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IDNR Governor's Environmental Excellence Recognitionrrrrrr, , r rrrr y j? j jy � yg j y� i _ - r_ A •s. iE11 - rr.rrr,.rr „i - - _ _ - _ _ __ ,.,rr,r, rrrr J J :,a ` � , . 4; �-1 '— [I I ' r I 1 `' jl I V Y ,, , . `�! 1 '` c * . > k T IOWA DEPARTMENT E STATE OF IOWA and the OF NATURAL RESOURCES Hereby Recognize • ` • it j CITY OF DUBUQUE For Exemplary Service and Leadership in Protecting and Enhancing Iowa's Natural Resources JUNE 2012 , • •x ��'� �� CHUCK (aFPP, Darector � ! viii Iowa Department of Natural Resources I .... - — ...,.,r. r..: r, r.,...,..r..,,. rr,..,,. �r... r.. r, r ..:............, r.r.. r,... rr,.. rr..r. r,,, rr,,. rr. rr,r..r:.,..,., r..„.,:,,•„ rr: r,. r. r., rr, r. r,,,.,,,., ,,,.,,r,,.rr „rr,.,,,,r,rrrrrrr, rrrr,...,, .,,,,,rrr..,.r.r,.r,rr,rr.,,r, rrr,. .,,,.:.,,,.r.,.r,,,,,rrr,r,r.,. rrr., r.,,,.,,.:, r..,.r.. r, r.....,.... r ....,..r,.r,,,,,r.r..r,.r:r,.., X � �J ,{�� ° ?;/7,- .,„>,.. .4,-,,--,4-..-K,- 4y�, ,( ,-K ��ii' 1' � \ � 7 � \ y,,� R i f,C� f.� f,C, �� fi(� rX w • �C f,C o-ik �C � i ,C "+' •^,Cx�_ c r5 fK' / � -1 S 1'� . .i p ' A`�� tt t�” t .'1[i �� .ate. �4� .I� (1.� A � � A�� n Y,- .a - Fields of Opportunities STATE OF IOWA TERRY E. BRANSTAD, GOVERNOR KIM REYNOLDS, LT. GOVERNOR June 5, 2012 Laura Carstens City of Dubuque 5o West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 Dear Laura, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES CHUCK GIPP, DIRECTOR ;:.1 \\11 2,2 11 11 JUN 1 8 2012 GVIYG DB l PJ' tPgf; Si 0,..1(11.i. On behalf of the State of Iowa and Governor Terry E Branstad, I would like to express our appreciation to you for applying for the Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards. Your organization's work provides an outstanding example of the importance of protecting and enhancing Iowa's natural resources. While we regret to inform you that your organization was not chosen for an Environmental Excellence Award, we highly commend your efforts and encourage you to continue your initiatives. Enclosed please find a certificate of appreciation recognizing your organization's work. Again, thank you for your efforts to improve and protect Iowa's environment We hope you will consider applying again in the future. Sincerely, C - Chuck Gipp Director 502 EAST 9th STREET / DES MOINES; IOWA 50319 -0034 PHONE 515 - 281 -5918 FAX 515 - 281 -6794 www.iowadnr.gov Page 1 of 1 Laura Carstens - Governor's Environmental Excellence Award From: "Bainter, Emily [DNR]" < Emily Bainter @dnr.iowa.gov> To: "learsten @cityofdubuque.org" <lcarsten @cityofdubuque.org> Date: 5/30/2012 9:35 AM Subject: Governor's Environmental Excellence Award Dear Laura, I would like to thank you for applying for a Governor's Environmental Excellence Award. While I regret to inform you that your organization was not chosen for an award this year, we greatly appreciate your efforts to further environmental sustainability in Iowa. I encourage you to apply again in the future; the judges value the excellent work being done to preserve and enhance Iowa's natural resources. I will be sending out an official letter and certificate of appreciation; please look for that in the mail in the next week or two. Thank you again and best of luck in the future! Emily Bainter Iowa DNR file: / /C: \Documents and Settings \lcarsten \Local Settings\ Temp\ XPgrpwise \4FC5E9CEDBQ_DODBQ_P... 6/25/2012 Planning Services Department City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 -4864 (563) 589 -4210 phone (563) 589 -4221 fax (563) 690 -6678 TDD planning@cityofdubuque.org Emily Bainter Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 E. 9t Street Des Moines, IA 50319 -0034 THE CITY OF DUB Masterpiece on the Mississippi RE: 2012 Application for Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Award Dear Ms. Bainter: Dubuque NtAmericaCrly III�'1 2007 April 5, 2012 Enclosed please find the original and four (4) copies of the City of Dubuque's 2012 Application for Governor's Iowa Enviromnental Excellence Award for our Unified Development Code (UDC). Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you for considering our application. Sincerely, Laura Carstens Planning Services Manager Enclosures Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork VaL SECTION A: APPLICATION COVER SHEET Complete and staple this cover sheet to the front of your application. APPLICANT INFORMATION: Company /Organization Name: City of Dubuque, Iowa Address: 50 West 13th Street City: Dubuque State: Iowa Contact Person: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Zip: 52001 E -Mail : Telephone: 563.589.4210 Fax: 563.589.4221 Icarsten@cityofdubuque.org TYPE OF ORGANIZATION: ❑ Community /Local Government ❑ Small Business or Industry (up to 200 employees) ❑ Large Business or Industry (more than 200 employees) ❑ Institution /Public Sector Facility or Educator (school, hospital, college, teacher, etc.) ❑ Agriculture (operation, farm or other ag- related business or organization) ❑ Service /Civic /Nonprofit Organization (Kiwanis, Lions Club, Pheasants Forever, etc.) CHECK ALL AWARDS LISTED BELOW FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING: You can apply for as many as you wish. ❑ Environmental Excellence Award Comprehensive approach to sustainable resource management and best environmental practices ❑ Special Recognition in Water Quality ❑ Special Recognition in Waste Management ❑ Special Recognition in Energy Efficiency /Renewable Energy ❑ Special