Downtown Urban Design Guidelines

 Downtown Urban Design Guidelines

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

Urban design is the coordination of elements that form the built environment - including 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 that the strong sense of place that characterizes downtown Burlington is preserved for generations to come as development pressures intensify and significant areas are redevelopment 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 the electronic version can be accessed here: Downtown Urban Design Guidelines - Part I, Part II

The staff report adopted by Community Development Committee and Council can be accessed here:  DI-8-06 DI-8-06 Appendices

For more information contact:   

Jamie Tellier, Coordinator of Site Plans and Urban Design:  tellierj@burlington.ca   (905) 335-7600 Ext 7892    OR

Jody Wellings, Downtown Coordinator  wellingsj@burlington.ca   (905) 335-7600 Ext 7259