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TC Council Packet 04-14-2009 Clarion Associates LLC Planning and Zoning 621 17th Street, Suite 2250 Growth Management Denver, Colorado 80293 Market Analysis 303.830.2890 Real Estate Consulting 303.860.1809 fax Appraisal MEMORANDUM Date: April 4, 2009 To: Avon Zoning Advisory Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Town Council CC: Eric Heidemann, Justin Hildreth, Matt Gennett, Jared Barnes, and Matt Pielsticker Town of Avon, Colorado From: Clarion Associates (Chris Duerksen, Elizabeth Garvin, Erica Heller) Re: Review Draft of Module 1: Administration and Procedures Enclosed please find the review draft of Module 1 of the Avon Unified Code revisions, which includes Chapters 16.01: General Procedures, Chapter 16.02: Review and Decision-Making Bodies, Chapter 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures, and Chapter 16.08: Violation, Enforcement, and Penalties. We are also forwarding a draft of the PUD/Zone District/Public Benefit memo that outlines in greater detail our approach to resolving these interconnected issues and drafting the new zone districts in Module 2: Zone Districts. This memo summarizes the major changes and revisions to the current subdivision and zoning regulations that are reflected and included in Module 1 and sets out next steps. A NOTE ABOUT LEGAL AUTHORITY The procedural section of the Unified Ordinance may contain the most legal issues (and puzzles) of the three modules. As we note in Chapter 16.03, we recognize that Avon is a home rule municipality in Colorado, which means that the town has the authority to establish its own rules related to zoning and subdivision as matters of local concern. We have, however, still annotated the outline with references to the Colorado Statutes. We have done this primarily in cases where the statutes provide a specific structure on issues such as notice or timing. Avon does not need to follow statutory requirements, but may find them instructive guidance. The overall goals for procedures are predictability and consistency and our comments tend to arise when the regulatory provisions may not meet these goals. Additionally, because of the town’s home rule authority, the town has some leeway to change or rewrite existing provisions of the ordinance that we may have included in this draft but which our advisors recognize as not working as well as they should. If we have questioned an existing provision, it is noted in the draft. Town of Avon 2 Module 1: Administration Transmittal Memo If an advisory member wants to change existing provisions that we have not questioned, please indicate in your review comments. SUMMARY OF KEY REVISIONS Formatting and Organizational Changes The attached chapters present a new format and organization of the town’s current zoning and subdivision regulations, contained primarily in Titles 16 (Subdivisions) and 17 (Zoning), as well as limited provisions from Title 2 (Administration), Title 8 (Health and Safety) and Title15 (Buildings and Construction). A major change is that the revised code is a unified code that combines and integrates subdivision regulations and procedures with zoning regulations and procedures. For example, you will see that the draft Chapter 16.03 contains the procedures for subdivision plats as well as rezoning, and applies the same common procedural steps to both types of applications to the maximum extent possible. In addition, as we discussed in the Avon Diagnosis and Annotated Outline, we have organized the code material into chapters by substantive topics. The following sections of this memorandum provide commentary on the four chapters that are included in this Module 1. Chapter 16.01: General Provisions This chapter carries forward general provisions in the current zoning and subdivision titles; including language on purposes and intent, applicability of the code, transitional regulations. We streamlined the intent section of the Unified Code, which was unusually lengthy. We also added new language in a few areas, such as severability, the relationship of the Unified Code to the comprehensive plan and other town plans, and the relationship of the Unified Code to third-party private agreements. Finally, we expanded the transitional regulations to state how the new Unified Code applies to (1) violations; (2) uses, structures, and lots rendered non-conforming; (3) uses developments with preliminary, but not final approvals on the Unified Code’s effective date; and (4) development and land uses approved but not yet constructed or established as of the effective date of the new code. Chapter 16.02: Review and Decision-Making Bodies In Chapter 16.02 we consolidated provisions from the existing regulations regarding operation of review and decision-making bodies and provided a description of each body’s roles and responsibilities with respect to land use development. This chapter includes a table that summarizes review and decision- making authority for procedures administered under the Unified Code. For each type of development application, Table 16.02-1 identifies the bodies that have review roles, final decision-making authority, and the authority to hear appeals. The table reflects the general direction we received from the town regarding decision-making authority. Chapter 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Chapter 16.03 consolidates all review and approval procedures into one chapter of the revised code, including both subdivision and zoning procedures. The chapter organized in two main parts. The first part, up to Section 16.03.020, summarizes the organization of the chapter and sets forth procedural steps that are common to the majority of land development applications. By consolidating the common procedural steps in one place, we eliminate the need to repeat the same common provisions in each specific review procedure. We find that this allows us to minimize the overall size of this chapter; Town of Avon 3 Module 1: Administration Transmittal Memo however, if it would be helpful to have the common procedural steps repeated throughout the specific procedures, or to repeat certain common steps to help the public’s overall understanding of the Unified Code, please indicate the sections to repeat and we will make those changes. The common procedural steps are as follows: 1. Pre-application conference 2. Application submittal 3. Application processing 4. Notice 5. Public Hearings 6. Decision There are also common procedures for appeals and the termination of applications and approvals. These are not applicable to all applications, so we have not identified them as procedural steps. Part two of the chapter (Sections 16.03.030 through 16.03.170) sets forth the specific review procedures for each type of land use application available under the Unified Code. Each step in the review and approval process is specified, with cross-references as appropriate to the common procedures where applicable. Unique requirements of any particular application are indicated in that section. Each specific procedure section is illustrated with a flow chart diagram showing the applicable required and optional steps. This chapter implements many of the key actions discussed in theme two of the Diagnosis: Improve the Content and Timing of Information Required for Development Submissions. The following are some important substantive changes: • Pre-application conference – We codified this early step that is currently mentioned only in the town’s “How-to” informational guides. • Sketch Plan Review – We have updated the town’s existing sketch plan process to work as the “early review” approach that we discussed for PUD and major subdivision applications. Through this process the applicant should be able to gauge the town’s reaction to a project prior to submitting a full preliminary application. • Submittal Requirements – We removed submittal requirements from the code text. Consistent with the recommendation in the diagnosis (page 14), the Unified Code enables the Director to establish requirements so that the town can easily amend and update requirements over time without triggering a formal code amendment process. • Application Completeness – as discussed in the diagnosis on pages 13 and 14, we enhanced provisions related to determination of application completeness so that they enable the Director to determine completeness, and are clearer about timing and handling of incomplete applications. • Flexibility – We added two new procedures to increase flexibility in application of the Unified Code. The minor modification procedure allows the Director to approve small deviations (up to ten percent) in some types of measurable standards (such as setbacks or height limits). The alternative compliance determination procedure allows a decision-making officer or body to approve a proposal that does not meet the written standards of the code but does meet the intent of the code in a creative or unanticipated manner. Both of these procedures will help to reduce the reliance on PUDs, as discussed in theme one (page 9) of the diagnosis. • Review and Approval Criteria – As discussed in the diagnosis, page 15, we added specific review and approval criteria for each procedure. The intent is to improve consistency in Town of Avon 4 Module 1: Administration Transmittal Memo recommendations and decisions across town bodies, and to reduce uncertainty for applicants, while ensuring that each application meets the standards and expectations of the town. • Amendment – We added a new “minor amendment” provision, not unlike the existing “error correction” provision for subdivisions or existing “minor design review” procedure to allow the staff to make minor administrative adjustments to approved applications. Chapter 16.08 Violations, Enforcement, and Penalties Chapter 16.08 consolidates existing provisions related to violations and enforcement in the existing zoning and subdivision titles. The major change to this chapter is a significant expansion in the range of remedies for enforcement beyond the fines as allowed in existing chapter 1.09 of the Avon Municipal Code. We added several common provisions and coordinated with existing provisions that are tailored to the enforcement of land development regulations, including stop-work orders, abatement, withholding of entitlements, and enhanced revocation authority. Such provisions greatly improve the town’s ability to assure that development is implemented as approved, and in many cases are more effective than the threat of monetary penalties alone. NEXT STEPS As indicated in the scope of work for the project, the next step is for Clarion Associates to meet with the ZAC, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Town Council on April 13 and 14 to gather your comments and proposed changes. Please note the various footnotes, comments, and bracketed information throughout the drafts. These contain references to the source of section contents and indicate when a provision or section contains entirely new material. Some of the footnotes also raise questions or issues to which we would appreciate specific responses and direction. As you review this draft, it may be helpful to refer to the diagnosis that was delivered in January. It served as our main guide in drafting Module 1 and helps to explain the rationale for the major changes in the code. Some footnotes in the draft document refer back to sections of the diagnosis where the rationale is explained more fully. Following the completion of our review of Module 1, we will draft Module 2: Zone Districts for a July/August review cycle.       MODULE 1: ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT       TOWN OF AVON, COLORADO UNIFIED LAND USE CODE APRIL 2009 CLARION ASSOCIATES 621 17TH STREET DENVER,CO 80293 303/830-2890 www.clarionassociates.com Town of Avon Page ii Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................... I CHAPTER 16.01: GENERAL PROVISIONS ........................................................................................ 1 16.01.010 Purpose and Intent .............................................................................................. 1 (a) Purpose ............................................................................................................ 1 (b) Intent ............................................................................................................... 1 16.01.020 Citation and Title ................................................................................................ 2 16.01.030 Statutory Authority ............................................................................................ 2 16.01.040 Applicability ......................................................................................................... 3 (a) Permit Requirement ......................................................................................... 3 (b) Compliance Required ...................................................................................... 3 (c) Applicability to Public Agencies ..................................................................... 3 (d) Exemption for Essential Services .................................................................... 3 16.01.050 Severability .......................................................................................................... 4 16.01.060 Relationship to the Comprehensive Plan .......................................................... 4 16.01.070 Relationship to Other Regulations .................................................................... 4 16.01.080 Relationship to Third-party Private Agreements ............................................ 5 16.01.090 Transitional Regulations .................................................................................... 5 (a) Purpose ............................................................................................................ 5 (b) Violations Continue ......................................................................................... 5 (c) Uses, Structures, and Lots Rendered Nonconforming .................................... 5 (d) Applications Commenced or Approved Under Previous Ordinances ............. 6 16.01.100 Save Harmless Clause and Disclaimer of Liability .......................................... 7 (a) Save Harmless Clause ..................................................................................... 7 (b) Disclaimer of Liability .................................................................................... 7 CHAPTER 16.02: REVIEW AND DECISION-MAKING BODIES .................................................... 8 16.02.010 Summary Table of Review and Decision-Making Bodies’ Responsibilities .. 8 16.02.020 Town Council ...................................................................................................... 9 16.02.030 Avon Urban Renewal Authority ........................................................................ 9 (a) Establishment .................................................................................................. 9 (b) Duties .............................................................................................................. 9 (c) Membership ................................................................................................... 10 (d) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 10 16.02.040 Planning and Zoning Commission .................................................................. 10 (a) Establishment and Purpose ............................................................................ 10 (b) Duties ............................................................................................................ 11 (c) Membership and Organization ...................................................................... 12 (d) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 13 16.02.050 Historic Preservation Committee .................................................................... 15 (a) Establishment and Purpose ............................................................................ 15 (b) Duties ............................................................................................................ 15 16.02.060 Director .............................................................................................................. 15 (a) Duties ............................................................................................................ 15 16.02.070 Other Departments and Agencies .................................................................... 16 CHAPTER 16.03: REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES ...................................................... 17 16.03.010 Chapter Organization ........................................................................................ 17 Town of Avon Page iii Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 16.03.020 Common Procedures and Requirements ........................................................ 18 (a) Step 1: Pre-application Conference .............................................................. 18 (b) Step 2: Application Submittal ....................................................................... 19 (c) Step 3: Application Processing ..................................................................... 21 (d) Step 4: Notice ............................................................................................... 22 (e) Step 5: Public Hearings ................................................................................ 25 (f) Step 6: Review and Decision......................................................................... 26 (g) Amendment .................................................................................................. 27 (h) Termination ................................................................................................... 28 16.03.030 Comprehensive Plan Amendment ................................................................... 29 (a) Purpose and Applicability ............................................................................. 29 (b) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 29 16.03.040 Code Text Amendment ..................................................................................... 31 (a) Purpose and Applicability ............................................................................. 31 (b) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 31 16.03.050 Rezoning ............................................................................................................ 33 (a) Purpose and Applicability ............................................................................. 33 (b) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 33 16.03.060 Planned Unit Development .............................................................................. 35 16.03.070 Major Subdivision ............................................................................................. 35 (a) Purpose .......................................................................................................... 35 (b) Applicability .................................................................................................. 36 (c) Procedures -- Sketch Plan ............................................................................. 36 (d) Procedures – Preliminary Plan ...................................................................... 38 (e) Procedures – Final Plat .................................................................................. 40 16.03.080 Right-of-Way Vacation ...................................................................................... 43 (a) Purpose .......................................................................................................... 43 (b) Applicability .................................................................................................. 43 (c) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 43 16.03.090 Minor Subdivision ............................................................................................. 44 (a) Purpose .......................................................................................................... 44 (b) Applicability ................................................................................................. 45 (c) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 45 16.03.100 Special Review Use ............................................................................................ 47 (a) Purpose and Applicability ............................................................................. 47 (b) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 47 16.03.110 Variance ............................................................................................................. 49 (a) Purpose and Applicability ............................................................................. 