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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 07/01/2014 - SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 086, 2014, MAKINGAgenda Item 6 Item # 6 Page 1 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY July 1, 2014 City Council STAFF Ted Shepard, Chief Planner SUBJECT Second Reading of Ordinance No. 086, 2014, Making Various Amendments to the Land Use Code. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on June 3, 2014, addresses a variety of changes, additions and clarifications to the Land Use Code that have been identified since the last update in July 2013. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on Second Reading. ATTACHMENTS 1. Copy of First Reading Agenda Item Summary, June 3, 2014 (w/o attachments) (PDF) 2. Ordinance No. 086, 2014 (PDF) Agenda Item 13 Item # 13 Page 1 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY June 3, 2014 City Council STAFF Ted Shepard, Chief Planner SUBJECT First Reading of Ordinance No. 086, 2014, Making Various Amendments to the Land Use Code. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to adopt a variety of changes, additions and clarifications to the Land Use Code that have been identified since the last update in July 2013. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION The Land Use Code was first adopted in March 1997. Subsequent revisions have been recommended on a regular basis to make changes, additions, deletions and clarifications that have been identified since the last update. The proposed changes are offered in order to resolve implementation issues and to continuously improve both the overall quality and “user-friendliness” of the Code. The proposed revisions (except for some late changes to Sections 2.13.1, 2.13.2 and 2.13.10 which will be considered by the Board prior to City Council’s Second Reading of Ordinance No. 086, 2014) were considered by the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board at its May 8, 2014 regular meeting. All of the proposed revisions included in the Ordinance except as mentioned above have received unanimous approval from the P&Z Board. While there are a high number of revisions compared to previous years, there are three new additions to the Land Use Code that are highlighted for Council’s benefit.  A new Site Plan Advisory Review process is being added to address development projects associated with other governmental agencies rather than relying on state statutes. (Ordinance Section 2, Item Number 975.)  A comprehensive approach to allowing and regulating three distinct sizes of Solar Gardens is being added in response to the City’s new Solar Power Purchase Program. (33 Ordinance Sections, Item Number 967.)  In the River Downtown Redevelopment (R-D-R) zone, the new development standards have been significantly revised and improved in order to codify the findings R-D-R Design Standards and Guidelines project that is reaching its conclusion. (Ordinance Section 64, Item Number 987.) During the Board’s deliberation, the following topic was discussed individually: Addition of Permitted Use: Ordinance Section 1. Item number 976 Agenda Item 13 Item # 13 Page 2 This revision adds a purpose statement and two applicability statements to provide clarification about the process. Also, where an applicant is requesting adding a use within or adjacent to an existing residential neighborhood, two, not one, neighborhood meetings would be required at specific time points in the process. Three members of the public addressed the Board and provided letters to supplement their testimony. While these speakers supported the proposed code revisions in draft Ordinance, they went on to ask the Board to also consider eliminating the Addition of Permitted Use process in nine zone districts on the basis that these districts feature residential land uses and, as such, are not appropriate locations for requests for an Addition of Permitted Use. These speakers represented that the A.P.U. process offers a degree of land use flexibility that may be more suited for non-residential zones but contained the risk of unpredictability for residential zones. The Board discussed this issue and decided that the changes suggested by the public input went beyond the scope of the 2014 annual update to the Land Use Code. The Board indicated that in the fall of 2013, a P&Z sub-committee, along with interested citizens, explored a wide range of issues associated with the Addition of Permitted Use process and determined that the minor changes as contained in the draft Ordinance were reasonable. Further, the Board indicated that, in general, the A.P.U. process is working and effectively balances land use flexibility with predictability on a case-by-case basis. The Board considered the public input and, after deliberation, decided to not offer any changes to the draft Ordinance as it relates to the Addition of Permitted Use process but added that the topic bears further discussion at an upcoming work session. FINANCIAL / ECONOMIC IMPACTS Code revision number 982 provides for greater opportunities for Unlimited Indoor Recreation Establishments (greater than 5,000 square feet) and Limited Indoor Recreation Establishments (under 5,000 square feet) by allowing these uses to now go into the H-C, Harmony Corridor zone, but only as secondary uses. Unlimited Indoor Recreation uses include large-scale gymnasium-type facilities such as for tennis, basketball, swimming, indoor soccer and the like. Limited Indoor Recreation uses include yoga studios, exercise clubs, dance studios, martial arts schools, and arts or crafts studios. This change allows the Land Use Code to respond to changing trends and conditions by providing for a wider distribution of facilities that promote recreation, health and wellness across the entire City. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Code revision number 967 enacts a comprehensive approach to allowing solar installations of three varying sizes on a city-wide basis in 24 zone districts. The City of Fort Collins recently adopted the Solar Power Purchase Program (SP3), which will buy about 5 megawatts (MW) of new, locally-installed solar capacity to help meet the community’s renewable energy commitments under the Colorado Renewable Energy Standard. With new opportunities for residents and businesses to take advantage of the SP3 and other solar program elements, as well as growing interest in solar energy sources in general, there will now be three new land uses, along with new rules and provisions, for small, medium and large-scale solar energy systems. BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION All of the proposed changes (except those changes to Sections 2.13.1, 2.13.2 and 2.13.10 which will be considered by the Board prior to second reading) have been discussed and refined in conjunction with the Planning and Zoning Board at various work sessions between February and May of this year. On May 8, 2014, at the regular meeting of the P&Z Board, the Board considered the proposed revisions and voted unanimously to recommend to City Council approval of all the changes. In addition, the revisions to the R-D-R, River Downtown Redevelopment Zone District were specifically discussed with other boards and commissions because these changes codify the findings of a separate design project. Referred to as the Fort Collins R-D-R River Downtown Redevelopment Zone District Design Standards and Guidelines, the project resulted in significant revisions to the development standards within this Agenda Item 13 Item # 13 Page 3 district. Both the proposed standards and guidelines were presented to the following:  Landmark Preservation Commission  Downtown Development Authority  Parking Advisory Board  Economic Advisory Commission  Natural Resources Advisory Board The design standards are codified in the Ordinance. The supplemental Design Guidelines, however, which contain images and suggestions, are being brought forward for Council consideration as a separate Resolution (Attachment 2 in Agenda Item 17, Resolution 2014-046 Adopting the Fort Collins River Downtown Redevelopment Zone Design Guidelines). PUBLIC OUTREACH The proposed revisions to the Addition of Permitted Use were derived from discussions among the Planning and Zoning Board ad-hoc sub-committee and interested citizens. ATTACHMENTS 1. List of Issues (PDF) 2. Summary Report - All Issues (PDF) 3. Cross Reference Report - Issues with Ordinance Section Numbers (PDF) 4. City Council Work Session Summary, April 8, 2014 (PDF) 5. Planning and Zoning Board Minutes, May 8, 2014 (PDF) 6. Ordinance No. 086, 2014 (PDF) 1 ORDINANCE NO. 086, 2014 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS MAKING VARIOUS AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS LAND USE CODE WHEREAS, on March 18, 1997, by its adoption of Ordinance No. 051, 1997, the City Council enacted the Fort Collins Land Use Code (the "Land Use Code"); and WHEREAS, at the time of the adoption of the Land Use Code, it was the understanding of staff and the City Council that the Land Use Code would most likely be subject to future amendments, not only for the purpose of clarification and correction of errors, but also for the purpose of ensuring that the Land Use Code remains a dynamic document capable of responding to issues identified by staff, other land use professionals and citizens of the City; and WHEREAS, City staff and the Planning and Zoning Board have reviewed the Land Use Code and identified and explored various issues related to the Land Use Code and have made recommendations to the Council regarding such issues; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the recommended Land Use Code amendments are in the best interests of the City and its citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That Section 1.3.4 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 1.3.4 Addition of Permitted Uses (A) Purpose Statement. The purpose of the Addition of Permitted Use process is to allow for the approval of a particular land use to be located on a specific parcel within a zone district that otherwise would not permit such a use. Under this process, an applicant may submit a plan that does not conform to the zoning, with the understanding that such plan will be subject to a heightened level of review, with close attention being paid to compatibility and impact mitigation. This process is intended to allow for consideration of unforeseen uses and unique circumstances on specific parcels with evaluation based on the context of the surrounding area. The process allows for consideration of emerging issues, site attributes or changed conditions within the neighborhood surrounding and including the subject property. For residential neighborhoods, land use flexibility shall be balanced with the existing residential character. Projects are expected to continue to meet the objectives of any applicable sub-area plan and City Plan. The process encourages dialogue and collaboration among applicants, affected property owners, neighbors and City Staff. (B) Applicability. This Section is applicable only under the following circumstances: 2 (1) Where the proposed use is not listed as a permitted use in any zone district, does not fall within any existing use classification, and is proposed as being appropriate to be added to the permitted uses in the zone district. If approved under this Section, such use shall be considered for inclusion into the zone district