Revitalization Commission Agenda and Packet 2011 07 11

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The Planning Division recommends only a minor change to the LMCas written. Specifically, we recommend changing the language in Sec. 17.14.050.(D)(4), the Location of Uses portion within the Permitted Uses and District Specific Regulations. The recommend change is highlighted onpage 9 of the attached draft Chapter 17-14 Revisions. Staff is recommending to allow the City the ability to negotiate through the PUD process an alternative to ground floor commercial requirement along Cannon Street. Currently,the code allowsstaff to negotiate alternatives to the commercial requirement ground floor requirement for all mixed use zoning except along Cannon Streetin the PUD process. It is staff’sopinion, the ground floor commercial requirement for residential buildings on Cannon Street is too restrictive and unrealistic given the actual transportation demand that will utilize Cannon Street.Staff is not suggesting eliminating the requirement because it may impact the Purpose and Intent of the Code. Staff is simply requesting that the PUD process allow staff to negotiate a viable alternative if the development community cannot feasibly execute the ground floor requirement. Staff has also added clarity to this section in that the City expects Cannon Street to perform as a quality pedestrian space. This modification will enable staff to negotiate an alternative which, while not including commercial on the ground floor, continues to meet the Purpose and Intent of the Code as well as the spirit of the City’sComprehensive Plan. Finally, staff acknowledges the current shortcomings of Section 17-14 in meeting the observations of the development community presented during the April 1, 2011 round table. However, staff believesany additional modifications to the Code will change the Purpose and Intent of the Mixed-Use District as well as the Spirit of the Comprehensive Planand require a more involved community-wide conversation.