HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated April 8, 2003 1
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ITEM # `✓q
DATE 04/08/03
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE CREATING A NEW
SPECIAL ZONING DISTRICT - "S-SMD" SOUTH LINCOLN SUB AREA MIXED USE
DISTRICT.
BACKGROUND:
In April 2002, the Ames City Council approved the Sub Area Plan for the South Lincoln
Neighborhood. On January 14, 2003, the City Council amended the Land Use Policy Plan
(LUPP)to incorporate into the LUPP the policies of that Sub-Area Plan. These policies are
based on a vision of the neighborhood as an area with the vitality of integrated land uses
and lively spaces that encourage social activity and strong connections to the rest of the
community. The land use policy encourages redevelopment with diverse and more intense
land uses, while encouraging a sense of place.
The next step in the implementation of the South Lincoln Sub Area Plan is the creation of a
new special zoning district - "S-SMD" South Lincoln Sub Area Mixed Use District and
rezoning the area to the "S-SMD" district. On January 14, 2003, the City Council directed
staff to initiate a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance creating the special zoning
district "S-SMD" South Lincoln Sub Area Mixed Use District and rezone the area
accordingly. This Action Form is to create the new special zoning district "S-SMD".
The Zoning Ordinance text amendment will create a new zoning district that is specific to
the South Lincoln Sub Area Mixed Use District. The amendment will establish permitted
uses and development standards for this area. A general summary of what these
standards will include is listed as follows:
► Zoning Use and Performance Standards.
o Permitted/prohibited uses.
o Building height.
o Lot size and coverage.
o Setbacks and yard usage.
o Open space requirements.
o Parking requirements.
► Building Design Standards.
o Building massing.
o Articulation of building fagade.
o Treatment of front rear and side facades.
o Minimum building proportion of lot frontage.
o Pedestrian entrances.
o Materials and roof types.
► Site Design Standards.
o Location of entrance walks.
o Location of parking.
o Separations, buffering, and screening.
o Driveway access location.
o Sign location, size, and character.
(A copy of the proposed text changes to the Zoning Ordinance is attached to this Action
Form.)
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve the proposed text amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance creating the special zoning district "S-SMD" South Lincoln Sub Area
Mixed Use District.
2. The City Council can deny approval of the proposed text amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance creating the special zoning district "S-SMD" South Lincoln Sub Area
Mixed Use District.
3. The City Council can approve the proposed text amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance creating the special zoning district "S-SMD" South Lincoln Sub Area
Mixed Use District, with modification.
4. The City Council can postpone action on the proposed text amendment to the
Zoning Ordinance and refer it back to City staff for additional information.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
One of the four goals established by the Sub-Area Plan for the South Lincoln
Neighborhood is to "provide clear, simple, and effective strategies for implementation."
Staff believes that the proposed text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, creating the
special zoning district"S-SMD" South Lincoln Sub Area Mixed Use District, meets this goal
and is consistent with the other recommendations of the "Implementation Measures"
section of the Sub-Area Plan. Therefore, it is recommended that Alternative#1 be adopted.
This is a recommendation that the City Council approve the text amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance creating the special zoning district"S-SMD" South Lincoln Sub Area Mixed Use
District.
This recommendation incorporates the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning
Commission to adjust the boundary to exclude the 301 South 4th property and to prohibit
all trucks with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight over 19,500 pounds.
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It is City policy that development should create a greater sense of place and connectivity
by establishing more integrated and compact living/activity areas and physically connecting
residential and commercial areas. The text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance
proposed here will help accomplish that goal in a part of the community where it is most
appropriate and practical to do so. This will be an important step toward accomplishing the
City's goals for the South Lincoln neighborhood.
As a companion issue, the City Council should recall that direction was given to staff to
work with developers to obtain their comments and input on the proposed overlay transition
zone that is planned to be adopted for the half-block on the east side of Sherman Avenue
between Second and Third Street. A meeting has been scheduled forthis purpose on April
15, 2003.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Attachment
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