DARDENNE PRAIRIE — Two steps taken Wednesday night established the framework for a "new urbanist" downtown that backers envision as a pedestrian-friendly blend of shops, offices and housing.



First, the Planning and Zoning Commission, meeting in special session, voted 6-3 to recommend that the Board of Aldermen approve the zoning district. Joining Mayor Pam Fogarty in voting for the recommendation were Alderman Dave Kampelman and commissioners Lorna Aubuchon, Penny King, Derek Cisler and Don Harbour. Commission Chairman Michael Conroy and commissioners Gerry Osborn and Susan Fine voted no.



At its meeting afterward, the Board of Aldermen passed the bill that sets out the district of 285 acres, comparable in size to some of the farms that until a few years ago made up much of the rapidly developing city.



The sweeping rezoning for the city's new downtown encompasses a detailed "smart code," the first for an existing city in St. Charles County. It spells out six layers of zoning that regulate big things — including building setbacks and storefront design — and small things, such as the shape of gutters and the texture of building exteriors.