2008-04-07 Regular Council Session Agenda

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To: Members of the Plan Commission From: Frank B. Hill, Manager of Current Planning Services / Zoning Administrator Subject: Text Amendment concerning density in the “PD” – Planned Development District Date: February 14, 2008 Overview: University City is looking to increase density and population. The Community Development Staff studied the possibility of doing so with increased and varied density housing. Staff proposes that varied and increased density housing techniques be promoted in those areas that will be rezoned to “PD” – Planned Development Districts. Staff proposes a text amendment to the currently overly restrictive density regulations of the “PD” – Planned Development District density regulations that will allow for greater flexibility in increased and varied density housing within that district. Said text amendment will lift a ban on increasing density beyond the density of the underlying zoned district while not putting at risk the current safeguards that exist for existing subdivisions zoned “SR” – Single Family Residential. Generally, “varied density housing” refers to a diverse range of housing types within one zoning district. Varied density is often referred to as a type of horizontal mixed use in residential districts, which can include multi-family and single family uses within the same district, as well as a variety of building types. Similarly, the terminology of “increased density housing” is used nearly synonymously with “varied density housing” and also refers to housing types that can increase population through smaller lot sizes and/or multi-family development. The use of increased and varied density housing has increased in recent years with a new shift in the housing market. This trend increases the demand for smaller homes located closer to areas of employment and recreation. For example, in a 2006 Planning article entitled “Zoning Needs an Overhaul,” author Anthony Flint describes the trend as, “The result of rising real estate costs where the cost of homes, lots, energy bills, and commuting costs are creating a new trend in home buying; a trend away from large homes, and a turn toward smaller, more compact lots and homes.” In addition, Flint also contends that demand for higher density housing is driven by buyers desiring amenities that are located near their place of residence. As a result of the shift in the housing market, planners have turned toward mixed use development, with office/retail uses on the main floor and residential uses on the floors above, as a solution that provides increased housing density, while also offering amenities near residences.