49 (b) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 50 16.03.120 Design Review ................................................................................................... 52 (a) Purpose .......................................................................................................... 52 (b) Applicability .................................................................................................. 52 (c) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 53 16.03.130 Alternative Compliance Determination .......................................................... 54 (a) Purpose .......................................................................................................... 54 (b) Applicability ................................................................................................. 54 (c) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 55 16.03.140 Form-Based Development ................................................................................ 56 (a) Purpose .......................................................................................................... 56 (b) Applicability .................................................................................................. 56 (c) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 57 Town of Avon Page iv Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 16.03.150 Development Plan Review ................................................................................ 58 (a) Purpose .......................................................................................................... 58 (b) Applicability .................................................................................................. 59 (c) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 59 16.03.160 Minor Modification ........................................................................................... 61 (a) Purpose .......................................................................................................... 61 (b) Applicability .................................................................................................. 61 (c) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 62 16.03.170 Vested Property Right ...................................................................................... 63 (a) Purpose .......................................................................................................... 63 (b) Definitions ..................................................................................................... 64 (c) Applicability .................................................................................................. 64 (d) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 64 16.03.180 Appeal ................................................................................................................ 65 (a) Purpose .......................................................................................................... 65 (b) Applicability .................................................................................................. 65 (c) Procedures ..................................................................................................... 66 CHAPTER 16.04: ZONE DISTRICT REGULATIONS ....................................................................... 67 CHAPTER 16.05: USE REGULATIONS .............................................................................................. 68 CHAPTER 16.06: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS ............................................................................ 69 CHAPTER 16.07: DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS .................................................. 70 CHAPTER 16.08: VIOLATIONS, ENFORCEMENT, AND PENALITIES ..................................... 71 16.08.010 Violations ........................................................................................................... 71 (a) Violations ...................................................................................................... 71 (b) Persons Liable .............................................................................................. 72 (c) Violations Cumulative ................................................................................... 72 16.08.020 Enforcement and Penalties .............................................................................. 72 (a) Enforcement .................................................................................................. 72 (b) Remedies and Penalties ................................................................................ 73 CHAPTER 16.09: DEFINITIONS .......................................................................................................... 77 APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................... 78 Form and Content of Required Studies and Reports ......................................................... 78 Town of Avon Page 1 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 CHAPTER 16.01: GENERAL PROVISIONS 1 16.01.010 PURPOSE AND INTENT 2 (a) Purpose The purposes of the Unified Code are: 1. To divide the Town of Avon (“Town”)3 into zones, restricting and requiring therein the location, erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, and other specified uses; 2. To regulate the intensity of the use of lot areas; 3. To regulate and determine the area of open spaces surrounding such buildings; 4. To establish building lines and locations of buildings designed for specified industrial, commercial, residential, and other uses within such areas; 5. To fix standards to which buildings or structures shall conform; 6. To fix standards for use of areas adjoining such buildings or structures; and 7. To implement the goals and policies of the adopted comprehensive plan and other applicable planning documents of the Town. [Section 17.04.020] (b) Intent This Unified Code is intended to ensure the following benefits to the citizens of the Town of Avon: 1. To promote the health, safety, and welfare of the community; 2. To lessen congestion on the roads and enhance pedestrian and vehicular movement with the least detriment to environmental quality; 3. To provide adequate light and open space and avoid undue concentration of population; 4. To provide a planned and orderly use of land, protection of the environment, and preservation of viability as a tourist area, all to conserve the value of the investments of the people of this community and encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the municipality; 1 This chapter consolidates important general provisions that are relevant to the entire code. This is a key organizational change indicated in theme six of the diagnosis. Some of the provisions will be based on those regulations found in the existing Chapters 16.04: (Subdivision) General Provisions and 17.04: (Zoning) Scope and Purpose. In this document, sources of language from the existing code titles are indicated through footnotes and/or section references in brackets. New text and substantive changes are indicated in footnotes. Non-substantive revisions to the existing code language that enhance clarity and readability are not individually noted. 2 This section incorporates language from the existing purpose and intent statements in Sections 16.04.050, 17.04.020, and 17.04.030. The updates reflect the increased role of subdivision regulation in the Unified Code, as discussed in theme four of the diagnosis (page 21). We streamlined the provisions to eliminate redundancy of similar sections in the existing titles. 3 The terms, “Town,” “Town Clerk,” “Town Manager,” “Council,” “building official,” and “County” are defined in Chapter 1.08 of the Avon Municipal Code. We follow the same capitalization of these terms in this Unified Code. CHAPTER 16.01: General Provisions Section 16.01.020. Citation and Title Town of Avon Page 2 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 5. To prevent overcrowding of land and avoid transportation and public service and facility demands that cannot be satisfied; provide for phased development of government services and facilities and to aid in realizing the policies, objectives, and goals of the Town; and facilitate adequate provisions for water, sewage, schools, parks, open space, medical facilities, recreation, and other public requirements to achieve community self-sufficiency; 6. To secure the safety of the people against fire hazards, avalanche, unstable slopes, rock fall, mudslides, and flood danger; 7. To provide clean air by reducing pollutants into the air; 8. To sustain water sources by maintaining the natural watershed, preventing accelerated erosion, reducing runoff and consequent sedimentation, eliminating pollutants introduced directly into streams, and enhancing public access to recreational water sources; 9. To maintain the natural scenic beauty of the Eagle River Valley in order to preserve areas of historical and archaeological importance, provide for adequate open spaces, preserve scenic views, and sustain the tourist-based economy; 10. To encourage innovations in residential development and renewal so that the growing demand for housing may be met by greater variety in type and design of dwellings and by the conservation of more efficient and attractive use of open space; 11. To encourage moderate and low income housing to satisfy local needs and encourage a proper balance between tourist and residential housing; [Section 17.04.030] and 12. To require disclosure to purchasers of unknown risks. [Section 16.04.050] 13. To ensure that development and resource decisions are sustainable not only for the current residents of Avon but for future residents and generations also. 16.01.020 CITATION AND TITLE 4 These regulations shall be known and may be cited as "Unified Development Code, Town of Avon, Colorado" and are referred to in this document as “the Unified Code.” 16.01.030 STATUTORY AUTHORITY 5 This Unified Code is enacted and adopted pursuant to Article XX of the Colorado Constitution and to the Avon Town Charter.6 4 This section incorporates existing language from Sections 16.04.010 and 17.04.010. 5 This section incorporates existing language from Sections 16.04.030 and 17.04.030. 6 Because of Avon’s status as a home-rule municipality, we have included questions in this document that cite Colorado statutes (C.R.S.) as a source of information about an action or procedure, but then ask if the Town wants to follow the statutory requirement. The goal here is not to encourage Avon to follow statutory requirements on local land use issues, but to provide guidance about the state’s approach to the issue. Once the Town adopts a procedure, whether it follows the statute or not, the Town must abide by the procedure. CHAPTER 16.01: General Provisions Section 16.01.040. Applicability Town of Avon Page 3 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 16.01.040 APPLICABILITY (a) Permit Requirement All development, including grading property or erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, moving, or changing the use of any building, structure, or improvement within the Town, is unlawful without obtaining a building permit from the town building official. A permit shall not be issued until the plans for the proposed erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, moving, or use fully conform to the land development regulations then in effect, and unless plans to be kept as a permanent public record are submitted to the building official and approved by the planning and zoning commission. [Section 17.12.030] (b) Compliance Required It is unlawful for any person to subdivide land within the entire area of the Town without having first complied with the provisions of these regulations. In the territory subject to subdivision jurisdiction beyond the municipal limits, it is unlawful for any person to subdivide land without having conformed with the major street plan of the Town, known as the "Town of Avon Transportation Plan." [Section 16.04.080] (c) Applicability to Public Agencies The provisions of the Unified Code shall apply to all public bodies, districts, and agencies of the federal, state, county, and municipal governments to the extent permitted by law. [Section 17.04.080] (d) Exemption for Essential Services7 1. Certain essential services are exempt from the requirements of the Unified Code. 2. For purposes of this section, essential services exempted from the application of this Unified Code shall include the normal maintenance by public utilities, special districts, or municipal departments of underground, surface, or overhead electrical, television, steam, gas, fuel, water, sewer, or storm drainage transmission, collection, or distribution systems, including towers, poles, wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes, conduits, cables, fire alarms and police call boxes, traffic signals, hydrants, and similar equipment in connection therewith. 3. Not included in the exemption granted by this section is the construction or alteration by public utilities or special districts of any aboveground systems or improvements within the right-of-way pursuant to Section 12.04.050 of the Avon Municipal Code. Such systems may require additional review. 4. Business offices and maintenance yards of such public utilities, special districts, or municipal departments are not included in the exemption granted by this section. [Section 17.04.060] 7 We updated paragraph 3 to cross-reference the right-of-way permits provision in Title 12. CHAPTER 16.01: General Provisions Section 16.01.050. Severability Town of Avon Page 4 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 16.01.050 SEVERABILITY 8 (a) If any court of competent jurisdiction invalidates any provision of the Unified Code, then such judgment shall not affect the validity and continued enforcement of any other provision of the Unified Code. (b) If any court of competent jurisdiction invalidates the application of any provision of the Unified Code, then such judgment shall not affect the application of that provision to any other building, structure, or use not specifically included in that judgment. (c) If any court of competent jurisdiction invalidates any condition attached to the approval of an application for development approval, then such judgment shall not affect any other conditions or requirements attached to the same approval that are not specifically included in that judgment. (d) Time limits on Town action imposed by the Unified Code are advisory only. Approval is not deemed if time limits are not met by the Town, and give no cause of action against the Town. 16.01.060 RELATIONSHIP TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 9 The administration, enforcement, and amendment of the Unified Code should implement the Avon Comprehensive Plan and other applicable, adopted planning documents, which are the guiding land use policy documents of the Town. In the event the Unified Code does not implement the comprehensive plan or other relevant land use plan then the Unified Code should be amended within a reasonable time. Additionally, all amendments to the Unified Code should maintain and enhance the connection between the Unified Code and the relevant plans. 16.01.070 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER REGULATIONS 10 (a) In their interpretation and application, the provisions of the Unified Code shall be held to be minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, and welfare. (b) Whenever the requirements of the Unified Code are at variance with the requirements of any other lawfully adopted rules, regulations, ordinances, or other legislative actions by the Avon Town Council (“Council”), the more restrictive, or that imposing the higher standard in keeping with the goals of the comprehensive plan shall govern. (c) Whenever restrictions imposed by this Unified Code are either more or less restrictive than regulations adopted by any state or federal agency, the rules or regulations that are more restrictive or that impose higher standards or requirements shall govern. [Section 17.12.050] 8 This new section addresses technical issues that might arise in a challenge to the Unified Code. The town attorney is reviewing this section. 9 As discussed in the diagnosis, this is a new section to address the relationship of the code to the comprehensive plan and other important Town planning documents. 10 We expanded this section to clarify that the Unified Code is generally intended to complement other regulations associated with affected properties and land uses, including those regulations found in state and federal law. The town attorney is reviewing this section. CHAPTER 16.01: General Provisions Section 16.01.080. Relationship to Third-party Private Agreements Town of Avon Page 5 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 16.01.080 RELATIONSHIP TO THIRD-PARTY PRIVATE AGREEMENTS 11 This Unified Code is not intended to repeal, abrogate, annul, or in any way impair or interfere with existing provisions of private agreements or restrictive covenants running with land to which the Town is a party. Where the Unified Code imposes a greater restriction than that of any other law, contract, or deed, the provisions of the Unified Code shall control. [Section 16.04.040] Nothing in the Unified Code shall modify or repeal any private covenant or deed restriction, but such covenant or restriction shall not excuse any failure to comply with the Unified Code. In no case shall the Town be obligated to enforce the provisions of any easements, covenants, or agreements between private parties. 16.01.090 TRANSITIONAL REGULATIONS 12 (a) Purpose The purpose of transitional regulations is to clarify the status of properties with pending applications or recent approvals, as those terms are used below, and properties with outstanding violations, at the time of the adoption of the Unified Code. (b) Violations Continue Any violation of the previous Titles 16: Subdivision, and 17: Zoning, shall continue to be a violation under the Unified Code and shall be subject to the penalties and enforcement in Chapter 16.09:13 Violations, Enforcement, and Penalties. A use, structure, or lot not lawfully existing at the time of the adoption of the Unified Code is deemed lawful and conforming as of the effective date of the Unified Code if it conforms to all of the requirements of the Unified Code. Payment shall be required for any civil penalty assessed under the previous code, even if the original violation is no longer considered a violation under the Unified Code. (c) Uses, Structures, and Lots Rendered Nonconforming 1. When a building, structure, or lot is used for a purpose that was a lawful use before the effective date of the Unified Code, and the Unified Code no longer classifies such use as an allowed use in the zoning district in which it is located, such use shall be considered nonconforming and shall be controlled by Section 16.05.050: Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots. 2. Where any building, structure, or lot that legally existed on the effective date of the Unified Code does not meet all standards set forth in the Unified Code, such 11 This section builds on Section 16.04.040 and addresses conflicts between the Unified Code and private agreements. It provides that the Town is not responsible for enforcing third-party agreements such as deed restrictions and private covenants. 12 This section substantially expands and updates the transitional regulations in Section 16.04.040: (Subdivision) Existing Subdivision Agreements and Covenants, and establishes a method to resolve the status of properties with pending applications, recent approvals, and properties with outstanding violations at the time the new code is adopted. We recommend that this new section allow for applications, in general, to be processed under the rules in place at the time a complete application is submitted. 13 This document contains temporary cross-references to material yet to be drafted in Modules 2 and 3. These cross- references are highlighted to be verified/completed as drafting continues. CHAPTER 16.01: General Provisions Section 16.01.090. Transitional Regulations Town of Avon Page 6 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 building, structure, or lot shall be considered nonconforming and shall be controlled by Section 16. 