Downtown Urban Design Guidelines

The Downtown Urban Design Guidelines were approved by City Council on Oct. 10, 2006.

Urban design is the coordination of elements that form the built environment (e.g. buildings, streets and open space) to ensure that communities are functional and visually appealing. The issue of appropriate scale is central to discussions of urban design.

Building on the principles and strategies outlined in Core Commitment, the Urban Design Guidelines help refine the vision and derive design principles for downtown Burlington as a safe, vibrant, functional, attractive, diverse and economically healthy area for residents and visitors alike. An urban design strategy can ensure the strong sense of place that characterizes downtown Burlington is preserved for generations to come as development pressures intensify and significant areas are redeveloped within a small perimeter.

The Guidelines will be used by City staff and Council in considering developments within the downtown and should be seen as a guide to those proposing development. The Guidelines consist of two parts: Part I addresses urban design principles, and Part II describes each individual block within the study area and identifies existing conditions, opportunities and constraints.

The Downtown Urban Design Guidelines are available from the City's Planning Department, or online: Downtown Urban Design Guidelines - Part I, Part II

Staff report adopted by Community Development Committee and Council: DI-8-06, DI-8-06 Appendices