BusDev Highlights 2006 0914 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • completion in July 2007. By law, and if an extension to the urgency ordinance is approved by Council, the moratorium could be in effect for a maximum of two years. Planning Manager Pollart further explained the potential downside to a moratorium: that a good use maybe delayed. She believes, however, that although the moratorium will slow the planning approval process, it won't stop it. Certain projects could move forward through the Planning Commission and be poised and ready for Council approval once the moratorium is lifted. Discussion ensued regarding other downtown plans, such as the Downtown Plan and Urban Design Guidelines which geographically defined the downtown, addressed the character and type of retail in the downtown area, and set the stage for the current streetscape improvements and history walk. The TOD uses the Downtown Plan as well as the General Plan and BART Area Revitalization Strategy as the baseline, with slight modifications. The end result of the TOD project will be zoning code amendments to ensure future development is consistent with the vision for the area. The Business Development Committee supported this approach as it addresses their concerns that development may occur during the TOD strategic planning process that may undermine successful implementation of the recommendations. Assistant City Manager Hollister reported that this issue could go to City Council for action as an urgency ordinance on October 2, 2006 and return to Council for a Public Hearing by November 20, 2006. Committee Recommendation The Business Development Committee recommended that Council place a moratorium on development of the 39 sites identified by the TOD plan for development to ensure future development is consistent with the determined strategy. 2. Proposed Large Homes Zoning Code Amendments Planning Manager Pollart reported that in 2001 the Zoning Code was amended to require a site plan review process on large homes, defined as those over 4,000 sq. ft., and second story additions. These projects now require major site plan review which includes a public hearing before either the Zoning Enforcement Official or the Site Development Sub-Commission. In response to recent concerns regarding monster homes, the Planning Department is currently researching what other jurisdictions are doing to regulate development. Methods of regulation include: establishing a maximum number of bedrooms, maximum square footage, maximum building size relative to lot size, along with considerations regarding the slope of the parcel. The Committee supported the development of regulations and discussed the future regulations applicability to both second story additions and monster homes. Planning Manager Pollart reviewed the proposed timeline which included a joint worksession with the Board of Zoning Adjustments and Planning Commission, followed by a Planning Commission public hearing, with the recommendations scheduled to go to Council in December 2006. 2