05.050: Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots. (d) Applications Commenced or Approved Under Previous Ordinances 1. Pending Applications (i) Any complete application that has been submitted for approval, but upon which no final action has been taken by the appropriate decision-making body prior to the effective date of the Unified Code, shall be reviewed in accordance with the ordinance in effect on the date the application was deemed complete unless the applicant requests otherwise pursuant to paragraph (ii), below. If the applicant fails to comply with any applicable required period for submittal or other procedural requirements, the application shall expire and subsequent applications shall be subject to the requirements of the Unified Code. Any re-application of an expired project approval shall meet the standards in effect at the time of re-application. (ii) An applicant with a complete application that has been submitted for approval, but upon which no final action has been taken prior to the effective date of the Unified Code, may request review under the Unified Code by a written letter to the Director. 2. Preliminary Approvals 14 An application for which approval of a preliminary planned unit development or subdivision plan was granted prior to ________, (the effective date of the Unified Code) shall be considered as having received preliminary plan approval under these regulations; provided that all final plat submittals subsequent to the date of these regulations shall conform to the requirements of these regulations. In the instance of large tracts or blocks of land contained within a recorded subdivision and intended or designed for resubdivision into smaller tracts, lots, or building sites, the resubdivision shall comply with all provisions of the Unified Code except for those that, in the opinion of the Council, have been satisfied prior to filing of the original subdivision plat. Preliminary approvals granted under the previous regulations shall be valid for two years from the date of approval. Failure to obtain a final plat or plan approval in the time shall result in the expiration of the preliminary plan. [Section 16.04.040] 3. Approved Projects (i) Approvals and permits that are valid on ________ [the effective date of the Unified Code], shall remain valid until their termination date. Projects with valid approvals or permits may be completed in conformance to the development standards in effect at the time of approval. (ii) Any building or development for which a building permit was granted prior to ________ [the effective date of the Unified Code] shall be allowed to proceed to construction under the regulations in place when the building permit was issued. If the development for which the building permit is issued prior to ________ [the effective date of the Unified Code] fails to comply with the time frames for development established for the building 14 We will reference in the PUD and major subdivision sections that this two-year time frame is for pre-existing applications only. CHAPTER 16.01: General Provisions Section 16.01.100. Save Harmless Clause and Disclaimer of Liability Town of Avon Page 7 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 permit, the building permit shall expire and future development shall comply with the requirements of the Unified Code. 16.01.100 SAVE HARMLESS CLAUSE AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY 15 (a) Save Harmless Clause An applicant agrees to save the Town, its officers, employees, and agents harmless from any and all costs, damages, and liabilities that may occur, or be claimed to occur, by reason of any work performed upon any land division or development approved under these regulations. [Section 16.04.060] (b) Disclaimer of Liability This Unified Code shall not be construed as imposing upon the Town, or any official or employee of the Town, any liability or responsibility for damages of any kind to any person by reason of inspection authorized in the Unified Code, or failure to inspect, or by reason of issuance of an application approval or building permit. [Section 16.04.070 and 17.12.060] 15 Per the diagnosis, page 48, these types of clauses are more typically found in development agreements or subdivision improvement agreements than in the land development code. The town attorney is reviewing this section to advise on whether they should be included in the updated code. Town of Avon Page 8 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 CHAPTER 16.02: REVIEW AND DECISION- MAKING BODIES 16 16.02.010 SUMMARY TABLE OF REVIEW AND DECISION-MAKING BODIES’ RESPONSIBILITIES 17 Table 16.02-1 summarizes the land use and development procedures in the Unified Code and identifies the bodies that have review and decision-making responsibilities for each procedure. See Chapter 16.03 for details on each procedure. Table 16.02-1: Summary of Review and Decision Responsibilities R = Review/Recommendation; H = Public Hearing; D = Decision; A = Appeal Procedure Director HPC PZC TC Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Section 16.03.030) R R-H D-H Code Text Amendment (Section 16.03.040) R R-H D-H Rezoning (Section 16.03.050) R R-H D-H Planned Unit Development (Section 16.03.060) Sketch Plan R R R-H Preliminary PUD R R-H D-H Final PUD R R-H D-H Major Subdivision (Section 16.03.070) Sketch Plan R R R-H Preliminary Plan R R-H D-H Final Plat R D-H Right-of-Way Vacation (Section 16.03.080) R D-H Minor Subdivision (Section 16.03.090) D A Variance (Section 16.03.100) R D-H A Special Review Use (Section 16.03.110) R D-H A Design Review (Section 16.03.120) R R-H* D-H A Alternative Compliance Determination (Section 16.03.130) D A Form-Based Development (Section 16.03.140) D A Development Plan (Section 16.03.150) D A Minor Modification (Section 16.03.160) D A Vested Property Right (Section 16.03.170) D A Appeal (Section 16.03.180) D-H NOTES: HPC = Historic Preservation Committee PZC = Planning and Zoning Commission (includes PZC acting as the Design Review Board) 16 This chapter incorporates and builds upon language in the existing Chapters 2.16: Planning and Zoning Commission, 16.12: (Subdivision) Administrative Provision, and 17.08: (Zoning) Administrative Provisions. As indicated in the diagnosis, page 48, the purpose of this chapter is to consolidate and clarify the respective roles of the review and decision-making bodies in review and approval procedures. Such provisions help establish clear lines of authority in the Town’s decision-making procedures. This chapter also reflects proposed delegations of authority and clarifies the role of staff and the director in the decision-making process where the code is currently silent. 17 The new summary table allows applicants and officials to determine quickly the review procedure for each type of application identified in the new unified code. It reflects suggested changes to review and decision-making authority that are explained in footnotes in the relevant text portions of the chapter. CHAPTER 16.02: Review and Decision-Making Bodies Section 16.02.020. Town Council Town of Avon Page 9 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 Table 16.02-1: Summary of Review and Decision Responsibilities TC = Town Council (includes Town Council acting as the Urban Renewal Authority per the Resolution 07-20 or the Board of Building Appeals per Section 15.08.080 of the Avon Municipal Code) * For properties with historic designation only. 16.02.020 TOWN COUNCIL 18 In addition to other authority granted by charter, ordinance, or state law, the Town Council (“Council”) shall have the following functions and duties related to the Unified Code: (a) Application review and decision authority as indicated in Table 16.02-1: Summary of Review and Decision Responsibilities; (b) Decisions on annexations of land into the Town; (c) Negotiation and approval of development agreements. (d) Hearing and deciding of appeals of decisions of the Director, planning and zoning commission, or design review board at any time before the decision becomes final; [Section 2.16.160] and (e) Pursuant to Section 15.08.080 of the Avon Municipal Code, Council serves as the Board of Building Appeals for the Town.19 16.02.030 AVON URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY 20 (a) Establishment The Avon Urban Renewal Authority (URA) is authorized pursuant to Urban Renewal Law of the State of Colorado, Part 1 of Article 25 of Title 31, Colorado Revised Statutes and is established and organized by the Town of Avon Resolution 07-20. (b) Duties In addition to other authority as may be granted by state law or by Town resolution or ordinance, and as set forth in the cooperative agreement with the Town (Ordinance 07- XX) the URA shall have the following functions and duties related to the Unified Code: 1. To recommend to the Council boundaries of urban renewal areas to be established within the Town; 2. To approve and adopt redevelopment plans for the urban renewal areas(s) and redevelopment agreements for projects located within any urban renewal area; 3. To administer redevelopment plans and agreements within the Town; 18 New section. While the establishment, number of council members, and other organizational matters are addressed in other chapters of the Town’s municipal code, the role the Council plays in land use and zoning decisions is identified and clarified in this section. References to development agreements and annexations are new. 19 This is a new cross-reference to the Council’s role as Board of Appeals for decisions of the building official. 20 This is a new section to address the role of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) in development review and decision-making within the town. We have included sample language to be updated based on the cooperative agreement between the Town and the URA that sets out what responsibilities are officially delegated to the URA. CHAPTER 16.02: Review and Decision-Making Bodies Section 16.02.040. Planning and Zoning Commission Town of Avon Page 10 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 4. For development applications within any designated urban renewal area established in the Town, application review and decision authority that normally is assigned to the Council, as indicated in Table 16.02-1: Summary of Review and Decision Responsibilities. (c) Membership Pursuant to Town of Avon Resolution 07-20, the members of the URA shall be all the members of the Avon Town Council. (d) Procedures The URA shall adopt by-laws to govern its procedures, as required by the Urban Renewal Law of the State of Colorado, Part 1 of Article 25 of Title 31, Colorado Revised Statutes. 16.02.040 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION 21 (a) Establishment and Purpose 1. There is hereby established a planning and zoning commission of the Town. The purposes of the planning and zoning commission (PZC) are as follows: (i) To guide and accomplish a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the municipality and its environs, that will, in accordance with present and future needs, best promote health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare, as well as efficiency and economy in the process of development, including, among other things, adequate provision for traffic, the promotion of safety from fire, floodwaters, and other dangers, adequate provision for light and air, the promotion of healthful and convenient distribution of population, the promotion of good civic design and arrangement, wise and efficient expenditure of public funds, and the adequate provision of public utilities and other public requirements; (ii) To promote health and general welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; and to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements; (iii) To preserve the natural beauty of the Town's site and setting; to prevent indiscriminate clearing of property, removal of trees, and earthmoving; and to attain the objectives set out in the Unified Code through design review of the exterior design of all new structures and property development and additions to all existing structures and property development. 2. The PZC shall serve as a design review board for the Town. The purposes of the PZC when acting as the design review board are as follows: (A) To ensure that the architectural design of vertical structures and their materials and colors are visually harmonious with the Town's overall appearance, with surrounding development, with natural and existing 21 This section incorporates language from existing Chapter 2.16: Planning and Zoning Commission, with minimal substantive changes. CHAPTER 16.02: Review and Decision-Making Bodies Section 16.02.040. Planning and Zoning Commission Town of Avon Page 11 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 landforms, and with officially approved development plans, if any, for the areas in which the structures are proposed to be located; (B) To ensure that the location and configuration of vertical structures, including signs and signage, are visually harmonious with their sites and with surrounding sites and structures, and that there shall be conformance to the comprehensive plan; (C) To ensure that plans for the landscaping of property and open spaces conform with the rules and regulations as prescribed by the Town and to provide visually pleasing settings for vertical structures on the same site and on adjoining and nearby sites; and (D) To prevent excessive or unsightly grading of property that could cause disruption of natural watercourses or scar natural landforms. [Section 2.16.010] (b) Duties The PZC shall have the following functions and duties: 1. Application review, recommendation, and decision-making authority as indicated in Table 16.02-1: Summary of Review and Decision Responsibilities; 2. Make and recommend to the Council plans for the physical development of the Town, including any areas outside its boundaries, subject to the approval of the legislative or governing body having jurisdiction thereof, that in the PZC’s judgment bear relation to the planning of the Town. The plan, with the accompanying maps, plats, charts, and descriptive matter, shall show the PZC’s recommendations for the development of the subject territory; 3. Review and comment on programs and studies of planning issues for the Town and its environs; 4. Conduct research and appropriate studies of planning issues for the Town and its environs; and 5. Consider any other matters pertaining to the PZC as provided by law, resolution, or ordinance, and to act in an advisory capacity to the Council when so requested, and to perform all other powers and duties authorized and required by ordinance or state law. 6. Act as the design review board of the Town. (i) As the design review board, review and make recommendations to the Council about: (A) The design of proposed development, with due regard for design standards of this Unified Code and other design criteria and guidelines adopted by the Town; (B) Code text amendments that address design review procedures and criteria; and (C) Any design review guidelines for the Town relating to bulk and design regulations to be imposed or that establish design standards for specific CHAPTER 16.02: Review and Decision-Making Bodies Section 16.02.040. Planning and Zoning Commission Town of Avon Page 12 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 uses, types of uses, parking standards, streetscapes, or other similar items. [Section 2.16.110] (ii) The PZC acting as the design review board does not have the authority to impose conditions on public projects that will impact the project budget. (c) Membership and Organization 1. Membership (i) The PZC shall be composed of seven members appointed by the Council, to which is delegated the powers and duties to administer the Unified Code. (ii) Because of its dual role as both a PZC and a DRB, a balance in the membership is necessary between the lay community and industry professionals (architects, landscape architects, designers, real estate developers, and/or contractors). Registered electors residing in the County shall be eligible for appointment, but at least five members shall be registered electors of the Town at the time of their appointment to the PZC. Appointments shall be made first to maintain the balance between industry professionals and the lay community (it is recommended that a minimum of two to three industry professionals hold positions on the PZC at all times and that two of these professionals be architects, landscape architects, or designers) and then by the following criteria in descending order: (A) Registered electors of the Town shall be preferred over persons who are not registered electors. (B) Persons who own real property or a business within the Town shall be preferred over persons who do not. (C) Persons having special skills and experience of particular value to the PZC shall be preferred over persons who do not. 2. Quorum Four members of the PZC shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but in the absence of a quorum, a lesser number shall adjourn any meeting to a later time or date. In the absence of all members, any staff member shall adjourn any meeting to a later time or date. [Section 2.16.060] 3. Term The term of office for a member shall be two years on an overlapping tenure.22 [Section 2.16.030] A member of the PZC who ceases to possess the qualifications for office that the member possessed at the time of appointment may be permitted by the Council to serve until the end of the appointed term, provided the PZC member continues to reside in the County. A member of the PZC may be removed for misconduct, including but not limited to repeated absence from meetings or violation of the Town's code of ethics. [Section 2.16.040] 22 We removed language regarding the terms of the initial PZC membership. Because the PZC is now established, it is no longer needed. CHAPTER 16.02: Review and Decision-Making Bodies Section 16.02.040. Planning and Zoning Commission Town of Avon Page 13 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 4. Vacancies A vacancy on the PZC shall occur whenever a member of the PZC is removed by the Council, dies, becomes incapacitated and unable to perform the required duties for a period of 90 days, resigns, ceases to be a registered elector of the Town, or is convicted of a felony. In the event a vacancy occurs, the Council shall appoint a successor to fill the vacancy and serve the remainder of the term of the former member. [Section 2.16.040] 5. Officers The PZC shall select its own chairman, a vice chairman, and a secretary from among its members. The chair or, in the absence of the chair, the vice chair, shall be the presiding officer of its meeting. In the absence of both the chair and the vice chair from a meeting, the members present shall appoint a member to serve as acting chair at the meeting. [Section 2.16.060] 6. Compensation All members of the PZC shall serve with compensation at a rate established annually by the Council,23 and be reimbursed for all authorized personal expenses incurred while performing duties as a PZC member. [Section 2.16.050] 7. Staff The Director shall serve as the staff of the PZC and shall provide for the service of a recording secretary who shall act in the capacity of secretary for the PZC for the purpose of receiving applications and other material for consideration for the PZC. [Section 2.16.100] (d) Procedures 1. Rules and Regulations (i) The PZC shall operate in accordance with its own rules of procedure as provided for in Section 11.2 of the Avon Town Charter; provided, however, that the PZC shall submit its proposed rules or any amendment to the rules to the Council, which by motion shall approve the rules or amendment and direct their adoption by the PZC, or disapprove the proposal with directions for revision and resubmission. (ii) The rules shall be filed with the Town Clerk and maintained in the records of the Town and shall be subject to public inspection. [Section 2.16.070] (iii) The PZC may provide for certain variances, exceptions, and exemptions from the requirements of its rules and regulations. [Section 2.16.140] 2. Meetings The PZC shall meet in accordance with the rules of procedure governing the PZC, and otherwise upon the call of the chairman, or in the absence of the chairman, by the vice chairman. All meetings shall be held at the offices of the Town, unless otherwise specified, with adequate notice given to all interested parties. Meetings shall be called sufficiently frequently that the procedure 23 We changed this from a dollar amount to enable the Council to set the rate annually. CHAPTER 16.02: Review and Decision-Making Bodies Section 16.02.050. Historic Preservation Committee Town of Avon Page 14 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 prescribed in this chapter shall commence within 30 days of submission of all materials required by the Unified Code. [Section 2.16.090] 3. Material to be Submitted 24 The PZC shall adopt rules and regulations including procedures and schedules for applications requiring action by the PZC. [Section 2.16.130] 4. Authority to Retain Consultants The PZC is authorized to retain the services of one or more consultants, provided funds have been appropriated by the Town for said purpose, to advise and assist the PZC in performing the functions prescribed in this section. The consultants may be retained to advise the commission on a single project, on a number of projects, or on a continuing basis. [Section 2.16.080] 5. Authority to Require Performance Bonding 25 6. Authority to Require Additional Studies 26 (i) Whenever the PZC has review authority for an application, if it finds that the submittal materials are not adequate to evaluate the consequence of a development, it may require additional studies as necessary. In doing so, the PZC shall indicate the specific consequence(s) or concern(s) for which the standard submittal requirements fail to provide adequate means of evaluation and the data or information needed for proper evaluation. The results of any study or analysis shall not dictate either approval or disapproval of the proposed project. (ii) The applicant, at the applicant’s cost, shall furnish information and data needed for the project. All required statements or analyses shall be executed by professionals or other persons qualified to provide the requested reports. [Section 17.04.070] If the applicant and Town fail to reach agreement as to an appropriate professional or consulting firm, the Town reserves the right to hire a consultant of its choosing at the expense of the applicant. 