HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-3-2014 Planning and Zoning CommissionPLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Thursday, April 3, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Iowa City City Hall
Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
AGENDA:
A. Call to Order
B. Roll Call
C. Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda
D. Comprehensive Plan Item
Set public hearing for April 17 for discussion of amending the Comprehensive Plan, Downtown
and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan. to include a section on affordable housing.
E. Code Item
Discussion of amendments to Article 14-4C of the Zoning Code, to address how accessory
uses are regulated in the Riverfront Crossings District,
F. Consideration of Meeting Minutes: March 20, 2014
G. Other
H. Adjournment
Upcoming Planning & Zoning Commission Meetings
Formal: April 17 / May 1 / May 15
Informal: Scheduled as needed.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
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�qqw- t � M E M 0 RA N D U M
Date: March 28, 2014
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Karen Howard, Associate Planner
Re: Amendments to 14-4C, Accessory Uses, to address such uses in the Riverfront
Crossings District.
In some cases accessory uses are regulated differently in the Riverfront Crossings form -based
development standards. We need to amend Article 14-4C of the Zoning Code to address these
differences. This memo addresses the regulation of uncovered decks and patios, drive -through
facilities, and fences, walls, and hedges.
Uncovered Decks and Patios
In the Riverfront Crossings development standards, the private frontage area (the area between
the building and the street right-of-way) is strictly regulated and must meet the appropriate
frontage type standard. Front yard decks are not allowed for any of the frontage types in
Riverfront Crossings, so we needed to make this clear in this section of the Article 14-4C. A
"patio" is an undefined term in the zoning code, but since several of the frontage types reference
a raised area along the frontage that could be considered synonymous with the general
understood meaning of the word "patio," we recommend that clarifying language be included in
14-4C that cross references the frontage standards in the Riverfront Crossings code.
Fences, Walls, and Hedges
The amendments proposed for this section of the code are merely clarifications and cross
references to the Riverfront Crossings standards to ensure there is no conflict between these
general fence, wall and hedge standards and the new form -based code, particularly as the
standards relate to private frontage areas.
Drive -Through Facilities
In an early draft of the form -based standards for Riverfront Crossings, there was a section
regarding drive -through facilities. It was determined since there was so much overlap between
the approval criteria for drive-throughs in other zones and the proposed sDecial exception
approval criteria for Riverfront Crossings, it was more appropriate to locate the drive -through
standards for Riverfront Crossings in the general accessory use article of the zoning code (14-
4C) and update the special exception criteria accordingly. In the attached draft, it specifies that
dr.ve-through facilities are allowed only by special exception in Riverfront Crossing's zones. In
the more urban subdistricts on the east side of the river drive -through facilities are only allowed
for banks and pharmacies and must be located in a manner consistent with the pedestrian -
oriented standards that apply in Riverfront Crossings. In the South Gilbert subdistrict drive-
throughs are not allowed along frontages that are designated required retail storefronts on the
regulating plan or in areas along the new riverfront park. In *he West Riverfront area, drive -
through facilities are allowed by special exception, but must comply with the form -based
standards in the Riverfront Crossings Code to ensure that these more auto -oriented uses are
designed in a manner that is not disruptive to the pedestrian -oriented character we are trying to
achieve as redeve�opment occurs.
The proposed code language is attached. Underlined text is new language to be added and
strike -through notation indicates language to be deleted.
Amend 14-4C-2J, Decks and Patios, Uncovered, as follows:
Decks and Patios, Uncovered
1. In Residential Zones.
a. Uncovered patios and decks constructed 2 feet or less above grade must be set
back at least 10 feet from any f, ont or street -side lot line and set back at least 2
f
,eet from any alley right-of-way. No side setback is required.
b. Uncovered patios and decks constructed more than 2 feet above grade must be
set back at least 10 feet from any front or street -side lot line, at least 5 feet
from any side lot line, and at least 2 feet from any ailey right-of-way.
