC-C, DC-1, DC-2, DC-3 and DC-P districts. The districts recognize the unique flavor of each area and scale down developments as they leave the intense core of the downtown and approach the neighborhoods to the north, south and west.

16.20.120.3.1. Downtown Center-Core (DC-C).

The Downtown Center-Core District is the most intensive district in the City's schedule of regulations. The purpose of this district is to create a diverse and vibrant downtown which serves as a center for employment, entertainment and retail activity. This district, hugging Central Avenue, allows the highest densities, intensities and building height. Development in this district provides appropriate pedestrian amenities, pedestrian linkages, ground level retail, and cultural activities. The design of buildings and streetscaping (both hardscape and landscape improvements) promotes a successful people-oriented downtown area as defined in the intown redevelopment plan. Residential uses are allowed as a secondary use within the district. Uses that do not require a central location or those requiring a vehicular emphasis are less appropriate in this location and are discouraged.

16.20.120.3.2. Downtown Center-1 (DC-1).

This district provides for intense mixed-use development which creates a strong mixture of uses that enhance and support the core. Office and other employment uses are highly encouraged. Development in this district provides appropriate pedestrian amenities, pedestrian linkages, ground level retail, and cultural activities. Buildings and streetscaping (both hardscape and landscape improvements) are designed in a manner that promotes a successful people-oriented downtown area as exemplified and defined in the intown and intown west redevelopment plans.

16.20.120.3.3. Downtown Center-2 (DC-2).

This district provides for intense residential development that still allows for a mixture of uses that enhance and support the core and surrounding neighborhoods, including the domed stadium. The district also allows support retail and office uses which assist the residents with the daily needs of living within this highly urbanized neighborhood. The district establishes performance standards and design guidelines appropriate to urban form residential buildings. Heights in this district begin to taper down as development sites become less proximate to the core and transition to surrounding neighborhoods. However, base setbacks still apply, creating a pedestrian-scale environment at the sidewalk level.

16.20.120.3.4. Downtown Center-3 (DC-3).

This district encourages development of residential, offices, hotels, specialty retail and permitted mixed uses compatible with the waterfront area with special emphasis for pedestrian-oriented development at the street level. Additional setbacks above the base level of the building encourage an intimate village scale along Beach Drive. Taller buildings are required to step back from the waterfront park system.

16.20.120.3.5. Downtown Center-Park (DC-P).

This district denotes Williams Park, Mirror Lake, and the lands which are public parks, or development located within public parks, east of Beach Drive. In these areas, heights and development intensities will be limited and setbacks will be generous to maintain a sense of open space adjacent to the public spaces.

(Code 1992, § 16.20.120.3; Ord. No. 876-G, § 12, 2-21-2008)