Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
COMP PLAN: Ch 13 - Land Use
CHAPTER X\\' LAND USE POLICIES CHAPTER Xlll- COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POLICIES AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION This chapter is included to insure that each policy is implemented by some positive action by the City. The policies are usually implemented by ordinance. Some policies, by their nature, are not implemented by ordinance, but represent ideals and general goals the City feels are important enough to warrant a policy statement. Other policies will require future action by the City. This chapter should be used to determine how any specific policy is implemented. CHAPTER I: HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES GOAL: TO PRESERVE HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURES AND SITES IN ASHLAND POLICIES I-1 The City recognizes that the preservation of historic sites and buildings provides both tangible evidence of our heritage and economic advantages. 1) General policy, not implemented by law or through the land use process. I-2 The Historic Commission shall offer recommendations Code. to the City Council and Planning Commission concerning the alteration or disposition of structures, sites, or neighborhoods within the historic interest areas in Ashland. 2) 'Chapter 2.24 and 18.74 of the Ashland Municipal I-3 The Historic Commission shall review all building, sign, demolition, or moving permits occurring in the areas of historic interest, using procedures established by law, in order to offer its opinion on the proposal's impact on historic preservation. 3) Chapter 18.74 of the Ashland Municipal Code. I-4 The Historic Commission shall encourage and promote 4) Chapter 2.24, of the Ashland Municipal Code, general educational programs to inform the public of the values of policy. historic preservation. I-5 The Historic Commission shall seek the official designation of important historic buildings and districts by national, state and local organizations. The Commission shall assist the Planning Staff and Planning Commission in exercising appropriate controls on the external appearance and disposition of such buildings and districts. 5) Chapter 18.74, Chapter 18.72, AMC 2 I-6 The City shall identify and inventory its significant historic buildings, structures, sites, objects and districts employing photographic, written and oral documentation, and maps, and shall protect those resources identified as significant. I-7 The City shall develop and implement through law design guidelines for new development as well as for alteration of existing structures within the historic interest areas for structures and areas that are historically significant. I-8 The Historic Commission shall take appropriate measures to encourage City communication with local, state and federal agencies which can supply funding, information and political support for Ashland's historic preservation activities. I-9 The City shall develop and maintain guidelines for analyzing and resolving conflicting uses of its historic resources, and shall encourage traditional uses of historic resources. 6) General policy 7) Chapters 18.72, 18.74, AMC 8) General Policy 9) General policy, not implemented through the land use process. 3 CHAPTER III - CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT GOAL: - TO MAINTAIN A CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM THAT ENSURES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR Citizens TO BE INVOLVED IN ALL PHASES OF THE PLAN- NING PROCESS. POLICIES III-I Continue the existing Ashland citizens' Planning Advisory Committee to assist the Ashland Plan- significant planning issues, implementing ordi- nances, and all LCDC and Comprehensive Plan goals. III-2 Ensure, as much as possible, that the 16-mem- ber citizens' Planning Advisory Committee repre- sents a geographic, occupational and ideological cross-section of the citizenship of Ashland. All future selections to the Committee should be with the ideal of representing a cross-section of Ash- land's population. III-3 Ensure in the future that all citizens are given the opportunity to contribute their views to planning issues through the public hearing process. III-4 The City shall sponsor informal workshops dur- ing the development of significant elements of the Plan or implementing ordinances, so that complex issues may be better understood by the public. 1) Chapter 2.27, 18.108 AMC. 2) Chapter 2.27 of the Ashland Municipal Code. 3) Chapter 2.27 of the Ashland Municipal Code. 4) City policy. 4 III-5 5) City policy. The City should develop education materials such as guidelines, handouts, etc. to increase under- standing of the City codes by the general pub- lic. When necessary, the City should sponsor seminars and classes to better inform the public. CHAPTER IV - ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES GOAL: TO GUARANTEE THAT THERE IS AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF GRANITE AVAILABLE FOR USE IN AND AROUND THE CITY OF ASHLAND, WHILE ENSURING THAT THE INCOMPATIBLE EFFECTS OF MINING ARE SUFFICIENTLY MITIGATED. POLICIES: IV-1 Restrict the three existing granite quarries to operations within the confines of their existing tax lots, subject to the non-conforming use section of the Land Use Ordinance. IV-2 Forbid the expansion of the quarries through the Conditional Use Permit procedure as spelled out in the City's implementing ordinances. IV-3 Prevent the establishment of any additional quarrying sites within the City due to the incompati- bility of mining with other urban uses. IV-4 Ensure that all the existing private and public quarries are reclaimed and revegetated after mining activities are completed. GOAL: HAVE SOUND SOIL CONSERVATION AND EROSION CONTROL PRACTICES IN AND AROUND ASHLAND. 1) Chapter 18.14, 18.16, and 18,68.080 of AMC. 2) Chapter 18.14, 18.16, and 18,68.080 of AMC. 3) Chapter 18.14, 18.16 4) Chapter 18.68.080 of the AMC. POLICIES: IV-5 Require that development be accommodated to natural topography, drainage, and soils and make maximum use of existing vegetation to minimize erosion. IV-6 Prevent development and land management 18.84, practices which result in rapid runoff and accelerated erosion. IV-7 Require site-preparation procedures and construction practices which minimize erosion and sedimentation. IV-8 Protect essential hillside drainage areas for 18.84, absorption of storm runoff, and other areas subject to severe soil erosion, unless control can be established. IV-9 Incorporate site drainage practices that reduce runoff velocity and volume, by utilizing the natural prop- erties of the soils and vegetation in conjunction with sound engineering practices. IV-10 Insure that areas of general slope over 30% are zoned for two dwelling units per acre or less, and permit total lot coverage to be no more than 20%. IV-11 Restrict'any new partitioning or subdivision of land on slopes greater than 40%. IV-12 Forbid any new development or cuts and fills on slopes greater than 50% unless absolutely necessary and scientific and geologic evidence is available showing 5) Chapter 18.62, 18.72, 18.84, and 18.88 of the AMC. 6) Zoning map, WR and RR zones, 18.62, 18.72, and 18.88 of the AMC. 7) Chapter 18.62, 18.72, 18.84, and 18.88 of the AMC. 8) Zoning map, WR and RR zones, 18.62, 18.72, 18.88 of the AMC. 9) 18.62, 18.72 and 18.88 of the AMC. 10) Zoning map, WR and RR zones. 11) 18.62 of the AMC. 12) 18.62 of the AMC. 7 that it may be done safety. IV-13 Use development performance standards based on the natural topography, drainage, soils, lot coverage, and densities in place of arbitrary subdivision standards to ensure that natural features are an integral part of the design phase of future developments. GOAL: REDUCE THE IMPACT OF URBANIZATION AND OTHER LAND USES ON THE QUALITY OF WATER IN AND AROUND ASHLAND IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE CITY WATER SUPPLY IS OF THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE QUALITY AND IS DRAWN FROM DEPENDABLE SOURCES. POLICIES: IV-14 Encourage public awareness of problems of the Ashland watershed and their causes. IV-15 Prevent any development or activity, future or Council existing, ' which has an adverse effect on the watershed. IV-16 Maintain and improve the quality of both surface and ground water resources, and prohibit new practices and developments which. cannot meet water quality standards. IV-17 Cooperate with agencies, firms and citizens' use groups in improving water quality and the condition of the watershed. GOAL: PROTECT THE QUALITY OF RIPARIAN 8 13) 18.62, 18.72, ,18.84, and 18.88 of the AMC. 14) Council policy, not implemented by the land use process. 15) Chapter 18.62, Zoning Map, WR zone, and policy. 