2. In Riverfront Crossings Zones
a. Decks are not allowed in nrivate frontaae areas, as defined in Section 14-2G-7A
Streetscape and Frontage Area Improvements.
b. Patios are not allowed in private frontage areas unless expressly permitted
according to the s�andards for the applicable Frontage 1:Ype, as specified in
Section 14-2G-4.
C. Uncovered patios and decks constructed 2 feet or less above grade must be set
back at least 2 feet from any alley ricil-it-of-way. No side setback is required.
d. Uncovered patios and decks constructed more than 2 feet above grade must b
set back at least 5 feet from any side lot line and at least 2 feet from any alle
right-of-way.
3. In all other zones, exeept Residento .
a. Uncovered patios and decks must be set back at least 10 feet from any front or
street -side lot line and set back at least 2 feet from any alley right-of-way. No
side setback is required.
b. Decks and patios in any zone where there is no front setback requirement for
principal buildings are exempt from the front setback requirement in
subparagraph a, above.
Amend 14-4C-2K, as follows:
K. Drive -Through Facilities
1. Drive -through facilities are allowed according to Table 4C-1, below.
Table 4C-1: Drive -Through Facilities
Zone
Driva*rough facilities allowed
Addiflonal requimments
ID Zones
None permitted
i Not applicable
Residential Zones
None Permitted
Not applicable
CO-1 Zone
Limited to facilities that are accessory to financial
Spec,@! exception required, See additional
institutions
approval criteria listed below,
CH-1, CH Zones
Dermilled
Drive through lanes must be set back at
least 10 feet from property lines and must
be screened from view of any abutting
Residential Zone to the S3 standard (See
I Article 14-5F, Screening and Buffering
Standards).
CN-1 Zone
Limited to facilities that are accessory to financial
Special exception required, See additional
institutions and pharmacies.
approval criteria listed below.
Maximum of 2 lanes allowed for a financial
institution;
Maxinnum of 1 lane allowed for a pharmacy
CC-2,CB-2, anti
Permitted by special exception.
Special exception required, See additional
Riverfront Croesincis
Limitations apply in the Riverfront Crossings
approval criteria listed below,
Zones
Zones, as specified below
CB-5, CB-1 0 Zones
None permitted I
Not applicable
2. Riverfront Crossinois Zones — limitations and restrictions
a. In all subdistricts, except for the West Riverfront and South Gilbert subdistricts,
drive-throughs are limited to facilities that are accessory to financial institutions
and i)harmacies.
b. In the South Gilbert subdistrict drive -through facilities are not allowed along
frontages designated as required retail storefronts or required Ralston Creek
in Figure 2G-1, Riverfront Crossings Regulating Plan. Otherw�se, drive -through
facilities are allowed by special exception for any use allowed in the subdistrict.
C. In the West Riverfront subdistrict, drive-throurah facilities are allowed by sl)ecial
excegtion for any use allowed in the subdistr;ct according to the provisions set
forth in this section.
d. Principal buildings to which a drive -through is accessory must comply with all
standards of the a!2plicaNe Riverf, ont Crossings subdistrict as soecified in Article
14-2G, unless a minor adjustment is approved by the FBC Committee according
to the prov;sions in Subsection 14-2G-7H, Minor Adjustments.
3. Special exception approval criteria
a. Access and Circulation
The transportation Ws'ern should be capable of safely sul2porting the proposed
drive -through use in addition to the existina uses in the area. Evaluation factors
include street caDacitv and level of service. effects on traffic circulation. access
reguirements, separation of curb cuts, and Pedestrian safety in addition to the
following criteria.
(1) Wherever possible and practical, drive -through lanes shall be accessed
from seconclan� streets, alleys, or shared cross access drives. If the
applicant can demonstrate that access from a secondary street, aligy, o
shared cross access drive is not vossible, the Board may grant access to a
prima[y street, but may impose conditions such as limiting the width of the
curb cut and drive, limiting the number of lanes, reauiring the drive -
through bays and stacking lanes to be enclosed within the building
envelope, and similar conditions.