Recognition in Air Quality IN Special Recognition in Habitat Restoration /Development ❑ Special Recognition in Environmental Education Note: For educators and educational institutions only APPLICATION PREPARED BY (if different than applicant information): Name: Organization: Address: City: Telephone: Fax: State: Zip: E -Mail: The Applicant Organization assures that the representations made in this application, including all exhibits and attachments, are true and correct and that Applicant Organization is in compliance with federal, state and local regulatiogsr 1 seUvd2,, Signature of Applicant 6ganization Representative Date PROVIDE A BRIEF DESCRIPTION of the organization, regarding type of business /service area, and customers /constituents served. Please limit your response to 50 words or less. (Use a separate page if necessary.) 3 SECTION B: AWARD CRITERIA QUESTIONS ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following questions in narrative form, not to exceed TEN (10) double- spaced, typewritten pages (or FIVE [5] double -sided pages). Please make reference to each question heading in your response. Applicants are strongly encouraged to minimize bindery and materials and utilize the front and back of printed pages. If your organization is not applying for an Environmental Excellence Award, please skip this section. 1. Leadership and Innovation - 30 points Describe specifically why your organization should be recognized as an environmental leader. How does the organization serve as a model to its peers? How is the organization breaking new ground and providing innovation in natural resource management? For example, identify newly invented or unique aspects of your programs, in terms of methods, technologies, materials or implementation. How is the organization creatively addressing environmental issues? 2. Sustainable Environmental Results - 30 points Describe the long -term environmental impacts of your organization's programs. How much waste has been reduced? Has air or water quality been improved? Has energy been saved? Have wildlife /natural areas been improved? Provide any measurable results, such as energy saved, number of trees planted, pollution and waste tonnages avoided, percentage increase in recycling, acres of prairie restored, etc. Any necessary documentation should be included as attachments to this application. 3. Economic Results - 25 points Describe the economic benefits of the organization's environmental programs. Describe raw materials saved, Tabor savings, energy cost savings and /or increased productivity. Describe economic benefits to the local area — have additional jobs been created or significant capital investments been made? Any necessary documentation should be included as attachments to this application. 4. Participation /Involvement - 10 points Describe employee /member participation in environmental programs. Discuss leadership commitment. Describe community outreach and partnerships created to implement programs. Discuss involvement with key stakeholders. 5. Benefits to Workers /Environment /Community - 10 points Describe how these programs raise the overall quality of life. Has awareness been raised about natural resource issues? Have people been educated? Did communication, teamwork or other improvements take place? 6. Transferability - 10 points Discuss how these programs or efforts can be replicated by others. Can the information learned be shared with others? Is the cost of replicating reasonable? Has the program been replicated by others? 4 SPECIAL PROJECT AWARDS INSTRUCTIONS: For each award applied for, answer the corresponding questions in narrative form, not to exceed FOUR (4) double- spaced, typewritten pages (or TWO [2] double -sided pages). Please make reference to each question heading in your response. Applicants are strongly encouraged to minimize bindery and materials and utilize the front and back of printed pages. Your organization can apply for as many special project awards as you choose. If not applying for a special project award, please skip this section. WATER QUALITY SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD 1. Name of project, general description and dates of implementation. 2. Describe in detail why this project deserves exemplary recognition. 3. Discuss how this project provides sustainable benefits to the environment. Describe specific, measurable environmental results. 4. Describe level of participation, partnerships and volunteers who helped this project be successful. 5. Describe the impact of this project on your community, local environment and overall quality of life. AIR QUALITY SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD 1. Name of project, general description and dates of implementation. 2. Describe in detail why this project deserves exemplary recognition. 3. Discuss how this project provides sustainable benefits to the environment. Describe specific, measurable environmental results. 4. Describe level of participation, partnerships and volunteers who helped this project be successful. 5. Describe the impact of this project on your community, local environment and overall quality of life. ENERGY EFFICIENCY /RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD 1. Name of project, general description and date of implementation. 2. Describe in detail why this project deserves exemplary recognition. Flow does this program provide leadership and innovation in the development of energy efficiency practices or renewable energy? What new energy technologies have been developed? Why are the results important to Iowa's economy and environment? 