2023.02.21 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ordinances to Rezone Land to Mixed Use Per the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Planning Commission; 2-21-23 Page 3 new mixed use zoning districts. Those districts were finalized and adopted last month. With the zoning language now adopted, the only remaining step is to rezone properties guided for mixed use in the comp plan. This rezoning will fulfill the City’s obligation under state statutes to implement the adopted comprehensive plan.  The areas being rezoned already seem to include a mix of higher density residential and commercial uses. How does the new zoning classification change things? The lands in and around the guided mixed use areas of the community are largely already a mix of commercial and multi-family uses, so from that perspective, this really isn’t much of a change. Furthermore, as a fully- developed community, change will only occur if a property owner decides they would like to do something else with their land. If/when that happens, instead of being locked into one land use type (i.e. “commercial only” or “residential only”), the properties being rezoned to mixed use could be redeveloped into either commercial or residential, OR both use types could be mixed on a single site (i.e. commercial space on the ground floor with residential above). The change does not affect existing uses, but it will provide additional avenues for property owners to make investments in their land if they choose to do so.  What changes, if any, should residents expect to see in the short-term? The City does not anticipate seeing new projects come forward unless something unexpected happens (a property is sold, a business shuts down, etc). While the rezoning is only occurring now for reasons outlined in this report, property owners guided for mixed use have technically had the right to redevelop as mixed use since 2019, but only two such developments have moved forward since that time: Midtown Village and The Exchange Apartments. There is no reason for this dynamic to change just because base zoning is finally in place. Typical questions from PROPERTY OWNERS of land being rezoned:  Will a zoning change harm the current use of my property? Newly adopted zoning regulations specifically allow current uses to remain and grow on their present site, and nothing in code or the comprehensive plan will compel current or future owners to make changes to the property.  Why should I care about this if it doesn’t impact my current and future plans for my property? The primary benefit you are receiving as a result of this change is an expansion of potential use types on your land. Specifically, should you personally choose to redevelop your land in the future, a mix of residential AND commercial activities could now be permitted under the new mixed use zoning classification.