Business Retention and Development Committee Agenda and Packet 2018 04 02

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plat application. With a preliminary PUD and preliminary plat review, decisions are binding, but Council may provide conditions of approval for changes or issues that should be addressed with the final applications. Section 17.28.250 of the Code provides for an expedited PUD process (i.e. only a final PUD application is required) where applications are somewhat more limited in scope. Section 16.12.110 of the Code provides fora minor subdivision procedure (which is essentially the same as a final plat in terms of process), under a limited set of provisions as well. Thus, in both instances, where an application qualifies for final PUD and final plat the applications forgo earlier options for public engagement. In many cases, such as with applications for a new building in the CTC on platted lots, staff finds that processing only the final PUD, and where necessary, the final plat, is warranted and alleviates unnecessary steps which involve more staff time, and additional reviews before the Planning Commission and City Council. OPTIONS FOR OTHER PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES: The City could consider amending the Code to provide for or require additional preliminary steps, which are non-binding, for certain applications that may benefit from early public engagement processes. Such options could include neighborhood meetings or sketch plans. Similar processes in other jurisdictions are called work sessions or concept plans. Neighborhood Meetings The City of Arvada requires a neighborhood meeting for all applications that require a public hearing. The applicant facilitates the meeting by providing notice to the surrounding property owners, establishing the meeting location, preparing concept plans, and leading the meeting. Staff attends the meeting in order to take note of the public concerns and answer questions regarding process or regulations. Neighborhood meetings do not include attendance by Planning Commission or City Council members. Thus, the neighborhood meeting provides the opportunity for the applicant to understand the concerns of the residents and ideally modify their proposals before submitting a formal application. The City of Lafayette requires a neighborhood meeting for certain types of applications, but staff does not attend. Thus, there is concern that the comments submitted by the developer are not entirely reflective of the discussions that were actually held. The Town of Erie requires a neighborhood meeting (Section 10.7.2.D UDC), unless the requirement is waived by the Community Development Director where it is determined that the development proposal would not have significant impacts in the areas listed below: a. Traffic; b. Natural resources protected under the Unified Development Code; c. Provision of public services such as safety, schools, or parks; d. Compatibility of building design or scale; or