Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2021 06 24

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Planning Commission Staff Report June 24, 2021 Special Review Use A special review use is required for certain uses in a zone district if those use may not be appropriate if the nature of the use or the character of the surrounding development are not compatible with the proposed use. The intent of the criteria review it to determine if proposed use is compatible and if any conditions on the use may be appropriate. LMC Sec. 17.40.100 includes the following specific criteria followed by staff's analysis in italics. 1. That the proposed use/development is consistent in all respects with the spirit and intent of the comprehensive plan and of this chapter, and that it would not be contrary to the general welfare and economic prosperity of the city or the immediate neighborhood; The Comprehensive Plan (Plan) envisions "a healthy and vibrant Downtown" (Policy LU-4.2) with a "mix of uses that bring new revenue generation to the Downtown area" (Policy ED-5.3). The Comprehensive Plan classifies Downtown Louisville as Center type development and describes Center development by the following: Centers are defined by their mixture of uses (retail, commercial, and residential), street interconnectivity, and integrated public spaces. A center's physical design is that of a destination, or gathering point for city- wide activities. Centers are connected to and oriented toward their adjacent land uses. Centers typically have the greatest retailing opportunities. Centers feature integrated public spaces with a recognized public space, or focal point. Centers also have the highest potential for a vertical mix of uses. The Comprehensive Plan also includes the following applicable policy for Downtown Louisville: Downtown and Highway 42 Revitalization District Framework Policy No. 9: Promote the health of Downtown through a traditional development pattern and pedestrian scaled redevelopment including expansion of business and housing opportunities. The Downtown Louisville Framework Plan notes that multi -family residential uses may be considered through an SRU process with the goal to "Maintain downtown as a vibrant, mixed -use activity center. Providing mixed use residential development can help activate downtown that supports the core businesses in the district. The building design will help improve the streetscape and improve the pedestrian scale of this part of Downtown. Staff finds the proposal meets this criterion. 2. That such use/development will lend economic stability, compatible with the character of any surrounding established areas; 15 17