Title
Briefing on Proposed Infill Housing Design Standards and Plan Book
Purpose
Background Statement:
The purpose of this briefing is to provide an update on the initial work by the consultants, Work Program Architects (WPA) to develop an Infill Housing Design Standards and Plan Book ("Plan Book") for residential development of substandard infill lots. The overall purpose and intent is to develop an Infill Housing Design Standards and Plan Book ("Plan Book") for residential development of substandard infill lots. The Plan Book would provide house plans designed specifically to ensure the quality of construction, character, sustainability, and resilience of homes built on existing lots not meeting the standard dimensional requirements (i.e. substandard lots) in the City of Hampton. In addition, the Plan Book would provide options for exterior designs as well as floor plans and finishes. Designs would focus on character areas or neighborhoods with quality design in keeping with the historic architectural traditions within some of the City’s older neighborhoods, such as Downtown, Phoebus, and the Greater Wythe area. Traditional beach and coastal house designs would be considered for the Buckroe area. Another objective would be to simplify the process for builders to construct high quality homes on substandard lots that meet modern needs and market pricing.
WPA will share progress to date, highlight the benefit and incentive of a Plan Book, summarize the community engagement and online survey outcomes, and present initial findings that are shaping the proposed Plan Book and the draft policy.
We are seeking City Council and public feedback to help refine these recommendations and guide the next steps toward a quality Plan Book as well as informed draft zoning ordinance language.