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Goals are more focused objectives that support the achievement of the guiding principles. Within the DPP framework, a goal is the community’s aspiration for a specific future condition. Each guiding principle is supported by two to four specific goals.
Policies are specific statements of the City's approach and commitment to a particular goal. If each goal is considered to be an objective the community hopes to achieve within the downtown, the specific supporting policies are the ways in which the City will work to achieve the goal. The ensuing pages are organized into nine guiding principles and their subordinant goals and policies.
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Above, the downtown vision statement describes what our community hopes the downtown will become in the long-run. It visualizes a future in which the common goals and aspirations of Orindans have been successfully pursued. The vision statement helps decision-makers direct future policy and development that supports achievement of the Guidingvision.Principles are the essential areas of current action and future improvement that direct our community’s focus and efforts toward achieving its overarching vision. Each guiding principle for downtown Orinda is accompanied by a more specific long-range vision of how the community might take shape around the principle if it is diligently acted upon.
VISIONDOWNTOWN
Downtown orinDa is a vibrant, welcoming, anD accessible Destination that is home to a variety of restaurants, specialty businesses, anD Diverse housing options that serve the orinDa community; celebrates orinDa’s history anD semi-rural heritage while supporting new, high-quality Development that breathes life anD beauty into the Downtown; espouses community stewarDship of the natural environment; promotes lively, interconnecte D entertainment spaces to celebrate the arts anD bring people together through events anD performances; fosters responsible growth by supporting a Dynamic employment center anD managing safe, multimoDal transportation; anD upholDs the Dignity anD safety of all who use the Downtown.
REVITALIZE THE DOWNTOWN ECONOMY
POLICY 1.2.1 POLICY 1.2.6 POLICY 1.2.2 POLICY 1.2.3 POLICY 1.2.4 POLICY 1.2.5 GOAL 1.1 GOAL 1.2
G U I D I N G P R I N C I P L E 1
Seek partnerships with and supportive policies for quality developers of commercial, mixed-use, and affordable housing developments. Improve business startup processes and small business access to resources, supportive infrastructure, and business networking opportunities. Explore opportunities to streamline business startup processes. Seek innovative strategies to improve the local public digital infrastructure, including cell, fiber, and wi-fi networks. Enhance the City’s coordina tion with the business community and downtown property owners throughout the public engagement process for proposed downtown development standards and projects. Educate the community on available grant funding opportunities and small business resource programs. Support the development of downtown groups and networking activities for professionals and entrepreneurs.Cooperate with the Orinda Chamber of Commerce. Expand partner ships between the City and community organizations in order to provide events and seminars benefitting business connections. A strong sense of cooperation and mutual support exists between the members of the business community, downtown property owners, and the City. The needs of cherished long-time businesses are reflected in downtown decision-making, enabling their resilience and continued service within the community. Newer businesses find support and resources for starting up operations in Orinda. The business environment is well-networked through downtown business and professional organizations.
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Foster a healthy business environment through careful planning, guided private development, and public investment. Support reinvestment and encourage business growth and retention. Promote an environment for small business resiliency. Encourage the creative inclusion of small and micro-retail in larger development sites that create a diverse range of economically accessible commercial space options for business owners. Study evolving market demand and maintain a critical assessment of Orinda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem in order to guide public and private investment and allocate resources accordingly.
POLICY 1.1.1 POLICY 1.1.2 POLICY 1.1.3 POLICY 1.1.4
Discourage ground-floor uses that detract from pedestrian-oriented activity. Encourage a variety of local dining opportunities including a greater variety and higher quality of restaurants and outdoor dining.Workto attract a specialty grocery store or market hall that energizes the retail sector and enhances the downtown shoppingExploreenvironment.regulationsthat would allow and attract a boutiquescale hotel or Main Street style inn that increases the capacity for locally-serving hospitality. Meet some of the community’s housing needs downtown per the Regional Housing Needs Allocation set by the Association of Bay Area Governments. Consider revisions to the general plan and zoning designations applicable to downtown properties to support the capacity for new housing. Consider revisions to the general plan and zoning designations applicable to downtown properties to support the capacity for new housing. Explore regulations that would encourage residential mixed-use development that incorporates neighbor hood-serving retail and commercial uses on the ground floor.