pursuant to Division 2.9; or (2) Where the proposed use is listed as a permitted use in one or more zone district(s) and is proposed based solely on unique circumstances and attributes of the site and development plan. (C) Required Findings. In conjunction with an application for approval of an overall development plan, a project development plan, a final plan or any amendment of the foregoing, and upon the petition of the applicant or on the Director's own initiative, the Director (or the Planning and Zoning Board as specifically authorized and limited in subsection (B) below) may add to the uses specified in a particular zone district any other similar use which conforms to all of the following conditions: . . . (5) Such use, if located within or adjacent to an existing residential neighborhood, shall be subject to two (2) neighborhood meetings, unless the Director determines from information derived from the conceptual review process that the development proposal would not have any significant neighborhood impacts. The first neighborhood meeting must take place prior to the submittal of an application. The second neighborhood meeting must take place after the submittal of an application and after the application has completed the first round of staff review. (6) Such use is not a medical marijuana dispensary or a medical marijuana cultivation facility. (D) Planning and Zoning Board Authority and Limitation. In conjunction with an application for approval of an overall development plan, a project development plan, a final plan or any amendment of the foregoing, the Planning and Zoning Board may add a proposed use if the Board specifically finds that such use would not be detrimental to the public good and would be in compliance with the requirements and criteria contained in Section 3.5.1, provided that such addition of a proposed use by the Planning and Zoning Board must be specific to the proposed site and shall not be considered for a text amendment under subsection (C) below and provided further that such use is not specifically listed as a "Prohibited Use" in the zone district in which the proposed site is located. 3 (E) Codification of New Use. When any use has been added by the Director to the list of permitted uses in any zone district in accordance with subsection (C) above, such use shall be promptly considered for an amendment to the text of this Code under Division 2.9. If the text amendment is approved, such use shall be deemed to be permanently listed in the appropriate permitted use list of the appropriate zone district and shall be added to the published text of this Code at the first convenient opportunity, by ordinance of City Council pursuant to Division 2.9. If the text amendment is not approved, such use shall not be deemed permanently listed in the zone district, except that such use shall continue to be deemed a permitted use in such zone district for only the development proposal for which it was originally approved under subsection (C) above. (F) Conditions. When any use has been added to the list of permitted uses in any zone district in accordance with this Section, the Director (or the Planning and Zoning Board, if applicable) may impose such conditions and requirements on such use as are necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes and intent of this Code, to ensure consistency with City Plan and its adopted components and associated sub-area plans, to prevent or minimize adverse effects and impacts Section 2. That Section 2.1.3 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new subparagraph (e) which reads in its entirety as follows: 2.1.3 Types of Development Applications (E) Site Plan Advisory Review (1) Purpose and Effect. The Site Plan Advisory Review process requires the submittal and approval of a site development plan that describes the location, character and extent of improvements to parcels owned or operated by public entities. In addition, with respect to public and charter schools, the review also has as its purpose, as far as is feasible, that the proposed school facility conforms to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. (2) Applicability. A Site Plan Advisory Review shall be applied to any public building or structure. For a public or charter school, the Planning and Zoning Board shall review a complete Site Plan Advisory Review application within thirty (30) days (or such later time as may be agreed to in writing by the applicant) of receipt of such application under CRS 22-32-124. For Site Plan Advisory Review applications under CRS 31-23-209, such applications shall be reviewed and approved or disapproved by the Planning and Zoning Board within sixty (60) days following receipt of a complete application. Enlargements or expansions of public buildings, structures, schools and charter schools are exempt from the Site Plan Advisory review process if: 4 (a) The change results in a size increase of less than twenty five (25) percent of the existing building, structure or facility being enlarged whether it be a principal or accessory use; and (b) The enlargement or expansion does not change the character of the building or facility. Application for a Site Plan Advisory Review is subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Board under the requirements contained in Division 2.16 of this Land Use Code. Section 3. That Section 2.2.3(D)(3) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City Council may, by ordinance, waive the imposition of any fee imposed by the provisions of this Section for a housing project wholly or partially owned by a housing authority formed pursuant to the provisions of Section 29-4-101, et seq., C.R.S., if the City Council, in its sole discretion, determines that: . . . Section 4. That Section 2.2.6(A) of Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 2.2.6 Step 6: Notice (A) Mailed Notice. The Director shall mail written notice to the owners of record of all real property within eight hundred (800) feet (exclusive of public rights-of-way, public facilities, parks or public open space) of the property lines of the parcel of land for which the development is planned. Owners of record shall be ascertained according to the records of the Larimer County Assessor's Office, unless more current information is made available in writing to the Director prior to the mailing of the notices. If the development project is of a type described in the Supplemental Notice Requirements of subsection 2.2.6(D), then the area of notification shall conform to the expanded notice requirements of that Section. In addition, the Director may further expand the notification area. Formally designated representatives of bona fide neighborhood groups and organizations and homeowners' associations within the area of notification shall also receive written notice. Such written notices shall be mailed at least fourteen (14) days prior to the public hearing/meeting date. The Director shall provide the applicant with a map delineating the required area of notification, which area may be extended by the Director to the nearest streets or other distinctive physical features which would create a practical and rational boundary for the area of notification. The applicant shall pay postage and handling costs as established in the development review schedule. . . . 5 Section 5. That Section 2.2.6 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new subsection (E) which reads in its entirety as follows: (E) The following shall not affect the validity of any hearing, meeting, or determination by the decision maker: (1) The fact that written notice was not mailed as required under the provision of this Section. (2) The fact that written notice, mailed as required under the provision of this section, was not actually received by one or more of the intended recipients. (3) The fact that signage, posted in compliance with the provision of this section was subsequently damaged, stolen or removed either by natural causes or by persons other than the person responsible for posting such signage or his or her agents. Section 6. That Section 2.2.10(A)(1)(e) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (e) the minor amendment does not result in new buildings, building addi- tions or site improvements, such as parking lots and landscaping, that are proposed to be located outside the boundaries of the approved Project Development Plan or approved site specific development plan; or . . . Section 7. That Section 2.2.10(A)(2)(e) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (e) the minor amendment does not result in new buildings, building addi- tions or site improvements, such as parking lots and landscaping, that are proposed to be located outside the boundaries of the approved Project Development Plan or approved site specific development plan. Section 8. That Section 2.2.10(A)(3) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (3) Referral. In either (1) or (2) above, the Director may refer the amendment to the Administrative Hearing Officer or Planning and Zoning Board. The referral of minor amendments to development plans approved under the laws of the City for the development of land prior to the adoption of this Code shall be processed as required for the land use or uses proposed for the amendment as set forth in Article 4 (i.e. Type 1 review or Type 2 review) for 6 the zone district in which the land is located. The referral of minor amendments to project development plans or final plans approved under this Code shall be reviewed and processed in the same manner as required for the original development plan for which the amendment is sought, and, if so referred, the decision of the Hearing Officer or Planning and Zoning Board shall constitute a final decision, subject only to appeal as provided for development plans under Division 2.3, 2.4 or 2.5, as applicable, for the minor amendment. Section 9. That Section 2.2.11(A) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (A) Application Submittals. An application submitted to the City for the review and approval of a development plan must be diligently pursued and processed by the applicant. Accordingly, the applicant, within one hundred eighty (180) days of receipt of written comments and notice to respond from the City on any submittal (or subsequent revision to a submittal) of an application for approval of a development plan, shall file such additional or revised submittal documents as are necessary to address such comments from the City. If the additional submittal information or revised submittal is not filed within said period of time, the development application shall automatically lapse and become null and void. The Director may grant one (1) extension of the foregoing one-hundred-eighty-day requirement, which extension may not exceed one hundred twenty (120) days in length, and one (1) additional extension which may not exceed sixty (60) days in length. This subsection (A) shall apply to applications which are, or have been, filed pursuant to this Code and to applications which are, or have been, filed pursuant to the laws of the City for the development of land prior to the adoption of this Code. On transfer of ownership of any real property that is the subject of a pending application, whether in whole or in part, such transfer shall bar a new owner or transferee from taking further action on such application unless, prior to taking any action, the new owner provides evidence satisfactory to the Director that the