16) Chapter 18.62 of the AMC, WR zone. 17) Council policy, not implemented through the land process. RESOURCE LANDS, AND PRESERVE THEIR WILD- LIFE HABITATS. POLICIES: IV-18 Identify, protect and seek conservation easements throughout significant riparian areas (streams, stream banks, and flood plain areas), and wildlife habitat areas. IV-19 Encourage more public access to waterways, but define what public activities can take place. Ensure that such access does not result in water and visual pollution. IV-20 Where possible, utilize water-related areas for visual relief, pockets of wildlife habitat, landscaping amenities, natural site design elements, recreational uses, bike paths, and pedestrian and jogging trails. IV-21 Utilize local resources to form a technical advisory AMC. committee to identify plants and animals which rely on riparian habitat for their continued existence. Retaining these areas in a natural state should be of high priority, and development should consider and accommodate the habitat utilized by these plants and animals. GOAL: TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT SIGNIFICANT WETLANDS, AND TO MITIGATE POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON THESE AREAS DUE TO DEVELOPMENT AND CONFLICTING USES. POLICIES: IV-22 Evaluate the quantity and quality of wetland resources inside the City Limits and within the Urban 10 18) 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, 18.88 of the AMC. 19) 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, 18.88 of the AMC, Open Space Plan. 20) 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, 18.88 of the AMC, Open Space Plan. 21) 18.62, 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, and 18.88 of the 22) Adoption of the wetland provisions of 18.62 of the Growth Boundary through the compilation of an inventory of significant wetlands. IV-23 Develop site review procedures and performance 18.88. standards, Using buffering techniques, setbacks, and mitigation measures, to reduce the impacts of development on significant wetland areas. IV-24 The City should actively pursue the use of Transfer of Development Rights, dedications, direct-lease arrangements, and purchase or other acquisition strategies as viable methods for preserving and insuring public access to significant wetland areas. IV-25 Examine the Physical and Environmental Constraints AMC. chapter of Ashland's Land Ordinance concerning wetland and riparian areas, and insure that existing zoning regulations maintain these valuable areas in a natural state. IV-26 Utilize local resources to form a technical advisory committee to identify plants and animals which rely on wetland habitat for their continued existence. Retaining these areas in a natural state should be of high priority, and development should consider and accommodate the habitat utilized by these plants and animals. GOAL: TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM FLOODING AND FLOOD HAZARDS, AND MANAGE THE AREAS SUBJECT TO FLOODING TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC'S INTEREST. 23) 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, 24) Open Space Program 25) Chapter 18.62 of the 26) 18.62, 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, and 18.88 of the AMC 11 POLICIES: IV-27 The City shall continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, complying with all applicable standards. IV-28 In flood prone areas, allow alternatives to urban development, such as agriculture, open space, parks, wildlife habitat, natural areas and recreational uses through the physical and environmental regulations in the City code. IV-29 Development in any flood prone area is not a guar- designing anteed right, but depends upon whether the benefits to the public outweigh problems which would be caused by development, especially problems which may occur upstream or downstream during flooding. IV-30 New development (including fill) shall be allowed in floodways only upon the finding that obstruction of flood waters is minimized. Non-structural solutions to flooding are preferable to structural solutions. IV-31 Fill of flood fringe areas shall require a permit as specified in the physical and environmental constraints regulations and fill ghall be engineered'and compacted to City standards. Fills shall be kept to the minimum neces- sary to achieve project purposes. IV-32 Apply special physical and environmental restrictions to all areas of Ashland which are identified as flood-prone, streams in the federal study, and other significant drainage ways. 27) 15.10, 18.62 AMC. 28) R, C, and E zoning code, 18.62 of the AMC. 29) City Policy used in flood plain regulations. 30) 18.62 of the AMC. 31) 18.62 of the AMC. 32) 18.62 of the AMC. 12 IV-33 All existing natural drainage ways as identified on the physical and environmental constraints map shall be left in a natural state or modified only after City approval. IV-34 As proposed with active streambeds, an analysis of potential runoff from upstream hard-surface areas shall be conducted, and streambed profiles shall be adapted to accommodate the flow to prevent flooding of adjacent residences. The City shall acquire easements to maintain the carrying capacity of said streambeds. GOAL: PRESERVE FOREST AREAS WITHIN AND AROUND THE CITY FOR THEIR VISUAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND WATER QUALITY VALUES. POLICIES: IV-35 Require that commercial logging of forest lands within Ashland's City limits be subject to a special permit. IV-36 Emphasize the preservation of forest vegetation to the maximum extent possible as forested areas of the City are converted to urban uses. IV-37 Use low-density zoning to ensure that develop- ment of the forested hillsides is kept at a level that maintains the forested integrity of the areas. GOAL: DIRECT DEVELOPMENT TO AREAS THAT ARE LESS THAN 40% SLOPE. ALLOW ONLY LOW 33) 18.62 of the AMC. 34) 18.62, 18.72 of the AMC. 35) WR zoning (18.14.030(H)) 36) 18.88 of the AMC. 37) WR, RRzones. 13 DENSITY DEVELOPMENT AT LESS THAN TWO DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE ON AREAS OF GREATER THAN 30% SLOPE. PERMIT ONLY LOW INTENSITY DEVELOPMENT OF STEEP LANDS, WITH STRICT EROSION CONTROL AND SLOPE STABILIZING MEASURES. IV-38 Develop erosion control standards to ensure that development of these forested areas will not cause erosion problems. IV-39 Restrict creation of new lots on land that is greater than 40% slope, unless a buildable area of less than 40% slope is available on each lot. IV-40 Zone all lands which have a slope generally greater than 30% for development that will have no more than 2 dwelling units per acre or 20% lot coverage by impervious surfaces. GOAL: TO PRESERVE EXISTING WILDLIFE HABITATS AND NATURAL AREAS WITHIN THE CITY WHEREVER POSSIBLE. POLICIES: IV-41 Encourage educational programs documenting the value of Ashland's environmental resources and current trends in their quality. IV-42 As a means to provide habitat, implement an open space programs that will 1) ensure open space, 2) protect scenic and natural resources for future generations and 3) promote a healthy and visually attractive environment in harmony with the natural landscape. 14 38) 18.62 of the AMC. 39) 18.62 of the AMC. 40) Zoning Map, application of the RR zone. 41) Council Policy 42) Chapter VIII of the Comprehensive Plan IV-43 Continue to strengthen the site review process to assess accurately the environmental impact and ensure that changes in land use acknowledges limitations and opportunities of the site and have as little detrimental impact as possible. IV-44 Some areas in the City limits cannot be urbanized. Those areas, mostly flood-prone areas and steep hillsides in the southwest area of the City, should be protected by low-density and open-space zoning. This low-density zoning designation would also provide suitable buffers between urbanized land in the City and adjacent forest lands in the County. GOAL: PROTECT LIFE, PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES IN ASHLAND'S URBAN/WILDLAND INTERFACE AREA FROM THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF WILDFIRE. LESSEN THE POSSIBILITY OF WILDFIRE SPREADING TO THE ASHLAND WATERSHED FROM THE URBAN/WILDLAND INTERFACE AREA. POLICIES: IV-45 Require installation and maintenance of a 40-foot fuel break around each dwelling unit or structure. IV-46 Require multi-dwelling unit developments to install and maintain a perimeter fuel break to prevent fire from entering the development, or to prevent a fire spreading from the development and threatening the Ashland Watershed. (Width of break is dependent on topography, aspect, vegetation, types and steepness of slopes.) 43) Council Policy. 44) Zoning Map, use of the WR zone. 45) Chapter 18.62 of the AMC 46) Chapter 18.62 of the AMC 15 IV-47 Where vegetation needs to be maintained for slope Education stability in a fuel break area, require plantings of fire- resistant or slow-burning plants. The City shall make a list of such plants available to the public. (See "Wildfire Hazard Management in the Urban/Wildland Interface in Southern Oregon," by Claude Curran - May, 1978.) IV-48 Require more than one ingress/egress route or road widths wide enough to accommodate incoming fire apparatus and evacuating residents simultaneously in an emergency situation. IV-49 Require roofs to be constructed of fire-resistant materials. Wood shake or shingle roofs would not be allowed. IV-50 Encourage road placement to function as fire breaks in urban/wildland interface developments. IV-51 Require chimneys of wood-burning devices to be equipped with spark arrester caps and/or screens. IV-52 Install all new electrical distribution circuits in the urban/wildland interface underground if technically feasible. IV-53 The City shall encourage and support education/ information programs dealing with wildfire hazards in the urban/wildland interface. Information shall be made available through the City Building and Planning Depart- ments to developers and builders wishing to build in the urban/wildland interface. 