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Increase land use diversity that supports the needs of Orinda’s residents and businesses, as well as attracts visitors from the Lamorinda region. Encourage eclectic retail and entertainment establishments to locate downtown and consider regulations that support such Consideruses. regulations that would allow development of coworking, business incubator, and flexible live/work spaces that accommodate the needs of a burgeoning work-from-home population. Explore regulations that would allow innovative uses of space beyond retail, such as small-scale manufacturing and other creative spaces.
Orinda houses a diverse mix of independent businesses that exemplify Orinda’s small-town character. Orindans travel downtown to shop at specialty grocery shops in a lively market hall and dine at a variety of high-quality restaurants, while guests to Orinda can stay in a charming boutique hotel surrounded by shops and restaurants. Community-serving local establishments provide a myriad of options that serve the daily needs of residents and visitors, and include affordable and accessible options for all income levels. Downtown housing has been incorporated into mixed-use projects to better support local establishments. Downtown housing supports families, seniors, and young professionals from a variety of backgrounds who help foster a sense of community downtown and contribute to a lively and engaging atmosphere.
ENABLE AND ATTRACT A DIVERSITY OF LAND USES
G U I D I N G P R I N C I P L E 2 POLICY 2.2.1 POLICY 2.1.4 POLICY 2.2.2 POLICY 2.1.5 POLICY 2.2.3 POLICY 2.1.6 POLICY 2.1.7 GOAL 2.2 POLICY 2.1.1 POLICY 2.1.2 POLICY 2.1.3 GOAL 2.1
POLICY 2.2.5 POLICY 2.2.7
New Housing Production. Encourage the development of a variety of types of housing for all income levels, which will be assisted through appropriate zoning and development standards.
Through the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), Orinda has been assigned 1,359 units that it must plan for in the 6th Cycle Housing Element. With an additional 25% buffer for very low and low income housing to ensure adherence to its allocation, Orinda’s total RHNA is 1,506 units. To accomodate planning for this level of growth, 43 sites in downtown Orinda - more than half of the Downtown Precise Plan project area - were identified for their development or redevelopment capacity to house 447 units. This represents a significant boost in residential density downtown, and in development overall. The Downtown Precise Plan offers the opportunity to plan around and guide development for downtown housing that is sensitive to the needs of the existing community while accommodating the needs of future residents.
Work to encourage housing density at a level that is compatible with locally-serving land uses, while maintain ing an accessible downtown for all of Orinda.
GOALEnergy6 Conservation. Promote energy conservation and efficiency in existing housing and new development. The Housing Element ConnectionPOLICY 2.2.7
Focus on the production of an expanded variety of quality housing choices that are inclusive of all ages and income levels.Pursue the goals of the 6th Cycle Housing Element. Review and ensure consistency between the Downtown Precise Plan policies and future Housing Element cycles. Focus on vacant and/or underutilized sites as possible locations for residential redevelopment. In particular, consider the western edge of the Village District near the San Pablo Creek, where the downsloping properties may better accommodate increased building heights away from theCheckstreet.for consistency with all elements of the City’s General Plan (e.g., Land Use Element, Open Space Element, Circulation Element, Conservation Element, Noise Element) and consider proposed changes as appropriate, prior to implementing the policies proposed in this DPP. Plan for potential housing, office, and/or retail development adjacent to downtown areas.
The Housing Element is how Orinda plans to meet the housing needs of everyone in the community over an eight-year period. The Housing Element is required by the City’s General Plan and includes goals, policies and programs to direct housing-related decision-making. Every eight years (referred to as “cycles”), local governments in California must update their Housing Element and have it certified by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
GOAL 1
What is the Housing Element?
Coordinate with Caltrans and BART for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at the Orinda BART station. Use BART’s published materials along with its adopted policies and performance metrics to develop a precise plan and objective design standards that would guide TOD at this station’s parking Considerareas.objective design standards to facilitate high quality, contextually-sensitive multifamily residential development in conjunction with rezoning to meet Housing Element obligations.
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Housing Element goals related to downtown Orinda
GOAL 3 Housing Opportunity Sites. Provide additional housing opportunities and sites to meet the needs of Orinda’s low-, very low-, and moderate-income households.
