4.3. SR 04-16-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Often PUD agreements are used to adjust a commercial development to address concerns raised during the time of project approval. However, it is staffls opinion that these concerns lessen over time, and unfortunately works to hamper business development in the area, either by being too restrictive (Barrington Square) or by being too confusing or onerous to new businesses (Barrington Place). It appears that the PUD agreement is no longer consistent with the needs of the commercial market and has outlived its usefulness. With the embedded references to other zoning districts, exceptions, and numerous amendments, it is difficult to quickly, efficiently, and clearly communicate with the public on what can or cannot be completed in the development. For example, a simple setback request requires research to determine "those established by the city's zoning ordinance in effect at the time of final plat approval." This should typically be a 30 second answer available on the website, but because the PUD did not establish minimum. setbacks for the residential, it took staff a couple of hours to gather necessary information and respond to the property owner. To address these issues, staff recommends rezoning the PUD to either C-3 zoning, or a new district created to incorporate the original goals of the development. The Council may recall in 2010 the city rezoned the Elk River Plaza planned unit development (Movie Theater/Freeport area) to MU - ERP, a new district created based closely on the current development patterns and uses. To accomplish this, staff envisions the following process: • Initial mailing explaining what is going on (mailed to business and property owners in and within 350-feet of the project) • Open house meeting further explaining what is going on and why • Planning Commission public hearing • City Council public hearing ATTACHMENTS None ACTION Morton by Second by Vote FOLLOW UP 1 0/ E 9 E 1 1 1 ~~~