(2) To provide for safe Pedestrian movement, the number and width of curb
cuts serving the use may be limited. A proposal for a new curb cut on any
street is subject to the standards and restrictions in Article 14-5C, Acces
Management Standards.
(3) An adequate number of stacking spaces must be orovided to ensure traffic
safeW is not compromised. A minimum of 6 stacking spaces is
recommended for drive -through facilities associated with eatno
establishments and a minimum of four stacking spaces for banWing,
pharmacies, and similar non-food related drive -through facilities. Stacking
spaces shall be defined as being 20 feet in length and the width of a one -
lane, one-way drive. The Board may reduce the recommended number of
stacking spaces if the applicant can demonstrate that the specMc business
has unique characteristics such that the recommended number of parking
sl2aces is excessive (i.e. a drive -through that is to be used for pick-up only
and not ordering).
(4) Sufficient on -site signage and pavement markings shall be provided to
indicate direction of vehicular travel, r)edestrian crossings, stop signs, no
entrance areas, and other controls to ensure safe vehicular and oedestrian
movement.
b. Location
(1) In the CB-2 Zone and in all subdistricts of the Riverfront Crossings District
located east of the Iowa River, drive-throucih lanes and service windows
must be located on a non -street -facing fagade. In all other locations
where drive-throughs are allowed, this location standard must be met,
unless the applicant can demonstrate that a street- facing location is
preferable for the overall safety and efficiency of the site, does not conflict
with adjacent uses or Pedestrian access, and does not compromise the
character of the streetscaoe or neighborhood in which it is located.
(2) Drive -through lanes must be set back at least ten feet (10') from adjacen
lot lines and public rights of way and screened from view according to th
design standards below.
C. Desicin Standards
The number of drive -through lanes, stacking spaces, and paved area necessa
for the drive through facilily will not be detrimental to adjacent residential
Properties or detract from or unduIV interruDt Declestrian circulation or the
commercial character of the area in which the use it is located. The Board of
Adjustment may increase br reduce these standards according to the
circumstances affecting the site.
(1) To promote comoatibility with surrounding development, the number o
(2) Drive -through lanes, bays, and stacking spaces shall be screened from
views from the street and adjacent properties to the S2 standard. If the
drive -through is located adiacent to a residential use or property zoned
residential, it must be screened from view of these woperties tO at least
the S3 standard. To Preserve the Pedestrian -oriented character of streets
in the CB-2 Zone and the Riverfront Crossings District, the Board may
require the drive -through to be incorporated within the buldna or be
grincipal building on the site.
(3)
amount of idling on the site.
(4) Stacking spaces, driveways, and drive -through windows shall be located to
minimize potential for vehicular and pedest-ian conflicts and shall be
intecirated into the surrounding landscape and streetscape design of the
neighborhood in which it is located.
(5) Lighting for the drive -through facility must comply with the outdoor licihting
standards set forth in A-ticle 14-5G and must be designed to prevent ligh
trespass and glare onto neighboring residential properties.
(6) All signage for the drive -through must meet the sign standards in Article
14-5B.
(7) Loudspeakers or intercom Wstems, if allowed, should be located and
directed to minimize disturbance to adiacent uses. Special consideration
should be given to locations adjacent to residental uses to ensure such
systems do not diminish the residential character of the neighborhood.
Amend 14-4C-2L, as follows:
L. Fences, Walls, and Hedges
1. Permit Required. A permit is required for all of the following:
a. Electric fences;
b. Barbed wire fences;
C. Any fence or wall over 6 feet in height;
d. Any retaining wall over 4 feet in height measured from the top of the footing to
the top of the wall; and
e. A retaining wall of any height that supports a surcharge or impounds flammable
liquids.