POLICY 2.2.4
POLICY 2.2.8 POLICY 2.3.2 POLICY 2.3.1 GOAL 2.3
GOALHousing4 Constraints. Reduce governmental constraints to the production and preservation of housing in Orinda.
guiDing principle 2: enable anD attract a Diversity of lanD uses POLICY 2.2.6
GOAL 5 Fair Housing. Promote equal housing opportunities for all Orinda residents, regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, or color.
How is the Housing Element related to the Downtown Precise Plan?
Strive to adopt regulations that would gradually transition from smaller buildings near residential neighborhoods to larger, more centralized buildings. Buildings should be scaled in respect to their surroundings and support a moderate intensity of neighborhood and community-serving uses. Projects with larger development footprints should integrate with the existing developed envi ronment and provide a varied character. Set height limits that maintain a desirable development scale while contributing to the revitalization of downtown Orinda. Building heights for each area should be objective and written to require buildings to harmonize with the built and natural environments while reducing constraints on / ensuring the viability of
Downtown Orinda has developed into a network of buildings old and new, eclectic but cohesive, organic yet well-ordered. Newer, community-oriented architecture and sensitive site design compliment older iconic buildings through cohesive architectural styles and appropriate detailing. A variety of downtown residential buildings provide a permanent sense of community through the neighborhood-oriented placemaking that has been incorporated into their design. Although downtown Orinda has filled in and scaled up in places, the new downtown fabric retains a sense of village charm through attractive, main street-style development.
redevelopment.Exploreregulations that would reduce building setbacks from the sidewalk. Combined with widening sidewalks where possible, this would be intended to promote pedestrian comfort and active engagement with a main street environment. Pursue objective regulations that would require development to step back at upper stories to reduce the perceived mass of buildings at the street level, blend the roofline of taller buildings with lower buildings, and create light and view corridors between structures. Consider objective regulations that would promote vertical mixed-use buildings, particularly at major intersections, that include ground-floor
THE APPEARANCE OF DOWNTOWN
08 VISION
Pursue objective design standards that guide the development of appropriatelyscaled, contextually compatible buildings that strengthen and enhance the downtown’s village character. Explore regulations that would require new development to incor porate engaging elements where buildings are located along public sidewalks. These elements might include shopfronts, porches, stoops, and public terraces that strengthen connections between the public realm and downtown buildings. Where uses are inconsistent with an active pedestrian realm, such as with parking garages, regulations should require developments to include street-fronting, pedestrian-oriented uses that conceal the conflicting use.
G U I D I N G P R I N C I P L E 3 POLICY 3.1.1 GOAL 3.1 POLICY 3.1.2 POLICY 3.1.3 POLICY 3.1.4 POLICY 3.1.5 POLICY 3.1.6 A ugust 2022 D r A ft D owntown P recise P l A n
ENSURE NEW DEVELOPMENT ENHANCES
09V ision commercial, retail, and entertainment spaces that contribute to an active sidewalk. In areas of lower intensity, focus on objective regulations that would allow horizontal mixed use that locates commercial, services, and housing within short distances of each other. Foster a supportive environment for responsible downtown development. Offer development incentives (e.g., density bonuses) consistent with State Law to encourage appropriate development. Approach development decisions with pragmatism and with a clear understanding of trade-offs. Research possible incentives and streamlined processes for combining small lots into larger sites suitable for redevelopment. Reduce blight and activate underutilized properties. Encourage infill development or redevelopment of blighted and vacant properties. Support initiatives that reduce or better activate existing deep setbacks. POLICY 3.2.1 POLICY 3.2.2 POLICY 3.2.3 POLICY 3.3.1 POLICY 3.3.2 GOAL 3.2 GOAL 3.3 guiDing principle 3: ensure new Development enhances the appearance of Downtown
• Establish cohesive gateway designs for downtown entrances at the intersections of Camino Pablo with Brookwood Road, Moraga Way, Santa Maria Way, and Orinda Way.
Pursue Public Works projects that beautify and enhance the sense of place downtown. As resources allow, implement the recommendations and actions of ConnectOrinda for maintaining the public realm.
The ConnectOrinda LinkPOLICY 3.4.1
• Provide pedestrian luminaires over sidewalks and walkways where streetlight fixtures exceed effective pedestrian lighting heights.
