Support Area Needs--2002 Survey

Zoning uses & Mixed uses:

  1. Current C2 zoning needs to be analyzed for what is allowed.  Artisan manufacturing and live/work should be encouraged to allow artists' lofts, cottage industries (but not sweat shops) and food production, including catering/bakeries, etc.
  2. Mixed uses within buildings should be encouraged---e.g. retail and office below, residential above. At ground level, mixed use as well.  Not only retail.
  3. Liquor licensing can be better regulated in this area--less package, more restaurant licenses.

Building/Design standards:
(Some recommendation could/should come from the Nob Hill Sector Plan's Design Guidelines)
  1. Landscaping should encourage Southwest/xeric landscapes; requirements should be revised to allow trees only on side streets, not on Central, and to be compatible with the NH-H Streetscape Plan.  Large trees should not be planted under utility lines! (see Copper alongside Highland Senior Center).
  2. Plan should encourage shade creating as part of building design--canopies, awnings, overhangs, walls and etc.
  3. Need to encourage retaining/rehabbing historic signage/neon
  4. Need to look at sign ordinance for scale and number allowed; may  need to regulate scale and spacing to encourage better impact.
  5. On-site lighting requirements, maintenance, and enforcement is woefully  inadequate and needs substantial improvement
  6. Glazing minimums for ground floors should be set and enforced

Streetscape:  needs to be made much safer and inviting (walkable)
  1. Add back on-street parking, extend curbs to allow for pedestrian crossing
  2. Safety & landscape/street furniture Locations
  3. Explore possibilities for broader sidewalk and interactive pedestrian streetscape

Proposed Plan/Projects for the Nob Hill-Highland Business District
  1. Develop Zoning Amendments & Design Guidelines for Highland area (a la Downtown Plan)
  2. Institute Façade Rehab Loan/Grant program (with design guidelines)
    3.