2. Location and Height Requirements. All fences, walls, and hedges located within a
principal building front, side, or rear setback area or within 5 feet of a lot line, are
subject to the following location and height requirements.
a. Except as otherwise allowed or required in Article 14-2G, Riverfront Crossings
Form -based Development Standards, no portion of a fence or wall more than 10
percent solid shall exceed eight feet in height. The solidity is the percent of the
fence over a random area which is made up of solid, opaque material, and
which does not allow light or air to pass through. Retaining walls are exempt
from the provisions of this subparagraph.
b, Fences, walls, and hedges must be set back at least 2 feet from any alley or
street right-of-way line.
C. On corner lots, fences, walls, and hedges over 2 feet in height must comply with
the provisions of Article 14-513, Intersection Visibility Standards.
d. Fences and walls that exceed 4 feet in height are not permitted in the principal
building, front setback area on properties zoned Residential or on properties
located within 50 feet of any property along the same frontage that is zoned
Residential. However, this height limit is increased to 6 feet for lots with
frontages along an expressway or an arterial street, provided that the lot is a
double frontage lot or a reversed corner lot. Retaining walls are exempt from
the provisions of this subparagraph.
C. In Riverfront Crossincis Zones, fences and walls located within Drivate frontacie
areas are strictly reciulated and, if allowed, must comi)lv with the armlicable
Frontage Type standards as specified in 14-2G.
Barbed wire and electric fences are subject to the following regulations.
a. Barbed wire consists of twisted wires with barbs on each wire. The barbs on
each wire must be at least 4 inches apart. Any barbed wire that doesn't meet
this description is prohibited. Concertina wire is prohibited.
b. Except when used for the enclosure of livestock associated with an allowed
Agriculture Use, barbed wire fences are permitted only in the Commercial,
Industrial, and Research Zones, provided the bottom strand of barbed wire is
not less than six feet above grade.
Except for the enclosure of livestock associated with an allowed Agriculture Use,
electric fences are not permitted in any zone.
d. No electric fence shall C2rry a charge greater than 25 milliamperes nor a
pulsating current lower than one -tenth second in a one second cycle. All electric
fences must carry the seal of an approved testing laboratory.
el Barbed wire and electric fences are prohibited within 5 feet of a ' public sidewalk
or within 4 leet of a street right-of-way line where a public sidewalk does not
exist. in the latter case, however, a barbed wire or electric fence may be
installed or constructed along the right-of-way line if the property owner agrees
to move the fence back the required distance within 2 months after the
installation of a public sidewalk. Said agreement must be submitted with the
application for a fence permit.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MARCH 20 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Ann Freerks, Phoebe Martin,
Jodie Theobald. John Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT: Paula Swygard
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Doug Boothroy, Jann Ream, Sara Greenwood Hektoen
OTHERS PRESENT: Sally Scott, Tracey Achenbach
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
The Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of amendments to Title 14, Zoning,
Chapter 5 Site Development Standards, Article B, Sign Regulations to: 1) change the
standards for projecting signs and to allow them in all commercial zones, 2) to allow
canopy roof signs in all commercial zones and to clarify the size provisions and 3) to
regulate temporary window signs and the placement of permanent window signs in
required storefront windows.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM
Freerks introduced Doug Boothroy, who as the recently appointed Director of the newiy formed
Department of Neighborhood and Development Services explained the recent, new
organizational chart for the department.
Freerks said that she noticed that the name planning is no longer in the departments name and
asked for assurance that planning for long term goals as well as development and
neighborhood services is still what the City has in mind.
Boothroy explained that he has training and background in Planning. He served as Senior
Planner for many years and worked closely with the Planning and Zoning Commission. He also
served as the president of the Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association. He stated
that comprehensive planning and current planning will still have the same importance. He
explained that Neighborhood Services will comprise many elements of planning.
Eastham requested that the City provide more Planning staff. Boothroy said he understands
Eastham's desire to get more staff to get the Comprehensive Plan working as soon as possible.
