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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 10/15/2002 - SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 148, 2002, AMENDIN �M 7 77 �� �R��­ - AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM NUMBER: 27 FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL DATE: October 15, 2002 FROM: Bob Barkeen SUBJECT : Second Reading of Ordinance No. 148, 2002, Amending the Zoning Map of the City of Fort Collins by Changing the Zoning Classification for that Certain Property Known as the Taft Hill/Hull Rezoning. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on Second Reading. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Ordinance No. 148, 2002. which was adopted 4-3 on October 1, 2002, rezones the northeast corner and intersection of Taft Hill Road and Hull Street, south of Drake Road from the LMN—Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood zone to the MMN—Medium Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood zone. On October 1, 2002, Council also adopted Resolution 2002-096 by a vote of 5-2, amending the City's Structure Plan Map to reflect the rezoning change. ORDINANCE NO. 148, 2002 . OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FOR THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE TAFT HILL/HULL REZONING WHEREAS, Division 1.3 of the Fort Collins Land Use Code (the "Land Use Code") establishes the Zoning Map and Zone Districts of the City; and WHEREAS, Division 2.9 of the Land Use Code establishes procedures and criteria for reviewing the rezoning of land; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the foregoing, the Council has considered the rezoning of the property which is the subject of this ordinance,and has determined that the said property should be rezoned as hereafter provided; and WHEREAS,the Council has further determined that the proposed rezoning is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and/or is warranted by changed conditions within the neighborhood surrounding and including the subject property; and WHEREAS, to the extent applicable, the Council has also analyzed the proposed rezoning against the considerations as established in Section 2.9.4(H)(3) of the Land Use Code. • NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That the Zoning Map adopted by Division 1.3 of the Land Use Code, and the same hereby is, amended by changing the zoning classification from "LMN",Low Density Mixed Use Neighborhood Zone District, to "MMN", Medium Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood Zone District, for the following described property in the City known as the Taft Hill/Hull Rezoning: All of Lot 2, all of Lot 3 and Lot 4 (excluding that portion of Lot 4 that was taken for the widening of Taft Hill Road), according to the Plat thereof as filed under File Number 244742 on November 8, 1922 in Book 4, Page 55, in the public records of Larimer County, Colorado Section 2. That the Sign District Map adopted pursuant to Section 3.8.7(E)of the Land Use Code be, and the same hereby is, changed and amended by showing that the above-described property is included in the Residential Neighborhood Sign District. Section 3. The City Engineer is hereby authorized and directed to amend said Zoning Map in accordance with this Ordinance. Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 1st day of October, A.D:2002, and to be presented for final passage on the 15th day o, ctober, A.D. 2002. 'Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading this 15th day of October, A.D. 2002. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM NUMBER: 25 A-B DATE: October 1, 2002 FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL FROM • Bob Bazkeen SUBJECT : Items Relating to Changing the Zoning Classification for That Certain Property Known as the Taft Hill/Hull Rezoning.. RECOMMENDATION: The Planning and Zoning Bo reco ends ion of th Resolution and of the Ordinance by a vote of 4 to Z. Staff reco ds t y cil de a requested Structure Plan Map amendment and rezoning request. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: A. Resolution 2002-096 Amending the City's Structure Plan Map. B. Hearing and First ReCngo inan . 1 , Amending the Zoning Map of the City of Fort Collia ing t gClas fication for that Certain Property Known as the Taft Hiz o This is a request to amend the City Structure Plan and rezone three parcels of land at the northeast corner of the intersection of Taft Hill Road and Hull Street, south of Drake Road. The existing designation is LMN—Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood, the proposed designation is MMN—Medium Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood. The three parcels total 15.3 acres. The property is accessed from Hull Street, and each lot has a single-family residence with several outbuildings. Spring Creek traverses the northern portion of the site. The sites are designated as Low Density Mixed Use Residential and Stream Corridor on the City of Fort Collins Structure Plan. 100*1 00-4%6 Dy APPLICANT: Steve ter 225 East onroe, Sut e 4 Fort Collins, CO 80525 OWNERS: Wilber and Barbara Aanes 1926 Hull Street Fort Collins, CO 80524 Edward J. Jaerger Revocable Trust 901 Alexa Way Fort Collins, CO 80524 c o er 1, DATE: ITEM NUMBER: BACKGROUND: The Taft Hill/Hull Rezoning was presented to the Planning and Zoning Board on September 19, 2002. The Planning and Zoning Board found the existing Structure Plan designation for this property is in need of change; and the proposed changes would promote the public welfare and be consistent with the vision, goals, principles, and policies of City Plan to the designation of the property. Planning and Zoning Board recommended adoption of the amendment and rezoning to the City Council by a vote of 4— 2 (members