transferor of such property intended that all rights of the owner under the pending application be assigned to the transferee. Section 10. That Section 2.2.11(D)(3) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (3) Term of Vested Right. Within a maximum of three (3) years following the approval of a final plan or other site specific development plan, the applicant must undertake, install and complete all engineering improvements (water, sewer, streets, curb, gutter, street lights, fire hydrants and storm drainage) in accordance with city codes, rules and regulations. The period of time shall constitute the "term of the vested property right." The foregoing term of the vested property right shall not exceed three (3) years unless: (a) an extension is granted pursuant to paragraph (4) of this subsection, or (b) the City and the developer enter into a development agreement which vests the property right for a period exceeding three (3) years. Such agreement may be entered into 7 by the City only if the subject development constitutes a "large base industry" as defined in Article 5, or if the Director determines that it will likely take more than three (3) years to complete all engineering improvements for the development, and only if warranted in light of all relevant circumstances, including, but not limited to, the size and phasing of the development, economic cycles and market conditions. Any such development agreement shall be adopted as a legislative act subject to referendum. Failure to undertake and complete such engineering improvements within the term of the vested property right shall cause a forfeiture of the vested property right and shall require resubmission of all materials and reapproval of the same to be processed as required by this Code. All dedications as contained on the final plat shall remain valid unless vacated in accordance with law. Section 11. That Section 2.3.2(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (D) Step 4 (Review of Applications): Applicable. Section 12. That Section 2.3.2(H)(3) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (3) The overall development plan shall conform to the Master Street Plan requirements and the street pattern/connectivity standards both within and adjacent to the boundaries of the plan as required pursuant to Sections 3.6.1 and 3.6.3(A) through (F). The overall development plan shall identify appropriate transportation improvements to be constructed and shall demonstrate how the development, when fully constructed, will conform to the Transportation Level of Service Requirements as contained in Section 3.6.4 by submittal of a Master Level Transportation Impact Study. Section 13. That Section 2.4.2(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (D) Step 4 (Review of Applications): Applicable. Section 14. That Section 2.5.2(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (D) Step 4 (Review of Applications): Applicable. Section 15. That Section 2.6.3(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (D) Step 4 (Review of Applications): Applicable except that the term “City Engineer” shall be substituted for the term “Director.” 8 Section 16. That Section 2.7.3(C) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: . . . Step 3(D) (Development Review Fees): Applicable. Section 17. That Section 2.7.3(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (D) Step 4 (Review of Applications): Not applicable. Section 18. That Section 2.8.2(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (D) Step 4 (Review of Applications): Applicable. Section 19. That Section 2.9.4 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 2.9.4 Text and Map Amendment Review Procedures An amendment to the text of this Code or an amendment to the Zoning Map may be approved by the City Council by ordinance after receiving a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Board. Any such proposed amendment shall be processed through a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board, which hearing shall be held either prior to City Council consideration of the proposed amendment or between first and second readings of the ordinance approving the amendment which will provide a recommendation to the City Council. (See Steps 1 though 12 below). The City Clerk shall cause the hearing by the City Council to be placed on the agenda for a future City Council meeting; and the public hearing before the City Council shall be held after at least fifteen (15) days' notice of the time, date and place of such hearing and the subject matter of the hearing and the nature of the proposed zoning change has been given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the City. On a proposal for a text amendment, the Planning and Zoning Board shall hold a hearing, which hearing shall be held either prior to City Council consideration of the proposed amendment or between first and second readings of the ordinance approving the amendment. Notice shall be given as required for ordinances pursuant to the City Charter. The City Council shall then approve, approve with conditions or deny the amendment based on its consideration of the Staff Report, the Planning and Zoning Board recommendation and findings and the evidence from the public hearings, and based on the amendment's compliance with the standards and conditions established in this Section. In the event that a protest is filed under the provisions of Section 31-23-305, C.R.S., any protested zoning change shall not become effective except by the favorable vote of a simple majority of the Councilmembers present and voting as provided in Article II, Section 11 of the City Charter. (See Steps 8 and 9 below). . . . 9 Section 20. That Section 2.9.4(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (D) Step 4 (Review of Applications): Applicable. Section 21. That Section 2.10.2(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (D) Step 4 (Review of Applications): Applicable. Section 22. That Section 2.10.2(F) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (F) Step 6 (Notice): Subsection 2.2.6(A) only applies, except that "800 feet" shall be changed to "150 feet," and for single-family houses in the NCL and NCM zone districts, eight hundred (800) feet shall be changed to five hundred (500) feet for variance requests for: (1) Construction that results in a two-story house where a one-story house previously existed and where there is at least one (1) lot abutting the side of the subject lot and the house on such abutting lot is one (1) story; or (2) Construction of a new house that is greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet; or (3) Construction of an addition that results in a total square footage of more than three thousand (3,000) square feet; Section 23. That Section 2.11.2(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (D) Step 4 (Review of Applications): Applicable. Section 24. That Section 2.13.1 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 2.13.1 Purpose The purpose of this Division is to provide a procedure for relief, where appropriate, to persons who claim that the application of this Code has interfered with their vested rights to develop, or who claim that their property has been taken by reason of the application of this Code. The provisions and procedures of this Division shall be followed to conclusion prior to seeking relief from the courts based upon any claim of vested rights, or any alleged denial of economically beneficial use of land, any alleged lack of reasonable nexus of a condition imposed by the City to potential impacts of development, any lack of rough proportionality of a condition imposed by the City to potential impacts of development, 10 any deprivation of due process which causes a taking, or any other taking of real property. Section 25. That Section 2.13.2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 2.13.2 Administrative Process/Hearing Officer There is hereby established the following Vested Rights Determination and Takings Determination Procedures for the purpose of identifying certain parcels of real property in the City that should be made exempt, or partially exempt, from the application of any portion of this Code. An owner or developer of real property in the City who claims such an exemption on the basis of development rights that have vested under the criteria contained in Section 2.13.10 may seek a Vested Rights Determination in accordance with the procedures described in this Division. Furthermore, an owner or developer of real property in the City who claims that such property has been taken without just compensation or who claims a deprivation of due process may seek a Takings Determination in accordance with the procedures described in this Division. With regard to a Takings Determination, the owner or developer may assert any legally recognized takings claim, including, but not limited to, a claim that he or she has been deprived of "all economically beneficial use" of his or her property, that a condition imposed by the City does not have a "reasonable nexus" to the potential impacts of his or her development, that such a condition is not "roughly proportional" to the potential impacts of his or her development, or that actions taken by the City under this Code have resulted in a deprivation of due process. Such persons will be provided an opportunity for a public hearing, the right to present and rebut evidence, a formal record and an impartial Hearing Officer in accordance with the following procedures. Such Hearing Officer shall be selected and appointed by the City Manager and shall be an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado with experience in land use matters. Subject to the procedures hereinafter provided, the Hearing Officer shall issue formal findings of fact, conclusions of law and a Vested Rights Determination and/or Takings Determination, depending on the nature of the claim asserted by the applicant. The claims shall be reviewed according to the following procedure: . . . Section 26. That Section 2.13.3(E) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (E) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City Council may, by ordinance, waive the imposition of any fee imposed by the provisions of this Section for a housing project wholly or partially owned by a housing authority formed pursuant to the provisions of Section 29-4-101, et seq., C.R.S., if the City Council, in its sole discretion, determines that: . . . 