Wish there was an instruction manual to help in developing a neighborhood, or simply remodeling a home in the city of Roanoke? Well, now there is. The city’s Department of Planning, Building and Development has just released the “Residential Pattern Book for the City of Roanoke.”
Created by the city’s Planning Division and Hill Studio, the book is a design aid for prospective and current homeowners, builders, and design professionals for the renovation of existing housing and appropriately designed new construction.
By exploring the historic development of the city’s existing neighborhoods and residential forms, “the Pattern Book aims to instill pride in those who live and work in Roanoke and encourage them to preserve the unique character of its homes and neighborhoods,” read a recent news release.
“It’s a standalone guide for the entire city on renovating an existing home, putting on an addition or if you want to build something new … in context with your neighborhood and the properties around you,” said city planner Maribeth Mills.
The Planning Book is not part of the adopted documents that make up the Comprehensive Plan for Roanoke, but Mills said it has the same goals. “Purely to help people – it’s not tied to any overlay district.” Mills called the work with Hill Studios on the pattern book “a collaborative effort.”
Last November, the City Planning Commission endorsed the document, which has also been recognized by the American Planning Association’s Virginia Chapter and the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation for excellence in innovation and education. Mills said the book has been offered to local designers and neighborhood associations.
The publication is available in PDF format on the web, at www.roanokeva.gov/planning, under Urban Design Standards. In addition, copies may be picked up in Room 166 of the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building at 215 Church Ave. during regular business hours. Print copies are available for $10, and CD copies are available at no charge. A reference copy is also available at all city library branches.
“It’s a useful tool,” said Mills, “meant to say ‘this is how you can do it.’ It’s not regulatory.”
The planning department spent about a year developing the pattern book and talked to various stakeholders, including residents, realtors and building supply stores.
“We reached out to all of the neighborhood groups,” noted Mills, who believes Roanoke is just the second locality in Virginia to create the pattern book. The wide range of who might use the guideline made it more difficult to create: “it covers a lot of ground,” said Mills.
