1. Neal LaMontagne - University of California Los Angeles
Joe Nethery - Town of Oakville ON
Marcelo Figuera - City of St. Albert AB
DISPATCHES FROM THE
FUTURE OF ZONING
CIP Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
2. Introduction: Future of Zoning
Prediction is difficult,
especially about the future
- Niels Bohr
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
02/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
3. Zoning matters
- shapes our cities and resolves spatial conflicts
- generative software for urbanism
- design at the scale of cities
- implements our visions and values in physical space
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
03/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
4. Zoning is seen as
- too rigid / inflexible
- too indiscriminate
- not responsive to complex conditions
- top down / teleocratic
- not delivering the cities we aspire to
SO WHERE DO WE GO NEXT?
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
04/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
5. Major ‘meta’-trends shaping the Future of Zoning
- ubiquitous data / technological advancement
- increasingly complex urban environments
- generational shift
- empowered (and networked) communities
- demand for high-performance urbanism
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
05/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
6. The Future of Zoning
8 TRENDS
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
06/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
7. 01: The Future of Zoning is
PERFORMANCE
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
07/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
8. 01 PERFORMANCE
Key Drivers
- Desire for Higher-Performance Development
- Availability of Ubiquitous Data
- Demand for Nexus between Policy and Regulation
- Opportunity to Enable Design Innovation
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
08/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
15. 01 PERFORMANCE
Key Questions
- What are the relevant metrics?
- Must maintain a qualitative spirit (not all that counts...)
- What are the skills/tools needed to manage data +
- Do your zoning requirements consider performance?
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
15/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
16. 02 The Future of Zoning is
PUBLIC VALUE
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
16/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
17. 02 PUBLIC VALUE
Key Drivers
- Increased pressure on public budgets
- Higher density development requires a higher level of public
amenity (Density Done Well)
- Development approval is effective + targeted lever for
balancing public + private value
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
17/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
20. 39
49
22
22
49
22
23
39
22
26
23
39
19
23
16
39
26
11
51
23
39
11
23
11
16
51
39
11
South St
HollisSt
BarringtonSt
QueenSt
Sackville St
Morris St
SouthParkSt
U
pper W
ater S
t
Spring Garden Rd
GranvilleSt
Bell Rd
ArgyleSt
BrunswickSt
Prince St
GraftonSt
Duke St
G
ottingen
S
t
AhernAve
College St
DresdenRow
Kent St
Salter St
Tobin St
SummerSt
MarginalRd
Victoria Rd
M
aitland
St
Fenwick St
Green St
BirminghamSt
BrentonSt
C
ornw
allis
St
MartelloSt
AlbemarleSt
Harvey St
TowerRd
C
reighton
S
t
Blowers St
ChurchSt
Falkland St
Portland
Pl
LucknowSt
Smith St
M
aynard
St
Tower Terr
Doyle St
WellingtonSt
Carmichael St
University Ave
CarltonSt
Bauer S
t
Wright Ave
Brenton Pl
BlandSt
Scotian
Rd
Map 4
Maximum
Pre-Bonus Heights
±0 100 200
metres
Effective: Note: Effective date does not indicate date of data creation.
Downtown Halifax
Land Use By-Law
(in metres)
28
22
22
22
22
49
28
49
49
23
19
31
23
49
34
22
16
49
28
11
66
23
11
34
11
16
31
28
66
49
11
!
22
South St
HollisSt
BarringtonSt
QueenSt
Sackville St
Morris St
SouthParkSt
LowerWaterSt
U
pper W
ater S
t
Spring Garden Rd
GranvilleSt
Bell Rd
ArgyleSt
BrunswickSt
Prince St
GraftonSt
G
ottingen
S
t
AhernAve
College St
DresdenRow
Kent St
Salter St
Tobin St
SummerSt
MarginalRd
Victoria Rd
M
aitland
St
Fenwick St
Green St
BirminghamSt
BrentonSt
C
ornw
allis
St
MartelloSt
AlbemarleSt
Harvey St
TowerRd
C
reighton
S
t
Blowers St
ChurchSt
Falkland St
Portland
Pl
LucknowSt
Smith St
M
aynard
St
Tower Terr
Doyle St
WellingtonSt
Carmichael St
University Ave
CarltonSt
Bauer S
t
Wright Ave
Brenton Pl
BlandSt
Scotian
Rd
Map 5
Maximum
Post-Bonus Heights
±
0 100 200
metres
Effective: Note: Effective date does not indicate date of data creation.