16 47) Chapter 18.62, Fire Department Program. 48) 18.62, 18.76, 18.88 of the AMC. 49) 18.62 of the AMC. 50) 18.62 of the AMC. 51) 18.62 of the AMC. 52) City policy, Subdivision Standards. 53) City Policy. GOAL: MAKE A CONTINUING EFFORT TO REDUCE NOISE LEVELS, AND INSURE THAT NEW DEVELOP- MENT IS DEVELOPED IN A WAY TO MINIMIZE NOISE IMPACTS. 17 IV-54 Establish a noise decibel standard both for enforcement of noise complaints from existing noise sources, and for evaluating the potential for new noise pollution. IV-55 Insure that residential development is kept away from the maximum noise area around that Ashland Airport, and that new residential development near the Airport is aware of the potential for noise, and waives the right to file nuisance suits in the future. IV-56 Discourage new residential areas near the Railroad and 1-5 freeway, and where it occurs, insure that new development meets that following standards: 40dB in the sleeping quarters, 45dB in the rest of the home, 55 dB for no more than 50% of the time in the outdoor spaces, and a maximum of 70dB for occasional noise sources such as the Railroad. IV-57 Use the Site Review process to insure that new development will meet the City's noise standards. 54) Chapter 9.08.170, AMC. 55) Chapter 18.60, A-1 Overlay Zone 56) Chapter 18.68, General Regulations. 57) Chapter 18.72, Site Design 18 CHAPTER V - POPULATION PROJECTIONS AND GROWTH GOAL: TO PROVIDE FOR THE NEEDS OF THE EXPECTED POPULATION GROWTH IN ASHLAND TO THE YEAR 2005, AND MAINTAIN A DIVERSITY OF INCOME, CULTURAL, AND AGE GROUPS IN ASHLAND'S POPULATION, CONSISTENT WITH OTHER PLAN GOALS. POLICIES: V-1 Develop a growth management strategy that will exceeds monitor Ashland's size and rate of growth. If needed, develop methods to keep the growth within the expected population projection, while accommodating the cyclical nature of growth. V-2 All other plans and projections by the City should use the same population projection, for consistency of planning, unless compelling reasons exist for using alternative projections. V-3 Review and revise, if necessary, the population projections after data from the 1990 Census is available. V-4 Strive to maintain a diversity of population groups in Ashland, especially if increased growth pressure leads to more expensive housing. Concentrate on population groups that are important to Ashland's character, such ' as students, artists and actors, employees of the city, school district, and college, service personnel who work in the tourism industry, hourly wage earners in local industries, and local residents who have not retired and 1) Council Policy, implemented if growth the expected range for more than three consecutive years. 2) Council Policy 3) Planning Division work program 4) Council Policy, Affordable Housing Plan. 19 live on fixed incomes. V-5 Strive for an equal proportion of cultural minorities as a whole in both the City's population and in municipal employment. V-6 Develop a system that derives the revenue needed Charges to pay for growth related costs from the development that is most directly responsible for the growth. Only derive the revenue from the growth that can be justified as the incremental cost that can be identified with the growth. Revenues received should only be spent on projects that will alleviate the problems associated with the growth. Take steps to reduce financial hardships caused by the growth taxing system where it adversely impacts targeted low income groups or needed economic development. 7) Monitor the proportion of tourist population to local population. 5) Council Policy 6) Chapter 4.20, Systems Development 7) Council Policy 20 CHAPTER VI - HOUSING GOAL: ENSURE A VARIETY OF DWELLING TYPES AND PROVIDE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE TOTAL CROSS-SECTION OF ASHLAND'S POPULATION, CONSISTENT WITH PRESERVING THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE CITY. POLICIES: VI-1 Given the scarcity and cost of land as a limited resource, conserve land and reduce the impact of land prices on housing to the maximum extent possible, using the following techniques: a) Use the absolute minimum street widths that will accommodate traffic adequately in order to reduce aesthetic impacts and lot coverage by impervious surfaces. b) Allow a wide variation in site-built housing types through the use of the City's Perfor- mance Standards ordinance. The use of at- tached housing, small lots and common open spaces shall be used where possible to devel- op more moderate cost housing and still re- tain the quality of life consistent with Ash- land's character. c) Consistent with policies relating to growth form, City policy should encourage develop- ment of vacant available lots within the ur- ban area, while providing sufficient new land to avoid an undue increase in land la) Chapter 18.88 (Performance Standards). lb) Same as VI-la. lc) Urban Growth Boundary; see also Urbanization goals (Chapter XII). 21 VI-2 prices. This shall be accomplished with specific annexation policies. d) Zone lands in the single-family designation consistent with the surrounding neighborhood if the area is mostly developed. Generally, lands south of Siskiyou Boulevard-North Main should be R-1-7.5 and R-l-10, and lands south of the Boulevard should be R-l-5. Using the following techniques, protect existing neighborhoods from incompatible development and encourage upgrading: a) Do not allow deterioration of residential areas by incompatible uses and developments. Where such uses are planned for, clear find- ings of intent shall be made in advance of the area designation. Such findings shall give a clear rationale, explaining the rela- tionship of the area to housing needs, trans- portation, open space, and any other perti- nent Plan topics. Mixed uses often create a more interesting and exciting urban environ- ment and should be considered as a develop- ment option wherever they will not disrupt an existing residential area. b) Prevent inconsistent and disruptive designs in residential areas through use of a limited . design review concept, in addition to using Historic Commission review as part of the site review, conditional use permit, or variance approval process. 22 ld) Zoning Map. 2a) Conditional uses allowed in R-2 zones (18.24). 2b) Chapter 18.74 of the AMC VI-3 c) Develop programs and efforts for rehabilita- tion and preservation of existing neighbor- hoods, and prevent development which is in- compatible and destructive. Regulation of residential uses shall be designed to complement, conserve and continue the aesthet- ic character of Ashland through use of the follow- ing techniques: a) Slope protection and lot coverage performance standards shall be used to fit development to topography, generally following the con- cept that density should decrease with an in- crease in slope to avoid excessive erosion and hillside cuts. This objective shall be used consistent with the desire to preserve land by using the smallest lot coverage possible. b) Site and design review shall be used to en- sure compatible multiple-family structures. Density incentives shall be used to encourage innovative, non-standardized design in single- family areas. c) Performance standards shall be used to regu- late new development in Ashland so that a variety of housing types built for the site and imaginative residential environments may be used to reduce cost and improve the aes- thetic character of new developments and de- crease the use of traditional zoning and sub- 2c) Council Policy, Zoning Code. 3a) Zoning Map, Chapter 18.62, 18.88, AMC. 3b) Chapters 18.88 (Performance Standards); 18.72 (Site Review). 3c) Chapter 18.88 (Performance Standards). 23 division standards. d) Street design and construction standards shall promote energy efficiency, air quality, and minimal use of land. To this end, the City shall: 1) Adopt a master conceptual plan of future streets by size and use category. 2) Ado'pt minimum street width standards which provide only what is needed for ade- quate traffic flow and parking. 3) Incorporate bicycle and pedestrian traffic planning in street design. 4) Limit street slopes, requiring curvilinear streets along contours in steeper areas. VI-4 Create and maintain administrative systems that will assist in all phases of housing and neighborhood planning through use of the following techniques: a) Establish and maintain a data base system which includes measurement of: vacant land and land consumption; housing conditions; land use, land values, and any other perti- nent data. b) Simplify and strengthen the processing approv- al mechanism so that the intent of state and local laws is fulfilled with the greatest pos- sible thoroughness and efficiency. 24 3d) 4a) Chapter 18.68, '18.82, Chapters 18.88 and 18.80, Transportation Plan. Not implemented by law; Planning Dept. function. 4b) Chapter 18.108 (Procedures). c) Cooperate fully with the Jackson County Housing Authority in locating low-income units in Ashland when this can be done in low-impact, relatively small developments, or through funding of individual homeowner loans or rental assistance. 