24 As discussed in the diagnosis, page 14, and in meetings with Town officials, we recommend delegating the authority to determine submittal requirements to the Director. (See new Section 16.03.050.) The PZC retains the authority to set rules for its own processing of submittals. 25 We removed existing Section 2.16.120, that authorizes the PZC to require bonding generally in favor of a section in the subdivisions procedure where performance bonding is applicable. This header is a placeholder to note the change made, and will be deleted in the final draft. 26 We updated this provision to increase certainty for applicants by setting parameters for when and how the PZC can request additional studies. In addition to the provisions of this section, required studies will be indicated in each applicable specific procedure and requirements for the form and content of studies is included in the appendix. We have also changed this section to provide more direction to the applicant regarding who the Town will accept as qualified to prepare the study and to allow the Town to hire the consultant directly. CHAPTER 16.02: Review and Decision-Making Bodies Section 16.02.050. Historic Preservation Committee Town of Avon Page 15 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 16.02.050 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE 27 (a) Establishment and Purpose A Historic Preservation Committee (HPC), as defined in the Avon Municipal Code, is established pursuant to Town of Avon Ordinance 08-04 for the purposes stated in Section 17.05.010 of the ordinance. (b) Duties In addition to other authority as may be granted by ordinance, the HPC shall have the following functions and duties related to the Unified Code: 1. To recommend to the Council sites, structures, or features within the Town that merit historic landmark designation based on the standards and procedures of Ordinance 08-04; and 2. Review and recommendation authority, as indicated in Table 16.02-1: Summary of Review and Decision Responsibilities, for any application that proposes exterior alteration, relocation, or removal of any site or structure within the Town that has been designated as a historic landmark. Such review and recommendation shall be conducted with due consideration of the criteria for review and development standards in Ordinance 08-04. 16.02.060 DIRECTOR 28 (a) Duties The Community Development Director (“Director”)29 is authorized and directed to do the following: 1. Application review, recommendation, and decision-making authority as indicated in Table 16.02-1: Summary of Review and Decision Responsibilities; 2. Establishment of application submittal requirements, including content and quantities of materials to be submitted; 3. Enforcement of all provisions of the Unified Code, for which purpose the Director shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer. [Section 17.12.080] 4. Authority to Require Additional Studies (i) Whenever the Director has review authority for an application, if it finds that the submittal materials are not adequate to evaluate the consequence of a development, it may require additional studies as necessary. In doing so, 27 This is a new section to indicate the duties of the Historic Preservation Committee under the Unified Code. The language and terms used reflect that in Ordinance 08-04. 28 This is a new section to address the roles and responsibilities of the Director in decision-making. As discussed above, more decisions have been delegated to the Director in order to streamline many of the less complex or controversial applications. The ability to establish application submittal requirements has been delegated form the PZC to the Director in this section. In the final section, based on the existing language for the PZC, the Director is explicitly authorized to require studies, which we understand occurs in practice but was not codified. 29 We will define “Director” to include the director’s authorized agent, eliminating the need to indicate a specific staff person or repeat the phrase, “or designee” through out the Unified Code. CHAPTER 16.02: Review and Decision-Making Bodies Section 16.02.070. Other Departments and Agencies Town of Avon Page 16 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 the Director shall indicate the specific consequence(s) or concern(s) for which the standard submittal requirements fail to provide adequate means of evaluation and the data or information needed for proper evaluation. The results of any study or analysis shall not dictate either approval or disapproval of the proposed project. (ii) The applicant, at the applicant’s cost, shall furnish information and data needed for the project. All required statements or analyses shall be executed by professionals or other persons qualified to provide the requested reports. [Section 17.04.070] If the applicant and Town fail to reach agreement as to an appropriate professional or consulting firm, the Town reserves the right to hire a consultant of its choosing at the expense of the applicant 16.02.070 OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES 30 Even though not referenced in this chapter, other boards, commissions, departments, government agencies, and non-government agencies may be asked by the Community Development Department, the PZC, or the Council to review and comment on some applications, including, but not limited to, code text amendments, rezonings, subdivisions, and planned unit developments. In addition, other Town departments, such as engineering and public works, may be called out for administration or enforcement duties in the relevant sections of the Unified Code. 30 New section to clarify that other departments and agencies may be involved in land use decision-making. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.010. Chapter Organization Town of Avon Page 17 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 CHAPTER 16.03: REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES 31 16.03.010 CHAPTER ORGANIZATION This chapter contains regulations related to the procedures for development applications. Section 16.03.020 contains regulations that are generally applicable to all procedures, described in a series of sequential steps. The purpose is to establish all uniform procedures for application types to the extent possible. Subsequent sections identify the applicability of the common steps to specific procedures, noting any differences between the common procedures and those for the specific procedure. Specific procedure provisions supplement, rather than replace, provisions of the common steps, unless the provisions conflict, in which case the provisions of the specific procedure control. Table 16.03-1 indicates the specific review and approval procedures of this chapter, with section references. Table 16.03-1: Specific Review and Approval Procedures Procedure Section Page # Comprehensive Plan Amendment 16.03.030 29 Code Text Amendment 16.03.040 31 Rezoning 16.03.050 33 Planned Unit Development 16.03.060 35 Major Subdivision 16.03.070 35 Right-of-Way Vacation 16.03.080 43 Minor Subdivision 16.03.090 44 Special Review Use 16.03.110 47 Variance 16.03.100 49 Design Review 16.03.120 52 Alternative Compliance Determination 16.03.130 54 Form-Based Development 16.03.140 56 Development Plan 16.03.150 58 Minor Modification 16.03.160 61 Vested Property Right 16.03.170 63 Appeal 16.03.180 65 31 This chapter contains all of the Unified Code’s review and approval procedures consolidated from scattered locations in the current Titles 16 and 17. We revised many provisions to enhance the clarity of submission timing and procedures, as discussed in the diagnosis theme two, “Improve the Content and Timing of Information Required for Development Submissions,” starting on page 13. We have also added procedures for: comprehensive plan amendments, form-based development, design review; alternative compliance determinations, and minor modifications. Specific changes to existing procedures are noted individually as they occur in the chapter. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.020. Common Procedures and Requirements Town of Avon Page 18 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 16.03.020 COMMON PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS 32 (a) Step 1: Pre-application Conference 33 1. Purpose A pre-application conference is intended to serve as a guide to the applicant in making the application and to advise the applicant, in advance of the formal application, of issues that may be presented to the decision-making body. 2. Applicability A pre-application conference is available for any application type by request of the potential applicant. (i) A pre-application conference is required for the following application types: (A) Planned unit development (B) Major subdivision (ii) A pre-application conference is strongly encouraged, though not required, for the following application types: (A) Comprehensive plan amendment (B) Code text amendment (C) Rezoning (D) Special review use (E) Variance 3. Initiation A potential applicant may request a pre- application conference with the Director and 32 This section establishes a common set of review procedures that apply to all applications for development approval (e.g., application filing, notice of decision made without hearing, notice of hearing, conduct of hearing, notice of decision made after hearing). The common procedures section is followed by a section for each procedure that indicates any deviation from the generally applicable language. In drafting this material, we had to make some assumptions, because some procedures in the existing code are more detailed than others. The common steps effectively add detail where a specific procedure is currently silent, as silence in the specific section defaults to the generally applicable common step. Where noted, we brought forward language from a detailed specific procedure to be generally applicable. 33 For the pre-application provisions, we drew on references to pre-application conference in the Town’s “How-to” guides for development proposals. This new codified subsection provides clarity to the applicant about the purpose and limitations of a pre-application conference. We indicated this as required step for PUDs and major subdivision, and an optional step for all other procedures. Sample Figure: Avon Common Procedures KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision Town Council 5. Public Hearing(s) PZC and Town Council CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.020. Common Procedures and Requirements Town of Avon Page 19 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 shall pay the required fees, if any. With the request for a pre-application conference, the applicant shall provide to the Director a description of the character, location, and magnitude of the proposed development, and any other available supporting materials, such as maps, drawings, or models. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide sufficiently detailed plans and descriptions of the proposal for staff to make informal recommendations regarding the proposed project. 4. Content The Director shall schedule a pre-application conference after receipt of a written request and the required fees, if applicable. At the conference, the applicant, the Director, and any other persons the Director deems appropriate to attend shall discuss the proposed development and the applicable requirements of the Unified Code, based upon the information provided by the applicant. 5. Informal Evaluation Not Binding The informal evaluation of the Director and staff provided at the pre-application conference are not binding upon the applicant or the Town. Because a pre- application conference precedes the actual application, some key issues relating to a specific proposal may not be apparent at the pre-application conference. (b) Step 2: Application Submittal 1. Initiation (i) No person but the owner of land shall make an application, except if such person has obtained a properly acknowledged power of attorney to develop or subdivide such land from the owner (s) or from the authorized agents of the owner(s). [Section 16.12. 010] (ii) No application for approval of a development plan or for amendment of a development plan shall be received for processing or approved, and no application for a building permit shall be granted, when the applicant is in default under any related or unrelated agreement or obligation to the Town. [Section 17.12.020] (iii) An applicant may not resubmit, in either the same or substantially the same form, an application that has been denied by the Town within one year after the date of final action on the initial application. 34 2. Application Requirements, Generally 35 The applicant shall submit the application to the Director. Application submittal requirements for every application type shall be as established by the Director and shall be indicated on submittal forms available in the Department of Community Development or on the Town’s website. 34 This is a new provision that restricts an applicant from repeatedly resubmitting the same application type for the same property with minor variations. The effect is that an applicant must make every effort to bring forward the best possible proposal on the first try, and cannot abuse the Town’s limited review resources. 35 As discussed with the Town and indicated in the diagnosis (on page 14 and in the chapter-by-chapter analysis), we removed specific submittal requirements for each application type from the code in favor of these enabling provisions delegated the authority to determine submittal requirements to the Director. This will allow submittal requirements to be more readily updated as necessary without requiring a code text amendment. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.020. Common Procedures and Requirements Town of Avon Page 20 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 3. Required Studies and Reports 36 (i) As indicated in the specific procedures sections of this chapter, reports or studies as necessary to adequately evaluate the consequences of a proposed development, including but not limited to studies of soils, geological hazards, fiscal impacts, market analysis, traffic impacts, environmental impacts, and similar, may be required as part of the application submittal requirements. (ii) The applicant shall furnish information and data needed at the applicant’s cost or, at the Town’s discretion, pay appropriate cost of the study to the Town so that the Town many retain a consultant to prepare the required study. (iii) All required statements or analyses shall be executed by professionals or other persons qualified to provide the requested reports. Failure of the applicant to select a Town-approved professional or consulting firm may result in the Town’s refusal to consider the report or study. (iv) The form and content of such reports shall conform to the specifications in the appendices of the Unified Code. (v) Reports shall be evaluated using the criteria indicated for the type of report in the appendices of the Unified Code. The results of any study or analysis shall not dictate either approval or disapproval of the proposed project, however, findings related to the criteria should be specified in any related recommendation or decision. [Section 17.04. 070] 4. Fees (i) Fees for the review of an application shall be established from time-to-time by resolution of the Council. [Section 16.12.040] The Council shall establish a schedule sufficient to cover the cost of Town staff time, consultant's fees, public notices, and incidental expenses of the PZC. [Section 2.16.150] (ii) The Town may also assess and collect such additional fees as it may deem appropriate; provided that, when operating pursuant to the authority granted by this provision, the Town shall base such additional fees upon the actual cost, whether by Town employees or independent third parties, of performing related plan and document preparation and review, inspection of construction of public and related improvements, and all related services, including attorney and engineering fees. Such additional fees may be charged on a per-unit basis, such as foot or mile, and the Town may also include in such additional fees a factor for overhead or other indirect expenses. [Section 16.12.040] (iii) The following fees shall apply to actions take on a complete applications: (A) Withdrawn Application 36 This section has been expanded to authorize a wider range of reports. We will draft the submission information for reports and studies in conjunction with the development standards in module 3. We will then identify which specific studies and reports are required for which applications in the applicable specific procedures sections of this chapter. Specific submittal requirements for studies will be located in the appendices. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.020. Common Procedures and Requirements Town of Avon Page 21 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 All fees are forfeited; the fee must be paid again in full if the application is resubmitted. (B) Continuance of Application Payment of fees shall be required to cover the cost of additional notice. (C) Modification or Revision of Approved Sketch or Preliminary Plan Payment of the application fee shall be required to cover costs of re- review, less the cost of notice. (c) Step 3: Application Processing 1. Submittal of Complete Application (i) The applicant shall meet with the Director to submit a complete application, including all required materials, the application form, and required fee(s). (ii) The Director shall determine whether the application is complete. A partial application shall not be accepted. If the application is incomplete, all submitted materials including the fee shall be returned to the applicant and the application shall not be processed. 2. Sufficiency Determination 37 (i) An accepted application shall not be processed further until all materials are deemed sufficient in form and content such that recommendations, as required, and a decision determination may be made by the authorized town officer or body. The Director shall determine application sufficiency. (ii) If an application is deemed insufficient, the Director shall inform the applicant, within 15 working days, of the specific submittal requirements that have not been met. If the Director fails to act within 15 working days, then the application shall be deemed insufficient but the applicant may appeal the determination to the planning and zoning commission. (iii) If an application is deemed insufficient, the applicant must resolve and resubmit the materials required to complete the application within 30 days of the original submission of the application. An insufficient application that has not been revised to meet the completeness requirements shall expire on the thirtieth day. An expired application shall be returned to the applicant along with any original documents submitted in support of the application. The Town may retain the application fee paid. Once an application has expired, the application must be resubmitted in full. 37 Consistent with our discussions with the Town and standard practice, the authority for determination of application completeness has been changed from the Town Clerk to the Director. We recommend that the Unified Code specify an advisory review timeframe to keep the application moving. Please let us know if you agree with this approach, and if so, tell us how many days we should allow for the determination of completeness and response of the applicant. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.020. Common Procedures and Requirements Town of Avon Page 22 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 3. Staff Review and Report The Director shall review the application in accordance with the criteria established in this chapter [Section 17.28. 040] and shall prepare a written findings of fact. (i) If authorized as the decision-making authority, the Director shall inform the applicant in writing of the findings and determination. (ii) If not authorized as the decision-making authority, the Director shall prepare a recommendation and submit the recommendation and findings to the appropriate review and decision-making bodie(s). 4. Referral to Other Agencies 38 (i) The decision-making officer or body may, at its discretion, forward the application to one or more of the following agencies for their review, comments, and recommendations. The Town may require the applicant to provide the prints and information needed for these referrals: (A) To any utility, local improvement or service district, or ditch company, when applicable; (B) To the Colorado Department of Transportation when the proposed development is adjacent to or in sufficient proximity to affect a right- of-way, interchange, or other facility; (C) To the Colorado Geological Survey for findings and recommendations pertaining to geologic factors, including geologic hazards, mineralized areas, and sand and gravel areas that would have a significant impact on the proposed use of the land; (D) To any other agency concerned with a matter or area of local interest that could be affected by the application as determined by the decision- making officer or body. [Section 16.20. 020] (ii) The Council shall instruct each of the agencies to which the application is distributed that any of their recommendations must be submitted back to the Town within the number of days specified by the Town after receipt of the application, or the plan will be deemed to have been reviewed by the agency. [Section 16.20.030] (d) Step 4: Notice 39 Notice shall be required for public hearings for procedures as indicated in Table 16.03-2: Summary of Notice Requirements. 38 This provision is carried forward from existing PUD Section 16.20.070, for general applicability. We changed the language in paragraph (ii) to change the specified number of days for agency review from a set number (24) and to enable the Town to specify the number of days when transmitting the referral. 39 We updated the timeframes in this notice section to be consistent for all review bodies and application types, and to conform to C.R.S., which specifies a 15-day notice requirement for public hearings on rezonings, code text amendments, and PUDs. (See C.R.S. 31-23-304 and 24-67-104.) Fifteen days is longer than the time periods specified in the existing code (12 days for zoning applications and six days for preliminary subdivision plans). CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.020. Common Procedures and Requirements Town of Avon Page 23 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 Table 16.03-2: Summary of Notice Requirements Procedure Published Posted Mailed None Comprehensive Plan Amendment 3 3[1]3[1] Code Text Amendment 3 Rezoning 3 3 3 Planned Unit Development Sketch plan 3 3 3 Preliminary PUD 3 3 3 Final PUD 3 Major Subdivision Sketch plan 3 3 Preliminary plan 3 3 Final Plat 3 Right-of-Way Vacation 3 3 3 Minor Subdivision 3 Variance 3 3 3 Special Review Use 3 3 3 Design Review 3 Alternative Compliance Determination 3[2]3[2]3[2] 3[2] Form-Based Development 3 Development Plan 3 Minor Modification 3 Vested Property Right 3 Appeal 3 3 3 NOTES: [1] Required for site-specific applications. [2] Not required for when the Director has decision-making authority. 1. Published and Posted Notice 40 For procedures where published and posted notice of public hearing(s) is required, at least 15 days prior to the hearing date, it shall be: (i) Published, at the expense of the applicant, in a newspaper of general circulation within the Town; and (ii) Posted in at least three public places within the Town in addition to posting at the office of the Town Clerk. 40 The existing notice section allows the applicant to choose either posted or published notice. C.R.S. requires published notice for code amendments and rezonings (31-23-304 and 305), comprehensive plan amendments (31- 23-208) and PUDs (24-67-104), but not posted notice. We suggest requiring publication to avoid legal issues about actual receipt of notice because posted signs can be removed leading to a failure of notice. The Town can require posted notice in addition to published notice for all site-specific applications with hearings, as we have suggested in Table 16.03-2. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.020. Common Procedures and Requirements Town of Avon Page 24 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 2. Mailed Notice (i) For procedures where mailed notice is required, it shall be sent by first- class mail to all property owners within 300 feet of the property in question. If a property requiring notification is a condominium project, notice may be mailed to the managing agent, registered agent, or any member of the board of directors of the project. Mailed notice shall be postmarked at least 15 days prior to the meeting. 41 (ii) The applicant shall provide, at the applicant’s expense, a list of property owners, copies of the notification letter, and postage paid, addressed envelopes sufficient to meet the requirements of this section. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the information provided is accurate. The Town is not responsible for defects in mailed notice caused by the applicant’s failure to provide accurate information, and should a public hearing be found invalid for defective notice caused by applicant error, the applicant shall be responsible for all reasonable fees and costs associated with re-hearing the application.42 3. Notice Content Every required form of notice shall state the time and place of the hearing, the name of the applicant, a general description of the subject property indicating its location (which may be shown by map), a brief summary of the subject matter of the hearing and a description of the proposed development, and a statement that the application or information relating to the proposed change or amendment is available in the Director’s office during regular business hours for review or inspection by the public. [Section 17.12.100] 4. Constructive Notice 43 (i) Minor defects in any notice shall not impair the notice or invalidate proceedings pursuant to the notice if a bona fide attempt has been made to comply with applicable notice requirements. Minor defects in notice shall be limited to errors in a legal description or typographical or grammatical errors that do not impede communication of the notice to affected parties. 41 We removed the provision requiring that a certificate of mailing to be filed with the PZC, because in current practice, the Town mails the notices. 42 The last sentence of this section is new and needs to be reviewed by the town attorney. 43 This new section ensures that application review cannot be delayed by minor errors or claims that notice was not received. Subject Property 300-foot radius Figure 16.08-1: When written notice is required for an application, all property owners within 300 feet (measured from property boundaries) shall be notified. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.020. Common Procedures and Requirements Town of Avon Page 25 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 In all cases, however, the requirements for the timing of the notice and for specifying the time, date, and place of a hearing shall be strictly construed. If questions arise at the hearing regarding the adequacy of notice, the decision-making body shall make a formal finding as to whether there was substantial compliance with the notice requirements of this Code. (ii) When the records of the Town document the publication, mailing, and posting of notices as required by this section, it shall be presumed that notice was given as required by this section. 5. Protest 44 (e) Step 5: Public Hearings 45 When an elected or appointed body is indicated as having review or decision-making authority for the application, that body shall conduct a public hearing to review or decide the application according to the established rules and procedures for that body and this section of the Unified Code. 1. Review Hearing and Recommendation (i) Whenever the Council has decision-making authority, the PZC shall have review responsibility and shall hold a public hearing to review the application. Otherwise, unless indicated in a specific procedures section of this chapter, no review hearing shall be required. (ii) The Director shall set a date for the required review hearing prior to the decision hearing. At the hearing, the PZC shall consider the comments and evidence presented at the hearing and shall evaluate the application for the purpose of preparing a recommendation to the Council. (iii) The PZC shall prepare and deliver to the Council a written recommendation to approve, approve with conditions, modify, or deny the application. Each recommendation shall include specific written findings based on the standards and requirements of the Unified Code, general review criteria of paragraph (g)2, below, and review criteria applicable to the specific procedure, as indicated in the specific procedures sections of this chapter. [Sections 17.28.040 and 17.12.100] 2. Decision Hearing When decision-making authority is assigned to a body other than the Director in Step 6: Review and Decision, that body shall hold a public hearing to review the application, shall consider the comments and evidence presented at the hearing, and shall evaluate the application in accordance with the standards and requirements of the Unified Code and applicable review criteria as indicated in the specific procedures sections of this chapter. 44 If the Town recognizes protest petitions per C.R.S. §31-23-305, we will add that here. The town attorney is reviewing this section. 45 This new section describes the generally applicable procedures for public review and decision hearings. It indicates the most typical review and hearing responsibility is review/recommendation by the PZC and decision by the Council, drawing from the cited existing sections. Where decision-making authority is granted to another officer or body, it is indicated in the applicable specific procedure section. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.020. Common Procedures and Requirements Town of Avon Page 26 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (i) Timing Staff to the decision-making body (the Director or Town Clerk, as applicable) shall set a date for decision pursuant to the scheduling calendar posted on the official Town of Avon website and in the Community Development Department. [Section 17.28. 040 and 17.12.100] (f) Step 6: Review and Decision The body with decision-making authority shall, at the conclusion of the hearing, issue a written decision to approve, approve with conditions, modify, or deny the application. 1. Decision-making Authority, Generally Unless otherwise specified in the specific procedures sections of this chapter, for each application, the Council shall have decision-making authority. 2. Findings Each decision shall include specific written findings in consideration of the standards, requirements of the Unified Code, the general review criteria for all applications below, and review criteria applicable to the specific procedure, as indicated in the specific procedures sections of this chapter. 3. Review and Approval Criteria 46 To recommend or approve a development application, the review or decision- making body, as applicable, shall find that the development application has satisfied and followed the applicable requirements of this Unified Code and meets all of the approval criteria required for the applicable development application, which are set forth in subsequent sections of this chapter under Step 6: Decision. 4. Conditions 47 (i) The review or decision-making authority may recommend or impose such conditions upon the subject development as is necessary to carry out the general purpose and intent of this Unified Code. Conditions and additional information requirements shall be in written form and attached to the approved plan, plat, or permit. (ii) Conditions of approval shall be reasonably related to the anticipated impacts of the proposed use or development and shall be based upon adopted standards. (iii) The decision-making authority may place specific time limits on the satisfaction of any condition of approval. (iv) The decision-making authority may require financial guarantees from the applicant where it finds such guarantees are necessary to ensure 46 This clarifying language is intended to enhance consistency in review and decision-making across all Town review and decision bodies, as discussed on page 15 of the diagnosis. In the specific procedures sections, we carry forward and update review criteria for procedures that have existing criteria, and add criteria for each procedure that does not have specific review criteria listed in the current code. 47 This provision is a substantial expansion of the codified power of decision-makers in Avon to attach conditions to an approval. It builds on existing Section 17.36.060 in the variance chapter. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.020. Common Procedures and Requirements Town of Avon Page 27 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 compliance with conditions of approval and protect the public health, safety, or welfare. The Town shall release such guarantees when the Director has determined that all conditions attached to the approval have been or will be satisfied. 5. Continuation 48 The PZC or Council may continue a hearing on its own initiative or at the request of the applicant. Where the applicant requests continuation after provision of notice, the cost of re-notification shall be borne by the applicant. 6. Conceptual Review Whenever the Unified Code provides for a conceptual approval by the PZC or Council of a plan, project, rezoning activity, or other action, such approval shall not be binding nor final. Any person, firm, or corporation who expends time or funds in reliance upon a conceptual approval shall do so at his own risk. The Town shall have no liability or responsibility for any detriment incurred nor shall its agencies be stopped from withholding final approval by such expenditure of time or funds. [Section 17.46. 090] 7. Final Decision 49 Within five working days following action of the decision-making body, notification of its decision shall be deposited in the United States mail or sent by electronic mail to the applicant and the applicant’s designated agent. The decision shall become final unless a written appeal or request for review by the Council is received by the Town Clerk pursuant to Section 16.03.180: Appeal. [Section 2.16.160] (g) Amendment 50 If, after an approval has been received, the applicant desires to change the application or finds that the submittal application contains errors, then the applicant may initiate an amendment pursuant to this section. 1. Minor Amendment Minor amendments to any permit or other form of approval issued by the Town may be approved, approved with conditions, or denied administratively by the 48 This continuance provision builds on existing Sections 16.16.040 and 16.24.030 that authorize continuation for hearings on sketch plans and final plats. We added a provision, consistent with that found in many communities, to require that the applicant to pay the cost of re-noticing where the applicant requests continuance following the provision of notice. 49 We updated this section to allow the Town to use email for a notifications of final decision. 50 This is a new approach to allow some simple amendments to approvals be processed by staff, as suggested in the diagnosis, page 43. Minor amendments are carefully defined, and any amendment that does not meet the limited definition would continue to be processed through a full resubmittal, as is the current process in Avon. Note that a minor amendment is distinct from a minor modification, which has been added as a new procedure in Section 16.03.160. A minor amendment changes an issued approval, while a minor modification allows an approval that includes small deviations from the regulations of the Unified Code. We included error correction, which is currently delegated to the Council for plats, and minor design reviews, which are currently allowed only for previously approved designs, as types of minor amendments. We anticipate further discussion with the Town to refine what can be defined as a minor amendment in Avon. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.020. Common Procedures and Requirements Town of Avon Page 28 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 Director and may be authorized without additional public hearings. Such minor amendments may be authorized by the Director as long as the development approval, as so amended, continues to comply with the standards of the Unified Code, at least to the extent of its original compliance (so as to preclude any greater deviation from the standards of the Unified Code by reason of such amendments). Minor amendments shall consist of any of the following: (i) Any change to any permit or other form of approval that was originally subject only to administrative review and was approved by the Director, provided such change would not have disqualified the original application from administrative review had it been requested at that time; and provided that the minor amendment does not result in an increase of more than ten percent in the amount of square footage of a land use or structure and does not result in a change in the types of uses in the project. (ii) Correction of any errors caused by mistakes that do not materially alter the substance of the development plan or plat as represented to the Council. [Section 16.24.060] (iii) A minor change to an approved design, as determined by the Director. (iv) Any change to any permit or other form of approval that was originally subject to final review by and was approved by the PZC or design review board, provided that the minor amendment does not result in any of the following: (A) An increase in the approved number of dwelling units; (B) An increase in the amount of square footage of a non-residential land use or structure; (C) A change in the housing mix or use mix ratio; and (D) A change in the character of the development. (v) The Director may refer a minor amendment to the decision-making body that was responsible for the original approval if the Director determines the amendment may result in a significant change in the project. 2. Major Amendments Amendments to any permit or other form of approval that are not determined by the Director to be minor amendment under paragraph 1, above, shall be deemed a major amendment. Major amendments shall be reviewed and processed in the same manner as required for the original application for which the amendment is sought and shall include full application fees. (h) Termination Approvals granted under this Unified Code terminate if unused by the applicant after a reasonable period of time. 1. Lapse Except as otherwise specified in the specific procedures sections of this chapter, an approval granted under this Unified Code shall lapse and shall become void CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.030. Comprehensive Plan Amendment Town of Avon Page 29 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 two years following the date of final approval unless, prior to the expiration date, a building permit based upon such approval is issued and construction is commenced and diligently pursued toward completion. [Section 2.16.170] 2. Extension An approval may be extended by body that issued the original approval for up to six months for good cause shown. The applicant shall submit a request for an extension in writing to the Director at least 60 days prior to the date of approval termination. [Section 16.20.110] This section shall not be applicable to applications and approvals that pre-date the adoption of this Unified Code. 16.03.030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT 51 (a) Purpose and Applicability The purpose of this section is to provide standards and requirements for amending the text and or maps of the Avon Comprehensive Plan. The amendment process is established in order to provide flexibility in response to changing circumstances, to reflect changes in public policy, and to advance the general welfare of the Town. (b) Procedures Figure 16.03-01 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply in the review of applications for a comprehensive plan amendment. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Optional/recommended. An applicant may request a pre-application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b) as modified by this section. Comprehensive plan amendments may be initiated by the Council, the PZC, or by written application of any property owner or resident of the Town. [Section 17.28. 020] 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The Town will process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). 4. Step 4: Notice Applicable. Notice of public hearing(s) is required pursuant to Section 16.03.020(d). 51 This is a new section to address the procedure for amending the comprehensive plan. We suggested review and approval criteria for discussion with the Town in step 6. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.030. Comprehensive Plan Amendment Town of Avon Page 30 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Applicable. Public hearings shall be held pursuant to Section 16.03.020(e). 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) as modified by this section. (i) Decision Authority The Council shall have decision-making authority on an application for a comprehensive plan amendment. (ii) Required Findings Recommendations and decisions on comprehensive plan amendments may be approved if the planning and zoning commission finds that: (A) The existing comprehensive plan and/or any related element of the plan is in need of the proposed amendment; (B) The proposed amendment is compatible with the surrounding area and the goals and policies of the plan; (C) The proposed amendment will have no major negative impacts on transportation services and facilities; (D) The proposed amendment will have minimal effect on service provision, including adequacy or availability of facilities and services, and is compatible with existing and planned service provision; (E) The proposed amendment is consistent with the Town’s ability to annex the property (if applicable); (F) The proposed amendment is consistent with the logical expansion of services (if applicable); (G) Strict adherence to the current plan would result in a situation neither intended nor in keeping with other key elements and policies of the plan; and Figure 16.03-01: Comprehensive Plan Amendment KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision Town Council 5. Public Hearing(s) PZC and Town Council CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.040. Code Text Amendment Town of Avon Page 31 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (H) The proposed plan amendment will promote the public welfare and will be consistent with the goals and policies of the Avon Comprehensive Plan and the major elements of the plan. 16.03.040 CODE TEXT AMENDMENT 52 (a) Purpose and Applicability The Council may amend the text of the Unified Code, including the adoption, modification, or replacement of appendices to the Unified Code, pursuant to this section. The purpose of a code text amendment is to address changed conditions or changes in public policy, and to advance the general welfare of the Town. (b) Procedures Figure 16.03-02 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply in the review of applications for code text amendments. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Optional/recommended. An applicant may request a pre-application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal 53 Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b) as modified by this section. Code text amendments may be initiated by the 52 This section incorporates provisions in the existing Chapter 17.28 related to code text amendments. As indicated in the diagnosis on page 50, we recommend that this be treated as a separate procedure from rezonings, because the requirements and criteria are typically different from one another. This and all following specific procedures sections have been reorganized to add purpose and applicability statements and to reflect the structure of the common procedures. Submittal requirements have been removed in favor of the general provision that enables the Director to establish submittal requirements on the official application forms. Specific substantive changes within each procedure are noted individually. 53 We updated this section so that only the PZC or Council may initiate a code text amendment. A resident or property owner would not be able to initiate an amendment directly, but would have to petition the PZC or Council to initiate one. Figure 16.03-02: Code Text Amendment KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision Town Council 5. Public Hearing(s) PZC and Town Council CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.050. Rezoning Town of Avon Page 32 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 Council or the PZC. [Section 17.28. 020] 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The Town will process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). 4. Step 4: Notice Applicable. Notice of public hearing(s) is required pursuant to Section 16.03.020(d). 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Applicable. Public hearings shall be held pursuant to Section 16.03.020(e). 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) as modified by this section. (i) Review and Approval Criteria Recommendations and decisions on a code text amendment shall be based on whether the proposed amendment meets all of the following criteria: (A) Promotes the public health, safety, and general welfare; (B) Is necessary or desirable because of changing conditions, new planning concepts, or other social or economic conditions. (C) Consistency with the Avon Comprehensive Plan; (D) Substantial compliance with the purpose and intent provisions of the Unified Code as specified in Section 16.04.010; [Section 17.48.040] (ii) Temporary Suspension of Building Permits 54 Whenever the Council or the PZC has properly initiated proceeding to amend the text of the Unified Code and the PZC has, subsequent to the public hearing, adopted a resolution recommending to the Council approval of such amendment, no building permits shall be issued by the building offical that would be prohibited by the proposed amendment for a period of one year following the date of such PZC resolution; provided, however, if the Council should, by resolution, refuse to further consider such amendment, or if an ordinance adopting the proposed amendment, or an amendment substantially similar to the proposed amendment, has not been passed by the Council pursuant to law within the one-year time period, all building permits applied for during such period, that otherwise conform to the existing zoning regulations, shall be issued, provided the building permit application meets all other regulations of the Town in effect at the time. [Section 17.28. 090] 54 The town attorney is reviewing this section. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.050. Rezoning Town of Avon Page 33 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 16.03.050 REZONING 55 (a) Purpose and Applicability The boundaries of any zone district may be changed, or the zone classification of any parcel of land may be changed, pursuant to this section. The purpose is not to relieve particular hardships, nor to confer special privileges or rights on any person, but only to make adjustments to the Official Zoning Map that are necessary in light of changed conditions or changes in public policy, or that are necessary to advance the general welfare of the Town. (b) Procedures Figure 16.03-03 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply in the review of applications for rezonings. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Optional/recommended. An applicant may request a pre-application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b) as modified by this section. (i) Initiation A rezoning may be initiated by the Council, the PZC or by a real property owner in the area to be included in the proposed amendment. [Section 17.28. 020] 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The Town will process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). 4. Step 4: Notice Applicable. Notice of public hearing(s) is required pursuant to Section 16.03.020(d) except as modified by this section. Whenever the zoning district map is in any way to be changed or amended incidental to or as part of a general 55 This section incorporates provisions in the existing Chapter 17.28 related to rezonings. Figure 16.03-03: Rezoning KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision Town Council 5. Public Hearing(s) PZC and Town Council CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.050. Rezoning Town of Avon Page 34 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 comprehensive revision of the Unified Code, whether such revision be made by repeal of the existing Unified Code, or otherwise, the requirement of mailed notice shall be waived. However, the proposed zoning map shall be available for public inspection in the Town office during all business hours for 15 days prior to the public hearing on such amendments. [Section 17.28.030] 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Applicable. Public hearings shall be held pursuant to Section 16.03.020(e). 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) and this section. (i) Review and Approval Criteria 56 (A) Evidence of substantial compliance with the purpose and intent provisions of the Unified Code as specified in Section 16.04.010; [Section 17.48.040] (B) Consistency with the Avon Comprehensive Plan; (C) Physical suitability of the land for the proposed development or subdivision; and (D) Compatibility with surrounding land uses. [Section 16.20.040] (E) Whether the proposed rezoning is justified by changed or changing conditions in the character of the area proposed to be rezoned (F) Whether there are adequate facilities available to serve development for the type and scope suggested by the proposed zone while maintaining adequate levels of service to existing development. [Section 17.28. 080] (G) Whether the rezoning is consistent with the stated purpose of the proposed zoning district(s); (H) That the rezoning is not likely to result in significant adverse impacts upon the natural environment, including air, water, noise, stormwater management, wildlife, and vegetation, or such impacts will be substantially mitigated; and (I) That the rezoning is not likely to result in significant adverse impacts upon other property in the vicinity of the subject tract. (J) For rezoning within an existing PUD, consistency with the relevant PUD Master Plan as reflected in the approval of the applicable PUD.57 56 We removed the required findings section related to public benefits for this rezoning section, pending discussion with the Town about the PUD/Zone Districts/Public Benefits memorandum to be delivered with this draft Module 1. We also expanded the criteria for rezoning to address potential negative impacts and ensure consistency with the purpose of the proposed zone district. 57 This is a new review criterion for rezoning an area within a PUD to a straight zone district. As indicated in the diagnosis on pages 32-33, we anticipate that as the zone districts are added and updated, some applications that are CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.060. Planned Unit Development Town of Avon Page 35 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (ii) Temporary Suspension of Building Permits Whenever the Council or the PZC has properly initiated proceeding to amend the zoning district map and the PZC has, subsequent to the public hearing, adopted a resolution recommending to the Council approval of such rezoning, no building permits shall be issued by the building official that would be prohibited by the proposed rezoning for a period of one year following the date of such PZC resolution; provided, however, if the Council should, by resolution, refuse to further consider such rezoning, or if an ordinance adopting the rezoning, or an amendment substantially similar to the proposed rezoning, has not been passed by the Council pursuant to law within the one-year time period, all building permits applied for during such period, that otherwise conform to the existing zoning regulations, shall be issued, provided the building permit application meets all other regulations of the Town in effect at the time. [Section 17.28. 090] (iii) Notation to Map In the event the Council has adopted an ordinance recommending approval of a rezoning, within 30 days of each resolution, notation to the zoning district map shall be made to show the pending amendment, and failure to make such notation shall suspend the effect of the resolution until such is made; provided, however, if the required notation is made within the thirty- day period, it shall have effect retroactively to the date of the resolution. [Section 17.28. 100] 16.03.060 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT 58 [Reserved] [Figure 16.03-04 - Reserved] 16.03.070 MAJOR SUBDIVISION 59 (a) Purpose The purpose of the subdivision review procedures is to ensure compliance with the standards and requirements in Chapter 16.07: Subdivision Design and Improvements, and encourage quality development consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives in the comprehensive plan. currently processed as PUD amendments will be able to be processed through rezoning to straight zones. This criterion will be important for consideration in such rezoning applications. 58 This section will be drafted after discussion of the PUD/Zone Districts/Public Benefits memorandum to be delivered with this draft of Module 1. It will draw on procedures in existing Section 17.20.110: Planned Unit Development – PUD and will and substantially update them with review and public benefits criteria as discussed in theme one of the diagnosis. 59 This section and incorporates the procedures provisions from the existing Chapters 16.20: Preliminary Plans and 16.24: Final Plans. As discussed in the diagnosis on page 51, other types of subdivisions are grouped in the next section as Minor Subdivisions. The requirements and procedures of the two sections, including whether review and approval is administrative or legislative, are scaled appropriately for each of the two types. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.070. Major Subdivision Town of Avon Page 36 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (b) Applicability The procedures of this section and the standards in Chapter 16.07: Subdivision Design and Improvements shall apply to all subdivisions or re-subdivisions that result in the portioning, dividing, combining, or altering of any lot, parcel, or tract of land, except any subdivisions that are specifically excluded by state law or are defined as minor subdivisions in Section 16.03.090, below. However, unless the method of disposition is adopted for the purpose of evading the requirements of the Unified Code, this procedure shall not apply to any division of land that: 1. Is created by a lien, mortgage, deed of trust, or any other security instrument; 2. Is created by any interest in an investment entity; 3. Creates cemetery lots; 4. Creates an interest or interests in oil, gas, minerals, or water that are severed from the surface ownership of real property; 5. Is created by the acquisition of an interest in land in the name of a husband and wife or other persons in joint tenancy, or as tenants in common of such interest. For the purpose of this paragraph, any interest in common owned in joint tenancy shall be considered a single interest; 6. Creates a leasehold interest with a term of less than 20 years and involves no change in use or degree of use of the leasehold estate. [Section 16.08.090] (c) Procedures -- Sketch Plan 60 An applicant may request review of a sketch plan of a major subdivision application. Sketch plan review is an optional step intended to provide non-binding, advisory feedback from Town officials to an applicant early in the process of proposing a complex development, typically before detailed technical studies have been completed. Due to the demands placed on Town officials to conduct sketch plan review of an application, the Town may refuse to review a sketch plan than is substantially the same as any sketch plan submitted for the subject property within the prior year. 1. Submittal Materials 61 (i) The applicant shall furnish, at minimum, information regarding the project location, overall density/intensity of the project, intended uses, evidence of water and sewage, and approximate location, height, and massing of buildings and structures; and general grading plans. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide sufficiently detailed plans and descriptions of the 60 This section is revised from the existing procedure for sketch plan review in Chapter 16.16 of the subdivisions title. We have revived this concept to provide an early process to allow the developer to get feedback from decision- makers on the project concept and intensity, as discussed on page 14 of the diagnosis. 61 Ultimately, we intend to remove this submittal materials section, allowing the Director to determine the submittal requirements as for other procedures (See Section 16.03.020(c)(2).) We left it in for this draft for discussion purposes, so that we can identify the level of detail the town expects to see at the early review stage. As we draft the submittal requirements for studies and data in Module 3, we will consider whether some very basic information may be required for the sketch plan review, not unlike the two-phase study requirements in Eagle County. Detailed studies and reports would not be required until preliminary plan review. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.070. Major Subdivision Town of Avon Page 37 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 proposal for the Town to make informal recommendations regarding the proposed project. (ii) The Council may, at its discretion, require comments from other agencies and may require the applicant to submit sufficient copies of the early review materials for transmittal to such agencies. [Section 16.16.020] 2. Review 62 (i) The applicant shall submit sketch plan materials at least 30 days prior to the regularly scheduled Council meeting at which the applicant wishes review. Where subdivision approval will be required to implement development in a proposed PUD, a subdivision sketch plan must be filed and reviewed concurrently with the PUD sketch plan. (ii) Sketch plan review will be conducted at a regular session of the Council with invitation to members of the PZC, at the discretion of the Mayor. The members of Council and attending members of the PZC (collectively, “reviewing officials”) may engage the applicant in a dialogue about the proposed development. Each reviewing official may, at the official’s discretion, comment on the suitability of the proposed development with due regard for the regulations and standards of the Unified Code, the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan, applicable design guidelines, and other applicable plans and policies of the Town. Further, each reviewing official may offer suggestions for enhancing the suitability of the development. (iii) The Council may continue the review of the sketch plan to a later hearing date. [Section 16.16.040] 3. Straw Poll (i) The reviewing officials may, at their discretion, take a non-binding straw poll of support for the potential development based on the material submitted for early review. Such straw poll may be accomplished by show of hands, individual comment, or in any other reasonable manner, at the discretion of the Mayor. (ii) A straw poll does not constitute a decision of the Town and conveys no vested rights upon the applicant. (iii) Any opinions or recommendations by the Council and PZC members may be subject to change pending submittal of the full application with all required materials. 4. Suitability to Proceed The Council shall determine, based on the sketch plan, whether the proposed development is suitable to progress to preliminary plan review. If the Council determines that the proposed development is not suitable to progress to preliminary plan review, it shall state in writing its reasons. [Section 16.16.040] The Town shall not accept or review a preliminary plan that is substantively the 62 We drafted this section as a regular meeting of the Council with optional attendance of PZC members, which would be easier to schedule than requiring a joint meeting of the Council and PZC. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.070. Major Subdivision Town of Avon Page 38 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 same as a sketch plan that has been determined to be unsuitable for a period of one year following the determination. (d) Procedures – Preliminary Plan Figure 16.03-05 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply in the review of applications for a preliminary plan. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Applicable. An applicant shall request a pre- application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b). 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The town shall process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). (i) Concurrent Review Where subdivision approval will be required to implement development in a proposed PUD, the applicant shall file a single preliminary plan incorporating the application requirements of both the PUD and subdivision preliminary plans. The provisions and procedures for public notice, hearing, and review for a PUD as prescribed in the Unified Code shall apply to the application. [Section 16.20.070] (ii) Review of New Material or Revisions If new material or revisions are to be submitted for approval, the Town and its reviewers shall have at least 21 days to complete the review of this material prior to consideration before the Council. [Section 16.20.060] 4. Step 4: Notice Applicable. Notice shall be as required pursuant to Section 16.03.020(d) or, when applicable, as modified by this section. Where subdivision approval will be required to implement development in a proposed PUD, the public hearing Figure 16.03-05: Major Subdivision Preliminary Plan KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision Town Council 5. Public Hearing(s) PZC and Town Council CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.070. Major Subdivision Town of Avon Page 39 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 notice requirements for preliminary subdivision plat approval shall be combined and run concurrently with the PUD public notice and hearing requirements. [Section 16.20.070] 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Applicable. Public hearings shall be as required pursuant to Section 16.03.020(e) and as modified by this section. (i) Timing The applicant must submit the complete preliminary plan application at least 60 days prior to the meeting at which the applicant wishes to be heard. [Section 16.20. 010] 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) and this section. (i) Review and Approval Criteria 63 (A) Evidence of substantial compliance with the purpose and intent provisions of the Unified Code as specified in Section 16.04.010; [Section 17.48.040] (B) Consistency with the Avon Comprehensive Plan; (C) Physical suitability of the land for the proposed development or subdivision; and (D) Compatibility with surrounding land uses. [Section 16.20.040] (E) Whether there are adequate facilities available to serve development for the type and scope suggested by the proposed zone. [Section 17.28. 080] (F) For subdivisions within an existing PUD, consistency with the relevant PUD Master Plan as reflected in the approval of that PUD. [Section 16.20.040] (G) Evidence of approval by the appropriate utilities, including water and sewer utilities, shall be supplied by the applicant to the Council. [Section 16.20.130] (H) Compliance with all applicable use, density, development, and design standards set forth in of this Unified Code that have not otherwise been modified or waived pursuant to this chapter and that would affect or influence the layout of lots, blocks, and streets. Applicants shall avoid creating lots or patterns of lots in the subdivision that will make 63 We added a number of review criteria for major subdivisions to address issues related to lot layout, soils and geologic hazards, compatibility with transportation plans, street maintenance, sewage disposal, and phasing. Many of these issues came up in discussions with the ZAC as concerns with past approvals of phased development. We have not added sketch plan consistency to this list because the sketch plan is not subject to a formal approval. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.070. Major Subdivision Town of Avon Page 40 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 compliance with such development and design standards difficult or infeasible. (I) That the general layout of lots, roads, driveways, utilities, drainage facilities, and other services within the proposed subdivision is designed in a way that minimizes the amount of land disturbance, maximizes the amount of open space in the development, preserves existing trees/vegetation and riparian areas, protects critical wildlife habitat, and otherwise accomplishes the purposes and intent of this Unified Code. (J) Evidence that provision has been made for a public sewage disposal system or, if other methods of sewage disposal are proposed, adequate evidence that such system shall comply with state and local laws and regulations. (K) Evidence that all areas of the proposed subdivision that may involve soil or topographical conditions presenting hazards or requiring special precautions have been identified by the applicant and that the proposed use of these areas are compatible with such conditions. (L) Provision for has been made for assumption of responsibility for maintaining all roads, open spaces, and other public and common facilities in the subdivision. (M) As applicable, the proposed phasing for development of the subdivision is rational in terms of available infrastructure capacity and financing. 7. Termination An approved preliminary plan terminates after two years pursuant to Section 16.03.020(h). (e) Procedures – Final Plat After approval of a preliminary plan, the applicant may submit an application for a final plat. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Not applicable. 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b). 3. Step 3: Application Processing (i) Timing The applicant shall submit the final plat for all or a portion of an area within an approved preliminary plan to which it must conform, with maps and information as required, to the Director at least 45 days prior to the CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.070. Major Subdivision Town of Avon Page 41 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 meeting at which the applicant wishes final plat approval. [Section 16.24.010] (ii) Comparison with County Records The town engineer shall compare the legal description of the subject property with the County records to ensure that: (A) The property described contains all contiguous single ownership and does not create a new or remaining unrecognized parcel of less than 35 acres in size; and (B) The lots and parcels have descriptions that both close and contain the area indicated; and (C) The plat is correct in accordance with surveying and platting standards of the state. [Section 16.24.020] 4. Step 4: Notice Not applicable. 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Applicable. The Council shall review and decide the final plat at a regularly scheduled meeting. 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) as modified by this section. A final plat shall be adopted by resolution. (i) Review and Approval Criteria 64 (A) The final plat conforms to the approved preliminary plan and incorporates all recommended changes, modifications, and conditions attached to the approval of the preliminary plan; (B) The development will substantially comply with all sections of the Unified Code; and (C) All applicable technical standards adopted by the Town have been met. (ii) Conditions of Approval (A) Guarantee of Public Improvements – Agreements and Collateral No final plat shall be recorded until the applicant has submitted, and the Council has approved, one or a combination of the following: (1) The installation of all roads, utilities, drainage facilities, survey monuments, and other public improvements serving all lots described in the subdivision agreement to specifications of the Council or its designated representatives; or 64 We added basic review and approval criteria for final plats to ensure compliance with the extensive review and conditions of approval of the preliminary approval. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.070. Major Subdivision Town of Avon Page 42 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (2) An agreement to construct any required public improvements shown in the final plat documents, together with collateral of 125 percent of the value of all improvements. Collateral shall be one or a combination of the following: (I) Cash, or its equivalent, or (II) Letter(s) of credit. [Section 16.24.100] 65 (B) Guarantee of Public Improvements – Release of Collateral (1) After a two-year performance period, or a shorter period of time for specific improvements as identified by and at the discretion of the town engineer, upon improvement completion or a required improvement revision, the applicant may apply to the Town for release of part or all of the collateral deposited with the Town. Upon inspection and approval, the town engineer may authorize release of said collateral. (2) If the town engineer determines that any of such improvements are not constructed in substantial compliance with specifications, it shall furnish to the applicant a list of specific deficiencies and shall be entitled to retain collateral sufficient to ensure such substantial compliance. (3) If the town engineer determines that the applicant will not construct any or all of the improvements in accordance with all of the specifications, the town engineer may withdraw and employ from the deposit of collateral such funds as may be necessary to construct the improvements in accordance with the specifications or return the land to its previous condition. [Section 16.24.110] 7. Termination An approval of a final plat terminates pursuant to this section. (i) Recording The applicant shall cause the final plat and restrictive covenants, if any, to be recorded within 90 days from the date of approval and acceptance of the Council. In the event that the plat is not recorded, the approval of the Council shall be deemed to be void and such plat shall not thereafter be recorded, unless and until the Mayor executes a written authorization for recording the final plat. [Section 16.24.030] (ii) Vacation The plat approval shall include a determination of a reasonable time by which the project should be completed. [Section 16.24.080] All plats given final approval shall contain a notation indicating the date by which a project is expected to be completed, that shall be prima facie evidence of a 65 We changed this section to limit acceptable forms of collateral based on conversations with staff indicating that other forms of collateral listed in the existing code (securities or land) are not practical for the town to receive and administer. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.080. Right-of-Way Vacation Town of Avon Page 43 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 reasonable time by which the project should have been completed. [Section 16.24.090] A plat or any portion thereof that has been finally approved by the Council and has been recorded shall be subject to vacation proceedings if the project that is the subject of the subdivision is not completed within the time set by the Council. [Section 16.24.070] (iii) Extension Extensions of the time limit for project completion may be obtained from the Council for good cause shown, upon request by the applicant or owner of the tract, if made before vacation proceedings are instituted. [Section 16.24.080] 16.03.080 RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION66 (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to provide vacation standards and requirements for any person who owns land which either abuts or adjoins a highway, street, lane, or alley, (public way) as permitted by CRS 43-2- 303. (b) Applicability The right-of-way vacation procedure shall be followed for any proposed vacation of a public way. (c) Procedures Figure 16.03-06 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply in the review of applications for a right-of-way vacation. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Optional. An applicant may request a pre- application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b) and this section. An application for vacation may only be initiated by a 66 Staff is reviewing this process and this section may be amended. Figure 16.03-06: Right of Way Vacation KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision Town Council 5. Public Hearing(s) Town Council CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.090. Minor Subdivision Town of Avon Page 44 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 landowner adjacent to such public way. 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The Town will process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). 4. Step 4: Notice Applicable. Notice shall be as required pursuant to Section 16.03.020(d). 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Applicable. Public hearings shall be as required pursuant to Section 16.03.020(e) as modified by this section. The PZC does not review or recommend on right-of way-vacation except at the request of Council. 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) as modified by this section. (i) Review and Approval Criteria The consent of the majority of the property owners abutting the right of way proposed to be vacated is required for approval. (ii) Compensation Council may require compensation for the land requested for vacation. (iii) Ordinance Approval shall be by adoption of an ordinance. Upon approval of the ordinance, the mayor is authorized to convey the property(s) vacated to the abutting property owners accordingly by quitclaim deed. 16.03.090 MINOR SUBDIVISION 67 (a) Purpose The purpose of the subdivision review procedure is to ensure compliance with the standards and requirements in Chapter 16.07: Subdivision Design and Improvements, and encourage quality development consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives in the comprehensive plan. 67 Content of this section is based on existing Chapters 16.28: Minor Subdivision, 16.32: Duplex Subdivisions, and 16.36: Timesharing Subdivisions. We believe this minor subdivision procedure eliminates the need for the “exemption” procedure for subdivision requirements (in existing Section 16.12.030) that lacks clear definition in the existing code and that reportedly is not used. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.090. Minor Subdivision Town of Avon Page 45 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (b) Applicability 68 The minor subdivision procedure is applicable for the following, provided that the proposed lots and resulting density are permitted under the existing zoning designation of the subject property: 1. A condominium, timesharing, or duplex subdivision as defined in this Unified Code; 2. A subdivision that creates four or fewer lots, provided that parcels are eligible for minor subdivision only once, and further subdivision of the original or newly created parcels shall be processed as a major subdivision; 3. Consolidation of two or more lots into a single lot in a previously recorded subdivision plan; and 4. Lot line adjustments where the resulting number of lots does not change. (c) Procedures Figure 16.03-07 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply in the review of applications for a minor subdivision. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Optional. An applicant may request a pre- application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b). 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The Town will process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). 68 We propose that the minor subdivision process be applicable to all duplex, timesharing, condominium, and minor subdivisions as defined in the existing code, as well as lot line adjustments and lot consolidations. We added a clarification to ensure that the minor subdivision procedure cannot be abused by repeatedly returning to re-subdivide previously created lots. Figure 16.03-07: Minor Subdivision KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conf. 2. Early Review 3. Application Submittal 4. Application Processing 5. Notice 7. Decision Director 6. Public Hearing(s) CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.090. Minor Subdivision Town of Avon Page 46 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 4. Step 4: Notice Not applicable. 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Not applicable. 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) as modified by this section. (i) Authority The Director shall have decision-making authority for minor subdivisions. (ii) Review and Approval Criteria (A) Evidence of substantial compliance with the purpose and intent provisions of the Unified Code as specified in Section 16.04.010; [Section 17.48.040] (B) Consistency with the Avon Comprehensive Plan; (C) Physical suitability of the land for the proposed development or subdivision; and (D) Compatibility with surrounding land uses. [Section 16.20.040] (E) Whether there are adequate facilities available to serve development for the type and scope suggested by the proposed minor subdivision. [Section 17.28. 080] (F) Evidence that the Town of Avon is willing to serve the proposed subdivision with adequate water for each lot. [Section 16.28.020] (G) Evidence that the Eagle Water and Sanitation District is willing to provide the subdivision with adequate sewage treatment for each lot. [Section 16.28.030] (H) Evidence that subdivision will not create any hazards due to geology, soil, topography, drainage, fire protection, or any other condition, and that all lots will contain safe, adequate building sites. [Section 16.28.040] (iii) Filing (A) Upon final approval by the Director, the map shall be filed with the County Clerk and Recorder upon payment of all required filing or recording fees. One mylar copy of the subdivision plat shall also be filed with the Town Clerk. [Section 16.28.060] (B) If a party wall agreement is required as part of the submittal requirements, then the same shall be filed with the County Clerk and Recorder by the Town Clerk pursuant to the applicable statutes upon payment of all required filing or recording fees. One mylar copy of the plan and a signed copy of the party wall agreement shall also be filed and remain with the Town Clerk. [Section 16.32.030] CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.100. Special Review Use Town of Avon Page 47 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 7. Recording The applicant shall cause the minor plat to be recorded within 90 days from the date of approval and acceptance of the Director. In the event that the plat is not recorded, the approval of the Director shall be deemed to be void and such plat shall not thereafter be recorded, unless and until the Mayor executes a written authorization for recording the final plat. [Section 16.24.030] 16.03.100 SPECIAL REVIEW USE 69 (a) Purpose and Applicability This section provides a discretionary approval process for special review uses, that have unique or widely varying operating characteristics or unusual site development features. The procedure encourages public review and evaluation of a use’s operating characteristics and site development features and is intended to ensure that proposed use(s) will not have a significant adverse impact on surrounding uses or on the community-at-large. Special review uses that may be allowed in each zone district are listed in Table 16.05-1: Table of Allowed Uses. (b) Procedures Figure 16.03-08 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply in the review of applications for a special review use. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Optional/recommended. An applicant may request a pre-application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b). 69 In this section we carry forward provisions in the existing Chapter 17.48: Special Review Use. Figure 16.03-08: Special Review Use KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision PZC 5. Public Hearing(s) PZC CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.100. Special Review Use Town of Avon Page 48 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The Town will process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). 4. Step 4: Notice Applicable. Notice of public hearing(s) is required pursuant to Section 16.03.020(d). 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Applicable. Public hearings shall be held pursuant to Section 16.03.020(e). 