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• The boundary is simply and clearly defined, which is known as “spatial definition.” <br />• Applicant information is compiled into a formal application to demonstrate the need <br />for the overlay district. <br />• The community’s reviewing body (typically a review board comprised of citizens <br />and/or planning staff, or possibly the planning commission) evaluates for compliance <br />with current standards. <br />• The local governing body (City Council) must approve the application before it is <br />voted on. <br /> <br />Special Requirements to Use Tool: <br /> <br />The primary requirement for using an overlay district is that there must be a zoning <br />ordinance in place prior to implementation. Quite simply, if there is no zoning to be <br />overlaid, an overlay district is not possible. Additionally, there must also be a clear and <br />defensible purpose for implementing the overlay district such as stated goals and <br />objectives from a local plan or study. <br /> <br />Specials Resources Needed to Use Tool: <br /> <br />Because of the review process necessary to implement and manage an overlay district, <br />this tool is best suited for communities or agencies that have an adequate professional <br />planning staff. Typically, interpretation of technical issues associated with the <br />application and overlay ordinance requirements is required; therefore an experienced <br />planner on staff would be beneficial. <br /> <br />Metrics to Use to Monitor Tool Effectiveness: <br /> <br />Because there is such a wide variety of the types of overlay districts that can be <br />implemented, the ways to measure their performance are also widespread. For example, <br />for districts whose purpose is to regulate a particular “look and feel” for corridors or <br />communities, set design standards, as well as oversight in the plan review process, are <br />essential in ensuring that the objectives of the overlay district are met. Quantitative <br />elements can also be monitored for success through implementation of the overlay <br />ordinance, including the following examples: lot size, building height and area, parking, <br />number of access points (or consolidation of access points), and types of land uses. <br /> <br /> <br />