3. Discuss how this project provides sustainable benefits to the environment. Describe specific, measurable environmental results. 4. Describe measurable economic results. Show energy savings, increased productivity, jobs created. Describe economic benefits to the state. 5. Describe transferability. Can the project be easily adopted? How does it serve as a model to others? 5 Categories continued next page HABITAT RESTORATION /DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD 1. Name of project, general description and dates of implementation. 2. Describe in detail why this project deserves exemplary recognition. 3. Discuss how this project provides sustainable benefits to the environment. Describe specific, measurable environmental results. 4. Describe level of participation, partnerships and volunteers who helped this project be successful. 5. Describe the impact of this project on your community, local environment and overall quality of life. WASTE MANAGEMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD 1. Name of project, general description and dates of implementation. 2. Describe in detail why this project deserves exemplary recognition. How does this project provide leadership and innovation? How does it serve as a model to others? 3. Discuss how this project provides sustainable benefits to the environment. Describe specific, measurable environmental and economic results. Include waste stream amounts and /or toxicity reduced; savings from reduced /avoided treatment or disposal; other direct or indirect savings. Include Return on Investment or payback. 4. Describe level of participation, partnerships and volunteers who helped this project be successful. Explain management commitment and employee participation. 5. Describe the impact of this project on your community, local environment and overall quality of life, including any improvements in safety. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD For Educators and Educational Institutions only 1. Name of educational program or project, general description and dates of implementation. 2. Describe in detail why this program or project deserves exemplary recognition. 3. Complete a Logic Model to describe how your program or project helps engage and empower students to become stewards of Iowa's natural resources and how the program or project impacts natural resources over a longer term. More information on Logic Models is available on the Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards website at www.iowadnr.gov /other /ee /index.hfml. Click on "Who Can Apply "; information is under "Resources" at the bottom of the page. 4. Describe level of participation, partnerships, and volunteers who helped this program or project be successful. 5. Describe the impact of.this program or project on the local natural resources, your school, and your community. 6 HABITAT RESTORATION /DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD: DUBUQUE UDC Description: Located on the Mississippi River in northeast Iowa, the City of Dubuque is 30 square miles in area, with a population of nearly 60,000. The City's annual budget is over $181 million and funds a full range of services provided by nearly 30 departments and divisions, with over 500 employees. 1. Name of project, general description and dates of implementation. In November 2009, the City of Dubuque's Unified Development Code (UDC) went into effect. The UDC updated and consolidated Dubuque's zoning, subdivision, site development, historic preservation, and sign regulations into a single city code. The zoning and site development sections apply to land use and site improvements citywide. Subdivision regulations coordinate the platting of land and layout of lots in Dubuque and within two miles of the city limits. Historic preservation regulations establish design review and architectural guidelines for historic properties. Sign regulations apply citywide. 2. Describe in detail why this project deserves exemplary recognition. We believe the City of Dubuque has become a leader throughout the country in sustainable development and design, and the UDC illustrates this commitment to being a model for others. The Dubuque UDC incorporates sustainable design while meeting smart growth objectives and sound environmental planning principles. Sustainable design is the expectation in Dubuque. The UDC will advance the long term sustainability of the city's built environment, which underlies so much of our environmental impact -- from transportation and building efficiency to land use and water quality -- making smart development planning one of the most significant components of sustainability. Subdivision and site development regulations were extensively revised to promote sustainable measures, such as conservation subdivision design, solar access, low- impact development, and accommodations for pedestrians, bicycles, and public transit. Design guidelines are in place for Dubuque's historic districts, port and downtown to protect and enhance their historic, cultural and aesthetic resources. Development of the enclosed UDC began with a review of smart growth and sustainability in the existing codes, and then looked to other sources for examples of and research on sustainable development codes, low impact development (LID), and sustainable design. The intent was to eliminate