Craig and Colton dissenting, Carpenter absent). Staff's position differs from that expressed by the majority of the Planning and Zoning Board members. Staff contends that 4 n e e nstr ' n of need to change the City Structure Plan. In addition, ty Plan olicie e rd' t N designation, on the whole, would not be adequately met the re St. e t e Struc re Plan was originally developed, the property was not designate locat thin 1/4 mile of a supermarket- anchored Neighborhood Commercial Center, which lacks the typical surrounding MMN designation. This was mainly because of disconnections and discontinuity resulting from existing development patterns and the Spring Creek corridor. The same reasons still apply. Staff recommended denial of the Structure Plan Amendment and Rezoning to the Planning and Zoning Board. The Planning and Zoning Board decision was focused primarily on the economic aspects of developing the property and the perceived location next to transit corridors. Staff contends that economic factors associated with developing a particular piece of property should not be a primary reason for ap i g a onin licYr ditionally, transit serving the site is not within an enhanc- trav rrid r er ed a bus route with limited service. The Property The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows: N: MMN; Undeveloped; Single Family Residential S: FA (County); Single Family Residential (estate) E: RL; Single family residential W: POL; Undeveloped The property was annexed kfopyngbrook and Springbrook Two Annexations. Context of the Proposed Structure Plan Amendment The City Structure Plan is the primary basis for zoning decisions. An amendment is a prerequisite to this rezoning request. To recommend approval of this proposal, staff and the Planning and Zoning Board must find that: (1) the existing Structure Plan is in need of change; and (2) the proposed changes would promote the public welfare and be consistent with the vision, goals, principles, and policies of City Plan. These are the applicable criteria,contained in Appendix C of City Plan. DATE: October 1, 2002 3 ITEM NUMBER: 25 A-B The Structure Plan currently shows Spring Creek as a Green Corridor. This Corridor separates MMN designation on the north side from LMN designation on the subject property on the south side. Current designations resulted from the 1997 City Plan adoption. The two different designations across the Creek were based on existing development patterns and the presence of the creek as a corridor to be protected and enhanced. Evaluation of the Proposed Structure Plan Amendment The decisive points in the analysis are: a. As an MMN Dist rict, p u fi transition and a link between surrounding neighbor ods' an then g or dnercial district". Nor would it "function together w sumo ing ensity borhoods and the commercial core" in an integral w Tfies u entalies for accommodating higher JI density housing in MMN areas. 1 b. It would not form a "unifying pattern of streets and blocks" due to disconnections in existing development and Spring Creek. In fact, the subject property does not have two points of access. Disconnections due to the creek and existing development will pose constraints on the ability to gain multiple access and connectivity. This works against the idea of upzoning to allow more housing units in an area essentially accessible as a large cul-de-sac only. �~ C. Applicants have cited ertain b efits i uYfrom rezoning to MMN as an expansion of existing n t nort Spring Creek. The benefits would come from increased ability to assemble both sides of the creek into a single development property. The main tangible benefit cited is that a street bridge would be more feasible to unify the larger MMN area. However, staffs position is that a unified higher density development on the entirety of this property is not necessarily a desirable objective in this particular situation. The creek is deliberately shown as a Green Corridor defining different land use designations. In this location, staff contends that the integrity of the corridor is more important than increasing the feasibili tr r e e g need for it with an extension of MMN zoning. A eet andIffridgelto uir or disturbance and change the character of the corrid d. Another problem created by the proposed arrangement is that it leaves the single parcel of LMN zoned land to the east of the site between this parcel (to be zoned MMN) and the adjacent RL zoning, developed as low density, single family residential. This parcel may not be difficult to develop into a land use that provides a connection to both the adjacent MMN and RL zoned land. e. The sloping landform adds another constraint to an intensive, well-connected neighborhood meeting the minimum density of 12 units per acre with a pattern of sweets and blocks. The constraints of the site may make development difficult even under LMN zoning, but MMN zoning would increase the likely conflicts. DATE: cto er 1, 2002 4 ITEM NUMBER: f. General principles and policies supporting infl. and density have been cited and discussed. However, they do not mean that infill in this specific area should be under MMN density, rather than LMN density. In other words, those policies can be met with development at LMN density in this case. g. Expanding the zoning to this property in order to prevent a "strip" of MMN development on the north side of the creek has been advocated. However, in reality the north side would develop the same whether or not the south side develops under MMN or LMN zoning, because of the creek corridor. In evaluating the requested S P en ® ff considered and discussed a number of other points that c be in fa r a e an a the Structure Plan. These are acknowledged below: a. The property is "within a 1/4 mile of NC zone" (quote from City Plan), and arguably "within easy walking