4c) Council policy. VI-5 The residential sector is the major user of ener- gy in Ashland. Consistent with other housing goals, the City shall strive to promote, encour- age or require energy-efficient design in all new residential developments. 5) Council policy, density bonuses for energy efficiency in residential zones. 25 CHAPTER VII - ECONOMIC ELEMENT GOAL: TO ENSURE THAT THE LOCAL ECONOMY INCREASES IN ITS HEALTH, AND DIVERSIFIES IN THE NUMBER, TYPE AND SIZE OF BUSINESSES CONSISTENT WITH THE LOCAL SOCIAL NEEDS, PUBLIC SERVICE CAPABILITIES, AND THE .RETENTION OF A HIGH QUALITY ENVIRONMENT. VII-1 Policy_ - The City shall zone and designate within the Plan Map sufficient quantity of lands for commercial and industrial uses to provide for the employment needs of its residents and a portion of rural residents consistent with the population projection for the urban area. 1) Zoning Map. VII-2 Policy. - The City shall design the Land Use Ordinance to provide for: a) Land division and development within employment and manufacturing districts, and continue the employment zoning district which will provide for service, retail and light industrial uses consistent with specific performance standards relative to heavy truck traffic, noise, dust, vibration, and non-work related single- passenger vehicle trips. 2a) 18.80, 18.40, AMC b)Controlled access along Ashland Street to ensure limited points of common access to businesses that are developing or undergoing development in this area. 2b) 18.72, AMC. c)Specific development guidelines which will ensure that:2c) 18.72, 18.74, 18.24, 18.28, 18.32, 18.40, 18.54, in the AMC. New development or redevelopment in the Historic District 26 will be compatible with the character of the district. · Development along Siskiyou Boulevard and Ashland Street will not primarily be automobile-oriented, but will also include attractive landscaping and designs that encourage pedestrian, bicycle, and mass transit forms of travel. · Strong sign regulations exist which ensure that the number, size and placement of signs are the minimum required for recognition by the public of the business at the site. · Retail, office, and traveler's accommodations and neighborhood shopping in residential areas, at development intensities that are appropriate to the area. · Commercial or employment zones where business and residential uses are mixed. This is especially appropriate' as buffers between residential and employ- ment or commercial areas, and in the Downtown. · Medical uses as permitted uses in a designated, zoned area surrounding the Hospital and Maple Street. · Clear and objective standards for development reviews that provide for a quick and predictable approval process with a reduced amount of uncertainty. VII-3 Policy - The City shall develop and implement an economic development program which will attempt to increase the number, variety and size of family wage 3) Council Policy not implemented by the Land Use Ordinance. 27 retail, service, and light industrial activity employers within the urban area, with particular emphasis on employers paying wages at or above the median County wage, and employing from 5 to 100 people, or who are locally owned. The City shall work with regional economic development agencies on coordinating regional economic development activities. VII-4 Policy - In accordance with policies VII-2 and VII-3 above, the City shall take such actions as are necessary to ensure that economic development can occur in a timely and efficient manner. Such actions may include the following: 4) Council Policy not implemented by the Land Use Ordinance. a) Use of the Local Improvement District process to reconstruct or install public facilities to commercial, employment, and manufacturing zoned lands. Land and buildings should be suitable for use by small service and manufacturing industries of about 10 to 50 employees. Two areas of the City that would benefit from this policy are those lands designated Employment served by Exit 14 of the I-5 freeway and Hersey Street and" A" Street. b) Utilization of available grants and loans to finance the extension of public facilities to lands zoned or planned for commercial or industrial use. c) Inclusion within the Capital Improvement programs facilities improvements which will help achieve long- range development goals and policies. VIIo5 The City shall encourage economic development of the local resources and enhance employment opportunities for existing residents. The City's policy is that economic 5) Council Policy not implemented by the Land Use Ordinance. 28 development shall always have as its primary purpose the enhancement of the community's economic health. VII-6 The City shall work with the College to encourage the growth of research. and graduate programs. The City shall encourage the establishment of the Asian Studies facility, and other such facilities that provide a bridge to the international marketplace. VII-7 The City is clearly unsuitable for the following types of businesses: a) Businesses which use large amounts of water, especially when Ashland's water needs peak. b) Businesses that emit large amounts of air pollution. c) Businesses that create toxic wastes'that require specialized disposal techniques not available locally. The City shall include in the I_~nd Use Ordinance a specific list of businesses that are prohibited from operations in the City Limits, or specific performance standards that would define uses that are unacceptable because they meet one or more of the above criteria. 6) Council Policy not implemented by the Land Use Ordinance. 7) City Policy, Zoning Code. 29 CHAPTER VIII - PARKS, OPEN SPACE, AND AESTHETICS GOAL: TO PROVIDE THE PEOPLE OF ASHLAND WITH A VARIETY QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF PARKS, PARK FACILITIES, OPEN SPACES, TRAILS, AND VISUAL RESOURCES SUFFICIENT FOR THEIR NEEDS POLICIES: VIII-1 Develop a parkland acquisition and development plan in accordance with community growth and projected park demand. Accomplish acquisition according to a plan developed by the City and the Parks and Recreation Commission. VIII-2 Assist in the development of the Bear Creek Greenway, including the Ashland Creek portion of the city park system. VIII-3 Encourage school-park joint developments. VIII-4 Coordinate parkland acquisition and design with other agencies involved with park usage. Agencies should include Jackson County and the public school system. VIII-5 Encourage the development of private common open space areas in new residential developments to offset the demand for additional public parks. VIII-6 The City shall adopt an official map that will identify the planned areas for parks, new natural areas, conservation areas and t-rails. Where only a portion of the property is required for park or open space use, development can occur on the remainder of the property. When only a small portion of the property is required 1) Chapter VIII, Council and Parks Commission Policy. 2) City Policy not implemented by law. 3) City and Parks Commission Policy. 4) City and Parks Commission Policy. 5) Chapter 18.84, 18.88, AMC. 6) Parks and Open Space Map, Chapter 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, and 18.88 of the AMC, Council and Parks Commission. Policy, Article XIX and XIXA of the City Charter. 30 for a public purpose, and the new development will benefit from the public area, dedication may be required. Other- wise, the City will purchase the property, paying fair compensations. When development is possible, if the City does not have the funds available for the intended purchase within a reasonable amount of time, the City shall release the land from the Parks designation and allow the development consistent with other plan policies. VIII-7 Develop the system of corridors, linear park routes and trails outlined in the Park and Open Space map. Encourage interconnections between parks, open spaces, bicycle paths, easements, irrigation ditches, scenic roadway routes, railroad rights-of-way, etc. Require that commonly used trails across private property be preserved when developed. VIII-8 Establish, where possible, trails along non-urbanized sections of stream corridors, ensuring that stream ecology and any residences are protected. Prohibit development that would prohibit stream corridors from being utilized for trails. VIII-9 Require all new residential, commercial and industrial developments to be designed and landscaped to a high standard to complement the proposed site and the surrounding area. VIII-10 Encourage improvement programs for existing areas with consideration to such items as exterior maintenance, landscaping, signs, and underground placement of utilities. VIII-11 Require high standards of design and landscaping for development adjacent to major arterials, and encourage dividers in any new access routes into Ashland. 