Eastham asked if this reorganization implies anything in terms of changes in the City's approach
to land use regulation and planning. Boothroy responded that Neighborhood and Development
Services will be viewed by the City as a higher priority than it has been in the past in terms of
Code enforcement but he sees no change in planning activities and subdivision reviews. He
said he does hope that bringing the Planning and Building Inspection departments together will
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 20, 2014
Page 2 of 7
improve customer service with home builders and other groups that in the past have not been
very positive about the City's planning efforts.
Thomas said that the Sustainability Report of 2013 showed that in the category of Housing most
of the measurable items were defined as unclassified, and he asked Boothroy if he sees that as
something that needs addressed. Boothroy said he would be meeting with Brenda Nations, the
Sustainability Coordinator, to discuss that. Thomas said he was happy to see in the
restructuring that sustainability is more integrated and hopes that sustainability emphasis will be
applied to the stability of the neighborhoods. Boothroy replied that is the City's goal.
Eastham stated his hopes that this restructuring will be better for measuring outcomes for some
of the more pressing planning and rezoning approaches the City is taking, particularly those that
relate to achieving actual mixed income neighborhoods. Boothroy said the City is not tracking
those factors right now, and they need to be thinking of how they can do that.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
Zoning Code Items
Discussion of amendments to Title 14, Zoning, Chapter 5 Site Development Standards,
Article 13, Sign Regulations to: 1) change the standards for projecting signs and to allow
them in all commercial zones, 2) to allow canopy roof signs in all commercial zones and
to clarify the size provisions and 3) to regulate temporary window signs and the
placement of permanent window signs in required storefront windows.
Miklo introduced Jann Ream, who reviews most sign permits. Ream showed pictures of
examples of all the kinds of signs addressed in the proposed amendment, said that currently
projecting signs are allowed on a very limited basis, are only allowed downtown, can be no
more than six square feet and can't be illuminated. She said she has found that those
restrictions have stifled good designs and creativity for these signs and thinks that with new
technology, it's time to loosen some of the restrictions, allowing a maximum size of twelve
square feet, placement in all commercial zones, and a bit more illumination. Ream said they are
also proposing changing the limitation of the top of the sign to the top of the first floor to
between the first and second floor for hotels, indoor theaters and bowfing alleys
Eastham asked if increasing the area of the sign increases the hazard of the sign in wind. Jann
pointed out the very strict mounting requirements in the chart provided to Commission members
and said that the sign has to go through strict design review, and the proposed size is not large
enough to create hazards.
Ream explained that more and more canopy signs are being incorporated into modern
commercial development, and they make a very good sign option, with opportunities for good
design.
Ream returned to the projecting sign discussion to explain that they are proposing one very
specific circumstance where a sign over twelve square feet would be allowed: a commercial
building whose first story is a minimum of eighteen feet from grade to top of the first story would
be allowed to increase to an eighteen square foot canopy or projecting sign to be more in
proportion to that size of building.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 20, 2014
Page 3 of 7
Ream said in the past temporary signs in windows were never regulated but she showed a
photograph of an example on Gilbert Street that illustrates the need for new regulations. She
said the regulations of these types of signs will only be applied to those areas where there are
required storefront windows.
Freerks asked for clarification. Ream said in the Central Business Service (CB-2), Central
Business Support (CB-5) and Central Business (CB-1 0) zones and certain areas of Riverfront
Crossings a certain percentage of the fagade is required to be in windows or doors, and where
windows are required they must allow a view to the business inside.
Ream said for all intents and purposes window clings are permanent, and the City will consider
these as window signs, and if it's a required storefront window, these clings will only be allowed
to take up twenty-five percent of the window. She said the current window signs will probably be
grandfathered and not be required to be taken down.
Thomas asked if the proposed amendment will control the size of the imagery on the signs.
Ream said that with the First Amendment, the City can't control imagery or wording.
Greenwood Hektoen said that when the event that the signs are featuring or advertising is over,
the business will have to take them down, and the grandfathering would end at that point. Ream
said once this is adopted she will need to reach out to the businesses and explain the new
regulations and also work with the Downtown Association.
Freerks opened public discussion.