Downtown Halifax
Land Use By-Law
Post-Bonus Height Area
Rampart Maximum
(in metres)
Pre+Post-Bonus Height Regulations Halifax by Design Downtown Plan
21.
22. 02 PUBLIC VALUE
Key Questions
- How to manage legal uncertainty
- How to ensure legislative + planning discipline
- Transparency and public involvement
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
22/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
23. 03 The Future of Zoning is
‘JUMPING THE CURB’
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
23/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
24. 03 JUMPING THE CURB
Key Drivers
- Need to connect public and private realm decision making
- Recognize the relationship between street and building
- Key aspect of urban performance is linking movement and
land use
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
24/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
25. How can LA Streets be More Livable Huma Husain UCLA MURP 2012
28. 03 JUMPING THE CURB
Key Questions
- How to coordinate between departments?
- Is zoning the right tool? (the hammer problem)
- How can we localize decision-making?
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
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Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
29. 04 The Future of Zoning is
SOCIAL
The Future of Zoning
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Vancouver BC
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Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
30. 04 SOCIAL
Key Drivers
- Public demand to participate in development decision-making
- New networking technologies + cultures changing engagement
- Need for codes that are reflective of and responsive to
complex public interests
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
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Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
31.
32. Talk Green to Us City of Vancouver Crowdsourcing/Public Engagement site
726 distinct ideas
3,100 users
2,100 comments
28,000 votes
21,500 visits
35. PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS (VANCOUVER)
General GordonHenry Hudson Bayview Kitsilano High
371
YOUTH PARTICIPANTS
Age 6 – 10
Age 11–13
Age 14–17
92
171
108
GRADE BREAKDOWN
WORKSHOPS
X X
AVG # OF
STUDENTS
AVG # OF
MINUTES
WORKSHOP COMMITTMENTS
Sample Size
Total Student
Enrollment
371 / 2392 = 15.5%
of total current enrollment
PARTICIPANT MAKE UP
371
2392
Making Point Grey / Cornwall Fun, Safe & Easy for Youth.^
more
QUESTIONS
How do you have fun in your neighbourhood?
What stops you from having fun?
How can we make it safer and easier to have
fun in your neighbourhood?
FUN SAFE EASY
INTERSECTIONS 33%
TRAFFIC
CALMING
29%
LIGHTING
20%
GREENING 30%
PERMITTING
21%
PLAY 20%
PLAY
14%
GREENING
16% PERMITTING
15%
OVERALL PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS & PRIORITIES
The Green Streets Game enables participants to examine and collaboratively
redesign their streets into fun, safe, and easy public spaces. This report is a summary
of youth recommendations for the Point Grey-Cornwall Active Transportation project.
Fun Examples:
Trees / Rezoning / Playground
Safe Examples:
Painted Crossing / Speed bumps / Street lights
Easy Examples:
Waste Bins / Rezoning / Playground
1. Neighbourhood food carts
2. WiFi trees
3. Retractable covered sidewalks
4. Mid-block street crossings
5. Creek and stream daylighting
6. Street closures
CROSSING MAIN STREET CROSSING BIKE ROUTE
PED. BRIDGE
10%
PED. BRIDGE
7%
TUNNEL
6%
ACCESSIBILITY
RAMPS 13%
MID BLOCK
CROSSING 6%
MID BLOCK
CROSSING 7%
PAINTING
CROSSING
37%
PAINTING
CROSSING
38%
TRAFFIC
LIGHT 26%
TRAFFIC
LIGHT 26%
INTERSECTION RECOMMENDATIONS
COOL DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
PREFERRED ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS
GREENING 25%
INTERSECTIONS 13%
PERMITTING 13%
PLAY 11%
WEATHER
PROOFING
8%
LIGHTING
7%
BIKE
INFRA.