contradictory 1 HABITAT RESTORATION/DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD: DUBUQUE UDC and redundant regulations while updating City codes to reflect new approaches in land use regulation and City initiatives. The UDC reflects thorough and comprehensive research throughout the Code. The City cross - referenced UDC regulations to facilitate development, enhance sustainability, and provide flexibility. Innovatively, we used both a consultant, JEO Consulting Group, Inc. of Nebraska, and American Institute of Architects' technical assistance under the Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program for development of the UDC. Community members worked with national SDAT volunteer consultants (architects, urban designer, planner, and landscape architect) to address major UDC land use and urban design issues: urban sprawl, stormwater run -off, sustainable design, and neighborhood disinvestment. The Dubuque SDAT recommendations were incorporated into the UDC. Consultant fees were minimized by using City staff, resources and facilities to the greatest extent possible to create graphics, photos, and charts while maximizing a user - friendly, illustrative format. Another innovative and unique component of the Dubuque UDC is the incorporation of historic preservation regulations. The City of Dubuque views historic preservation as a key component of smart growth and sustainability with its economic, environmental, and social /cultural benefits Preservation enhances the vibrancy of neighborhoods and our community, instilling pride and value through increased property values, as well as enhanced quality of life, sense of place and neighborhood pride. Preservation translates into economic prosperity through creation of new jobs, retention of existing jobs especially in construction trades, stimulation of private investment, tourism and business growth, and financial investment in property improvements. The City of Dubuque has taken a significant step toward local sustainability by adopting its UDC standards and its forward - thinking, comprehensive design guidelines. The UDC ensures that all new development and redevelopment will incorporate low impact development (LID) concepts and best management practices (BMPs). The UDC makes sustainable design the new standard and conventional development the exception. In terms of economic and social well- being, the code ensures that Dubuque's built environment supports mobility, healthy lifestyles, and economic welfare by facilitating compact and 2 HABITAT RESTORATION/DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD: DUBUQUE UDC mixed use development in urban and suburban settings. In terms of environmental sustainability, the Code promotes floodplain management BMPs, healthy urban ecosystems and green space, and LID standards for stormwater management by minimizing the extent and impacts of impervious surfaces, among other progressive design standards. What also makes this Code unique is that the proposal received strong support from City officials and citizens alike. Development of the UDC incorporated citizen committees and City staff working with a consultant. Throughout the process, the City sought and responded to input from a variety of stakeholders. A transparent, open process for inviting comment throughout the Code's development can be replicated successfully elsewhere. We updated the application packets for subdivisions and site development with expanded checklists to facilitate the approval process. Community acceptance of sustainable design has continued through implementation as we approve new sustainable design subdivisions and site developments. The City has worked with local stakeholders to organize community support for complete streets, stormwater management BMPs, and other sustainable design initiatives in Dubuque. The UDC advances these and other initiatives by bringing sustainability to the forefront of city planning operations. As communities across the U.S. set their own goals towards achieving sustainability, we hope more will look to the Dubuque UDC as a model. By doing so, we will all be working together in protecting our natural resources throughout our nation. 3. Discuss how this project provides sustainable benefits to the environment. Describe specific, measurable environmental results. The Dubuque UDC guides future growth and community development; helps identify areas appropriate for development and conservation; preserves open space and environmentally sensitive areas; promotes parkland for passive and /or active recreational uses; provides buffering between residential and non - residential uses; and preserves significant archaeological sites, historic buildings, and their settings. The UDC also minimizes floods and associated losses. The regulations restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, or property in times of flooding or cause undue increases in flood heights or 3 HABITAT RESTORATION /DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD: DUBUQUE UDC velocities; protect individuals from buying lands which are unsuited for development because of flood hazard; and assure that property owners are eligible to purchase flood insurance. The UDC promotes urban design, smart growth, and mixed -land use through the diversity of commercial, recreational, educational and residential uses in historic neighborhoods as well as new neighborhoods. Over 300 definitions have been added, and many were modified to