Freerks closed public discussion.
Thomas moved to recommend approval of the three amendments to the Sign Ordinance
as it applies to the staff report.
Eastham seconded.
Freerks said it's been several years since any major changes in sign regulations have been
made. She said technology has changed, and the way people use technology has an effect on
the community and how the buildings work with pedestrians and that's important to the items
that have been outlined in the Code and the way people are required to build things. She said
she thinks this will help address some of the issues that have arisen in the past few years. She
said she supports some flexibility to allow some more creative sign usage and she thinks these
amendments are a job well done.
Eastham said he thinks the first two provisions do add opportunities that aren't in the Code now.
He said he wonders about the intentions of the business owners in the example presented with
putting signage in their windows.
Ream said in her conversations with business owners about signage, a lot of it has to with
economics, as the more traditional ways of advertising are expensive. She said she
understands that, but this is community landscape and there should be a good balance and a
way to maintain the storefronts and still allow business owners some flexibility to use the
windows to advertise. Ream said that because these temporary signs aren't regulated at all,
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 20, 2014
Page 4 of 7
they are allowed a tremendous amount of signage covering the fagade that wouldn't be allowed
under the Code for a permanent sign.
Theobald asked if there is an incentive from the distributors. Ream said that these signs are
provided at no charge to the business owner.
Freerks said that with less window area covered, the interaction between the store and the
pedestrians will be different but there will still be the opportunity to advertise.
Eastham said the signage in some cases has gone well over the balance point.
Thomas said you can see that it has spiraled out of control. He said he thinks a nice window
display or being able to see well what's inside would be more likely to draw in pedestrians than
would be these billboard type signs.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0.
Discussion of Riverfront Crossings District Form -Based Code and proposed regulation
of noise levels.
Miklo said while the Commission was reviewing the Form -Based Code there was a proposal to
incorporate regulation of noise based on the Smart Code, which uses a decibel reading. He said
after research, it was found that is not an easy task or the most effective way to address the
concern raised about commercial vents, as there are variables that make measuring noise
difficult. He said the City used to have decibel levels in the Noise Ordinance, and it was found to
be difficult to regulate and enforce. Other methods are being investigated, such as requiring
commercial to vent to the roof. Staff is recommending that the Commission does not propose
the Smart Code but continue to explore these other alternatives.
Eastham asked how the lighting standards are measured and enforced. Miklo said it's done
through design review before the lights are installed, and if there are complaints after the lights
are installed there is a meter that can measure whether it exceeds the foot candles, the
measurement permitted by the Code. Miklo said he's not sure if there are the same kinds of
industry standards for noise as there are for lighting.
Freerks opened public discussion.
Freerks closed public discussion.
Theobald moved to reconsider the previous recommendation to include the Smart Code
provisions regarding regulation of noise in the Riverfront Crossings Code.
Eastham seconded.
Eastham said he's comfortable with the method of addressing noise described by staff rather
than including the smart code noise provisions in the Riverfront Crossings Form Based Code.
He said the new approach particularly with staff looking at potential noise sources and
regulating those in the design of the building and attempting to see if that's a feasible way of
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 20, 2014
Page 5 of 7
reducing noise that's coming from uses within the building where those uses are fairly standard
and predictable.
Theobald said she can see the merits of prevention, but she said there are things you don't
expect that create noise.
Thomas said he agrees that prevention is the way to go. He said he's concerned that there may
be noise sources that still may pose a problem.
Eastham said he thinks this would helpful for business owners, as some violations of Code
would be expensive to fix.
Freerks said she's concerned about current issues and making sure that something that might
truly be a problem not become grandfathered and stay that way. She said she hopes there
could be mediation or some sort of problem solving in those circumstances while of course
looking toward the future to see how to change things in a positive way.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0.
Comprehensive Plan item
Discussion of amending the Comprehensive Plan, Downtown and Riverfront Crossings
Master Plan, to include a section on affordable housing.
