Agenda - Council Work Session - 05/22/2012

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CC Work Session Meeting Date: 05/22/2012 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development Title: Review Zoning Code Updates Related to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update 2.3. Background: Staff has begun the process of completing the final, remaining 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. A major portion of the zoning amendment is the official implementation of the Office Park Zoning District south of Highway 10. In addition, the Zoning Amendments are intended to take feedback from previous reviews and made the zoning ordinance more clear, concise, and easier to navigate and read. Upon completion, it is the intent of staff to develop a series of handouts for each zoning district to list applicable standards and include illustrations to visualize standards in order to further supplement the zoning code. The following has been prepared as a baseline to frame the overall policy discussion. Items contemplated within can be changed, modified, eliminated, or increased based on direction from the Planning Commission and City Council. Staff has attempted to include as many of the ideas suggested as part of the Comprehensive Plan, various subsequent discussions (including the EPB/PC Joint Work Session), and City Council's Strategic Goals for 2012 in developing these discussion points for further review. For purposes of this Work Session discussion, only a few highlights are included that Staff believes need policy direction before preparing the final draft. Notification: No notification required at this time. A Public Hearing will be held at the Planning Commission when reviewed. Observations: The items for discussion as part of this 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 Special Requirements and Performance Standards The Planning Commission reviewed a restructuring of the Employment and Business District sections and was favorable to the proposal. The restructured text would relocate all design and special requirements that are consistent across similar districts in one (1) location. This would reduce duplication and make the code easier to navigate and administer. The sub - districts would then focus on the permitted uses. Staff would like City Council feedback on this amendment. The Planning Commission also reviewed the current requirements for exterior materials and discussed expanding this section to provide additional direction, allowable materials, and architectural accenting provisions. This could also include mechanical equipment screening (roof top and ground), trash enclosure screening, and site lighting requirements. This could help provide clarification to developers when preparing a site plan, based on previous feedback on site plan review. Staff would like City Council feedback on whether to stick with existing City Code