Livable Corridors Project
Project Contact:
Lina Velasco
(510) 620-6841
Project Description:
The City of Richmond, in partnership with Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), the Local Government Commission (LGC), and Opticos Design, Inc. is developing a Form-Based Code (FBC) for three major commercial corridors in the City. The FBC will be an implementation tool that guides the transformation and revitalization of Macdonald Avenue, San Pablo Avenue, and 23rd Street into livable, walkable, and economically thriving corridors. Portions of these three corridors are identified as FOCUS Priority Development Areas (PDAs).
In 2009, the City began drafting a FBC for a portion of the 23rd Street corridor between Rheem Avenue and the BART tracks to facilitate its revitalization and enhancement. The draft 23rd Street FBC represents an important first step for the City as it begins to reform its outmoded zoning regulations. This project will build upon the 23rd Street FBC, utilizing its regulatory framework to create site-specific FBCs for each of the three corridors through intensive, community-based design processes.
A FBC seeks to foster predictable built results and a high-quality public realm. As an alternative to conventional zoning, the FBC will focus on the creation, revitalization, and preservation of vibrant, walkable urban places by utilizing physical form, rather than use, as the primary organizing principle. It also promotes standards for both private and public realms. The Livable Corridors FBC will address physical characteristics and standards governing private realm components along the corridors, including building placement, form, height, frontage, and land use, ensuring that new development contributes to walkable urbanism. The FBC will also address public realm components, including roadways, streets, sidewalks, and civic spaces. Special emphasis and analysis will be given to sustainability and public health indicators, ensuring that regulations promote environmentally responsible places that maximize public health benefits. This community planning effort is funded in part through a grant awarded by the California Strategic Growth Council.
Project Advisory Group
A Project Advisory Group comprised of representatives from area agencies and the Richmond community was formed to assist the City and consultant team in identifying important issues and additional planning data needs, and to help define the format for the Form-Based Code. The Project Advisory Group will also help engage all segments of the community and maximize participation in the design charrette and follow-up workshops.
Meeting #1 - November 2, 2011
Meeting #2 - December 6, 2011
- Agenda
- Materials and Handouts
Meeting #3 - August 9, 2012
Community Kickoff - February 11, 2012
9:00 AM -2:00 PM
San Pablo Avenue Thoroughfare Concepts
Design Charrette's
Focus Area Design Charrette: Macdonald Avenue
West of Richmond BART Station to Richmond Parkway
February 13-16, 2012
Focus Area Design Charrette Design Charrette: San Pablo Avenue
East of Richmond BART Station - March 19-23, 2012
Focus Area Design Charrette Design Charrette: 23rd Street
Ohio Avenue to I-580 - April 10-12, 2012
