Compatible Infill
The older residential neighborhoods of Planning District I are a critical component of the city’s identity. When a new, out of scale or poorly sited dwelling is built on a developed street it causes concern from residents. The new dwelling can have a negative visual impact and social impact on the neighborhood and set a bad precedent for future development that may not be desirable.
If done properly, residential infill development can be an asset to any community. The elements the city should preserve in the district are front setbacks, front porches consistent with the style of house, main entrances oriented to the public street, respect for the scale and mass of the existing neighborhood and exterior materials that are compatible with the style and materials of the neighboring houses on the block.
Developers and landowners need to have a clear picture of what is allowed and what the rules and regulations will permit. The city’s regulatory tools such as the zoning ordinance should be amended to achieve the goal of compatible infill development. It is recommended that the city amend the Neighborhood Conservation District of the zoning ordinance to create design criteria that will govern all infill projects.