11 Section 27. That Section 2.13.10(A) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 2.13.10 Criteria for Vested Rights (A) This section is intended to strictly adhere to and implement existing case law and statutory law controlling in the State of Colorado as they relate to the doctrine of vested rights and equitable estoppel as applied to a home rule municipality exercising its authority and powers in land use planning, zoning, the provisions of adequate public facilities concurrent with development (APF), subdivision, site development, land development regulations, and related matters addressed in this Land Use Code. It is the express intent of the city to require application of the provisions of this Division 2.13 to as much development and property in the city as is legally possible without violating the legally vested rights of an owner developer under case law or statutory law. The criteria herein provided shall be considered in rendering a Vested Rights Determination hereunder. It is intended that each case be decided on a case-by-case factual analysis. An applicant shall be entitled to a positive Vested Rights Determination only if such applicant demonstrates, by clear and convincing evidence, entitlement to complete his or her development without regard to the otherwise applicable provisions of this Land Use Code by reason of: (A) the provisions of Title 24, Article 68, C.R.S.; (B) Section 2.2.11(D) of this Land Use Code; or (C) the existence of all three (3) of the following requirements: . . . Section 28. That Section 2.15.1(C)(4) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (4) Step 4 (Review of Applications): Applicable. Section 29. That Section 2.15.2(B)(4) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (4) Step 4 (Review of Applications): Applicable. Section 30. That Article 2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new Division 2.16 which reads in its entirety as follows: Division 2.16 Site Plan Advisory Review 2.16.1 Purpose and Applicability The purpose and applicability of a Site Plan Advisory Review is contained in Section 2.1.3(E). 2.16.2 Site Plan Advisory Review Procedures 12 A Site Plan Advisory Review shall be processed according to, in compliance with and subject to the provisions contained in Division 2.1 and Steps 1 through 12 of the Common Development Review Procedures (Sections 2.2.1 through 2.2.12, inclusive) as follows: (A) Step 1 (Conceptual Review): Applicable. (B) Step 2 (Neighborhood Meeting): Applicable. (C) Step 3 (Development Application Submittal): All items or documents required for Site Plan Advisory Review as described in the development application submittal master list shall be submitted. The Director may waive or modify the foregoing submittal requirements if, given the facts and circumstances of the specific application, a particular requirement would either be irrelevant, immaterial, redundant or otherwise unnecessary for the full and complete review of the application. Prior to acquisition of land or contracting for the purchase of a facility, a public school or charter school shall advise the Planning and Zoning Board in writing. The Planning and Zoning Board shall have ten (10) days in which to request submittal of a site development plan. Prior to constructing or authorizing any other public building or structure, a site development plan identifying the location, character and extent shall be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Board. (D) Step 4 (Determination of Sufficiency): Applicable. (E) Step 5 (Staff Report): Applicable. (F) Step 6 (Notice): Applicable. (G) Step 7(A) (Decision Maker): Not applicable, and in substitution thereof, the Planning and Zoning Board shall consider a Site Plan Advisory Review and approve or disapprove the application in a public hearing held within sixty (60) days after receipt of the application under CRS 31-23-209. In the case of a public or charter school application under CRS 22-32-124, the Planning and Zoning Board shall provide review comments at a public hearing held within thirty (30) days (or such later time as may be agreed to in writing by the applicant) after receipt of the application. Step 7(B)-(G) (Conduct of Public Hearing, Order of Proceedings at Public Hearing, Decision and Findings, Notification to Applicant, Record of Proceedings, Recording of Decisions and Plats): Applicable. 13 (H) Step 8 (Standards): Not applicable, and in substitution thereof, an application for a Site Plan Advisory Review shall comply with the following criteria: (1) The site location for the proposed use shall be consistent with the land use designation described by the City Structure Plan Map, which is an element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. (2) The site development plan shall conform to architectural, landscape and other design standards and guidelines adopted by the applicant’s governing body. Absent adopted design standards and guidelines, the design character of the site development plan shall be consistent with the stated purpose of the respective land use designation as set forth in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. (3) The site development plan shall identify the level of functional and visual impacts to public rights-of-way, facilities, and abutting private land caused by the development, including, but not limited to, streets, sidewalks, utilities, lighting, screening and noise, and shall mitigate such impacts to the extent reasonably feasible. (I) Step 9 (Conditions of Approval): Not applicable. (J) Step 10 (Amendments): Not applicable. (K) Step 11 (Lapse): Not Applicable. (L) Step 12 (Appeals): Not applicable, and in substitution thereof, a disapproved Site Plan Advisory Review made under CRS 31-23-209 may be overruled by the governing board of the public entity by a vote of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of its entire membership. Further, with respect to a review made under CRS 22-32- 124, the Planning and Zoning Board may request a hearing before the applicable board of education. Section 31. That Figure 1 in Section 3.2.1(E)(5)(c) of the Land Use Code is hereby deleted and replaced with the new Figure 1 as follows:: 14 Figure 1 Interior Landscaping for Vehicular Use Areas Section 32. That Section 3.2.3(E)(1) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (E) Shading. (1) The physical elements of the development plan shall be, to the maximum extent feasible, located and designed so as not to cast a shadow onto structures on adjacent property greater than the shadow which would be cast by a twenty-five-foot hypothetical wall located along the property lines of the 15 project between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, MST, on December 21. This provision shall not apply to structures within the following high-density zone districts: Downtown, Community Commercial, and Transit-Oriented Overlay District. . . . Section 33. That Section 3.5.1(G)(1) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (G) Building Height Review. (1) Special Height Review/Modifications. Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to establish a special process to review buildings or structures that exceed forty (40) feet in height. Its intent is to encourage creativity and diversity of architecture and site design within a context of harmonious neighborhood planning and coherent environmental design, to protect access to sunlight, to preserve desirable views and to define and reinforce downtown and designated activity centers. All buildings or structures in excess of forty (40) feet in height shall be subject to special review pursuant to this subsection (G). (a) Review Standards. If any building or structure is proposed to be greater than forty (40) feet in height above grade, the building or structure must meet the following special review criteria: 1. Light and Shadow. Buildings or structures greater than forty (40) feet in height shall be designed so as not to have a substantial adverse impact on the distribution of natural and artificial light on adjacent public and private property. Adverse impacts include, but are not limited to, casting shadows on adjacent property sufficient to preclude the functional use of solar energy technology, creating glare such as reflecting sunlight or artificial lighting at night, contributing to the accumulation of snow and ice during the winter on adjacent property, and shading of windows or gardens for more than three (3) months of the year. Techniques to reduce the shadow impacts of a building may include, but are not limited to, repositioning of a structure on the lot, increasing the setbacks, reducing building mass or redesigning a building shape. 2. Privacy. Development plans with buildings or structures greater than forty (40) feet in height shall be designed to address privacy impacts on adjacent property by providing landscaping, fencing, open space, window size, window height and window placement, orientation of balconies, and orientation of buildings away from adjacent residential development, or other effective techniques. 16 3. Neighborhood Scale. Buildings or structures greater than forty (40) feet in height shall be compatible with the scale of the neighborhoods in which they are situated in terms of relative height, height to mass, length to mass, and building or structure scale to human scale. (b) Submittal Requirements. All development plans proposing building or structure heights in excess of forty (40) feet shall, at a minimum, include the following information: 1. a shadow analysis that indicates on the project development site plan the location of all shadows cast by the building or structure (with associated dates of the year); 2. a summary of the key conclusions of the shadow analysis, and steps to be taken to comply with the review standards set forth above. . . . Section 34. That Section 3.5.2(C) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 3.5.2 Residential Building Standards . . . (C) Housing Model Variety and Variation Among Buildings. (1) Single-family detached, single-family attached in groups of two (2), and two (2) family dwellings shall comply with the following requirements: (a) Any development of one hundred (100) or more single-family detached, single-family attached in groups of two (2), or two- family detached dwelling units shall have at least four (4) different types of housing models. Any development containing fewer than one hundred (100) single-family or two-family dwelling units shall have at least three (3) different types of housing models. The applicant shall include in the application for approval of the project development plan documentation showing how the development will comply with the foregoing requirement. (b) Each housing model shall have at least three (3) characteristics which clearly and obviously distinguish it from the other housing models, which characteristics may include, without limitation, differences in floor plans, exterior materials, roof lines, garage placement, placement of the footprint on the lot, and/or building face. 17 (c) The requirements provided in subparagraphs (1) and (2) above shall not apply to developments containing ten (10) or fewer dwelling units. (d) The enforcement procedure for this standard shall be in accordance with Section 3.8.15. (2) Single-family attached buildings containing more than two (2) dwelling units shall comply with the following requirements: (a) For any development containing at least three (3) and not more than five (5) buildings (excluding clubhouses/ leasing offices), there shall be at least two (2) distinctly different building designs. For any such development containing more than five (5) buildings (excluding clubhouses/leasing offices), there shall be at least three (3) distinctly different building designs. For all developments, there shall be no similar buildings placed next to each other along a street or street-like private drive. Building designs shall be considered similar unless they vary significantly in footprint size and shape. (b) Building designs shall be further distinguished by including unique architectural elevations and unique entrance features, within a coordinated overall theme of roof forms, massing proportions and other characteristics. Such variation among buildings shall not consist solely of different combinations of the same building features. Section 35. That Section 3.6.2(O) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (O) Easements. Easements shall be controlled by the following