DEPARTMENT: Development Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Michael Shannon
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
SUBJECT:
Briefing and Discussion of a Council Consideration Request (CCR) to review and potentially bring forward amendments to Section 35-310 relating to existing “MF-33” and “RM-4” zoning designations.
SUMMARY:
Councilman Trevino initiated a Council Consideration Request (CCR) for Development Services staff to review areas within District 1 that have multi-family zoning not consistent with adopted land use plans or current patterns of development and possibly update Section 35-310, relating to existing “MF-33” and “RM-4” zoning designations to address the growing need for housing without compromising the integrity of neighborhoods.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
“RM-4” and “MF-33” zoning designations allow for construction up to 35 feet and 45 feet respectively. There are neighborhoods within Council District 1, and other areas of the city, that have lots zoned for this type of development, either through a rezoning approved decades ago or the 2001 UDC code conversion. Redevelopment of these properties is resulting in incompatible height and lot coverage than adjacent developed properties.
ISSUE:
DSD proposes to move forward with the process to analyze current “RM” and “MF” zoned properties to provide a recommendation if a large area rezoning is more appropriate, as well as review and possibly amend the “RM” and “MF” zoning districts to address compatibility to adjacent structures. DSD proposes to form a Taskforce with representatives from neighborhoods with this type of zoning within their neighborhood, representatives from the development community that have developed properties with this type of zoning, city staff from the Development Services, Planning, Historic Preservation and Transportation and Capital Improvements Departments as well as City Public Service. The Taskforce will review current regulations and recommend changes for public input and approval.
Currently, DSD staff is conducting reviews of code as a result of other CCRs that have moved forward for analysis, review and possible recommendations. These include Short Term Rentals, Mobile Living Parks, Senior Living Facilities Inspections, Wireless Ordinance update, Alta Vista Neighborhood Conservation District update, Mahncke Park Neighborhood Conservation Update and “IDZ” Infill Development Zone review. DSD Zoning Section is currently reviewing the “IDZ”, Alta Vista NCD and Mahncke Park NCD. Following completion of the “IDZ” review, staff will begin the review of “RM” and “MF” zoning districts.
ALTERNATIVES:
This is a briefing for informational purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this briefing.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends moving forward with the process to review and possibly amend 35-310, related to “RM” and “MF” zoning district. The process will include forming a Taskforce that includes representatives from neighborhoods and the development community, and city staff, community meetings, Zoning Commission review and recommendation, Comprehensive Plan Committee discussion, and City Council approval. This process will commence upon completion of the “IDZ” review.