clarify regulations and ensure conformance with state and federal laws. The new section on wind energy conversion systems provides for three types -- residential, small, and commercial -- as a sustainability measure. The Old Town Neighborhood Overlay provides alternative design guidelines in older areas where strict application of site design standards for new commercial and multi - family residential development are difficult to apply due to the dense development patterns of these neighborhoods. The UDC includes a new provision for averaging front yard setbacks in residential districts to promote traditional neighborhood design. We eliminated off-street parking requirements in the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods to reduce requests for parking variances and support conservation of historic structures. The Dubuque UDC guides the physical, economic and social development, redevelopment and conservation of the community. The UDC protects and enhances the historic, cultural and aesthetic resources that make Dubuque a unique, identifiable and vital community. UDC regulations accommodate development, redevelopment and preservation through regulations, guidelines, standards, and alternatives. While traditional subdivision design is still allowed, it is now the exception. Sustainable design is the expectation. Subdivision regulations were extensively revised to promote sustainable design, such as conservation design, solar access, and low- impact development (LID) best management practices (BMPs). New subdivisions must achieve a minimum score of 40 points by utilizing sustainable subdivision development tools. The UDC has a residential density bonus for conservation subdivisions. Cottage design subdivisions, which incorporate conservation and traditional neighborhood design elements, also are encouraged. Parkland guidelines are established with ratios per dwelling unit. 4 HABITAT RESTORATION/DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD: DUBUQUE UDC The guideline is 500 square feet of recreational open space per detached single - family home and 300 square feet of recreational open space per multi- family unit. Waterways, detention/retention areas, and ponds may constitute no more than 50% of the recreational open space. Site design standards have been extensively revised to promote sustainable measures. A tiered review process for new development, redevelopment, and special development areas accommodates different size projects and varying development patterns. Site development requirements include site lighting, utility location, parking structures and lots, required permeable area and sidewalks. Expanded parking requirements include lot layout, lighting, bicycle parking, stormwater management, and stall dimensions. Landscaping and screening requirements include use of LID BMPs for site landscaping, preservation of trees, parking lot landscaping, screening of exterior storage and trash collection, and maintenance. Access for pedestrians, bicycles, and public transit as well as design guidelines for historic districts, the downtown, and older neighborhoods also are now part of the UDC. Updated standards reduce excessive parking by eliminating downtown parking requirements, allowing shared parking among uses, and requiring bicycle parking. Maximum parking and transit accommodations are established for big box retail and shopping centers. New uses were added as sustainability measures; to support affordable, supplemental housing; to support higher density housing; to allow the sale of locally - produced foods; and to accommodate solar and wind energy conversion systems. Form -based design guidelines promote compatible development in older neighborhoods. We are continually looking for ways to improve the UDC, our guidelines and standards, and our development review process. The recent adoption of sustainable development incentives for residential subdivisions is evidence of our willingness to expand the UDC's impact and effectiveness. The UDC streamlines and reinforces Dubuque's interdepartmental development review process. We improved and updated site plan and subdivision review provisions, with flexible and illustrated sustainable development standards and expanded application checklists. 5 HABITAT RESTORATION /DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD: DUBUQUE UDC 4. Describe level of participation, partnerships and volunteers who helped this project be successful. Development of the UDC incorporated volunteer committees and City staff working with a consultant. Throughout the process, the City sought participation from and responded to input from a variety of stakeholders, including our long - standing partnership of the Developers' Roundtable. Dubuque's four -year UDC community engagement process involved citizen committees and an interdisciplinary Technical Committee of City staff working with JEO Consulting Group, Inc. City staff worked with JEO to research, analyze, revise, and prepare the draft UDC for consideration by the City Council with considerable staff and citizen involvement and many public input opportunities. City staff worked with citizens on the UDC Sign Review Advisory Committee, UDC Citizen Advisory Committee, Zoning Advisory Commission, Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment and Historic Preservation Commission. Concurrently, Dubuque was selected by the American Institute of Architects in 2007 to receive technical assistance under their