• Use furnishings that provide universal access to promote inclusion for users of all ages and abilities.
The ConnectOrinda LinkPOLICY 3.4.2
Establish a comprehensive maintenance program that includes the following components: • Map and clearly identify the areas for which the City has maintenance responsibility • Encourage Caltrans to maintain landscaping and cleanliness within their right-of-way
GOAL 3.4 POLICY 3.4.2
• Regularly prune and weed plants, shrubs, and trees
• Establish a unified theme for street furnishings.
guiDing principle 3: ensure new Development enhances the appearance of Downtown
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POLICY 3.4.1 POLICY 3.4.3
• Consider parklets in place of street parking spaces where requested by adjacent businesses and property owners to enhance outdoor dining options. Design parklets to be level with the sidewalk, offer buffers from the street, and provide public amenities that enhance the sidewalk.
• Collect trash and clear other debris, wash sidewalks and walkways, remove graffiti and perform other routine cleaning
• Maintain fountains, replace light bulbs, clear storm drains, repair sidewalks and walkways, and perform other maintenance of the public realm.
As resources allow, implement the recommendations and actions of ConnectOrinda for establishing community gateway markers, appropriate pedestrian lighting, and street furnishings, and public parklets. Consider public/private partnerships to address the constraints imposed by the PG&E easement and transmission towers with no net financial cost to the City.
• Conduct a lighting study to recommend adjustments as needed and a lighting fixture design that helps unify downtown Orinda.
G U I D I N G P R I N C I P L E 4 POLICY 4.1.1 POLICY 4.2.1 POLICY 4.1.2 POLICY 4.1.3 GOAL 4.1 GOAL 4.2 POLICY 4.1.4 POLICY 4.1.5 A ugust 2022 D r A ft V ision A n D g ui D ing P rinci P les
FACILITATE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION AND CELEBRATE ORINDA’S SEMI-RURAL HERITAGE
Support the preservation, rehabilitation, commemoration, and maintenance of historical properties. Consider the preservation and/or commemoration of buildings and features that reflect the historical village character of theWorkdowntown.tostreamline the permitting process and reduce regulatory barriers for property owners performing routine maintenance and upgrades on older downtownExplorebuildings.streamlined regula tions for entrance and façade remodeling on downtown buildings that will contribute to the pedestrian environment and the historic character of downtown. Research and pursue grants and programs that assist property owners with historic preservation efforts. Consider regulatory updates to extend the life cycle of existing downtown building stock through adaptive reuse. Document and represent the history of the City. Seek opportunities to expand upon the historic marker program throughout downtown, as well as other methods that commemorate Orinda’s heritage as a semi-rural village community.
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VISION
Property and business owners have partnered with each other and the City to establish an attractive and meaningful downtown that supports and celebrates Orinda’s sense of community life. The iconic Orinda Theatre continues to stand proudly as a testament to Orinda’s historical charm and community resilience. Other buildings of historical significance have also been restored and maintained, enhancing the village atmosphere of the local shops and restaurants that draw residents of Orinda and the greater Lamorinda region into downtown Orinda. Previously vacant or underutilized properties, such as the former Phair’s building, have been commemorated as historic points of local civic pride that reinforce the village character of newer development. A myriad of art pieces and attractive historic markers tell the story of Orinda’s history and reinforce a sense of community pride and heritage.
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• Expand Orinda’s art collection to include murals, mosaics, pavement markings and other types of public art that would be new to Orinda.
• Install both temporary and permanent exhibits to maintain a dynamic arts scene.
5.1.1 POLICY 5.1.2 POLICY 5.1.3
• Coordinate with the Lamorinda Arts Council and the Orinda Art in Public Places Committee to develop a public art plan that broadens the types of art and installation locations, establishes priorities for Orinda’s art program, and addresses how art is selected and rotated, where it is sited, and how it is funded and maintained.
Downtown Orinda has become a center for arts and culture that provides aesthetic and interactive cultural and recreational activities that represent its diverse population. Artists have access to a bounty of forums to express themselves and the values of Orinda. Residents now enjoy music, dining, recreation, and entertainment through a widened variety of inviting, mixed-use public spaces. In the Village District, food truck nights have culminated in a small culinary festival, while in the Theatre District residents and visitors flock to experience Orinda’s charming art and culture street fairs. Orinda’s successful public programming has been leveraged to bring life and activity to the community’s commercial and retail spheres. The friendly atmosphere of the downtown encourages community engagement and active participation in downtown events.