requirements: . . . (3) Development plans shall incorporate and continue any public access easements so as to connect them to any such easements that exist on abutting properties. (4) The subdivider shall be responsible for adequate provisions to eliminate or control flood hazards associated with the subdivision in accordance with Chapter 10 of the City Code. Agreements concerning stormwater drainage between private parties shall be subject to city review and approval. Section 36. That Section 3.8.4(A) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 18 3.8.4 Child Care Center Regulations. (A) The outdoor play area shall not be required for drop-in child care centers. For the purposes of this subsection, the capacity of the center is calculated based upon indoor floor space reserved for school purposes of forty (40) square feet per child. Any such play area on the site of the child care center within or abutting any residential district shall be enclosed by a decorative solid wood fence, masonry wall or chain link fence with vegetation screening, densely planted. The height of such fence shall be a minimum of six (6) feet and shall comply with Section 3.8.11. Where access to preschool nurseries is provided by other than local streets, an off-street vehicular bay or driveway shall be provided for the purpose of loading and unloading children. Section 37. That Section 3.8.25(B) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: . . . (B) A building or structure containing a permitted use which has been damaged by fire or other accidental cause or natural catastrophe may be reconstructed to its previous condition provided that such work is started within twelve (12) months of the date of the occurrence of such damage. In the event such work is started later than twelve (12) months from the date of the occurrence, then the building or structure may be reconstructed, provided that, to the extent reasonably feasible, such reconstruction complies with the applicable standards of Article 3 and Article 4 of this Code. Section 38. That Section 3.8.30(F)(2) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (F) Design Standards for Multi-Family Dwellings. . . . (2) Variation Among Buildings. For any development containing at least three (3) and not more than five (5) buildings (excluding clubhouses/leasing offices), there shall be at least two (2) distinctly different building designs. For any such development containing more than five (5) buildings (excluding clubhouses/leasing offices), there shall be at least three (3) distinctly different building designs. For all developments, there shall be no similar buildings placed next to each other along a street, street-like private drive or major walkway spine. Building designs shall be considered similar unless they vary significantly in Minimum Outdoor Play Area for a Child Care Center 15 children or less 1,200 square feet more than 15 children 75 square feet per child for 33% of the child capacity of the center 19 footprint size and shape. Building designs shall be further distinguished by including unique architectural elevations and unique entrance features within a coordinated overall theme of roof forms, massing proportions and other characteristics. Such variation among buildings shall not consist solely of different combinations of the same building features. . . . Section 39. That Division 3.8 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new Section 3.8.32 which reads in its entirety as follows: 3.8.32 Solar Energy Systems (A) Applicability. These standards shall apply to all solar energy systems. (B) Purpose. The purposes of these solar energy system supplementary regulations are to promote reduced dependence on non-renewable energy sources, to design solar energy systems in a manner that minimizes impacts on adjacent properties, and to promote systems that are visually compatible with the character of the areas in which they are located and that are not detrimental to public health, safety, and welfare. (C) General Design Standards: (1) To the maximum extent feasible, ancillary solar equipment shall be located inside the building or screened from public view. (2) The applicant shall demonstrate that the height, location, setback, or base elevation of a solar energy system minimizes potential glare and visual impacts of the system on adjacent properties. (3) Support structures for ground-mounted solar facilities shall, to the extent reasonably feasible, use materials, colors, and textures that complement the site context. (4) All solar energy system appurtenances including, but not limited to, plumbing, water tanks and support equipment, shall be of a color that is complementary to the site location, and shall be screened to the extent reasonably feasible without compromising the effectiveness of the solar collectors. Solar panels/collectors are exempt from the screening requirements of this Section and Section 3.5.1(I)(6). (5) To the maximum extent feasible, solar energy systems shall complement the visual characteristics of the site and the adjacent area. (6) Building-mounted solar energy systems are exempt from the height requirements of this Land Use Code, except that they must comply with the height limitations of this Section 3.8.32 including the following: 20 Table xxx: Height limitations on roof- and building-mounted solar energy systems for principal and accessory buildings, as measured above the roof line. Non-residential and residential buildings (excluding single-family or duplex dwellings) < 2:12 pitch 8 feet, as measured on a vertical axis to the roof below to which it is installed (see Figure x below) 2:12 to 6:12 pitch 4 feet, as measured on a vertical axis to the roofline below to which it is installed. > 6:12 pitch 2 feet, as measured on a vertical axis to the roofline below to which it is installed. Single-family and duplex dwellings (principal and accessory buildings) No taller than one foot, as measured on a vertical axis to the roof below to which it is installed unless roof pitch is 2:12 or less, in such case two feet is permitted. No portion of a solar energy system shall project above the maximum projection line depicted within Figures xxx and xxxx below. All buildings Building-mounted solar energy systems shall not extend horizontally beyond any roof overhang Building - mounted solar energy systems Solar panels installed on the sides of buildings as awnings or attached to buildings as shade elements are permitted so long as the provisions of this and other applicable requirements are met. Figure xxx: Maximum height for roof-mounted systems (Principal buildings [excluding single-family or duplex dwellings]) 21 Figure xxxx: Maximum height for roof-mounted systems (single family and duplexes) (D) Standards for Small, Medium and Large-scale Solar Energy Systems. Solar energy systems shall conform to the applicable size-based regulations as set out in this subsection (D): (1) Small-Scale Solar Energy Systems. (a) Maximum Lot Size. One-half (0.5) acre. (b) Maximum Height. All ground-mounted small-scale solar energy systems shall comply with the accessory building height limits within the zone district, except for light poles with integrated solar panels which are subject to the standards of Section 3.2.4. (c) Setbacks. Ground-mounted, small-scale solar energy systems shall be not located within the front, side or rear building setbacks, or the front yard area. If necessary for the system’s effectiveness, ground-mounted solar energy collectors may be located within the minimum setbacks for the zone district, provided that the solar energy collector is located no less than fifteen (15) feet from rights-of-way and five feet from all other property lines. (d) Parking. No minimum parking requirements shall apply. Parking spaces located beneath covered parking solar energy systems are exempt from maximum parking limits. (2) Medium-Scale Solar Energy Systems. (a) Lot Size. Between one-half (0.5) acre to five (5) acres. 22 (b) Maximum Height. All ground-mounted medium-scale solar energy systems shall comply with the accessory building height limits within the zone district, except for light poles with integrated solar panels which are subject to the standards of Section 3.2.4. (c) Setbacks. Ground-mounted, medium-scale solar energy systems shall not be located within the front, side or rear building setbacks, or the front yard area. (d) Fencing/Access. Ground-mounted medium-scale solar energy systems shall be enclosed with a perimeter fence with a minimum height of five (5) feet and a maximum height of seven (7) feet. Knox boxes and keys shall be provided at locked entrances for emergency personnel access. Warning signage shall be placed at the entrance and perimeter of the facility. (e) Visual Appearance. Buildings and accessory structures shall, to the extent reasonably feasible, use materials, colors, and textures that blend the facility into the existing environment. 1. Landscaping. Landscaping and/or screening materials shall be provided to assist in screening the facility from public rights-of-way and neighboring residences. 2. Lighting. Lighting shall be limited to the minimum necessary for security and shall incorporate shielded full cut-off light fixtures. 3. Electrical Interconnections. All electrical interconnection and distribution lines within the project boundary shall be underground, except for power lines that extend beyond the project site or are within a substation. (3) Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems (a) Lot Size. Greater than five (5) acres. (b) Maximum Height. All ground-mounted large-scale solar energy systems shall comply with the accessory building height limits within the zone district, except for light poles integrating solar panels which are subject to the standards of Section 3.2.4. (c) Setbacks. Large-scale solar energy systems shall be set back from all property lines a minimum of thirty (30) feet, and shall be 23 located at least one hundred feet from all residentially zoned land. Additional setbacks may be required to mitigate visual and functional impacts. (d) Fencing/Access. Ground-mounted large-scale solar energy systems shall be enclosed with a perimeter fence with a minimum height of five (5) feet and a maximum height of seven (7) feet. Knox boxes and keys shall be provided at locked entrances for emergency personnel access. Warning signage shall be placed at the entrance and perimeter of the facility. (e) Visual Appearance. Buildings and accessory structures shall, to the extent reasonably feasible, use materials, colors, and textures that blend the facility into the existing environment. 1. Landscaping. Landscaping and/or screening materials shall be provided to assist in screening the facility from public rights-of-way and neighboring residences. 2. Lighting. Lighting shall be limited to the minimum extent necessary for security and shall incorporate shielded full cut-off light fixtures. 