collaborative Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program, which brought a team of volunteer professionals (architects, urban designers, planners, and others) to work with community decision - makers and stakeholders in Dubuque to help us develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future, provide a roadmap to improve our sustainability, and achieve balance between cultural, environmental, and economic systems. The Dubuque SDAT focused on five major land use issues: 1) Urban sprawl versus planned and managed growth, 2) Bluff development versus preservation, 3) Stonnwater run -off versus management, 4) Traditional development versus sustainable design, and 5) Neighborhood disinvestment versus neighborhood revitalization. The Dubuque SDAT recommendations went directly into the draft UDC. Professional planners were extensively involved in UDC creation, public education, community outreach and citizen engagement. Planners made presentations to citizen committees, Boards and Commissions; produced graphics and illustrations for the UDC; conducted open houses for the public and key stakeholders; and made presentations before the Zoning Advisory Commission and City Council to encourage citizen and key stakeholder participation in development of the new Code. 6 HABITAT RESTORATION/DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD: DUBUQUE UDC Community involvement and collaboration on the UDC followed this sequence. Input from community stakeholders, the general public, UDC Citizen Advisory Committee, and UDC Sign Review Advisory Committee was sought at the beginning. Then, JEO worked with the Technical Committee on research and analysis, and development of the first draft. Next, input was sought from the UDC Citizen Advisory Committee, UDC Sign Review Advisory Committee, Zoning Advisory Commission, and City Council on the first draft. Public input also was sought through media releases, the City newsletter, City website postings, and direct mail. JEO worked with the Technical Committee to develop the final draft, and the public education and outreach effort used for the first draft was repeated. Having the Teclmical Committee actively involved up front facilitated review of draft regulations by citizen groups. Throughout the four -year UDC creation process, we used a transparent, open community engagement plan, inviting and responding to input from stakeholders and the general public. The final year of the UDC community involvement process was devoted to seeking and responding to input on the draft UDC from developers, engineers, architects, neighborhood and business associations, sign contractors, City Boards and Commissions, and the general public. We used media releases, the City newsletter, website postings, and direct mail to publicize the development of the UDC, the proposed regulations, and the opportunities for public input online and at open houses. Finally, the Zoning Advisory Commission and the City Council each held several work sessions and public hearings on the draft UDC. The Dubuque UDC community engagement process was very successful. The UDC received very little opposition, and was adopted with a minor modification to convert parkland standards to guidelines for parks and open space. 5. Describe the impact of this project on vour community, local environment and overall quality of life. Dubuque's Vision for Enhancement of the Natural and Built Landscapes is a balance between stewardship and protection of our environment and the impacts of urban living. A community can both 7 HABITAT RESTORATION/DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD: DUBUQUE UDC affect and be affected by local, regional and even global environmental issues. Dubuque's natural and built environments establish the city's appearance and image as a healthy, safe and viable place to live, work, play, and learn...a `Masterpiece on the Mississippi'. We understand that we must address interrelated land use and urban design factors affecting the physical development of our city, including the satisfaction of human needs, the vitality of the local economy, the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment, and the efficiency of public infrastructure and service provision. Urban design establishes a context for development in response to the community's desired image. While new development is encouraged, short term benefits are weighed against long term impacts to the community's quality of life. Dubuque balances the need for growth with the protection of existing community assets. So how does the Cite of Dubuque shrive to achieve this vision? Though the Dubuque UDC, in part. The City of Dubuque seeks to create a sustainable environment that successfully balances urban growth and development with ecological constraints. We maintain and plan for biodiverse green space as development and public improvements occur. We identify, preserve, and promote linkages of open/green spaces. Through partnerships, we protect, preserve, and enhance the biodiversity of the city's bluffs and prairies, wetlands, waterways, and all natural areas. We promote identification, restoration, and protection of rare, native and sensitive habitat (including prairies, wetlands, and woodlands). In addition, we encourage environmentally appropriate public use of, and access to, the community's bluffs, wetlands and waterways. We protect and restore these sensitive areas as development and redevelopment occurs. The City provides