G U I D I N G P R I N C I P L E 5
• Enhance Orinda’s collection of public art by creating new labels that list the title, artist and a QR code that viewers can scan with a smart phone, which will display more information about the piece, including an artist’s statement.
POLICY GOAL 5.1 POLICY 5.1.4
The ConnectOrinda LinkPOLICY 5.1.1
• Consider opportunities to include art in public realm capital improvements.
Animate existing and future public and private spaces through a comprehensive downtown arts program. As resources allow, implement the ConnectOrinda recom mendations and guidelines pertaining to public art. As resources allow, provide opportunities and forums for artists to display and perform their work. Consider implementation of a public performance ordinance or program that compliments and culturally enriches downtown uses. Consider a public art require ment for development projects.
ESTABLISH DOWNTOWN AS AN ACTIVE CENTER FOR ARTS AND EVENTS
Consider design and implementation of a public art master plan that guides and coordinates the efforts of downtown art organizations, committees, programs, and initiatives.
• Broaden types of art and installation locations.
• Experiment with interactive art, which invites user participation or provides sensory stimulation through touch, movement, or sound.
• Extend the art program to Orinda’s pedestrian bridges, freeway under crossings, landscaped areas, walls and building facades, and other areas that can be enjoyed by large groups of people without conflicting with other uses of the public realm.
Focus on amenities such as furniture, lighting, and art that can help articulate spaces that are frequently used to host events, such as the farmers market and food truck nights.Pursue new multi-use, accessible public and private spaces that can act as public gathering places and support a dynamic range of cultural events and recreationalCoordinateactivities.with Theatre District business and property owners regarding street festivals, art fairs, and other events that can spotlight the Theatre District. Work with Theatre Square owners in particular to broaden the scope of currently-offered public event programming. Encourage a variety of health and fitness activities throughout the downtown. Coordinate with local health professionals and community members regarding health fairs, healthy-cooking demonstrations, and physical activity opportunities.Coordinate Parks & Recreation Department, local fitness facilities, and downtown businesses efforts to conduct outdoor activities during warmer times of the year. Encourage private or consider public development of outdoor exercise equipment to support such activities.As resources allow, consider art, signs, and markers that create walking and running trails throughout and around the commercialEncouragedistrict. play areas for children throughout downtown areas in order to support the family-friendly atmosphere. Consider updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (1989).
POLICY 5.2.1 POLICY 5.3.1 POLICY 5.2.2 POLICY 5.3.2 POLICY 5.2.3 POLICY 5.3.3 POLICY 5.2.4 POLICY 5.3.4 POLICY 5.3.5 GOAL 5.2 GOAL 5.3 guiDing principle 5: establish Downtown as an active center for arts anD events
Express and enhance Orinda’s social and cultural character by promoting downtown as a diverse center with daytime, evening, and nighttime activities. Pursue cultural activities and opportunities for diverse ethnic, age, and social groups in the downtown, which could include live performances, noon-time concerts, and evening and weekend activities.Seekcreative design strategies that enhance existing public open spaces as flexible mixed-use spaces.
G U I D I N G P R I N C I P L E 6 POLICY 6.1.1 POLICY 6.1.4 POLICY 6.1.5 POLICY 6.1.6 POLICY 6.2.2 POLICY 6.2.1 POLICY 6.1.7 POLICY 6.1.2 POLICY 6.1.3GOAL 6.1 GOAL 6.2
The San Pablo Creek has become a prominent feature of the downtown with a scenic greenway promenade and boardwalk that offer natural vistas. Nearby, restaurant patios overlook the San Pablo Creek, creating a warm, active atmosphere that draws in families and visitors. The creek is connected to the rest of downtown through a series of green pedestrian passages, pocket parklets, and pocket plazas that enhance the feeling of an open downtown immersed in nature. Orinda’s natural beauty is celebrated through the preserved views to its rolling hills and maintenance of its mature native trees. Residents and visitors use pedestrian-friendly pathways to access the trails, parks, and natural scenery in which downtown Orinda is nestled.