Miklo reminded the Commission that at their February 6th meeting they agreed to meet again
and discuss this in more detail. He said their packets contain information on how affordable
housing is covered in both the Comprehensive Plan and the Central District Plan, which cover
the area also included in the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan. He said if the
Commission decides to make changes in the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan,
they will need to set a public hearing.
Eastham asked if all provisions in the Central, Southwest, Riverfront Crossings and Downtown
District Plans apply to wherever the plans overlap. Miklo replied that provisions would apply
when they are consistent, and he doesn't believe there are any inconsistencies.
Freerks opened public discussion.
Sally Scott of 205 Black Springs Circle, Chair of Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity Board and
member of Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition, said in the Downtown/Riverfront
Crossings Plan the only reference to affordable housing is in the Gilbert Street district, which
only comprises 92 units, out of a projected 2400 units. She said this Plan needs to include
language that makes clear affordable housing is a priority for the district as a whole. She said as
the development gets closer to becoming reality, she believes there needs to be a commitment
to affordable housing not just as an option for the area but as a definite feature for the area. She
said there will not be opportunity like this for years to come, and if affordable housing is not part
of this large area of town, an important opportunity will have been missed. Scott said the
Coalition wants affordable housing to be clarified in the Master Plan and supported.
Tracey Achenbach of 727 Rundell Street, Executive Director of the Housing Trust Fund of
Johnson County said that her group will want to see more specific language about affordable
housing. She said this is too great an opportunity not to take advantage of for the community.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 20, 2014
Page 6 of 7
Freerks closed public discussion
Eastham said he would like to consider staff's revised language as a potential amendment to
the Riverfront Crossings Plan, but he's not sure he wants to support an amendment to the
Downtown District Plan, but he doesn't know if there's a way to separate them.
Freerks said she completely supports putting something like this forward, but she's hesitant to
put specifies with percentages and goals into the Master Plan. She said the Commission deals
with framework and incentives at this stage, and she probably wouldn't support language that is
very specific with percentages, as she considers that the realm of City Council. She said she
thinks the whole county needs to take a look at this, and although the Commission can look at
pieces, it needs to be taken as a whole, which is why going to City Council and having them go
further for all quality of life issues and affordable housing is important.
Thomas said he would support this going forward. He said in terms of potential language that
staff has proposed he suggested that they strike "City -assisted projects".
Dyer asked if the staff proposed language is the limit of the language the Commission could
approve. Miklo said that would only be the initial language, if the Commission agrees to move
forward.
A vote was taken and the Commission agreed 6-0 to set a public hearing on April 3rd for
this item on April 17 Ih.
Consideration of Meeting Minutes: February 3 and February 20, 2014
Eastham moved to approve the minutes of February 3, the minutes of the informal
meeting of February 20, and with corrections, the minutes of the formal meeting of
February 20.
Theobald seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0.
Other
Adjournment
Eastham moved to adjourn.
Thomas seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2013-2014
FORMAL MEETING
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES
7/18
8/1
8/15
9/5
10/3
10/17
11/7
11/21
12/5
12/19
1/2
1/16
2/6
2/20
3/20
DYER,CAROLYN
05/16
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
EASTHAM, CHARLIE
05/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
FREERKS,ANN
05/13
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
MARTIN, PHOEBE
05/17
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
SWYGARD, PAULA
05/15
X
I O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
THEOBALD, JODIE
05/18
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
THOMAS, JOHN
05/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
WEITZEL, TIM
05/13
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
INFORMAL MEETING
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES
3/4
4/01
4/15
9/19*
1/2
1/13
2/3
2/20
DYER,CAROLYN
05/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
EASTHAM, CHARLIE
05/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
FREERKS,ANN
05/13
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
MARTIN, PHOEBE
05/17
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
SWYGARD, PAULA
05/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
THEOBALD, JODIE
05/18
---
---
---
X
X
X
X
THOMAS, JOHN
05/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
WEITZEL, TIM
05/13
X
X
X
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
= Not a Member
= Work Session