Zoning code amendment medical use TCTown of Avon
Zoning CodeAmendment
Staff Report
November 18, 1997 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
Report date
December 20, 2019
Introduction
The Town of Avon has applied to amend Section 17.20.020 of the Avon Municipal Code to allow medical centers and hospitals as a special review use in the TC Zone District. Several sites
within the TC zone district are being considered for an orthopedic medical center. A medical center/hospital is currently listed as a use by right in the SC (Shopping Commercial) Zone
District, but not the TC (Town Center Zone district).
Rezoning Review Considerations
According to the Town of Avon Municipal Code, Section 17.28.080, the following evaluations shall be made in reviewing rezone applications. The Code does not include specific provisions
for Code Amendment requests, however staff has evaluated the proposal based on the following review criteria.
Need for proposed amendment.
The code amendment would allow medical centers and hospitals to be located in Avon’s Town Center Zone District as a special review use. Hospitals are currently allowed as use by right
in the SC (Shopping Center) Zone District. However, there is no undeveloped land available in this zone district. The benefit would be to provide an opportunity for medical centers,
clinics, or hospitals to locate in Avon’s core area. These uses would also bring an employee and customer base into the downtown, which could help to generate activity and help vitalize
the downtown area.
Present and future impacts on the existing adjacent zone districts, uses, and physical character of the surrounding area.
The use is being proposed as a special review use to provide the opportunity to assess potential impacts on individual applications.
Availability of utilities for any potential development.
Utilities and services are already available in the Town Center Zone District to serve high-density development.
Present and future impacts on public facilities and services, including but not limited to fire, police, water, sanitation, roadways, parks, schools, and transit.
No change
The relationship between the proposal and the town comprehensive plan.
The amendment is supported by the Comprehensive Plan.
Policy A3.3 encourages “Commercial, public and other uses that generate employment and customer traffic should be located to minimize the need for automobile travel.
Policy B2.3 is to “encourage a range of uses in the Town Center, including retail, offices, hotels, recreation, tourism and entertainment.
Goal B3 is to “maintain a balanced, diverse economic base that provides employment opportunities for residents and a sustainable tax base for the Town.
Policy B3.1 “Promote development of facilities and activities which strengthen the Town’s year round tourism base, and relationship to the resort community.
The zoning code amendment would allow medical centers/hospitals to locate in Avon’s Downtown. This would help to diversify the town’s economic base by allowing larger employers in the
downtown area. Medical centers and hospitals would likely be larger employers and would benefit from the centrally located transit facilities available in the center of the TC zone
district.
Public benefits arising from the proposal.
The amendment would provide the opportunity for medical centers and clinics to locate in Avon’s downtown. The employment and patient base generated from a medical center or hospital
would purchase goods and services, which would help support retail and service businesses such as restaurants. This would in turn generate sales tax. It would also result in improved
availability of medical services within the Town.
Review Criteria
Is the proposed rezoning justified by changed or changing conditions in the character of the area proposed to be rezoned?
The code amendment is justified by the changing character of a developing, high-density
downtown offering a variety of goods and services.
Is the proposed rezoning consistent with the town’s comprehensive plan?
See discussion in Number 5 above.
Is the proposed use(s) compatible with the surrounding area or uses?
Hospitals and medical centers are commonly found in downtown areas and are usually
compatible with other high intensity uses found in downtowns. Staff is recommending the
use be subject to special review to ensure compatibility of individual applications.
Are adequate facilities available to serve development for the type and scope suggested by the proposed zone?
All needed facilities and services are already available in the downtown area.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the Code Amendment.
Recommended Motion
I move to approve the Avon Municipal Code Amendment to Section 17.20.020 C. to allow medical centers/hospitals as a special review use in the TC Zone District.
If you have any questions regarding this project or any planning matter, please call me at
949-4280 (extension 131), or stop by the Community Development Department.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Griffith, AICP
Town Planner
Planning & Zoning Commission Action
( Approved as submitted ( Approved with conditions (noted below)
( Denied ( Tabled ( Withdrawn by applicant
Conditions of approval, reasons for tabling or withdrawal of application, or basis for denial (refer to code or guidelines by number):
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Signed:
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Jack Hunn, Chair
Attest:
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Sue Railton, Secretary