Look for opportunities to incorporate features that provide comfort and vantage points for visitors (e.g., viewing platforms with interpretive signage and seating near the Santa Maria Way/Camino Pablo intersection). Seating and low-level lighting could be used along the creek to create comfortable resting locations at public access points. Pursue connections between the creek, the Community Center, and the de Laveaga Trail.Coordinate with private landowners to encourage creek-fronting façades or restaurant vistas, and a contiguous creek greenway that provides public amenities and comfortable pedestrian access along the creek.
Consider bike/scooter parking needs at one or more creek trailhead locations.Study options to decrease noise at the creek from vehicles traveling on Camino Pablo. Foster a connection with nature by enhancing the downtown’s natural resources. Pursue a variety of outdoor spaces, particularly public gathering spaces, that blend with the natural environment of Orinda by incorporating native landscaping.Workwith property owners and businesses to contribute
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Embrace San Pablo Creek. As resources allow, pursue a San Pablo Creek trail along the eastern bank that is ADA accessible. Study development options for including a bridge that crosses the creek and a boardwalk that follows the western bank. Strive for a unique brand and identity for San Pablo Creek. This might be done by marking the portals of day-lit portions with archways, sculptures, or gateway signage. Use of painted symbols or artful markers could be used at public locations to reveal the “invisible creek” where it passes below. Decorative bridge railings could be installed to celebrate the creek.
RESTORE, ENHANCE, AND PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Maintain a sense of openness and visual access to the hills to the west. As resources allow, enhance the existing open space in the downtown, including the community park and library plaza area, with open-air restaurant seating, public seating, and other amenities that provide for view corridors towards Orinda’s hills and naturalEncouragescenery.a compact downtown to conserve open space and the natural environment throughout other parts of the City. Encourage redevelopment of underutilized space with pocket parks, pocket plazas, and pedestrian passages that offer scenic open spaces capable of softening, rather than emphasizing, adjacent development.
to and maintain landscaping throughout downtown, both in the private and public domains. Seek additional strategies to fund, maintain, and update existing parks and trails through and adjacent to the downtown through partnerships and grant funding opportunities with state, federal, and non-governmental organizations. Consider pursuing designation as an International Dark Sky Community, or the adoption of dark sky-friendly lighting policies per International Dark-Sky Association guidelines. Dark sky policies seek to minimize light pollution and increase visual access to night skies.
GOAL 6.3 POLICY 6.2.3 POLICY 6.3.3 POLICY 6.2.4 POLICY 6.3.1 POLICY 6.3.2 guiDing principle 6: restore, enhance, anD proviDe access to the natural environment A ugust 2022 D r A ft V ision A n D g ui D ing P rinci P les
FACILITATE SAFE, CONVENIENT, AND BALANCED TRANSPORTATION 7.1.4 SIDEWALKS
Encourage private develop ment to expand the pedestrian network throughout downtown parcels, considering their publicly accessible outdoor areas as an extension of the pedestrian environment wherever possible.
G U I D I N G P R I N C I P L E 7 POLICY 7.1.1 POLICY 7.1.2 POLICY 7.1.3 POLICY
VISION
CURB EXTENSIONS
• Widen sidewalks where needed.
GOAL 7.1
Focus on safe and convenient pedestrian access to, from, and within the downtown. Design pedestrian areas throughout the downtown in accordance with the ConnectOrinda plan. As resources allow, provide adequate sidewalk space on heavily traveled pedestrian corridors (i.e., Camino Pablo, Orinda Way, Moraga Way), especially between BART, the Village, and the Theatre District. Minimize the conflict between pedestrian and vehicular traffic at intersections as well as midblock.
• Use plantings to soften large expanses of hardscape, such as in curb extensions and in furnishing zones.
• Use high quality, slip-resistant paving materials, such as brick and decorative concrete.
• Consider implementation of high-visibility crosswalks at signalized intersections on busy arterial roadways and at other desired locations such as for trailhead access.
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• Minimize curb cuts by located driveways on side streets and consolidating them.
