HPC Reviews OHDS Guidelines

At the Monday evening meeting of the Hastings Historic Preservation Commission, Public Works Director Nick Egger made a presentation to the Commission regarding the background and scope of the Original Hastings Design Standards District Design Guidelines. Egger pointed out that the district was directed for creation in the 2020 Comprehensive Plan in 2000, and in the subsequent Heart of Hastings Plan. He added that it was finally adopted after an infill home was built, highlighting the need with a high amount of neighborhood interest. A recent survey showed half of area respondents supported the district and half were opposed. It was reported that the current OHDS guidelines are confusing, difficult to interpret, and are not clear enough concerning bulk and density and are overly concerned with details. Fortney said he believes newly-proposed guidelines would better protect the OHDS area from incompatible infill, yet allow more freedom to homeowners that propose improvements to their existing homes. The Commission approved a recommendation to a Council Committee that the OHDS regulations in the zoning ordinance should be amended as proposed, and consider adding the Heritage Preservation Commission as a recommending body to the City Council on OHDS application reviews.

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