7) Chapter 18.72, 18.76, 18.84, 18.88, and 18.82 AMC. 8) Chapter 18.72, 18.76, 18.84, 18.88, and 18.82 AMC. 9) Chapter 18.72, AMC. 10) Council Policy not implemented by law. 11) Council Policy, Chapter 18.72, AMC. 31 · VIII-12 Require, where possible, that the original vegetation be retained and require the restoration of new vegetation if it is removed. VIII-13 Require street trees in all new residential, commercial and industrial developments. VIII-14 Views of Pompadour Bluff, Van Dyke's Cliffs, Mt. Ashland, Grizzly Peak, and the surrounding ridges are irreplaceable assets to Ashland, and should be protected through cooperation with Jackson County. VIII-15 Insure that the Tree Commission has an opportunity to review and comment on all significant landscaping in the city, public or private. VIII-16 Develop an urban forest plan for the City including a street tree and a non-street tree section, a tree resource inventory, a plan for preservation and renewal of trees of stature and native species, long range maintenance plan, a plan to promote the greater use of trees and shrubs on both public and private land, and plan to educate the public regarding benefits of trees on public right-of ways. VIII-17 Take necessary steps to annually be a Tree City, USA. VIII-18 Establish a Plant Arboretum and/or a directory of notable trees in the City. VIII-19 Increase the portion of the city covered by a tree canopy, especially parking lots and other paved areas. VIII-20 Develop an urban forest interface plan to enhance 12) Chapter 18.72, AMC. 13) Chapter 18.72, 18.76, 18.84, and 18.88 AMC. 14) Council Policy 15) Council Policy, Chapter 2.25, AMC 16) Council Policy 17) Council Policy 18) Future action 19) Council Policy, Chapter 18.72, AMC. 20) City Policy, future action. 32 the aesthetic and recreational opportunities created by this resource. The plan will also include wildlife enhance- ment measures and a fire control plan. VIII-21 Establish criteria and map the visual resources of Ashland, from selected points outside the city looking in, and from strategic points within the city looking out. 21) Future action, not currently implemented. VIII-22 The City will cooperate and when necessary, negotiate with the county, USFS and BLM concerning activities within the viewshed that would impact the visual integrity of the area. 22) City Policy 33 CHAPTER IX - PUBLIC SERVICES GOAL: PROVIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES, SERVICES AND FACILI- TIES IN AN ORDERLY, EFFICIENT AND ENVIRON- MENTALLY SENSITIVE WAY AND IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITY TO MEET CITY NEEDS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE. IX-1 Provide urban areas with the level of services appropriate to the density of the settlement and resultant service demand. IX-2 Provide services in a timely, coordinated and or- derly manner that minimizes costs and incon- development. 2). IX-3 Prevent urban sprawl and "leap-frogging" by pro- viding full services in a staged manner: first to areas within the City limits, then to the area within the Urban Growth Boundary. IX-4 Encourage the underground placement of utility lines, with any above-ground facilities designed to fit the landscape. Urban Growth Boundary and Annexation policies. IX-5 Encourage early planning and acquisition of sites for needed public facilities (e.g., fire sta- tions, schools, roads, parks, etc.). IX-6 In conjunction with studies of housing, land use, downtown policies, etc., identify and imple- ment innovative service teqhniques in anticipa- tion of major trends, needs, and economic or en- vironmental changes, rather than waiting to Urban Growth Boundary and Annexation policies.. 3) 'Same as IX-2. 4) Chapters 18.80 (Subdivisions); 18.88 (Performance Standards ) 5) Council policy; Capital Improvement Program. 6) City Council policy. 34 react when all options are closed. IX-7 Use Capital Improvement planning to ensure that 7) long-term public facility planning be as cost- effective as possible. Same as IX-5. IX-8 Consider system development charges to fund 8) large capital costs caused by growth. Chapter 4.20 (System Development Charges). GOAL:PROVIDE SANITARY SEWERS THAT MEET ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS FOR ALL AREAS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. IX-9 Encourage early planning for new sewage treat- 9) ment facilities, outlining site requirements, use of sewage treatment by-products, costs and financing. Council policy; Capital Im- provement Program. IX-10 Where feasible, require all development within the City to use Ashland treatment facilities. 10) Chapter 14.081020 (D) IX-11 Encourage productive use of sewage treatment .. by-products. 11) Council policy. IX-12 Consider the modification of the City's sewage treatment facility to a tertiary treatment facility as part of the City's overall Capital Improve- ment Plan. 12) Council policy; Capital Im- provement Program. IX-13 Require annexation or contract annexation in or- der to receive sewer service in unincorporated areas. 13) Existing Chapter 14.20 of Municipal Code. IX-14 Size future sanitary sewers to provide for pro- jected growth within the Urban Growth Boundary, 1,4) Council policy. 35 based upon the City's Comprehensive Plan, and for anticipated future growth for the life of the facility. GOAL: PROVIDE SUFFICIENT WATER SUPPLY FOR ASHLAND RESIDENTS. POLICIES: IX-15 The City should continue to acquire priority water rights on Ashland Creek as they become available. 15) City Council policy. IX-16 The City should attempt to purchase additional Talent Irrigation District water from confirmed owners. 16) Same as IX-15. IX-17 The City should further study the construction of a new impoundment on Ashland Creek at the Winburn site to augment the City's storage capacity in the watershed. 17) Council policy. IX-18 The City should prioritize and implement needed water system improvements, as identified by the City Water Plan, as part of the City's overall Capital Improvement Plan.' 18) Capital Improvement Program. IX-19 The City should develop water conservation meas- ures which can be implemented in critical water years. 19) Council policy. IX-20 The City should exert pressure on the U.S. For- est Service to manage the watershed in ways which are compatible and not detrimental to Ash- land's future use of the watershed as the City's 20) Council policy. 36 water supply. Uses of the watershed which cause increased sedimentation in Reeder Reser- voir should be very strongly opposed by the City. IX-21 Ensure that the City's efforts to remove sediment from Reeder Reservoir have as little harmful en- vironmental impacts on Ashland and Bear Creeks as possible. 21) Council policy. 'GOALS: TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CITY OF ASHLAND. POLICIES: IX-22 The City should fund and develop an overall storm water management plan for the entire City. 22) Council policy. IX-23 Ensure that all new developments include a drainage system which protects adjoining proper- ty as much as possible. 23) Chapters 18.72 (Site Review); 18.92 (Parking); 18.80 (Subdivisions); 18.88 (Performance Standards); 18.62 (Physical Constraints). IX-24 Encourage drainage systems that utilize natural drainage ways and minimize the amount and rate of surface runoff. 24) Chapters 18.88 (Performance Standards); 18.72 (Site Review); 18.62 (Physical Constraints). IX-25 Consider necessary improvements to the City's storm water system as part of the City's overall Capital Improvement Plan. 25) Capital Improvement Program. IX-26 In all new developments, discourage the pumping of storm water drainage, including the use of sump pumps. 26) Same as IX-23; Council policy. 37 GOAL: PROVIDE SYSTEMATIC CONTROL OF THE SOLID WASTE PROCESS FROM COLLECTION TO STORAGE, EMPHASIZING EFFICIENCY, RESOURCE RECOVERY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. POLICIES: IX-27 Encourage opportunities for recycling and re- source recovery in all' solid waste collection pro- grams. 27) Council Policy, Chapter 18.72 (Site Design) IX-28 Encourage high environmental and aesthetic stan- dards in the collection, resource recovery and disposal of solid waste. 28) State and Federal regulations. IX-29 The City shall coordinate with Jackson County on the provision of solid waste disposal sites to meet current and long-range needs. 29) Council policy. Goal: MAKE MAXIMUM EFFORT TOWARD UTILIZATION OF PRESENT AND FUTURE EDUCATIONAL AND RECREA- TIONAL FACILITIES AND RESOURCES THROUGH PUBLIC, PRIVATE AND CITY COOPERATION. POLICIES: IX-30 Encourage cooperation between the City and School District when new school facilities are con- sidered or when City action affects the School District. 30) SOSC-City agreement. IX-31 Encourage early acquisition of school sites of 31) Capital Improvement Program. 38 'sufficient size for school/park facilities. IX-32 Assess the impact of large-scale proposed devel- opments and their effect on the schools which they impact. 32) Existing public notice requirements. IX-33 The City shall coordinate with Jackson County on the provision of solid waste disposal sites to meet current and long-range needs. 33) Council policy. GOAL: MAKE MAXIMUM EFFORT TOWARD UTILIZATION OF PRESENT AND FUTURE EDUCATIONAL AND RECREA- TIONAL FACILITIES AND RESOURCES THROUGH PUB- LICENSE, PRIVATE AND CITY COOPERATION. POLICIES: IX-34 Encourage cooperation between the City and School District when new school facilities are con- sidered or when City action affects the School District. 34) City Policy. IX-35 Encourage early acquisition of school sites of sufficient size for school/park facilities. 35) City Policy. IX-36 Assess the impact of large-scale proposed devel- opments and their effect on the schools which they impact. 36) Existing public notice requirements, communication with School Board. 