“Urban design” or “community design” refers to the relationship of different buildings to each other, the relationship of buildings and the spaces between buildings, and the relationships of buildings and sites to the public realm – primarily the streets and rights-of-way of the city.  On a larger scale, it refers to the relationships of different areas of the city to one another, and specifically how different contexts can warrant different design solutions in achieving the same goal.

Ultimately, these relationships impact much more than aesthetics - they impact patterns of movement and activity within the city. Although urban design reflects visual and aesthetic principles, the essence of urban design is the form and function of the various components of the city. Urban design may be the most important factor in creating a livable city and a healthy economy, delivering an expected quality of life for residents while promoting a specific vision for those seeking to make long-term economic development investments in the city.

This document provides policy guidance on design principles that can help bring about the City of Maize’s vision. It is intended to guide and coordinate both private and public initiatives, and thereby provide a more uniform and synergistic investment by the private and public sectors. The guidelines also ensure elected officials and staff implement planning and development decisions through appropriate and consistent criteria, that better implement the Maize Comprehensive Plan through a series of incremental, day-to-day decisions, that cumulatively have a significant and lasting impact on the physical form and function of the community.