3. Electrical Interconnections. All electrical interconnection and distribution lines within the project boundary shall be underground, except for power lines that extend beyond the project site or are within a substation. (E) Maintenance. Any solar energy system that has not been in working condition for a period of one (1) year shall be subject to Section 115 (Unsafe Structures and Equipment) of the International Building Code, which may require the panels and associated equipment to be removed, or the unsafe condition otherwise mitigated if it is determined to be unsafe. If so determined by the Building Official, the panels and associated equipment shall be promptly removed from the property to a place of safe and legal disposal, after which the site and/or building, as applicable, must be returned to its preexisting condition. (F) Use Restrictions in Established Residential Areas. Notwithstanding the use review criteria contained in the various zone districts set out in Article 4 (Type 1/Type 2 review), if either a small-scale solar energy system or a medium-scale solar energy system is located on an existing platted lot and within an established residential neighborhood, then such system must be processed as a permitted use subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Board. (G) Allocation of Energy. Energy derived from solar collectors may be allocated to the lot where the system is located or may be distributed to other locations. 24 Section 40. That Section 3.10.4(C) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (C) Off-street Parking. Off-street parking shall be located behind, above, within or below street-facing buildings to the maximum extent feasible. No parking will be allowed between the street and the front or side of a building. Section 41. That Section 3.10.4(D)(1) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (D) Parking Structure Design. To the extent reasonably feasible, all parking structures shall meet the following design criteria: (1) Where parking structures face streets, retail or other non-residential uses shall be required along at least fifty (50) percent of the ground level frontage to minimize interruptions in pedestrian interest and activity. The decision maker may grant an exception to this standard for all or part of the ground level frontage on streets with low pedestrian interest or activity. . . . Section 42. That Section 3.10.5(F) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (F) Building Height. All buildings shall have a minimum height of twenty (20) feet, measured to the dominant roof line of a flat-roofed building, or the mean height between the eave and ridge on a sloped-roof building. In the case of a complex roof with different, co-dominant portions, the measurement shall apply to the highest portion. . . . (2) Buildings shall have a base portion consisting of one (1) or two (2) stories. The base portion shall be clearly defined by a prominent, projecting cornice or roof, fenestration, different material and different color from the remainder of the building. If the base portion is two (2) stories, the ground floor shall be further differentiated by fenestration and other detailing. (3) Buildings greater than two (2) stories in height shall also be designed so that upper portions of the building are stepped back from the base. The adequacy of upper floor step-backs shall be determined by the extent to which they advance the following objectives: . . . 25 Section 43. That Section 4.1(B)(3)(c) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 2 which reads in its entirety as follows: 2. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. Section 44. That Section 4.2(B)(3)(d) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 3 which reads in its entirety as follows: 3. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. Section 45. That Section 4.3(B)(3) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (3) The following uses are permitted in the R-F District, subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Board: . . . (c) Industrial Uses: 1. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. (d) Accessory/Miscellaneous Uses: 1. Wireless telecommunications equipment. Section 46. That Section 4.4(B)(3) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (3) The following uses are permitted in the R-L District, subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Board: . . . (d) Industrial Uses: 1. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. (e) Accessory/Miscellaneous Uses: 1. Wireless telecommunication equipment. Section 47. That Section 4.5(B)(3)(d) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 3 which reads in its entirety as follows: 3. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. 26 Section 48. That Section 4.5(E)(2)(e) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (e) Building Massing. No building permitted by this Section shall have a single undifferentiated mass with a footprint over ten thousand (10,000) square feet. For any building with a footprint in excess of ten thousand (10,000) square feet, walls that are greater than seventy-five (75) feet in length shall incorporate recesses or projections created by wall plane returns of at least thirty (30) feet; any such building shall be differentiated into multiple sections of mass in order to achieve proportions that are compatible in scale with adjacent residential neighborhoods. Section 49. That Section 4.6(B)(3) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (3) The following uses are permitted in the M-M-N District, subject to Plan- ning and Zoning Board review: . . . (d) Industrial Uses: 1. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. (e) Accessory/Miscellaneous Uses: 1. Wireless telecommunication equipment. Section 50. That Division 4.6 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new Section 4.6(E) which reads in its entirety as follows: (E) Buildings. (1) Notwithstanding the M-M-N district maximum building height, the portion of a building located within a radius of seventy-five (75) feet of the apex at the corner of the two (2) property lines at the intersection of two (2) arterial streets may contain an additional story if the resulting building height conforms to the maximum allowable height in the district. (2) Notwithstanding the M-M-N district maximum building height, the portion of a building within a radius of fifty (50) feet of the apex at the corner of the two (2) property lines at any street intersection (except an arterial/arterial intersection) may contain an additional story if the resulting building height conforms to the maximum allowable height in the district. 27 Section 51. That Section 4.7(B)(3) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (3) The following uses are permitted within the N-C-L District, subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Board: . . . (c) Industrial Uses: 1. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. (d) Accessory/Miscellaneous Uses: 1. Wireless telecommunications equipment. Section 52. That Section 4.7(F)(7) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (7) Subdividing of Existing Lots. No existing lot may be further subdivided in such manner as to create a new lot in the rear portion of the existing lot. This regulation shall not apply to corner lots. Section 53. That Section 4.8(B)(3) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (3) The following uses are permitted in the N-C-M District, subject to Planning and Zoning Board review: . . . (d) Industrial Uses: 1. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. (e) Accessory/Miscellaneous Uses: 1. Wireless telecommunication equipment. Section 54. That Section 4.8(F)(7) of the Land Use code is hereby amended to read as follows: (7) Subdividing of Existing Lots. No existing lot may be further subdivided in such manner as to create a new lot in the rear portion of the existing lot. This regulation shall not apply to corner lots. Section 55. That Section 4.9(B)(3) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 28 (3) The following uses are permitted, subject to Planning and Zoning Board review: (a) Residential Uses: 1. Fraternity and sorority houses, provided that such fraternity or sorority house is located within a street-fronting principal building. 2. Single-family attached dwellings. 3. Multi-family dwellings containing more than four (4) dwelling units per building at a density of more than twenty-four (24) dwelling units per net acre, provided that such multi-family dwelling is located within a street- fronting principal building. 4. Mixed-use dwellings which are combined with any other use subject to Planning and Zoning Board review. (b) Institutional/Civic/Public Uses: 1. Public and private schools for preschool, elementary, intermediate, high school, college, university and vocational and technical education. (c) Commercial/Retail Uses: 1. Medical and dental clinics, professional offices and personal and business service shops which propose structural additions or exterior alterations to the existing building, or the uses are to be constructed on a lot or parcel which contained a structure at the time of adoption on October 25, 1991, provided that such use is located within a street-fronting principal building. 2. Funeral homes, provided that such funeral home is located within a street-fronting principal building. (d) Industrial Uses: 1. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. (e) Accessory/Miscellaneous Uses: 1. Wireless telecommunication equipment. 29 Section 56. That Section 4.9(D)(6)(b) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (6) Dimensional Standards. . . . (b) Minimum front yard setback shall be fifteen (15) feet. Setbacks from garage doors to the backs of public walks shall not be less than twenty (20) feet, except that the minimum front and side yard setbacks for lands located within the West Central Neighborhood Plan Subarea and south of University Avenue and abutting Shields Street, shall be sixty (60) feet, and the minimum setback from garage doors to the backs of public walks shall be sixty-five (65) feet. . . . Section 57. That Section 4.9(E)(7) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (7) Subdividing of Existing Lots. No existing lot may be further subdivided in such manner as to create a new lot in the rear portion of the existing lot. This regulation shall not apply to corner lots. Section 58. That Section 4.10(B)(3) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (3) The following uses are permitted in the H-M-N District, subject to Plan- ning and Zoning Board review: . . . (d) Industrial Uses: 1. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. (e) Accessory/Miscellaneous Uses: 1. Wireless telecommunications equipment. Section 59. That Section 4.13 (B)(3) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new subparagraph (b) which reads in its entirety as follows: (b) Industrial Uses. 1. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. Section 60. That Section 4.14(B)(3)(c) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 2 which reads in its entirety as follows: 30 2. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. Section 61. That the table contained in Section 4.16(B)(2) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (2) The following uses are permitted in the subdistricts of the Downtown District, subject to Basic Development Review (BDR), administrative (Type 1) Review or Planning and Zoning Board (Type 2) Review as specifically identified on the chart below: Land Use Old City Center Canyon Avenue Civic Center A. RESIDENTIAL Single-family detached dwellings which were subsequently converted to a different use and are proposed to be returned to their original use. BDR BDR BDR . . . Section 62. That the table contained in Section 4.16(B)(2)(C) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Land Use Old City Center Canyon Avenue Civic Center C. COMMERCIAL … … … … Music studios Type 1 Type 1 Type 1 . . . Section 63. That the table contained in Section 4.16(B)(2)(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Land Use Old City Center Canyon Avenue Civic Center D. INDUSTRIAL Workshops and small custom industry Not Permitted Type 1 Type 1 Research laboratories Not Permitted Type 1 Type 1 Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems Type 1 Type 1 Type 1 . . . Section 64. That Section 4.16 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new Section (G) which reads in its entirety as follows: (G) Old Town Fort Collins Historic District. Buildings located within the locally designated Old Town Fort Collins Historic District shall also comply with the Old Town Historic Landmark District Design Standards, Chapter 14 of the City Code, and the U.S. Secretary of Interior Standards for Treatment of Historic Buildings. See map. 31 Figure XX Old Town Fort Collins Historic District Section 65. That Section 4.17(B)(2) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (2) The following uses are permitted in the R-D-R District, subject to administrative review: . . . (c) Commercial/Retail Uses: 32 . . . 14. Music studios. (d) Industrial Uses: 1. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy standards. (e) Accessory/Miscellaneous Uses: 1. Wireless telecommunication equipment. 2. Satellite dish antennas greater than thirty-nine (39) inches in diameter. Section 66. That Section 4.17(B)(3)(c) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 8 which reads in its entirety as follows: 8. Parking lots and parking structures (as a principal use). Section 67. That Section 4.17(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (D) Development Standards. (1) Transition between the River and Development. (a) River landscape buffer. In substitution for the provisions contained in subsection 3.4.1(E) (Establishment of Buffer Zones) requiring the establishment of "natural area buffer zones," the applicant shall establish, preserve or improve a continuous landscape buffer along the River as an integral part of a transition between development and the River. To the maximum extent feasible, the landscape buffer shall consist predominantly of native tree and shrub cover. (See Figure 20.) The landscape buffer shall be designed to prevent bank erosion and to stabilize the River bank in a manner adequate to withstand the hydraulic force of a 100- year flood event. The bank stabilization shall comply with the following criteria: Figure 20 Landscape Buffer 33 1. Any bank stabilization improvements shall consist of native plants and stone to the extent reasonably feasible. If any structural materials such as concrete are required, such materials shall be designed to emphasize characteristics of the native landscape such as color, texture, patterns and proportions, in order to minimize contrast with the River landscape. 2. The predominant visual elements in any bank stabilization improvements shall be native vegetation and stone, notwithstanding the use of any integrated structural elements. Blank walls shall not be used to retain the slope of the River bank. (b) Outdoor spaces. On sites that have River frontage between Linden Street and Lincoln Avenue, buildings or clusters of buildings shall be located and designed to form outdoor spaces (such as balconies, arcades, terraces, decks or courtyards) on the River side of the buildings and/or between buildings, as integral parts of a transition between development and the River. A continuous connecting walkway (or walkway system) linking such spaces shall be developed, including coordinated linkages between separate development projects. (2) Streets and Walkways. 34 (a) Streets. Redevelopment shall maintain the existing block grid system of streets and alleys. To the extent reasonably feasible, the system shall be augmented with additional connections, such as new streets, alleys, walkway spines, mid-block passages, courtyards, and plazas in order to promote a fine-grained pedestrian circulation network that supplements public sidewalks. (b) Driveways. To the extent reasonably feasible, driveways and curb cuts must be minimized in order to avoid disruption to the sidewalk network, by using shared driveways between properties. The width of driveways and turning radii must be minimized except where truck access is required. (c) Linden Streetscape. Redevelopment activity along the Linden Street frontage shall be designed to provide for the extension of the streetscape improvements found between Walnut Street and Jefferson Street, including on-street parking defined by landscaped curb extensions, wide sidewalks with trees in cutouts and tree grates, and pedestrian light fixtures. Specific design details are subject to approval by the City Engineer in accordance with the design criteria for streets. (d) Jefferson Streetscape. Redevelopment activity along the Jefferson Street frontage shall provide formal streetscape improvements including street trees in sidewalk cutouts with tree grates and planters to screen parking. Planters to screen parking shall be designed and constructed to appear as integral extensions of the building design. Materials used shall not be inferior to those used in the construction of the principal building. (e) Interim Improvements. If, at the time of review of a development application, design and engineering criteria for permanent street edge improvements have not been established, then the applicant may construct interim street edge improvements if such improvements are approved by the City Engineer based upon the following criteria: 1. To the maximum extent feasible, the interim improvements will not conflict with any permanent improvements reasonably anticipated to be installed in the future, and 2. The construction of the interim improvements would not be detrimental to the public good. (3) Buildings. (a) Industrial Buildings. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (3), all new nonresidential buildings, including 35 industrial buildings, shall comply with the standards for Mixed-use and Commercial Buildings contained in Section 3.5.3. (b ) Programming, Massing and Placement. 1. Height/Mass. Multiple story buildings of up to five (5) stories are permitted provided that massing is terraced back from the River and from streets so that multiple story buildings shall are stepped down to one (1) story abutting the River landscape frontage and are stepped down to three (3) stories or less abutting any street frontage. Such terraced massing shall be a significant and integral aspect of the building design. Where new buildings are placed next to existing shorter buildings that are expected to remain, the new buildings must be stepped down in such a manner as to minimize their impact on the shorter buildings. 2. Parking lots. Buildings shall be sited so that any new parking lots and vehicle use areas are located in either: (1) interior block locations between buildings that face the street and buildings that face the River, or (2) side yards. 3. Street frontage. Proposed parking lots and/or vehicular use areas located within fifty (50) feet of any street right-of- way shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the street frontage of the parcel upon which the parking lot or vehicular use area is proposed. 4. Frequent view/access. No building wall abutting the landscape corridor along the River shall exceed one hundred twenty-five (125) feet on the axis along the River. 5. Outdoor spaces and amenities. To the extent reasonably feasible, all development shall provide on-site outdoor space such as courtyard, plaza, patio or other pedestrian- oriented outdoor space. To the extent reasonably feasible, outdoor spaces shall be visible from the street and shall be visually or physically connected with any outdoor spaces on adjacent properties. (c) Character and Image. New buildings shall be designed to demonstrate compatibility with the historical agricultural/industrial characteristics of the District in order to promote visual cohesiveness and emphasize positive historical attributes. Such characteristics include simple rectilinear building shapes, simple rooflines, juxtaposed building masses that directly express interior 36 volumes/functions, visible structural components and joinery, details formed by brickwork, sandstone sills, lintels, headers and foundations, and details formed by joinery of structural materials. 1. Outdoor spaces. Buildings and extensions of buildings shall be designed to form architectural outdoor spaces such as balconies, arcades, terraces, decks or courtyards. 2. Windows. Windows shall be individually defined with detail elements such as frames, sills and lintels, and placed so as to visually establish and define the building stories and establish human scale and proportion. Windows shall be placed in a symmetrical pattern relative to the wall and massing. Glass curtain walls and spandrel-glass strip windows shall not be used as the predominant style of fenestration for buildings in this District. This requirement shall not serve to restrict the use of atrium, lobby or greenhouse-type accent features used as embellishments to the principal building. 3. Roof forms. Flat, shed, and gable roof forms corresponding to massing and interior volumes/functions shall be the dominant roof forms. Flat-roofed masonry buildings shall feature three-dimensional cornice treatment integral with masonry on all walls facing streets, the river or connecting walkways. Additional decorative shaped cornices in wood (or other material indistinguishable from wood) shall be permitted in addition to the top masonry cornice treatment. Sloped metal roofs are allowed. Barrel roofs may be used as an accent feature but must be subordinate to the dominant roof. Specialized or unusual roof forms, including mansards and A-frames, are prohibited. A single continuous horizontal roofline shall not be used on one-story buildings except as part of a design style that emulates nearby landmarks (or structures eligible for landmark designation). 4. Materials. Building materials shall contribute to visual continuity within the District. Textured materials with native and historic characteristics such as brick, stone, wood, architectural cast stone and synthetic stone in historically compatible sandstone patterns only, architectural metals, and materials with similar char- acteristics and proportions shall be used in a repeating pattern as integral parts of the exterior building fabric. Masonry units must wrap around the corners of walls so as to not appear as an applied surface treatment. Other 37 exterior materials, if any, shall be used as integral parts of the overall building fabric, in repeating modules, propor- tioned both horizontally and vertically to relate to human scale, and with enough depth at joints between architectural elements to cast shadows, in order to better ensure that the character and image of new buildings are visually related to the Downtown and River context. Lapped aluminum siding, vinyl siding, smooth-face concrete masonry units, synthetic stucco coatings, and imitation brick are prohibited. 5. Primary entrance. The primary entrance must be clearly identified and must be oriented to a major street, pedestrian way, place, courtyard, and/or other key public space. The primary entrance must feature a sheltering element such as a canopy or be defined by a recess or a simple surround. 6. Accent features. Accent features, where used, must complement and not dominate the overall composition and design of the building and may include secondary entrances, loading docks, garage bays, balconies, canopies, cupolas, vertical elevator/stair shafts and other similar features. 