an aesthetically attractive city riverfront for use by industrial, recreational, residential and commercial interests. We partner with community groups to demonstrate and educate the community on BMPs for sustainable, ecological design. We encourage reduction of non- native, invasive plant and animal species to maintain an appropriate balance of native species. With respect to the natural landscape, we balance open space and environmental preservation with the community's development needs. We maintain and enhance open space and park land to meet the community's needs. We expand urban green spaces in suitable locations to encourage livability and 8 HABITAT RESTORATION/DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD: DUBUQUE UDC enhance aesthetics. We develop parks, green space, trails and similar park /open space uses that are accessible to residents at a neighborhood level. We encourage common open /green space and landscaping in all new development wherever possible. We manage development along bluff lines and scenic vistas. We protect and enhance riverfront and related wetlands, waterway corridors and other sensitive land areas. With respect to the built landscape, we strive to ensure that the physical character and form of the city reflects its historic setting and that the built environment is compatible with the city's natural environment. We define and enhance city gateways and focal points to create a sense of place. We protect and preserve the city's historic buildings, urban pattern and natural environment. We promote quality in the design and construction of new public and private development. The City maintains Dubuque's status as a `Masterpiece on the Mississippi' with design standards to protect significant landscapes and structures. The UDC promotes sustainable design, providing flexible alternatives for private developments to incorporate green building principles and low impact development BMPs. Sustainable design criteria applies across the board, covering building and site as well as both greenfield and infill projects. The UDC also serves as an alternative to typical zoning policy by focusing more on design. The Old Town Neighborhood Overlay's form -based code directly relate to the community's vision and planning goals, recognizing that where various land uses are compatible, the way people experience a place is based more on its physical character. Sustainable stormwater management is a relatively new term in the engineering and planning professions but many of its design principles have been in practice for decades. Dubuque's stormwater challenges are addressed with the goal of developing a sustainable management system that is functional, attractive, and cost effective. Unlike traditional stormwater management which rapidly conveys stormwater through a system of drainage structures, pipes, and sterile detention basins, a sustainable system focuses on using natural features to improve infiltration, treat stormwater, remove suspended solids and phosphorus, and create 9 HABITAT RESTORATION/DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD: DUBUQUE UDC green amenities that improve property values while lowering costs. A sustainable stormwater system is often referred to as a LID approach which attempts to mimic the natural infiltration and groundwater driven hydrology of historic landscapes. LID, which disperses flows and manages runoff closer to its point of origin, has the following advantages over a traditional stormwater system: In Dubuque, these LID BMPs are applied to new development sites and retrofitted to existing properties. In addition, many management tools and outreach efforts are currently underway as well as new programs being further developed and coordinated into a comprehensive plan of action. The UDC is a key component for implementation of sustainable development tools to manage storm water. The UDC promotes smart growth and mixed use by allowing a diversity of commercial, recreational, educational and residential uses throughout the city. UDC regulations accommodate development, redevelopment and preservation through regulations, guidelines, standards, and alternatives. During implementation on new development sites and subdivisions, the UDC has demonstrated the value and flexibility it has when pertaining to LID practices. The City has approved 17 site plans using LID BMPs such as rain gardens, stormwater sheetflow, downspouts to open space, micro- basins, native plantings, seeded swales, storm chambers, catch basin inserts for hydrocarbon removal, and infiltration trenches. The City has approved four subdivisions creating 203 lots using these sustainable development tools: rain gardens, 27' wide streets to reduce impervious surface, LED street lights, solar access layout, street trees, limited grading, green building codes, concrete streets to reduce the "heat island" effect of asphalt, infill development, and stormwater infiltration. The City also has approved one residential subdivision to receive incentives for greater use of sustainable development tools. Provision of mandatory recreational open space and a score of 80 points on the subdivision scorecard (double the standard 40 points) is required to receive the incentives. By implementing the UDC through the use of BMPs such as rain gardens, stormwater infiltration, bioswales, and other LID BMPs, our natural resources are further protected, and the City of Dubuque's sustainability goals are being met. 10