Title
Discuss the "REC" - Regional Employment Center Overlay District and Any Necessary Ordinance Amendments
Summary
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2014
DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT: Michael Quint, Director of Planning
Brandon Opiela, Planning Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
· Discuss commonly requested modifications to the development standards that govern properties within the "REC" - Regional Employment Center Overlay District and discuss if any of the regulations of the REC Overlay should be amended accordingly.
ITEM SUMMARY:
· At the request of the City Council, Staff has analyzed all rezoning requests submitted since 2010 for properties within the REC Overlay District, and has provided the City Council a chart showing each requested modification to the requirements of the REC Overlay District.
· Through this analysis, Staff has identified a total of 14 requested modifications to the REC Overlay standards across 12 development projects. In the chart, these modifications have been ordered based on the number of times each have been requested. Staff has also provided the recommendations of Staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as the final action by the City Council for each request. It should be noted that additional rezoning requests have been made for properties within the REC Overlay but did not modify specific regulations found within the REC Overlay and, as such, have been excluded from the attached chart.
· Staff has also provided the City Council with an aerial exhibit of the properties included within the REC Overlay. Staff has shaded each of the parcels to illustrate developed (using a lighter color) and undeveloped (using a bolder color) properties as well as to clarify which properties are currently subject to the requirements of the REC Overlay.
· Properties shaded in blue indicate those that have been zoned on or after February 6, 2001 (the establishment of the REC Overlay) and are currently subject to the guidelines of the REC Overlay. Properties shaded in red indicate those that were zoned prior to the establishment of the REC Overlay and are not currently subject to the design guidelines. Should City Council choose to amend any specific requirements of the REC Overlay, properties shaded in blue may be affected by said amendments. All other properties designated in red will only be subject to the standards of the REC Overlay if a future rezoning request is made.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
· Staff has received feedback from both the Planning and Zoning Commission and members of the development community focused on the fact that the urban character required by the REC Overlay District is not consistent with current market realities. There are additional concerns, by each respective group, that the REC Overlay District's standards merely limit or restrict development in the southwestern portion of the City.
· The design guidelines and requirements of the REC Overlay have been established to allow for the development of fully integrated pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods, corridors, and districts in the REC. These standards can help create a unique sense of place within the City, defined by developments designed with an urban feel and character.
· The REC Overlay District was originally adopted by the City Council in 2001 and has not been significant modified or amended since 2003.
· The REC Overlay District currently encompasses approximately 4,500 acres in the southwestern most portion of the City.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
· N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
· This item has not been heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission.