<strong>RECOMMENDATION: DESIGN CRITERIA MANUAL CHANGES</strong><br>Consider a recommendation regarding the proposed changes to the Design Criteria Manual (DCM) specifically Section VI "Site Development," Appendix C "Parking Group Table," Appendix D "Qualified Tree List," and Appendix E "Downtown District Amenities."

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

This is a follow-up to the discussion that began on June 11, 2026.<br><br>The Engineering Department is in the process of reviewing and updating the Design Criteria Manual.  The following sections of the DCM are attached for review and comments:  Section VI - Site Development, Appendix C - Parking Group Table, Appendix D - Qualified Tree List, and Appendix E - Downtown District Amenities. <u><a href="https://library.municode.com/tx/friendswood/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICICO_APXCZO_S8SUDIRE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(41, 105, 176);"><span style="color: rgb(41, 105, 176);">Section 8.N</span></a></u>. of the Zoning Ordinance is related to the Downtown District Amenity requirements.  Staff has reviewed and included redlines for consideration.  Some of the updates are related to recent changes to the Zoning Ordinance, specifically the process for site plan approvals.  The intention of these updates to remove any items related to process and just retain design criteria. <br><br>Once all comments and updates are finalized, a public hearing before City Council will be required before adopting the updates with a new ordinance.<br><br>Summary of proposed changes:<br>Section VI - Site Development - relocating some requirements to more appropriate code sections, aligning requirements with recent changes to Chapter 14 and the Zoning Ordinance regarding site plan submittals, etc.<br>Appendix C - Parking Group Table - no changes<br>Appendix D - Qualified Tree List - reorganized and added shade rankings<br>Appendix E - Downtown District Amenities - update to current DD amenity requirements per Section 8.N.; also a result of the pedestrian lighting and sidewalks now being installed.  <br><br><strong><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95);">Requested Action: Planning and Zoning Commission to provide a recommendation to make the proposed changes. </span></strong>