distance of transit and a commercial district" (quote from Land Use Code). b. There is no other property meeting these criteria available to accommodate MMN zoning in association with the NC district in this area, and the 14 acres of MMN on the north side of the creek along Drake is less than typically envisioned in a more ideal situation. C. "Buildings, streets, pa ope ces, d ar [c configured to form an inviting and convenient livin environ nt" u om C). In particular, walking and bicycling are favored t in re trail w h weaves through here with 2 crossings. d. As a general principle, higher density infl. is more efficient in the use of land, water, infrastructure, energy, and all other resources. From a broad city-wide perspective, this opportunity for multi-family housing could be captured despite the imperfect fit with MMN policies, if a degree of flexibility in applying the policies can be provided. e. While the property can not achieve the integral, unifying pattern of streets and blocks to thread LMN, MMN, Op isi ed, this is not unprecedented where barriers exist.Cooan tual project would require the developer to come as f. While the property can not achieve the integral, unifying pattern of streets and blocks to thread LMN, MMN, and NC areas together as envisioned, this is not unprecedented where barriers exist. Later design of an actual project will be required to come as close as possible given the constraints. Rezoning Request: In order for the City Council to approve this proposal, Council would have to find that the rezoning is: (1) consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan; and/or (2) warranted by changed conditions within the neighborhood surrounding and including the subject property." DATE: October 1, 2002 1 5 ITEM NUMBER: 25 A-B The above criteria are found in subsection 2.9.4[H][2] of the Land Use Code, which defines mandatory requirements for quasi-judicial Rezoning. In addition, the following subsection 2.9.4[H][3] lists additional factors that may be considered along with the mandatory requirements for this type of quasi-judicial rezoning, as follows: "In determining whether to recommend approval of any such proposed amendment, the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council may consider the following additional factors: a. whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment is compatible with existing a os drn -thelubject land, and is the appropriate zo. distri t ' r the b. whether and the to t oposedendment would result in significantly adverse impacts on the natural environment, including but not limited to, water, air, noise, storm water management, wildlife, vegetation, wetlands and the natural environment; and C. whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment would result in a logical and orderly development pattern." Staff Analysis - Rezoning RCeCitys Is the request consistent withoompr Ply' No, for the reasons explained above in the evaluation of the Structure Plan amendment. Have conditions changed in the neighborhood to warrant the rezoning? The applicant contends that recent expansions of Drake and Taft Hill Roads, extension of the Spring Creek Trail, and the expansion of anchor tenants in the nearby shopping center, are changed conditions warranting revised land use designations for higher density housing. Staff disagrees with the conCinafe t se c dit s that create a need to change the zoning. Street widens are n c co ' tons -- City Plan was based on these things happening. In d these a 'mply inc mental build-out of the Structure Plan. Nor do tenant change en reate a to change the zoning to higher density on the subject property. To illustrate, those tenants could change their minds — would the Structure Plan then need to be changed back again? Is the rezoning request compatible with existing and proposed uses surrounding the subject land and is it the appropriate zoning district for the land? Not to an adequate degree, for the reasons explained above in the evaluation of the Structure Plan amendment. Will the rezoning have adverse effects on the natural environment? Potentially yes. Part of the cited need for the change has been to create a larger unified MMN area covering both sides of Spring Creek, to facilitate a larger development plan with a street and DATE: October 1, 2002 6 ITEM NUMBER: 25 A-B bridge over the creek. The increased intensity, partly justified by a more likely street and bridge, could create more impacts on the creek corridor. Will the rezoning result in a logical and orderly development pattern? No. The disconnections and discontinuity explained above in the evaluation of the Structure Plan amendment outweigh any benefits of the higher density. FINDINGS OF FACT/CONCLUSIONS After reviewing the Taft Hill o ' d t Structure Plan, File #31-02, staff makes the following fin : gs of a and c c sio as arced above: 1. This request for a Struc an oes no uately demonstrate a need to change the designation. Such a change would not be consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. 2. This rezoning request is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, based on the Structure Plan designation and the policies for MMN designation. 3. The proposed rezoning will not result in adverse impacts on the natural environment — specifically the Spring Creek corridor. 4. The proposed rezonin(Re d r It in o d o rly pattern. Planning and Zoning Boardmmen ton The Planning and Zoning Board recommends that City Council approve the Taft Hill/Hull Rezoning and Structure Plan Amendment, File #31-02, Amendment to the Zoning Map from LMN — Low Density Mixed Use Neighborhood to MMN — Medium Density Mixed Use Neighborhood District. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends the City funcilf tha es rePlan Map amendment and rezoning request. ,.w