Title
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 1213, "DEFINITIONS," OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING CODE TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF "NET DENSITY".
Executive Summary: The ordinance would allow the land area in some easements to be used in the calculation of the number of dwelling units permitted.
Body
Legislative History
The Land Development Code was adopted in December 1999. The definition of net density has not been amended since then.
Purpose & Explanation
A private party has initiated an amendment to the definition of "net density" in the Planning and Zoning Code (Land Development Code). The number of dwelling units allowed per acre is based on net density; i.e. the gross area of the land less land that is generally not physically able to be developed such as public streets. The City's definition also excludes all easements from the gross area, among other things. Exclusion of all easements from the land area used to calculate density is not typical of zoning codes and can have significant impact on the number of dwellings permitted. The applicant is proposing that "aerial" easements not be excluded from gross area in the calculation of density. Although the amendment is being sought by the same applicant as a site-specific map amendment, the amendment to this definition would apply city-wide. Planning Commission conducted its preliminary review as required for private-party initiated zoning text amendments June 12. Both zoning map and text amendments are subject to six standards as discussed in the attached staff report.
Timing Considerations
Assuming Council refers the ordinance to Planning Commission July 18, Planning Commission will conduct its public hearing at the August 14 meeting. If Planning Commission renders its recommendation then, Council will conduct its public hearing in September and act on the ordinance in October.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Sugg...
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