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Discuss the Planning and Zoning Commission’s upcoming work plan for 2018.
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BACKGROUND:
The Planning and Zoning Commission from time to time may request briefings or discussions related to the City’s long-range planning efforts, regulatory items contained within the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance, as well as other items of interest. During the past several months, the Commission has expressed interest in discussing a variety of items including but not limited to:
• Alternate fence types (discussion initiated November 27, 2017);
• Permeable pavers;
• Quality standards for multi-family;
• Landscaping requirements for single-family residences (particularly new home construction);
• Tour of various recently completed development projects, as well as new projects that may be under construction;
• Receiving an approved development cases update (completed February 12, 2018);
• Receiving an Economic Development update; and
• Receiving a presentation regarding the recently approved bond items including general timeline for implementing the bond related projects.
At the Joint Planning and Zoning Commission/City Council meeting on October 23, 2017, several items for future consideration were also identified including:
• Allowing alternate types of durable exterior building materials, including newer materials being used elsewhere in the construction industry; and
• Quality multi-family standards (e.g. structured parking, open space, materials).
In order to assist staff with prioritizing the Commission’s work plan for the upcoming year, staff is seeking direction from the Commission at its meeting on February 26, 2018 with assistance in prioritizing the Commission’s work plan. The Commission should consider balancing the requested items with their regular business items related to the development and use of property within the city (such as zoning cases, site plans and plats) and any other special studies that may affect the Commission’s work plan. Also, the Commission may want to give consideration to if any of the items would be appropriate to discuss at a future retreat during 2018. The above list of topics may be expanded throughout the year as the Commission (and Council) identifies additional items of interest.
Other items of significance that could affect the Commission’s work plan include:
• IH-35 Corridor Study;
• Implementation of 2017 East Side Plan recommendations;
• Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance amendments; and
• Pike Street redevelopment.
Lastly, the Council has requested that the Commission provide quarterly update presentations including addressing items the Commission is currently working on and/or in the future, identifying accomplishments and more. These presentations will occur during the Council’s regularly scheduled meetings. Staff will request input from the Commission at the appropriate time in order to assist with preparing the presentations. The Council will also be hosting quarterly luncheons with the City’s boards and commissions chairpersons, in addition to the quarterly presentations.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Planning and Zoning Commission provide direction related to prioritizing the Commission’s work plan. The Commission may also include items not previously identified in this report.