Ordinance No. 20545 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Draft 9/29/14 E.Environmental Design Element The Environmental Design Element is concerned with that broad process which molds the various components of the urban area into a distinctive, livable form that promotes a high quality of life. The Metro Plan must go beyond making the urban area more efficient and better organized to also ensure that the area is a pleasant, attractive, and desirable place for people to live, work, and play. The Environmental Design Element is concerned with how people perceive and interact with their surroundings. Perceptions of livability greatly differ between individuals; so, generalizations concerning this element need to be carefully drawn. Many different indicators of livability have been identified, such as the numbers of local educational, medical, and recreational facilities, and natural environmental conditions. Not all these indicators are directly concerned with environmental design, showing that the concept of livability is influenced by all elements of the Metro Plan. This element focuses on some of the features of the natural and built environment that affect the quality of life. The metropolitan area is changing in ways that are far-reaching and diverse. Decisions that concern change have an effect on the form of the area. If we are to maintain a livable urban environment and realize the full potential of our desirable and distinctive qualities, daily decisions that concern change must be guided by environmental design principles, such as site planning, in combination with other planning policies. Based on concerns related to energy conservation, environmental preservation, transportation, and other issues, increased density is desirable. This increases the need for effective, detailed environmental design in order to ensure a high quality of life and a high degree of livability in an increasingly dense urban environment. This area is noted for the high degree of livability enjoyed by its residents. Environmental design is a process that helps to maintain and enhance these positive attributes. Goals 1. Secure a safe, clean, and comfortable environment which is satisfying to the mind and senses. 2. Encourage the development of the natural, social, and economic environment in a manner that is harmonious with our natural setting and maintains and enhances our quality of life. 3. Create and preserve desirable and distinctive qualities in local and neighborhood areas. III-E-1