Orinda’s downtown has been transformed into a “walker’s paradise,” where the abundance of local establishments and services are well-connected by comfortable, active sidewalks, high visibility crosswalks that provide safe passage between pedestrian curb extensions, and popular pedestrian passages. It’s now comfortable to cross Camino Pablo to reach the de Laveaga Trailhead via a high visibility crosswalk after rounding the San Pablo Creek boardwalk.
CROSSWALKS
• Upgrade existing crosswalks at identified locations to high-visibility striping.
• Evaluate the feasibility of curb extensions at corners with crosswalks currently lacking them.
The ConnectOrinda LinkPOLICY 7.1.3
Former surface lots that once dominated the Village District have been replaced with a network of pocket parks, plazas, and pathways that better articulate a sense of place and enable comfortable access to the shops and restaurants here. Shared public parking structures fronted with shops have enhanced the Theatre and Village Districts, transforming each into “park once” districts that maintain Orinda residents and visitors’ easy access to downtown. Artfully designed bike racks and dedicated scooter spaces dot the downtown, connected by comfortable bike lanes that encourage families to spend an afternoon visiting the two sides of the downtown by bicycle, or allowing downtown workers to make a quick bike trip for lunch at their favorite spot across downtown.
POLICY
• Place additional bicycle racks, bike lockers, and scoorer parking areas throughout downtown Orinda in the furnishings zone near popular commercial destinations and places of employment.
The ConnectOrinda LinkPOLICY 7.2.3
Evaluate alternative transportation strategies that connect visitors and residents to and within the downtown. Conduct traffic studies as appropriate to inform transit decisions to serve new demand as a result of an increased concentration of downtown businesses andContinuehousing.to study and pursue options that increase the transportation options between the Village, the Theatre District, and BART in a way that minimizes reliance on personal vehicles to travel between downtownEstablishlocations.acomprehensive public bike and scooter parking strategy in accordance with the ConnectOrinda plan. Encourage new development that includes bicycle and scooter infrastructure to support ridership.
POLICY
GOAL
POLICY
guiDing principle 7: facilitate safe, convenient, anD balanceD transportation
Consider objective regula tions that would discourage suburbanstyle development where surface parking is the dominantLookfeature.foropportunities to create adequate parking facilities to support land use policies for the downtown and protect adjacent neighbor hoods from parking spillover. 7.3.37.2 7.3 7.2.1 7.2.2 7.2.3 7.2.4 7.3.1 7.3.4 7.3.2 7.3.5
• Work with the Public Works Department and Bike Orinda to identify potential bike and scooter parking locations. Work with Bike Orinda, the Lamorinda Arts Council and Art in Public Places Committee, and other interested parties
GOAL
Consider an ordinance for shared parking requirements and/or a parking variance in-lieu ordinance for downtown residential development per the objectives of the 6th Cycle Housing Element. Periodically assess the commercial retail in-lieu parking ordinance fees to ensure the financial feasibility of coordinating alternative parking.
POLICY
Assess traffic conditions and pursue street improvement projects as needed to provide adequate vehicular access to, from, and within the downtown. Minimize parking and loading entrances to reduce conflict with pedestrians. Seek alternatives to parking minimums to facilitate development that maintains sufficient parking downtown.
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POLICY
•
Provide adequate vehicular access and parking opportunities for customers, employees, and residents that reduces the current visual impact of surface parking.
POLICY
POLICY
POLICY
POLICY
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Downtown Orinda is a welcoming, accessible, and supportive community built upon the experiences of people whose age, ancestry, citizenship, color, disability, financial socioeconomic status, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion or religious beliefs, sex, and sexual orientation will never be a barrier to an individual’s voice in guiding the character and participating in the community of downtown Orinda. The processes that shape downtown and the arts that tell its story will actively seek the participation and representation of community members from historically marginalized backgrounds. Downtown Orinda offers resources, activities, and support for the individual, the family, and the community of people from all walks of life.
FOSTER A WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE
VISION
Build a sense of community trust through open and inclusive planning processes. Strive for a robust community engagement process that is welcoming to input from people of all backgrounds. The public participation process should offer diverse and flexible methods of participation, which can reduce barriers to participation.
G U I D I N G P R I N C I P L E 8 GOAL 8.1 GOAL 8.2 POLICY 8.1.1 POLICY 8.2.1 POLICY 8.2.2 POLICY 8.2.3 POLICY 8.1.2
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Foster relationships with key leaders and local organizations that expands public participation efforts. Pursue an accessible downtown that supports the needs of diverse populations.
