Rick Cole Advocates for New Development Regulations in Pasadena

TL/DR –

Councilmember Rick Cole is leading a push for Pasadena to change its approach to regulating new development, aiming to enable the building of classic, simple, and elegant buildings that will house people and be compatible with the traditions of Pasadena. The Planning Commission unanimously approved Cole’s motion to build on the city’s successful “City of Gardens” ordinance but adapt it for higher-density projects. The new standards will affect about 60 projects currently in development, representing around 3,000 total housing units.

In his last Planning Commission meeting as District 2 Councilmember, Rick Cole is pushing for a reevaluation of Pasadena’s new development controls, particularly with the city’s escalating high-density building projects wave.

Cole’s goal is to standardize the creation of “classic, simple, elegant buildings” that blend with Pasadena traditions and not just “to make ugly buildings less ugly.”

The motion, unanimously approved, instructs staff to build on the City’s successful “City of Gardens” ordinance model, adapting it for high-density projects. The “City of Gardens” model, established in 1989, was designed to address flaws in multi-family condo and apartment development. However, it only applies to development of 48 units to the acre or less.

Some Planning Commissioners have voiced concerns that recent high-density developments, particularly along Walnut Street, breach basic design principles for creating walkable, livable neighborhoods.

The motion also directs the staff to develop a comprehensive coding guide for developers akin to the City of Gardens code, exploring formats to bring stakeholders together for effective implementation.

The new standards will impact about 60 projects currently in the development pipeline, representing around 3,000 total housing units. Half of these projects are located in the Central District.

Planning Director Jennifer Paige mentioned that City staff had spent nearly two years crafting the standards. They aim to keep the standards simple, not exceeding five pages.

Commissioner Mic Hansen suggested organizing a workshop with commissioners, staff, consultants, and lawyers to streamline the process. The panel stressed the need to preserve neighborhood character while adhering to state requirements for objective standards.

Cole warns of a potential surge in density due to state bonus laws, with most upcoming projects ranging from 87 to 150 units per acre. “If we get ugly projects at 60 units the acre, imagine at double the density,” he stated.

As he bid farewell, Cole lauded the Commission’s diverse expertise, including a city planner, a professor of urban planning, a successful business executive, among other professionals. He pledged to fight for more support for commissions as a Councilmember.

The planning standards will return to the Design Commission for input and further refinement. The Planning Commission expects to review the city’s economic development plan among other items at its next meeting on Jan. 22, 2024.

—
Read More US Political News