In August of 2007 the City of Laramie adopted the Comprehensive Plan, a policy document setting the framework for future decisions of the City.  A recurring theme in the Plan is Laramie’s downtown: how it is presently developed, and how it is expected to develop.  

The Plan identified several goals for the downtown.  Specific downtown goals included adoption of downtown design guidelines and establishment of a new downtown zoning district that would help protect downtown’s historic integrity, pedestrian nature, urban form and property values.  

Beginning in 2007, the City worked with Clarion Associates to develop a downtown zoning district specifically aimed at preserving downtown Laramie, creating development standards more appropriate with the existing development style and encouraging mixed use.  After meetings with the Downtown Laramie Business Association, the Main Street Organization, and the Downtown Development Authority, and hosting a community open house, the Downtown Commercial (DC) Zoning District was proposed as a key element in the City’s new Unified Development Code (UDC). Benefits included parking requirement elimination for commercial uses, reduction in residential parking requirements, urban setback requirements and landscaping relief.

The new UDC was adopted by the City Council on March 2, and will become effective on July 1 of this year.  The UDC includes regulations and procedures that apply to the new district – however, it did not establish the district geographically.

The City has now initiated a petition establishing the boundaries of the DC (Downtown Commercial) Zoning District.

The following is additional information regarding the proposal:

 Maps (The most current proposal is listed at the top of the list): 

Main Street Recommended Boundaries (April 5, 2010) The Main Street Board recommended these boundaries.   Boundary changed by the Planning Commission

Planning Commission's Recommended Boundary

Two Maps:     Black and White       Aerial Map  

Current Boundary Under Council Review  

 

 Written Documents:

Downtown District Standards (Excerpt from Chapter 15.08 of the Unified Development Code) (PDF Format)

Use Table (Details what uses are allowed within the proposed DC district.  A “P” in the column means it is a permitted use subject to building permit approval; a “C” in the column means a use is permissible as a Conditional Use (subject to required findings and public review)).  (PDF Format)

Link to Nonconformities Chapter (15.22) of the Unified Development Code

Comprehensive Plan

Review Schedule:

Downtown Community Meeting: July 2, 2008

Presentation (PDF Format)

Downtown Community Meeting: April 21, 2010

Presentation (PDF Format)

Planning Commission: April 26, 2010

Staff Report (PDF Format)

Forthcoming Review Schedule:

City Council First Reading:  May 18, 6:30 p.m.

City Council Public Hearing: Tuesday, June 8, 6:00 p.m. (tentative)

City Council Second Reading:  Tuesday, June 15 , 6:30 p.m.(tentative)

City Council Third and Final Reading: Tuesday, July 6, 6:30 p.m.(tentative)

All City Council Meetings are in Council Chambers, City Hall, 406 Ivinson Street. 

 Comments / Questions?

Please return any comments to Randy Hunt, Senionr Planner or Charles Bloom, Associate Planner.  Comments may be sent by mail, email or fax:

Email:

Randy Hunt, 307-721-5344, rhunt@cityoflaramie.org

Charles Bloom, 307-721-5232, cbloom@cityoflaramie.org

Mailing Address:

City of Laramie Community Development Department

P.O. Box C

Laramie, WY 82073

Fax:

307-721-5248