Review Draft Zoning Code Amendments

As we preliminarily introduced at the May 22nd Work Session, staff has begun the process of completing the Zoning Code Updates necessary to implement the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, as well as certain other previously discussed amendments. These updates and additions are based on past site plan reviews and comments and/or conditions placed on applications. Many of these proposed changes are simply a restructuring and consolidation of existing ordinances. Other changes result in the need for new districts to implement the Comprehensive Plan. Some of the structure used to create a new district has been expanded to the other use districts to maintain consistency.

Drafts presented can be changed, modified, eliminated or increased based on direction from the Planning Commission (meeting held April 5th) and City Council. Staff has attempted to include as many of the ideas suggested as part of the Comprehensive Plan, various subsequent discussions (including EPB/PC Joint Work Session), and City Council’s Strategic Goals for 2012 in development of these discussion points for further review. For purposes of this Work Session discussion, a brief overview of draft amendments will be presented that Staff requests input and policy direction before preparing the final draft.

No notification required at this time. A Public Hearing will be held at the Planning Commission when reviewed.

The items for discussion as part of the Topic Report can be summarized in the following policy questions to address:
1. Consolidating design standards/exterior materials in one location per land use type to avoid duplication
2. Expanded design elements
3. Moving landscaping requirements related to parking lots to the off-street parking section
4. Expanding list of uses in the off-street parking table
5. Encouraging limitation of parking spaces and impervious surface
6. Consolidating landscaping requirements in one location per land use type

Draft Ordinance Amendments that will be presented at the meeting:
Sec. 117.116A. Special Requirements and Performance Standards in All Employment and Office Park Districts.
Sec. 117.116B. E-3 Employment (Office Park) District
Sec. 117.144A. Special Requirements and Performance Standards for B-1, B-2 and B-3 Zoning Districts.
Sec. 117.356 Commercial and Industrial Development Off-street Parking
Sec. 117.--- Landscaping and Buffering (consolidated landscaping ordinance)

Provide feedback on the above items related to the Zoning Code amendment.

Preparation of the Zoning Code amendments is part of the consulting planning budget.

Based on discussion provide staff with direction on the following elements:
1. Consolidating design standards/exterior materials in one location per land use type to avoid duplication.
2. Expanded design elements
3. Moving landscaping requirements related to parking lots to the off-street parking section.
4. Expanding list of uses in the off-street parking table
5. Encouraging minimizing parking lot areas for larger more intense users and reducing impervious surface
6. Consolidating landscaping requirements in one location per land use type