SR-400-009 (12)
PCD:SF:JT:AS:PF:f/ppd/share/downtown development/CCcontractROMA.doc
Council Meeting: May 20, 2003 Santa Monica, California
To: Mayor and City Council
From: City Staff
Subject: Contract with ROMA Design Group in an Amount Not to Exceed $150,000
to Assist the City in Developing Downtown Design Guidelines for Private
Development, Conduct a Public Process and Assist the City in Preparing
Zoning Code Modifications for Consideration by the Planning Commission
and City Council to Implement Downtown Development Design
Guidelines.
INTRODUCTION
This staff report recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to
negotiate and execute a contract with ROMA Design Group in an amount not to exceed
$150,000 to assist the City develop design guidelines for downtown development,
conduct a public process involving businesses, architects, and community and
neighborhood organizations, and prepare zoning code modifications.
DISCUSSION
On November 12, 2002, the City Council adopted an interim ordinance lowering the
development review thresholds in the Downtown to 7,500 square feet. This interim
ordinance in part provides for the creation of downtown design standards, which will
establish the community’s vision for development in the downtown and provide greater
predictability for applicants. Once the downtown design standards are adopted, it is
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envisioned that an alternate development review process will be established within the
Zoning Ordinance to implement the new standards.
On October 22, 2002 the Council re-prioritized the City Planning division workload and
authorized staff to initiate the process to develop new downtown design standards and
guidelines. At that time, staff estimated that the process would take approximately one
year and cost $150,000. Pursuant to the City’s professional services selection
procedures, the Planning and Community Development Department issued a Request
for Proposals to five consulting firms to assist the City in this endeavor. Staff
recommends that ROMA Design Group be selected as consultant for this project due to
its proven track record with the City and work in the downtown area, understanding of
the project, proposed scope of work, consultant team, and experience in zoning related
issues.
Staff proposes to finance the project with $28,000 of remaining funds previously
encumbered for the Wireless Antenna update study, use $65,000 appropriated for the
R1 Standards Update and commit $57,000 from other departmental savings.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are currently budgeted in Account Number 01266.555060 to cover the
cost of the contract.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a contract with ROMA Design Group in an amount not to exceed $150,000 to
assist the City with the Downtown Design Standard project.
Prepared by: Suzanne Frick, Director of Planning and Community Development
Jay M. Trevino, AICP, Planning Manager
Amanda Schachter, Principal Planner
Paul Foley, Senior Planner
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