Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2025 05 08

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LMC Sec. 17.72.030 lists the minimum content of a GDP: A. The proposed use of all lands within the subject property; B. The type or character of development and the number of dwelling units per gross acre proposed; [emphasis added] C. The proposed location of school sites, parks, open spaces, recreation facilities and other public and quasi -public facilities; D. The proposed location of all streets shall be coordinated with the adopted general street plan for the city. Subsection B requires that the GDP establish design standards custom to the planned community zone district, which must also include yard and bulk standards since those define the character of development. However, the adopted standards may not reflect that actual intended character of the development due to the restrictions of Sec. 17.72.190 that requires "general conformance" with established zoning standards and relies on PUD waivers to determine the character of development through a later process. Consequently, the intent and purpose of the PCZD GDP to establish "contemporary land planning principles and coordinated community design" could be seen in conflict with Sec. 17.72.190. Removing the restrictive language in Sec. 17.72.190 that requires "general conformance" of yard and bulk standards with comparable zoning on a GDP would allow the City to adopt development standards that more comprehensively set the intended character of the district at the time of GDP approval. The primary argument to defer to the future PUD process is that the PUD will provide complete architectural and site plans for the proposed development and any yard and bulk waivers can be considered in the context of the full set of plans. However, design standards and other restrictions can be established as part of a GDP to address site design. For example, a GDP that allows buildings taller than three stories could establish standards for building materials, building step backs and articulations, and define zones or critical view corridors within the GDP area where building height should be treated differently. The subsequent PUD then must be compliant with the design standards. 2025 City Council Work Plan The 2025 City Council Work Plan establishes four priorities, and initiatives within each of the four priorities for 2025. Under the Economic Vitality section, City Council has set a priority to initiate targeted code amendments ahead of the Comprehensive Plan update adoption planned for later this year and an anticipated land development code rewrite scheduled to take place after the Comprehensive Plan adoption (see Figure 1 below). Even though this code amendment is not being initiated by the City it could be considered to fall under this section of the 2025 City Council Work Plan. 4