9%
TRAFFIC
CALMING 10%
AMENITY 2%
ART 1%
SITTING 2%
Julien Thomas // julienfthomas@gmail.com
Adam Kebede // adam.kebede@gmail.com
June 2013
For more information on the project and/or to see the full report please follow the link or contact:
http://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/point-grey-cornwall
Green Streets Game Youth Engagement for City of Vancouver
36.
37. 04 SOCIAL
Key Questions
- Need to ensure equity in decision-making
- How to engage diverse (and distracted) communities
- How to communicate implications
- How to balance the ‘tyranny of the established’
The Future of Zoning
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Vancouver BC
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Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
38. 05 The Future of Zoning is
ADAPTIVE
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
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Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
39. 05 ADAPTIVE
Key Drivers
- Cities are problems of ‘organized complexity’
- Smart cities are ‘learning cities’
- Public interests are evolving
- Any zoning code must be a living document
- Influence of “Tactical Urbanism”
- We already do so, but in an ad-hoc way (variance, rezoning)
The Future of Zoning
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Vancouver BC
39/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
43. 05 ADAPTIVE
Key Questions
- How to balance flexibility with predictability?
- What is the value of stability in an accelerated culture?
- How do we staff the zoning counter of the future?
- How do we build ‘feedback loops’ into our processes?
- Is your zoning code future-proof?
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
43/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
44. 06 The Future of Zoning is
ITERATIVE
The Future of Zoning
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Vancouver BC
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Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
45. 06 ITERATIVE
Key Drivers
- Zoning cannot keep pace with demand for change
- Difficult to generate support for ‘big changes’
- Iterative models more compatible to how cities evolve
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
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Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
49. 05 ITERATIVE
Key Questions
- Can we democratize zoning revisions?
- Is iteration a conservative principle?
- How do we incorporation evolution into zoning codes?
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
49/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
50. 07 The Future of Zoning is
DESIGN DIVERSITY
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
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Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
51. 06 DESIGN DIVERSITY
Key Drivers
- Design is a growth-industry in zoning
- Design innovation does not bloom under design control
- People seek ‘signs of life’ in cities + neighbourhoods
- Design community seeks opportunities for expression
- Allowing for design flexibility = an important feedback loop
The Future of Zoning
Infuse 2013
Vancouver BC
51/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
54. http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681959/joi-ito-s-plan-for-urban-innovation-let-a-thousand-weirdos-bloom
Joi Ito’s Plan For Urban
Innovation: “Let A
Thousand Weirdos Bloom”
Instead of planning for an urban renewal, the head of MIT’s Media Lab says
cities should just get out of the way and make it easier for young and
interesting people to do what they do best: innovate.
Ever since Richard Florida published The Rise of the Creative Class, back in 2002, urban
planners have been hot to find the secret key to unleashing innovation (and its
attendant jobs) in their cities.
Is it all about attracting gays (perhaps Florida’s most newsworthy prescription at the
time. What a difference a decade makes!)? Artists? Techies? And, more importantly, if a
city doesn’t already have a home-base of such “creatives," what can city fathers do to
attract it?
Joi Ito, the director of MIT’s famed Media Lab, has a different idea: Find what talent
already exists in your city, the more iconoclastic the better, and then nurture it without
284 295
Find your own weirdos, and figure out
how to amplify them.
“”
Co.DESIGN Co.CREATE Co.LABS SUBSCRIBE EXIST DAILY
‘Misregistered’ Zoning Code ZAGO Architecture - MOMA Foreclosed
55. 06 DESIGN DIVERSITY
Key Questions
- What is role of design review
- How to champion creativity and design at the small scale
- How to define creativity or design excellence
The Future of Zoning
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Vancouver BC
55/62
Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
56. 08 The Future of Zoning is
FRIENDLY
The Future of Zoning
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Neal LaMontagne
University of California Los Angeles
57. Building Intensity and Density
1.0 Maximum Floor Area Ratio: 3.0
2.0 Minimum Floor Area Ratio: 2.0
3.0 Maximum Residential Density: 212 units per hectare (86 units per acre)
4.0 Minimum Open Space Requirements: 10%
Building Function
1.0 Use Mix: Does not apply to Non-Residential Areas
Building Typology
1
Employment-Related Uses include office, retail, commercial, lodging
or industrial (subject to use restrictions).
Lot Size Minimum Percentage of Use Type
Employment Related Uses1
Residential
2500sq m or more 30% 60%
2500sq m or less 80% —
Development Phasing
Development projects may
develop one use type
before another provided
that:
a) The use type does not
exceed the maximum
percentage of the overall
site FAR, and;
b) Future development of
the remainder can be
accommodated without
excessive disruption to
existing tenants/residents.
1
Residential is not permitted in Non-Residential Areas.
Thoroughfares
& Major Streets
Minor Streets
& Lanes
At Grade Above Grade At Grade Above
Grade
Residential1
Entries only Permitted Permitted Permitted
Retail Permitted Permitted Permitted Permitted
Office Permitted Permitted Permitted Permitted
Lodging Permitted Permitted Permitted Permitted
Live/Work Permitted Permitted Permitted Permitted
Industrial Entries only Permitted Entries only Permitted
Building Type Street Type
Thorough-
fares
Major
Streets
Minor Streets Lanes
Signature
High-Rise
Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted
High-Rise Permitted Permitted Restricted Restricted
Mid-Rise
(High)
Permitted Permitted Permitted Permitted
Mid-Rise
(Low)
Permitted Permitted Permitted Permitted
Ground-
Oriented
Restricted Permitted Permitted Permitted
Min St: 10.6m
L: 7.6m
30m tower
Building Envelope
1.0 Height1
2.0 Placement (Build-to-Lines)
Mid-Rise (Low)/Ground-OrientedHigh-Rise Mid-Rise (High)
45m tower
High-Rise/Mid-Rise (High)
A B
Mid-Rise (Low)/Ground-Oriented
A
Building Type Street Type
Thorough-
fares
Major
Streets
Minor
Streets
Lanes
Signature
High-Rise
Podium
Tower
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
High-Rise Podium 15m 10.6m — —
Tower 45m 45m — —
Mid-Rise
(High)
Podium
Tower
15m
30m
10.6m
30m
10.6m
30m
7.6m
30m
Mid-Rise
(Low)
— 15m 10.6m 10.6m 7.6m
Ground-
Oriented
— 15m 10.6m 10.6m 7.6m
1
All building heights subject to Transport Canada regulations.
Building Type Street Type
Thorough-
fares
Major
Streets
Minor
Streets
Lanes
Signature
High-Rise
Podium — — — —
Tower — — — —
High-Rise Podium 5.8m min
7.6m max
5.4m min
7.6m max
— —
Tower 7.6m min 7.6m min — —
Mid-Rise
(High)
Podium 5.8m min
7.6m max
5.4m min
7.6m max
5.4m min
12.6m max
5.4m min
12.6m max
Tower 7.6m min 7.6m min 7.6m min 7.6m min
Mid-Rise
(Low)
— 5.8m min
3m max
5.4m min
1m max
5.4m min
10.6m max
5.4m min
10.6m max
Ground-
Oriented
— — — 5.4m min
10.6m max
5.4m min
10.6m max
A
Th: 5.8m min–7.6m max
Maj St: 5.4m min–7.6m max
Min St: 5.4m min–12.6m max
L: 5.4m min–12.6m max
B
Th: 7.6m min
Maj St: 7.6m min
Min St: 7.6m min
L: 7.6m min
A
Th: 5.8m min–3m max
Maj St: 5.4m min–1m max
Min St: 5.4m min–10.6m max
L: 5.4m min–10.6m max
2.0 Use Location
Th: 15m
Maj/Min St: 10.6m
T: 15m
Maj/Min St: 10.6m
L: 7.6m
Proposed Form-Based Code IBI Group for Richmond BC