7. Awnings and canopies. Awnings and canopies must complement the character of the building and must be subordinate to the façade. Colors must be solid or two (2) color stripes for simplicity. (4) Site Design. (a) River Landscape. The natural qualities of the River landscape shall be maintained and enhanced, using plants and landscape materials native to the River corridor in the design of site and landscape improvements. (b) Walls, Fences and Planters. Walls, fences and planters shall be designed to match or be consistent with the quality of materials, the style and colors of nearby buildings. Brick, stone or other masonry may be required for walls or fence columns. (c) Street Edge. A well-defined street edge must be established and shall be compatible with the streetscape in the public realm. Components may include any of the following: planted areas, decorative paving, public art, street furnishing with ornamental 38 lighting and iron and metal work that reflect on the agricultural/industrial heritage of the district. (d) Corner Lots. For sites located at public street corners, parking lots and vehicular use areas shall not abut more than one street frontage. (e) Parking. Where parking lots are highly visible from streets or pedestrian-oriented outdoor spaces, a visual buffer must be provided. Such buffering may consist of any of the following singularly or in combination: a low solid screen wall, a semi- opaque screen or a living green wall consisting of plant material sufficient to provide a minimum of 75% opacity year-round or other screening device that is sensitive to pedestrian activity. (f) Interim Parking. Interim parking lots as a principal use may be approved with a gravel surface and without lighting and landscape improvements, and shall be restricted to a period of use not to exceed three (3) years. Extensions for two (2) successive periods of one (1) year each may be granted by the Planning and Zoning Board upon a finding that the use is compatible with the context of the area and is a beneficial use which supports the purpose of the R-D-R zone. (g) Service Areas and Outside Storage Areas. Service areas and outside storage areas that are not used for trash and recycling containers, dumpsters and mechanical equipment, must, to the maximum extent feasible, be located to the side or rear of the building and be screened from public view. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where industrial processes and outdoor mechanical activities are functionally integral to the principal use, such areas must, to the extent reasonably feasible, be located to the side or rear of the building and not impact pedestrian areas. Partial screening must be provided with design and materials consistent with the building and/or the agricultural/industrial character of the area. Section 68. That Section 4.17 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new Section (E) which reads in its entirety as follows: (E) Design Guidelines. See also the Fort Collins R-D-R, River Downtown Redevelopment Zone District Design Guidelines, which are intended to assist applicants in the preparation of development plans within the zone district. 39 Section 69. That Section 4.18(B)(2)(c) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 27 which reads in its entirety as follows: 27. Music studios. Section 70. That Section 4.18(B)(2)(d) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 3 which reads in its entirety as follows: 3. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. Section 71. That Section 4.19(B)(2)(c) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 26 which reads in its entirety as follows: 26. Music studios. Section 72. That Section 4.19(B)(2)(d) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 4 which reads in its entirety as follows: 4. Small-scale and medium scale solar energy systems. Section 73. That Section 4.20(B)(2)(c) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 19 which reads in its entirety as follows: 19. Music studios. Section 74. That Section 4.20(B)(2)(d) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 2 which reads in its entirety as follows: 2. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. Section 75. That the table contained in Section 4.21(B)(2)(C) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Land Use I-25/SH 392 (CAC) General Commercial District (C-G) C. COMMERCIAL/RETAIL (Cont'd) . . . . . . . . . Music studios Not permitted Type 1 . . . Section 76. That the table contained in Section 4.21(B)(2)(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 40 Land Use I-25/SH 392 (CAC) General Commercial District (C-G) D. INDUSTRIAL USES . . . . . . . . . Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems Type 1 Type 1 . . . Section 77. That Section 4.22(B)(2)(c) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 43 which reads in its entirety as follows: 43. Music studios. Section 78. That Section 4.22(B)(2)(d) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 6 which reads in its entirety as follows: 6. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. Section 79. That Section 4.23(B)(2)(d) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 2 which reads in its entirety as follows: 2. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. Section 80. That the table contained in Section 4.24(B)(2)(D) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Land Use Riverside Area All Other Areas D. INDUSTRIAL . . . . . . . . . Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems Type 1 Type 1 . . . Section 81. That Section 4.26(B)(2)(d) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 4 which reads in its entirety as follows: 4. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. Section 82. That Section 4.26(B)(3)(c) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of two new subparagraphs 13 and 14 which read in their entirety as follows: 13. Limited indoor recreation establishments. 14. Unlimited indoor recreation use and facility. Section 83. That Section 4.26(D)(2) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of two new subparagraphs (p) and (q) which read in their entirety as follows: (p) Limited indoor recreation establishments. 41 (q) Unlimited indoor recreation use and facility. Section 84. That Section 4.27(B)(1) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new subsection (f) which reads in its entirety as follows: (f) Industrial Uses: 1. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. Section 85. That Section 4.27(B)(2)(c) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 14 which reads in its entirety as follows: 14. Music studios. Section 86. That Section 4.27(B)(2)(d) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 7 which reads in its entirety as follows: 7. Large-scale solar energy systems. Section 87. That Section 4.27(D)(2) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new subparagraph (y) which reads in its entirety as follows: (y) Music studios. Section 88. That Section 4.28(B)(1)(f) of the Land Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 3 which reads in its entirety as follows: 3. Small-scale and medium-scale solar energy systems. Section 89. That Section 4.28(B)(2)(c) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 24 which reads in its entirety as follows: 24. Music studios. Section 90. That Section 4.28(B)(2)(d) of the Land Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new paragraph 11 which reads in its entirety as follows: 11. Large-scale solar energy systems. Section 91. That Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new definition “Drop-in child care center” which reads in its entirety as follows: Drop-in child care center shall mean a center that provides occasional care for forty (40) or fewer children between the ages of twelve (12) months and thirteen (13) years for periods of time not to exceed six (6) hours in any twenty-four (24) hour period or fifteen (15) hours in any seven (7) day period. 42 Section 92. That Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new definition “Music studio” which reads in its entirety as follows: Music studio shall mean a fully enclosed soundproof studio for the recording, producing, writing or rehearsing of music. Section 93. That the definition “Parking structure” contained in Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Parking structure shall mean any building containing motor vehicle parking that is a principal use with or without any additional uses. Section 94. That Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new definition “Building-mounted solar energy system” which reads in its entirety as follows: Building-mounted solar energy system shall mean a solar energy system mounted on a building. Section 95. That Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new definition “Ground-mounted solar energy system” which reads in its entirety as follows: Ground-mounted solar energy system shall mean a solar energy system with a supporting framework that is placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that is structurally independent from any building. Carports, garages, breezeways, covered walkways or similar non-climatized accessory structures that incorporate building-mounted solar energy systems shall not be classified as ground-mounted solar energy systems and shall instead be subject to height and setback regulations governing accessory structures. Section 96. That the definition of “Solar energy system” contained in Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Solar energy system shall mean a system of solar collectors and other equipment that relies upon sunshine as an energy source and is capable of collecting, distributing and storing (if appropriate to the technology) the sun's radiant energy. A solar energy system includes, but is not limited to, ground-mounted and building-mounted photovoltaic, solar thermal or solar hot water panels, and light pole and electric charging station-mounted solar panels. Solar energy systems may be considered accessory uses to other uses on a lot, or principal uses, if located on vacant lots. Section 97. That Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new definition “Solar energy system, large-scale” which reads in its entirety as follows: Solar energy system, large-scale shall mean a solar energy system covering more than five (5) acres. 43 Section 98. That Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new definition “Solar energy system, medium-scale” which reads in its entirety as follows: Solar energy system, medium-scale shall mean a solar energy system covering between one half (0.5) acre and five (5) acres. Section 99. That Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new definition “Solar energy system, small-scale” which reads in its entirety as follows: Solar energy system, small-scale shall mean a solar energy system covering less than one-half (0.5) acre. Section 100. That the “Transitional Land Use Regulations” dated August 1997 are hereby repealed and removed from this Land Use Code. Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 3rd day of June, A.D. 2014, and to be presented for final passage on the 1st day of July, A.D. 2014. __________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 1st day of July, A.D. 2014. __________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ City Clerk