39 CHAPTER X - TRANSPORTATION GOAL: - PROVIDE A TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM WHICH 15 SAFE, DIVERSIFIED, COST AND ENVIRONMENTALLY EFFICIENT, EMPHASIZES ALTERNATE MODES OF TRANSPORT, MEETS THE NEEDS OF THE TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED, AND ENHANCES THE LOCAL ECONOMY, SCENERY AND NEIGHBORHOODS. POLICIES: X-1 Street Conditions a) Coordinate the City transportation system with County, regional, State and federal plans. la) Council policy. b) Unpaved and poorly 'surfaced streets should be improved to provide more efficient traffic flows. lb) Capital Improvement Program; Chapter 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, and 18.88. .c) Prohibit the formation of new unpaved roads by forbidding development to occur on roads which are unpaved and unopened. lc) Chapter 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, and 18.88. X-2 Accidents a) Ensure adequate visibility at all intersections for the safe flow of traffic. 2a) Chapter 18.68 (Vision Clearance). b) Implement traffic control measures into inter- sections where traffic flow problems are pre- dicted to occur. 2b) Traffic Signal Assessment Districts. X-3 Street Dedications and Design a) New street dedications should only take place 3a) Chapter I8.82 (Street & Green- 40 b) c) d) e) f) g) h) ±) after considering the total impact of the street on the surrounding area. Locate future arterial streets away from schools, parks and other open-space uses whenever possible. Require new street projects to ensure minimal impact on terrain and natural vegetation. Consider topography, soil characteristics, geologic conditions, drainage patterns, potential runoff quantities, type of land uses, and purpose of streets when developing new street projects. Evaluate Ashland's street design standards periodically and suggest improvements which would reduce costs but maintain adequate quality. New streets shall be constructed to appropriate to the expected traffic flow. a size Street locations and design shall preserve the character of neighborhoods. fnterconnections between residential neighborhoods shall be encouraged for automobile, pedestrians and bicycle traffic, but non-local automobile traffic shall be discouraged through street design, except for arterials, collectors, or subcollectors. Cul- de-sac or dead-end street designs shall be discouraged whenever an interconnection alternative exists. Development of a modified-grid street pattern shall be encouraged for connecting new and existing neighborhoods during subdivisions, partitions, and through use of the Street Dedication Map. (©rd. 2698.2/93) Require landscaping and noise reduction measures in any street design or improvement adversely impacting a neighborhood area. 3b) way Dedication). Street Dedication Map and Policies. 3c) Council Policy 3d) 3e) 3f) Chapter 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84 and 18.88. Plan update policy. Same as X-3d. 3g) Same as X-3d. 3h) Same as X-3d. 3i) Same as X-3d; Chapter 18.72 (Site Review). 41 j) 3j) Council Policy. X-4 X-5 Encourage efforts to landscape and beautify existing streets, ensuring adequate visibility for vehicles and pedestrians. Access a) Maintain carrying capacity and ease of move- ment of arterials and other streets by the use of limited access through the site review process: b) Direct access onto streets designated as ar- terials should be discouraged whenever an al- ternative exists or can be made available. c) New direct access to arterials should be al- lowed only when land use and traffic pat- terns of the surrounding area have been con- sidered. d) Require design that combines the access of several developments to a single point in new' developments. Growth a) Encourage Street design improvements which will speed and smooth the flow of traffic. b) Make timely improvements in design standards and traffic control devices. c) Monitor traffic flows and determine streets 42 4a) Chapter 18.72. 4b) Chapter 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, and 18.88. 4c) Chapter 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, and 18:88. 4d) Chapter 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, and 18.88. 5a) Council Policy. 5b) Capital Improvement Program. 5c) Plan update policy. X-6 and intersections where capacity problems may arise. d) Develop a master street improvement plan which deals with problems predicted by fu- ture traffic flows. e) Plan for the improvement of Hersey, Nevada and Mountain Avenue as alternative routes to the downtown area for north-south traffic. Prepare a plan to integrate a new freeway interchange at Mountain Avenue into the pres- ent transpor. tation network. g) Street dedications shall be required as a con- dition of land development. A future street dedication map shall be adopted and imple- mented as part of the Land Development Code. Pedestrians and Bikeways a) Pedestrian traffic should be separated from auto traffic on streets and in parking lots. b) Pedestrians should be separated from bicycle traffic when possible, as the two are not compatible on the same pathway. c) Provide adequate pedestrihn facilities in con- junction with all new street improvement pro- jects and all new commercial, industrial and residential developments. 5d) Chapter 18.62 (Street & Greenway Dedication). 5e) Capital Improvement Program. 5f) Same as X-5e. 5g) Same as X-5d. 6a) Chapters 18.72 (Site Review); 18.92 (Parking); 18.88 (Performance Standards). 6b) Same as X-6a, Council Policy. 6c) Chapter 18.72, 18.76, 18.80, 18.84, and 18.88; Council Policy on City projects. 43 X-7 d) Minimize conflicts between transportation types, especially when those conflicts create a particularly hazardous area. e) Encourage off-street pedestrian pathways to offer direct, safe routes. f) Improve safety, convenience and efficiency of existing bikeways. g) Provide appropriate bicycle facilities in con- junction with all new street improvement pro- jects and all new commercial, industrial and residential developments. h) Bikeways should be integrated onto existing streets in a separate lane unless safety fac- tors dictate separation of bicycles and autos. i) Recreational bikeways and walkways should be constructed using natural areas and scenic views J) Provide or require secure bicycle storage in areas such as commercial centers, recreation- al areas, and.employment centers. k) Provide or require handicapped parking spaces in larger developments. Railroads a) Encourage the use of rail transport for the movement of goods as a means of conserving energy. 6d) Same as X-6a. 6e) Same as X-6a. 6f) Bike Commission and Bike Plan. 6g) Same as X-6c. 6h) Bike Committee and Bike Plan. 6i) Chapter 18-62 (Street & Greenway Dedication ) 6j ) Same as X-6a. 6k) Chapter 18.92 (Off-Street Parking ). 7a ) Council policy; Comp Plan Map ( Industrial Zones); 44 X-8 X-9 b) Mitigate railroad noise through the use of berming and landscaping in developments ad- acent to the railroad and which are im- pacted by railroad noise. Mass Transit a) Encourage use and public awareness of local bus systems by City residents. b) Encourage the local bus system to improve ac- cessibility and convenience for commuters through scheduling and routing programs. c ) Suggest changes in the present bus system to improve service and increase ridership. d) Periodically evaluate bus routes and suggest changes to accommodate new growth and demand. e) Consider the special needs of the handicapped and transportation disadvantaged when devel- oping and implementing mass transit and transportation systems. Fuel Consumption and Air Pollution a) Encourage residents of the City to use bi- ffcling and walking as alternatives to the automobile whenever possible. b) Encourage ride-sharing programs (carpooling) in both the public and private sectors. 7b) Chapter 18.72 (Site Review). 8a) Council policy. 8b) Council policy. 8c) Council policy. 8d) Future Plan update. 8e) Council policy. 9a) Council policy. 9b) Council Policy. 45 c) Encourage education programs showing the energy savings and pollution reduction resulting from alternate modes of travel and ride-sharing. d) Discourage the use of drive-up windows through the implementing ordinances. X:10 Parking a) Discourage non-residential vehicle parking in residential neighborhoods. b) Require new businesses to provide adequate parking spaces for employees and customers, except in the downtown area. c) Re-evaluate parking space size requirements due to the increased use of smaller cars. d) Encourage sharing of existing and future parking facilities by various nearby busi- nesses. e) Develop additional loading zones and bus parking spaces and encourage the use of existing facilities. f) Develop a parking plan for the downtown area with convenient auto and pedestrian access. g) Require effective landscaping throughout con- tinuous paved parking areas to increase shad- 46 9c) Council policy. 9d) Council policy; Chapter 18.72 (Site Review). 10a) Council policy; Chapter 11.24. 10b) Chapter 18.92 (Parking). 10c) Same as X-IOb. 10d) Same as X,IOb. 10e) Chapter 18.72. 10f) Downtown plan of 1988. 10g) Chapters 18.72 (Site Review); 18.92 (Parking). ing, screening and buffering aesthetics and for percolation of water into the groundwater table. 