17 - Laserfiche WebLink

spaces to active uses is a priority of the DSP because active uses add interest to the streetscape and encourage pedestrian activity. In addition, active uses are more likely to remain open in the evenings and on weekends. This draws customers and thereby increases the downtown's economic viability. Staff believes the original proposal for a ground floor real estate office (as submitted in December) is not consistent with the DSP policies and does not promote an active pedestrian environment similar to retail, restaurants or other establishments in the downtown. The modified proposal (as submitted in January) provides a more substantial retail component and promotes an active pedestrian environment. Conformance with Active Ground Floor Use Requirements As previously noted, the subject site is located in the C-C (Central Commercial), Active Ground-Floor Overlay District. Pursuant to the PMC, offices are not permitted on the ground floor when the property is in the Active Ground-Floor Overlay District within the C-C District and Downtown Specific Plan. The DSP and PMC Chapter 18.81 outline both the applicability of the active ground floor use requirements; and the procedure for granting exceptions to allow non-active ground floor uses. PMC 18.81.020: Applicability This district shall apply to all properties within the areas designated as active ground-floor overlay district within the downtown specific plan, except as modified by the following: A. The overlay shall not apply to tenant spaces with a storefront whose primary access is not from Main Street or another street designated with the overlay (as depicted in the Downtown Specific Plan Land Use Diagram). B. For buildings that have multiple tenant spaces, the requirements of the overlay shall only apply to the tenant spaces with frontage on Main Street or a street designated with the overlay (as depicted in the Downtown Specific Plan Land Use Diagram). C. For tenant spaces accommodating multiple uses, a minimum of the first 25-percent of the depth of tenant space (measured perpendicular to the facade fronting a designated active street) must be occupied with an active use. D. The overlay shall not apply to buildings containing banks or financial institutions existing as of the date of adoption of this chapter, and purpose-built for such uses. PMC 18.81.040 Procedure for Granting Exceptions. A. The director of community development or his/her designee may grant an exception to allow a non-active ground floor use within a tenant space or building, based on any of the following criteria: 1. The tenant space has been vacant for a period of at least six months. Evidence of attempts to lease space shall be provide to the director of community development upon request. P21-0033, 550 Main Street Planning Commission 6 of 8