Zoning Code Update: PUD, PI, and P Districts

Tonight, we will discuss a few proposed zoning districts.  

Planned Unit Development (PUD)
A PUD is intended to provide flexibility and an alternative to standard zoning districts in order to achieve a more superior project.  Ramsey currently has two PUD districts.  The first is the Mixed-Use PUD (MU-PUD) that is only used in the vicinity of Riverdale Drive and Jasper Street.  This existing district does not provide for any mixed uses in a vertically-integrated way, so staff is proposing to eliminate this district as those properties can easily be rezoned to the proposed R2 (for the townhomes) and either the proposed B2 or B3 (for the commercial uses).  This was presented at the meeting on 2/23. 

The other existing district is PUD (see Sec. 117-123. - Planned Unit Development District. | Code of Ordinances | Ramsey, MN | Municode Library).  This section has an intent portion that is proposed to remain along with a lengthy list of standards and application procedures.  The application standards are being moved to a general application section that the Planning Commission will review at a future meeting.  The development standards are being removed in order to promote the flexibility that the district intends to create.  Instead, staff is proposing a section that requires all of the proposed development's standards be listed in its approval ordinance.  Since the creation of a PUD is considered a rezoning, that action has a high level of discretion by the Planning Commission and Council.  If they each feel like a proposed development is not meeting the intent of a PUD, then they are not required to approve it.  

In reviewing the existing PUDs, there are several residential districts that were created to balance rural lot areas and open space.  These districts are likely to remain in place.  Others appear to have been created simply to allow for common-wall property division in industrial areas.  Those PUDs are likely to be eliminated as the Business Districts section has a provision for zero lot line developments and buildings.  

Public/Institutional District (PI)
The Comprehensive Plan identifies several properties as "public/institutional."  These properties are generally City-owned facilities such as water towers and cemeteries; schools; and larger religious institutions.  It also includes the Rum River Scout Camp.  These types of uses are generally specialized in nature and open to the public or provide non-commercial service to the public.  These uses often have multiple structures on a site.  As such, they are often scattered throughout the community and do not fall into a typical business or residential zoning district well.  The existing Public/Quasi-Public zoning regulations simply list some of these uses, but are missing the uses of some of the properties identified in the Comprehensive Plan (ie, religious institutions).  The proposed section includes those uses. 

The existing regulations do not provide any development, landscaping, or architectural standards either.  Most communities do not list such standards or keep them minimal due to the specialized users in this district.  Staff is proposing some clauses that does not set forth any specific standards either, but rather require structures and sites to be respectful of surrounding uses in their designs.  

Parks and Open Space (P)
The City currently does not have a district, other than COR-5, that specifically addresses parkland.  Staff is proposing a district that aligns with the Comprehensive Plan's land use designation of Park.  This district would be limited to public parks, recreational uses, and open space (either publicly or privately owned). Accessory uses within this district have taken into consideration the proposed Waterfront Park Building that could have a restaurant.  

Closed Landfill (CL)
The Comprehensive Plan has a Closed Landfill designation on the property with the former landfill.  Most of that land is closed to public access.  Staff is considering a zoning district that is very limited in the uses allowed on that land.  There has been a proposal to use a portion of the property for solar panels.  The landfill could also be zoned PI. 


 

This work is being done as a part of staff's normal duties.

Please provide any direction, changes, additions, or deletions to staff.