On March 17, the Chevy Chase Neighborhood Association presented suggestions for a proposed Neighborhood Design Character (ND-1) overlay to the neighborhood to about 70 residents and interested parties.
The overlay has been a project of a committee from the neighborhood association for about two years and, though public meetings and presentations have been held throughout the process, the proposal has only recently included finished suggestions.
ND-1 designation is detailed in Article 29 of the zoning ordinance, according to which “…it is deemed essential by the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council that the qualities relating to the visual characteristics that give a distinct identity to an area and a harmonious appearance of structures which stabilize neighborhoods and maintain their character, be promoted, conserved and preserved.”
One of the prominent goals of ND-1 listed in the article includes that an overlay should, “Assure that new construction is in harmony with the scale and physical character of the original buildings of the neighborhood through the use of design standards.”
Members of the committee cite speculative construction and renovation projects in the Chevy Chase neighborhood as those of particular concern, but any construction would be regulated by ND-1.
The intent, purpose, policies and goals of ND-1 are listed in full in Article 29 of the LFUCG Zoning ordinance. Also included are details on what neighborhood types qualify and surveys required to make a proposal for ND-1 in Lexington and Fayette County.
Elements that can be regulated by ND-1 overlays in Lexington and Fayette County include: exterior building materials, roof lines and shape, repeating elements, landscaping requirements, minimum window and door openings, front building features, garage doors, lot widths, building orientation, building heights, building setbacks, rear yard building setbacks, accessory structures, bulk plane (main face of building), and off-street parking design.
Those elements proposed in suggestions from the ND-1 committee of the Chevy Chase Neighborhood Association do not include all elements listed above since any ND-1 overlay is based on the specific design analysis, which includes information on the common elements of a neighborhood, and present and early character of structures in the neighborhood. The design analysis also includes a requirement to develop preservation goals for the neighborhood and identify and project future character based on potential change from present-day trends and regulations.
According to Article 29, and a brochure from the LFUCG that highlights important points and frequently asked questions, any neighborhood can apply for ND-1 overlay by meeting with the historic preservation division of the LFUCG and then conducting a design study and analysis. A petition to the planning commission or council is then made to initiate an overlay zoning application.
Currently, the process for Chevy Chase is in a phase of community education and petitioning. The March 17 meeting was, for some, simply one more step in the process. For others, it was a first introduction to the concept and proposal. Opinions fell on both sides of the issue and several attendees took the opportunity to comment on or ask questions about the suggestions.
ND-1 committee member and neighborhood resident Bradley Hawkins said the feedback and education is key at this stage of the process. “After the meeting, there were some changes made to the materials being presented. Suggestion one (which limited square footage of a main structure to 2,600 square feet or 30 percent of lot size, whichever is greater, excluding basements) was removed. It’s not one that is necessary according to Article 29 and…there wasn’t a consensus from neighbors that it was necessary or would be supported.”
Individuals contacted, who expressed concern at the meeting, did not wish to comment at this time.
On April 7, another neighborhood meeting will be held at Christ the King for further input and comments. April 12-20 will be an education and outreach drive during which volunteers will attempt to talk to all property owners in the neighborhood about the suggestions and the process. During that time, volunteers will also have a petition that property owners may choose to sign.
Fifty-one percent approval by property owners is required to move the process to the next phase. Residents and property owners who have questions may e-mail chevychasena@hotmail.com.
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