47 CHAPTER XI - ENERGY, AIR, AND WATER CONSERVATION GOALS AND POLICIES GOALS: THE CITY SHALL STRIVE, IN EVERY APPROPRIATE WAY, TO REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. WATER CONSERVATION AND AIR QUALITY ENHANCEMENT SHOULD ALSO BE PROMOTED. PROGRAMS SHOULD ALSO BE PROMOTED. PROGRAMS SHOULD EMPHASIZE GREATER EFFICIENCY IN END USE, RATHER THAN SACRIFICES IN LIVING STANDARDS. IN GENERAL, POLICIES THAT EFFECT CHANGE THROUGH A COMBINATION OF ECONOMIC INCENTIVES AND PUBLIC EDUCATION SHALL BE CONSIDERED MORE APPROPRIATE THAN POLICIES INVOLVING STRICT LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OR MANDATES. THE CITY SHALL GIVE DUE ATTENTION TO ENERGY AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND AIR QUALITY ENHANCEMENT IN ALL PLANNING ACTIONS AND CITY ACTIVITIES. POLICIES: XI-1 Information and Education A) The City shall continue to develop clear information for the general public to help educate them on energy conservation, load shaping, water conservation and air quality enhancement. C) The City shall strive to ensure that policies from various City departments do not conflict with each other but enhance not only each other, but also the overall goal of 1A) Council Policy 1C) Council Policy 48 fostering wise resource usage. D) The City shall continue to provide creditable energy information to the general public. The competitive energy markets of today should not bias City policy or the reliability of our information. We should not promote the use of one fuel over .another, but strive to reduce all forms of energy and resource usage. E) The City can gain invaluable information and assistalace from other utilities and utility organizations. We should continue our active role and communication network with these entities. That way we can learn from their programs and experiences. F) The City's utility billing process provides us with a valuable means of communication with our citizens. We should continue to utilize bill inserts to inform and educate our citizens, and promote our goals and programs. XI-2) Existing Housing A) Homes already in existence will continue to constitute the vast majority of the City's housing stock. Moreover, the older, existing homes typically have a greater need for weatherization due to poorly developed insulation technology and a lack of concern for energy efficiency at the time of their construction. B) Weatherization of homes that heat primarily with wood heat can greatly enhance the County's air quality. Replacement of older wood stoves with new certified clean burning woodstoves should also be encouraged. The State Home Oil Weatherization program (SHOW) and the City's Save 1D) Council Policy 1E) Council Policy 1E) Council Policy 2A) Council Policy 2B) Council Policy 49 Our Livability, View and Environment (SOLVE) program provide funding mechanisms (i.e. grants and loans) to help citizens weatherize wood heated homes. The City shall make efforts to publicize and facilitate using these programs for this purpose. C) Program experience from other areas indicates that water conservation in existing homes can provide additional water for growth. Programs aimed at acquiring this resource shall be thoroughly evaluated on equal footing with new supply options. D) Energy efficient appliances represent a cost effective energy conservation resource. People should be encouraged to install energy efficient appliances. Incentive programs, codes and rebates are possible ways to foster this policy. E) The cost of photovoltaics continues to decline. point in the future, they could be cost competitive with alternative forms of energy generation. The City needs to monitor this technology and accept and embrace it when it becomes cost effective for our citizens to utilize. At some F) Lighting technology is evolving quite rapidly. This area could also provide a cost effective strategy to pursue in homes. The City shall keep updated as this technology evolves and help educate citizens who could benefit from these technological advances. G) Passive solar design and sun tempering has application in existing homes. Also, solar water heating technology and photovoltaic might prove to be very cost effective in the future in existing homes. Consequently, solar access protection is still very important. Therefore, we shall continue our aggressive policy of protecting solar access. 2C) Council Policy 2D) Council Policy 2E) Council Policy 2F) Council Policy 2G) 18.70 (Solar Access) 50 H) Energy rating and certification systems for existing homes are gaining more prominence throughout the United States. They utilize the competitive marketplace to reward energy conservation efforts. There exists potential in Ashland to encourage weatherization and appliance upgrades by such a system. We shall explore the costs and benefits of employing such a system. I) Solar water heaters, coupled with State tax credits, can be a cost effective investment for some households in Ashland. We shall make tax credit information, technical assistance, and economic analyses available to Ashland citizens for whom solar water heaters are an attractive investment. J) Multi-family housing is difficult to weatherize because most owners do not pay heating bills, but their tenants do. Therefore, other types of motivation is necessary to encourage weatherization of multi-family units. However, utility weatherization programs, coupled with the State Business Energy Tax Credits (BETC), can sometimes suffi- ciently motivate owners. The City shall promote and educate landlords to the benefits of weatherization along with the BETC to reach this difficult market. XI-3 New Housing A) The City's Super Good Cents new home certifi- cation program has been very successful in encouraging new energy efficient electrically heated homes to be built. We shall continue to aggressively market this program and assure its continued success. 2H) Council Policy 2I) Council Policy 2J) Council Policy 3A) Council Policy 51 B) Some new homes are not built to the efficiency levels of Super Good Cents homes. Efforts shall be made to educate all builders in the benefits of energy conservation and encourage higher levels of conservation in all new homes. C) New homes and apartments are being built which do not utilize the latest technological advances in water consuming devices. The City shall use any legal means to insure that only water conserving equipment be installed in new construction. This should be done to accommodate growth with lesser incremental water demand and also to eliminate the need to return to these homes later to retrofit them with water conserving devices. D) Passive solar design and sun tempering are very cost effective in new home construction. They shall be encouraged in new housing developments and individual houses. E) The City shall address overall energy usage of new developments instead of just looking at houses on an individual basis. Areas to be considered could be transportation energy, recycling, cornposting, communal gardens, water usage and solar access protection. G) Appliance efficiency shall be encouraged in new housing. This could be done through existing programs (i.e. Super Good Cents), by codes, by education or by incentive programs (i.e. density bonuses). All of these options shall be considered in trying to achieve this goal. XI-4 Commercial and Industrial Sectors A) Very little energy conservation has occurred in this sector in Ashland. BPA will be sponsoring commercial 52 3B) Council Policy 3C) State Building Code, Council Policy 3D) Council Policy 3E) 18.70, 18.72, 18.84, 18.88, AMC 3F) Residential Zone Codes, 18.88 4A) Council Policy conservation programs in the next decade to begin capturing this resource. The City shall keep abreast of these develop- ments and offer these programs to our commercial customers as they become available. B) The State Small Scale Energy Loan Program and Business Energy Tax Credit can help finance energy conservation in the commercial/industrial sector. The City shall publicize their existence in conjunction with any commercial conservation programs we offer and to any other interested businesses. C) The City's Energy Smart Design Assistance Program, sponsored by BPA for new commercial buildings and major commercial remodels, can have a significant effect on energy usage in commercial buildings. The City shall continue to aggressively market this service and also encourage BPA to continue the program beyond the initial three year period. D) If BPA does not make a commercial energy auditing program for existing businesses available by 1993, the City shall investigate starting our own commercial energy auditing program. Such a program could rely on reliable information, education, awards, civic pride, peer pressure and possibly even financial incentives to encourage energy and water conservation in this sector. E) The City knows very little about the potential for water use efficiency in this sector. We need to begin gathering data about this sector so water conservation can be evaluated for businesses in Ashland. F) The City shall ensure that Chapter 53 of the 4B) Council Policy 4C) Council Policy 4D) Council Policy. 