Discussion: Form-Based Code (Transect Zones) Amendments

The Form-Based Code is an integral component of the 2011 Zoning Code. After 5 years of utilizing the code, the City Council, as well as a citizen petition, asked that the code be reviewed and possible amendments be presented. At a Work Session on January 10, 2017, City Council gave direction to staff to identify and present potential short-, medium-, and long-term amendments.  Following is a summary of the proposal:

Short-Term Amendments

• Create three (3) new building types to replace Commercial Block.
• Create an all-inclusive list of allowed building types within Section 10-50.110.
• Create an all-inclusive list of allowed private frontage types within Section 10-50.120.
• Delete building type and private frontage types list found in Section 10-40.10.
• Create a new Downtown Shopfront private frontage type.

Medium-Term Amendments

• Establish one-building/one-lot development concept.
• Consolidate all Transect standards into one chapter within the Zoning Code or into a separate code.

Long-Term Amendments

• Examine a re-calibration of development standards, including but not limited to:
  • Setbacks
  • Lot Coverage
  • Building Height
  • Parking
• Consider an expansion of Downtown Regulating Plan area.
• Consider the implementation of a mandatory Form-Based Code.

With this discussion, staff will be looking for a general consensus of City Council as to the short-, medium-, and long-term amendments. Agreement or direction on the specifics of the amendment (i.e. building width, allowance of a building type, the deletion of a list) is not necessary at this time.  Once a general consensus is reached, staff will proceed through a public review process of the short-term amendments, which will culminate with public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council. The specific details of the amendments will be solidified during this process.

Council Goals
Building and Zoning/Regional Plan - Revise the Zoning Code to remove ambiguities, and ensure it is consistent with community values and the Regional Plan.

Regional Plan
The Regional Plan Goals and Policies that could be applied to the Transect Code, and any amendments thereto, are too numerous to list in relation to a general discussion of possible amendments. Any proposed amendments to the Transect Code that come out of this Work Session and the public review process will go through an extensive Regional Plan analysis.

Team Flagstaff Strategic Plan
1) Provide exceptional service.
3) Foster a resilient and economically prosperous city.
4) Work in partnership to enhance a safe and livable community.