Spartanburg's Pedestrian-Oriented Ordinance Gets First Okay

Spartanburg's proposed downtown master plan and urban code keeps new building heights down and assures new development is pedestrian oriented.

The Spartanburg, S.C. City Council gave its nod to an ordinance which proponents say will eventually change the face of downtown.

On Feb. 14, 2011, the Spartanburg, S.C. City Council unanimously passed an ordinance establishing a downtown master plan and urban code. It was the ''first reading.'' A final reading follows in two weeks. The ordinance is planned to go into effect July 1.

The new master plan limits building heights of new or renovated buildings in certain section of the downtown block to four stories. In other areas it allows for building heights of four to six stories, and yet in another area from six to 10 stories.

The master plan specifies wide sidewalks and buildings close to the street, making for a pleasant, safe and convenient passage for pedestrians. The code requires parking to the rear or side of a building. In certain areas of the downtown, the lower level of a building must appear to be a storefront, with a certain percentage of glass. The new code is also more flexible regarding downtown signage.

Editor's note: For more about downtown Spartanburg, see ''Spartanburg's Downtown District Gets a Little 'Help''' in the Aug. 2007 LASN issue or at www.landscapearchitect.com/research/article/9344.