4E) Council Policy 4F) Council Policy 53 Oregon Building Code, which deals with energy conservation, is adequately enforced for businesses being constructed in Ashland. The City's new Electrical Inspector could be especially helpful in this by evaluating lighting systems for not only code compliance, but also for cost effective investments beyond code requirements. XI-5 Land Use Planning and Zoning A) The energy efficiency density bonuses in the City's performance standard ordinance have been very successful in encouraging new homes to be built more efficiently than Oregon building code requirements. This bonus shall be preserved and maintained in future versions of this code.. B) Performance Standards' density bonuses for energy efficient housing have not been utilized in multi-family develop- ments on R-2 and R-3 zoned land. This is because the base density is high enough that additional density is not needed. The base density in R-2 and R-3 developments shall be reduced accordingly so developers will have an incentive to building energy efficient multi-family housing. C) Many housing developments require a Conditional Use Permit because they are proposed for land not zoned residential (i.e. E-1 or C-1 land). The City shall have the policy of requiring as a condition of approval that these developments be built to the energy efficiency standards of the Performance Standards Ordinance in all of these conditional use approvals. D) All planning applications for new commercial, industrial or large residential buildings (i.e. Site Reviews, 5A) 18.88, AMC 5B) R-2 and R-3 Zone Codes 5C) 18.104, AMC 5D) 18.72, 18.104, AMC 54 Conditional Use Permits, Variances, etc.) shall include the following information as part of the application or prior to building permit issuance: -Building plans to scale of the proposed structure including elevations showing all windows on all sides of the structure. -Proposed material and levels (R-Values) of insulation of the ceiling, floor and all walls of the structure. -Type and size of the proposed lighting and heating system for the structure. -A description of the proposed lighting system for the structure. -A description of any types of energy used during the production of a product or service delivered or produced by the use. (This applies mostly to industrial uses.) -A description of the method of water heating, if any, proposed for the structure. This information shall also include your best estimate as to the total annual amount and temperature of hot water that will be required for the proposed use. -A description of the method of refrigeration, if any, proposed for the structure. (This is usually associated with food and frozen food.) This information shall also include an estimate of the total amount of the annual refrigeration load of the proposed building. -Any other energy information which will aid the City's 55 Conservation Division in computing the above items. XI-6 Load Control and Shaping A) The City shall investigate the cost and benefits of various load control strategies for residential electric water heating systems and space heating systems. 6A) Council Policy B) Our citizens have very little understanding of the distinction between energy and capacity (or demand). If properly educated on this concept, many people might voluntarily change discretionary energy usage patterns in a way which could help shape the City-wide electric load. 6B) Council Policy C) Energy and demand rate structures can be used to encourage commercial/industrial consumers to reduce their total electric demand on the City's electric system. As rates are changed in the future, the goal of load management shall receive due consideration in these rate setting matters. 6C) Council Policy D) The newly installed remote metering systems at our substations could provide instantaneous readouts of electric usage through use of a phone line, computer and modem. The City needs to investigate the cost and benefits of setting up this system. 6D) Council Policy E) On peak and off peak electric rates and/or demand charges could give the correct pricing signals to consumers in encouraging load reductions. However, the City's present metering system does not have this capability. Any changes in our metering system should consider this capability and the cost and benefits it could provide. 6E) Council Policy F) Load management programs should share the cost 6F) Council Policy 56 savings with citizens providing the load management savings. Also, they should be designed so as to not inconvenience the customer or reduce his standard of living. G) The City's largest electricity consumers could possibly alter their load patterns and result in wholesale electric bill savings for the City. We should work with these citizens and see if this is feasible and cost effective. XI-7 Water Conservation A) Water rates currently are flat in the residential and commercial sector. An inverted or increased block rate · (i.e. more water usage costs more per unit) can help give the correct pricing signals to citizens. The City shall consider changing the water rates to encourage water conservation and reduce waste. B) The public needs to be educated about water usage and water conservation. Typical water usage by ap- plication needs to be publicized so citizens can make more informed decisions about water usage. C) Irrigation is a large water usage and it also can be accomplished with lower quality water. Therefore, water conservation efforts shall be directed toward an overall reduction of water usage (conservation) and substitution of lower quality water for outdoor irrigation. D) Under current state law, as lands with TID irrigation rights use annexed to the City and converted to urban uses, the TID water right must be surrendered. If these uses could continue to utilize TID water for land- scaping and irrigation, new water demand could be significantly 6G) Council Policy 7A} Council Policy 7B) Council Policy 7C) Council Policy 7D) Council Policy 57 reduced on newly annexed land. The City shall explore ways to see if these could be facilitated. E) The City shall maintain City facilities which deliver TID water to City residents to ensure that this system is usable to the maximum extent for irrigation. F) The water supply portion of any future system development charge should be used to raise money to pay for increased water supply or water conservation programs. XI-8 Future Considerations A) There would be advantages to the City if we were to become a full energy provider. Therefore, if the gas company becomes available for sale, the City should thoroughly evaluate this option of purchasing the gas company's infrastructure within the city limits. B) The future will be quite dynamic and volatile in the energy arena. The City needs to actively keep abreast of new advances in technology and embrace and encourage ones which can benefit water conservation, air quality, energy conservation or production. C) Smart homes, computer and other new electronic devices will require a higher level of electric service and expertise than currently required. The City has to take whatever measures necessary to ensure that this quality electric service and expertise is available for our citizens. D) Small scale energy production systems are becoming less expensive and more common. The City needs to make sure that we accommodate this change and 7E) Council Policy 7F) 4.20, AMC 8A) Council Policy 8B) Council Policy 8C) Council Policy 8D) Council Policy 58 integrate into our electric system so citizens will not be tempted to bypass our electric system entirely. E) Utilities are beginning to learn that we can no longer just sell our product. We must continue to educate people on the wise use of energy. Our responsibility no longer ends at delivering power to the meter, it extends throughout the entire process of using our product. Conservation shall serve as the foundation of programs designed to meet this new challenge. 8E) Council Policy 59 CHAPTER XII - URBANIZATION GOAL: IT IS THE CITY OF ASHLAND'S GOAL TO MAINTAIN A COMPACT URBAN FORM AND TO INCLUDE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF VACANT LAND IN THE CITY SO AS NOT TO HINDER NATURAL' MARKET FORCES WITHIN THE CITY, AND TO ENSURE AN ORDERLY AND SEQUENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THE CITY LIMITS. Policies: XII-1 The City shall strive to maintain at least a 5o 1) Chapter 18.108 year supply of land for any particular need in the City'limits. The 5-year supply shall be de- termined by the rate of consumption necessitated in the projections made in this Comprehensive Plan. XII-2 The City shall incorporate vacant land only af- 2) Chapter 18.108. ter a showing that land of similar qualities does not already exist in the City limits, or if an- nexation is necessary to alleviate a probable public health hazard. XII-3 The City shall enter into a cooperative agree- ment with Jackson County. This agreement shall designate the City's and County's joint policies for land not urbanized. Generally speaking, and not in the City's urban growth boundary is to be maintained in a rural state. Land be- tween the City limits and urban growth boundary is to be maintained in a rural state until an- nexed by the City. Urban-level development in the County, but within the urban growth bound- ary, is inappropriate to the needs and desires 3) Joint City/County Urban Growth Boundary Agreement. 60 of the City of Ashland to implement its urbaniza- tion goal. XII-4 The City shall develop its Capital Improvement Program to accommodate all the land within the urban growth boundary with an adequate level of urban services for the needs expressed in the City's Comprehensive Plan. 4) Capital Improvement Program, Public Facilities Plan. 61