Pursue regulations that would promote downtown housing that is economically accessible to diverse demographic groups and income levels. Evaluate regulatory options to promote a mix of accessible housing and healthcare options that would support seniors and disabled community members.
Consider regulations intended to attract and support childcare facilities that increase flexible use of the downtown for Orinda’s families.
COMMUNITY
VISION A SAFE AND RESILIENT DOWNTOWN ENVIRONMENT
New development and density has continued to provide the safety and security afforded to Orinda residents, visitors, and buildings downtown. Protect downtown buildings and their occupants from natural hazards (i.e., fire, flood, and earthquake). Coordinate with MOFD on appropriate development conditions for fire prevention and wildfire resilience. Coordinate with the Contra Costa County Building Department on evolving building standards related to the ability of new and existing buildings to withstand a major seismic event. Educate and train downtown businesses, organizations, and residents on emergency response and evacuation procedures.
ENSURE
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Focus on occupant and visitor safety in the context of new projects, renovation projects, and increased densities in the downtown. Investigate whether power grid enhancements are capable of providing backup generation for critical services during Public Safety Power Shutoff outages.Evaluate whether downtown development and density is commensurate with the service capabilities of MOFD and the Orinda Police Department.
G U I D I N G P R I N C I P L E 9 GOAL 9.1 GOAL 9.2 POLICY 9.1.1 POLICY 9.2.1 POLICY 9.1.2 POLICY 9.2.2 POLICY 9.1.3
G U I D I N G P R I N C I P L E 10 VISION GOAL 10.1 POLICY 10.1.1 POLICY 10.1.2 POLICY 10.1.3 POLICY 10.1.4 POLICY 10.2.1 GOAL 10.2 POLICY 10.2.3 POLICY 10.2.2
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PURSUE A SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT FUTURE
The City of Orinda is cognizant of the evolving threat of climate change and the urgent need to reduce, mitigate, and reverse the impacts of human activity on the environment as well as to plan for climate change adaption and community resilience. Through Bay Area initiatives, Orinda coordinates with county and city governments to fulfill its role in ensuring that the natural environment and the people who live here are protected from climate change hazards. Development is sensitive to these needs and incorporates effective mitigation and adaption strategies that minimize the impact of the built environment on Bay Area ecosystem services, while transportation strategies reduce Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) and greenhouse gas emissions. Develop a comprehensive strategy for creating an environmentally sustainable and resilient downtown. Ensure inter-departmental coordination on sustainability actions and resource access.Ensure that environmental sustainability and resiliency is considered holistically in public investment decisions. Ensure that property owners, developers, and tenants have the opportunity to maximize environmental sustainability and resilience. Leverage the City’s role in guiding development to provide advice, direction, and encourage ment to new development to maximize its environmental sustainability and resilience. Encourage downtown businesses to participate in the Contra Costa County Green Business Program. Seek and promote strategies and resources for businesses and property owners to invest in efficiency upgrades through green technologies and techniques. Minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Explore partnerships that would allow and attract shared micromo bility services, such as bike and scooter shares, within the downtown.
Consider a Zero-Emission Vehicle Rollout Plan to guide the gradual transition of the City’s vehicles to a zero emission vehicle fleet. Zero-emission vehicles, which include electric and hydrogen vehicles, do not result in harmful emissions during operation, which reduces negative impacts to local air quality and contributes to reduced greenhouse gas levels. Encourage and support the inclusion of electric vehicle charging stations in new or reconfigured parking solutions, to include both private and City-owned parking lots/structures.
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Improve climate resiliency through the design of new development projects. Encourage new develop ment and redevelopment projects to include green infrastructure and green building elements that minimize the built environment’s impact upon the natural environment, connect wildlife habitats, promote biodiversity, sequester carbon emissions, and absorb rainwater. These techniques may include green walls, green roofs, bioswales, native landscaping, pocket parks, and improvements to the native tree canopy.Work with MOFD to confirm new development uses approved alternative methods of emergency access that preserve existing street trees, which provide natural carbon sequestration and absorb rainwater, where feasible. 10.3 10.3.1 POLICY 10.3.2