Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/02/2012

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Mapping Principles for Rezonings By Arista Strungys, MCP When a municipality takes on comprehensive zoning reform, rewriting the text is only half the story. I n order to implement redevelopment goals- - particularly those identified in a comprehen- sive plan —and ensure that the new zoning matches the reality of the existing physical environment, a revision of the zoning map is also needed. This task can be daunting, as zoning map revisions typically pique the interest of various property owners, including those that may not have been involved with the text revision process. To make this pro- cess more manageable, the following map- ping principles can serve as both a guide for planners to make the process less intimidat- ing and as a way to explain the rationale be- hind map changes to the larger constituency. WHY DOES THE ZONING TEXT COME FIRST? It is typical in a zoning ordinance update to make revisions to the text before undertak- ing any remapping. The purpose of this is to make necessary changes to the procedures and content of regulations so that it reflects current policy, especially as articulated in recently adopted plans. Key changes include adjustments to existing or drafting of new zoning districts. Once district regulations are drafted, tested, and approved—and prin- ciples for mapping are in place —the remap- ping process can begin. MAPPING PRINCIPLES In order to identify where to map the districts proposed by the new zoning or- dinance, the municipality must first agree on principles for mapping decisions. These principles need to reflect existing develop- ment realities, applicable land -use poli- cies, and tenets of good urban planning. When evaluation of the zoning map begins, @ Public forums provide an opportunity for citizens to review proposed zoning maps and ask questions to gain a better understanding of the changes. Jeanne Nathan ZONINGPRACTICE 1z.11 AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION I page 2