2024-08-14 CC Packet - Revised - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMORANDUM TO:MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL FROM: KURT GLASER, CITY ATTORNEY SUBJECT: STRATEGY TO REVISE DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN & MORATORIUM DATE: 8/8/2024 ISSUE FOR DISCUSSION: Should the City impose a moratorium while studying potential revisions to the Downtown Master Plan and regulation of the Mix-Use zoning districts? DISCUSSION: The Planning & Zoning Commission recommends the City study revisions to the Downtown Master Plan and regulations governing Mixed Use zoning districts. Discussions surrounding a recent development project revealed potential benefits of revisiting the Master Plan and these regulations. During this period of review, the City can choose to institute a moratorium prohibiting development governed by the Master Plan and these regulations. A moratorium could be tailored to allow some types of development while prohibiting others. Staff proposes three options for the Council to discuss and consider. Option #1 – No moratorium Option #2 – A moratorium prohibiting development by a planned unit development. Option #3 - A moratorium prohibiting development by a planned unit development for projects with: 1. Residential uses with a density equal to or greater than twenty (20) units per acre; 2. Uses greater than two habitable floors above grade; and 3. Uses greater than thirty-five (35) feet in height. The City is not required to institute a moratorium while it reviews the Master Plan and these regulations. The benefit of a moratorium would allow Staff and the P&Z a period of time to focus its efforts on reviewing these topics without the distraction of pending development projects. To the contrary, any moratorium temporarily halts development and takes away options of effected property owners. There are several parcels within these zoning districts that are ripe for development. A moratorium could prevent these projects from moving forward as desired by their owners. However, a moratorium allowing for revisions to the dated Master Plan and regulations may help guide future development projects in these zones toward their highest and best use. Examples of Moratorium ordinances are attached to the Memo.