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) as modified by this section. (i) Decision-making Authority The PZC shall have decision-making authority for a special review use. (ii) Review and Approval Criteria 70 (A) The proposed use is consistent with the comprehensive plan and all applicable provisions of this Unified Code and applicable state and federal regulations; (B) The proposed use is consistent with the purpose and intent of the zoning district in which it is located and any applicable use-specific standards in Unified Code; (C) The proposed use is compatible with adjacent uses in terms of scale, site design, and operating characteristics (such as, but not limited to, hours of operation, traffic generation, lighting, noise, odor, dust, and other external impacts); (D) Any significant adverse impacts anticipated to result from the use will be mitigated or offset to the maximum extent practicable; (E) Facilities and services (including sewage and waste disposal, water, gas, electricity, police and fire protection, and roads and transportation, as applicable) will be available to serve the subject property while maintaining adequate levels of service for existing development; and (F) Adequate assurances of continuing maintenance have been provided. 7. Expiration and Preliminary Review71 All special review use approvals shall be valid for two years unless otherwise stated in the approval ordinance. At least 60 days prior to the two year expiration, the holder of the special review use approval may apply for a review 70 We added new review and approval criteria for special review uses. 71 This is a new section that allows the Town to review special review uses once they have been in place for two years. Historically, once special review uses were approved in most communities, they did not have an expiration date and were, in practice, very difficult to eliminate. This provision represents a trend in many areas to keep closer watch on these uses through periodic review. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.110. Variance Town of Avon Page 49 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 hearing before the PZC. The PZC shall review the use against the criteria in Section 16.03.100.6 to determine whether it will be allowed to continue. The PZC shall also determine the length of time which the special review use shall be valid and whether additional review hearings shall be required. 8. Termination A special review use approval terminates pursuant to this section. (i) Developments and uses granted by a special review use permit shall be developed or established in accordance with an approved development schedule or within one year of the date of approval if no development schedule is established. Failure to develop or establish such development or uses in accordance with the time period approved on the permit shall result in the termination of the permit. (ii) A special review use permit is valid as long as conditions of approval are maintained by the applicant, unless a specific time limit for the use is set forth as part of the approval. If an approved use ceases operation for any reason for a period of one year, the special review use permit shall be deemed expired. If the conditions of a permit become the responsibility of a person or entity other than the applicant, the Director shall be notified in writing, identifying the new person or entity responsible for maintaining the conditions of the approval/permit. Until such notice is received, the applicant shall remain responsible. Such notice shall be attached to the permit on file at the Town. (iii) If conditions of approval are not maintained, it shall be considered a violation of this code and subject to revocation proceedings. [Section 17.48.020] 16.03.110 VARIANCE 72 (a) Purpose and Applicability In order to prevent or to lessen such practical difficulties and unnecessary physical hardships inconsistent with the objectives of the Unified Code as would result from strict or literal interpretation and enforcement, variances from certain regulations may be granted. A practical difficulty or unnecessary physical hardship may result from the size, shape, or dimensions of a site or the location of existing structures thereon; from topographic or physical conditions on the site or in the immediate vicinity; or from other physical limitations, street locations, or traffic conditions in the immediate vicinity. Cost or inconvenience to the applicant of strict or literal compliance with a regulation shall not be a reason for granting a variance. It is not the intent of this section to allow variances in the classification of uses of property. [Section 17.36.010] 72 Per the diagnosis, page 51, this section incorporates and reconciles provisions in the existing Chapter 17.36: (Zoning) Variances, as well as Section 16.12.020: (Subdivision) Variances, and Chapter 16.44: (Subdivision) Variances and Exceptions. Because the procedures for a variance from the zoning regulations and subdivision regulations differ only in the review criteria to be used, we structured them as a single procedure with two sets of review criteria. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.110. Variance Town of Avon Page 50 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (b) Procedures Figure 16.03-09 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply in the review of applications for a variance. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Optional/recommended. An applicant may request a pre-application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b). 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The Town will process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). 4. Step 4: Notice Applicable. Notice of public hearing(s) is required pursuant to Section 16.03.020(d). 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Applicable. Public hearings shall be held pursuant to Section 16.03.020(e). 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) as modified by this section. (i) Decision-making Authority The PZC shall have decision-making authority for a variance. (ii) Review and Approval Criteria (A) The degree to which relief from the strict or literal interpretation and enforcements of a specified regulation is necessary to achieve compatibility and uniformity of treatment among sites in the vicinity, or to attain the objectives of the Unified Code without grant of special privilege; Figure 16.03-09: Variance KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision PZC 5. Public Hearing(s) PZC CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.110. Variance Town of Avon Page 51 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (B) The effect of the requested variance on light and air, distribution of population, transportation and traffic facilities, public facilities and utilities, and public safety; (C) Such other factors and criteria as the decision-making body deems applicable to the proposed variance. [Section 17.36.040] (iii) Required Findings (A) Findings for Non-subdivision Variances For non-subdivision variance applications, the PZC shall make the following written findings before granting a variance: (1) That the granting of the variance will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations on other properties classified in the same district; (2) That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity; [Section 17.36.050] (3) That the variance is warranted for one or more of the following reasons: (I) The strict, literal interpretation and enforcement of the specified regulation would result in practical difficulty or unnecessary physical hardship inconsistent with the objectives of the Unified Code; (II) There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the site of the variance that do not apply generally to other properties in the same zone; or (III) The strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of the specified regulation would deprive the applicant of privileges enjoyed by the owners of other properties in the same district; [Section 17.36.050] (B) Findings for Variances of Subdivision Standards For variance applications that seek relief from the subdivision design and improvement standards, the PZC shall make the following written findings before granting a variance: (1) That the provisions of the regulations from which relief is requested are not materially important, in a planning sense, to the orderly controlled development of the tract in question; (2) That the granting of the request will not adversely affect the use of the land in the immediate area of the tract in question; [Section 16.12.020] (3) The resulting subdivision shall not violate the specifications of any relevant, previously approved subdivision; and CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.120. Design Review Town of Avon Page 52 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (4) The resulting subdivision shall not result in prohibitive physical restraints upon access to, or use of, either of the resulting parcels. [Section 16.12.030] (iv) Conditions A variance granted by the Council may contain limitations as to time or disposition or use of the tract in question in order to ensure that the stated purpose of the variance request is realized. [Section 16.12.020] (v) Action Notice The Director shall notify the applicant for a variance in writing of the PZC’s action within seven days after a decision has been rendered. [Section 17.36.100] 16.03.120 DESIGN REVIEW 73 (a) Purpose The general purpose of the design review process is to ensure compliance with the development and design standards of the Unified Code and conformance with the Avon Design Guidelines prior to the issuance of a building permit or concurrent with other required permits, and to encourage quality development reflective of the goals and objectives of the Avon Comprehensive Plan. Specific purposes of design review are as follows: 1. To prevent excessive or unsightly grading of property that could cause disruption of natural watercourses or scar natural landforms; 2. To ensure that the location and configuration of structures, including signs and signage, are visually harmonious with their sites and with surrounding sites and structure and that there shall be conformance to the comprehensive plan of the Town; 3. To ensure that the architectural design of structures and their materials and colors are visually harmonious with the Town’s overall appearance, with natural and existing landforms, and with officially approved development plans, if any, for the areas in which the structures are proposed to be located; 4. To ensure that plans for the landscaping of property and open spaces conform with adopted rules and regulations and to provide visually pleasing settings for structures on the same site and on adjoining and nearby sites. (b) Applicability Design review is required for: 73 This new section codifies the purposes of the existing design review guidelines and procedures from the “How To” guides for minor and final design review. We built this section from design related criteria for PUDs in the existing code, and revised the reference to consistency with surrounding character based on conversations with the Town that the phrase was overly limiting. Because minor design review is available only for modifications to an existing approval, we included it as a type of minor amendment, consistent with the new generally applicable common step. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.120. Design Review Town of Avon Page 53 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 1. All new buildings and structures; 2. Any expansion of an existing building or structure; and 3. Any external modification of an existing building or structure; and 4. Modification to a lot or site. (c) Procedures Figure 16.03-10 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply in the review of applications for design review. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Optional. An applicant may request a pre- application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b). 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The Town will process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). 4. Step 4: Notice Not applicable. 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Not applicable. 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) as modified by this section. (i) Decision-making authority The PZC shall have decision-making authority for design review. (ii) Review and Approval Criteria The PZC shall apply the following review and approval criteria: Figure 16.03-10: Design Review KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision PZC 5. Public Hearing(s) PZC CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.130. Alternative Compliance Determination Town of Avon Page 54 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (A) Relates the development to the character of the surrounding community; or, where redevelopment is anticipated, relates the development to the character of Avon as a whole; (B) Meets the development and design standards established in this Unified Code; and (C) Reflects the long range goals and design criteria from the Avon Comprehensive Plan and other applicable, adopted plan documents. 7. Termination A design review approval terminates two years after the approval date pursuant to Section 16.03.020(h). 8. Amendment In deciding a minor amendment to a design review approval, the Director shall consider the design standards of this code, applicable design guidelines of the Town, and the review and approval criteria in Step 7 of this section. 16.03.130 ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE DETERMINATION 74 (a) Purpose Alternative equivalent compliance is a procedure that allows development to meet the intent of the design-related provisions of this chapter through an alternative design. It is not a general waiver or weakening of regulations. Rather, the procedure permits a site- specific plan that is equal to or better than the strict application of a design standard specified in this Unified Code. This procedure is not intended as a substitute for a variance or administrative modification or a vehicle for relief from standards in this chapter. Alternative compliance shall apply only to the specific site for which it is requested and does not establish a precedent for assured approval of other requests. (b) Applicability 75 A request for alternative equivalent compliance shall be made concurrently with a site- specific application for a procedure identified in this chapter. The alternative equivalent compliance procedure shall be available only for the following sections of this Unified Code: 1. Section 16.07.xxx, Transportation, Mobility, and Connectivity; 2. Section 16.07.xxx, Landscaping and Screening Standards; 3. Section 16.07.xxx, Parking and Off-Street Loading; 4. Section 16.07.xxx, Residential Design Standards; 5. Section 16.07.xxx,, Commercial Design Standards; 74 This is a new procedure to add flexibility in the application of the Unified Code. As discussed in the diagnosis on page 57, alternative compliance determination allows the Town to approve a development proposal that does not meet written design requirements of the code if it meets the intent of the written regulation in a new or creative way. 75 This highlighted list of applicable provisions is a sample list. As we draft the development standards in Module 3, we will revisit a discussion with the Town about which standards should be included. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.130. Alternative Compliance Determination Town of Avon Page 55 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 6. Section 16.07.xxx,, Fences and Walls; and 7. Section 16.07.xxx, Lighting. (c) Procedures Figure 16.03-11 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply in alternative compliance determinations. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Optional. An applicant may request a pre- application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b). 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The Town will process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). 4. Step 4: Notice Applicable where the PZC or Council has decision-making authority as indicated under step 7. Not applicable where the Director has decision-making authority. 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Applicable where the PZC or Council has review or decision-making authority under step 7. Not applicable where the Director has decision-making authority. 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) as modified by this section. (i) Decision-making Authority Final approval of alternative equivalent compliance under this section shall be the responsibility of the decision- making body responsible for deciding the concurrent site-specific application. Figure 16.03-11: Alternative Compliance Determination KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision As for site-specific 5. Public Hearing(s) As for site-specific CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.140. Form-Based Development Town of Avon Page 56 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (ii) Review and Approval Criteria (A) The proposed alternative achieves the intent of the subject design or development standard to the same or better degree than the subject standard. (B) The proposed alternative achieves the goals and policies of the Avon Comprehensive Plan to the same or better degree than the subject standard. (C) The proposed alternative results in benefits to the community that are equivalent to or better than compliance with the subject standard. 16.03.140 FORM-BASED DEVELOPMENT 76 (a) Purpose This section is intended to provide for development pursuant to the various regulating plans77 in specific districts as adopted by the Town of Avon. It is the intent of the Town through this development process to encourage development that is: 1. Compact; 2. Pedestrian-oriented; 3. Mixed-use; 4. Designed spatially and architecturally to meet city standards; 5. Interconnected with surrounding development; 6. Sustainable and energy efficient; 7. Supportive of public transportation options; 8. Age and income diverse; and 9. A mix of development, community space, and open space. (b) Applicability The form-based development procedures are applicable in any area for which the Town has adopted a regulating plan.78 If an applicant would like to apply form-based development in a non-form-based area of Avon, the applicant must contact the Director to discuss the process of creating a regulating plan. 76 This is a new procedure for form-based approvals. This is a new procedure that would be used in form-based zoning districts. We’ve drafted this section with a typical approach to approving a form-based development once a regulating plan for the form-based district is adopted. A regulating plan is a plan adopted for a specific area that contains very detailed provisions to control the size, bulk, and massing of buildings, as well as elements of lot and site layout. Regulating plans are adopted as code amendments, and as such are approved by the PZC and Council. Because of the highly prescriptive nature of regulating plans, development that is consistent with a regulating plan is typically approved administratively. We will revisit the need for form-based approvals once we determine what zone districts we will be adding and how those districts will function. We will then and revise this procedures section accordingly. 77 We will define this term in the new Definitions chapter. 78 As regulating plans are added, these areas will need to be mapped. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.140. Form-Based Development Town of Avon Page 57 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (c) Procedures Figure 16.03-12 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply to form based development. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Optional. An applicant may request a pre- application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b). 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The Town will process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). 4. Step 4: Notice Not applicable. 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Not applicable. 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) as modified by this section. (i) Decision-making Authority The Director shall have decision-making authority for a form-based development approval. (ii) Review and Approval Criteria The Director shall review the application for compliance with the appropriate regulating plan. (A) If the application complies with the regulating plan, the Director shall approve the application. (B) If the application has deviations from the regulating plan that are not consistent with the regulating plan but may be justified by the stated intent of the plan, the Director shall notify the applicant. The applicant Figure 16.03-12: Form-based Development KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision Director 5. Public Hearing(s) CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.150. Development Plan Review Town of Avon Page 58 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 may request an alternative compliance determination, as described in Section 16.03.0x0, below. (C) If the application has deviations to the dimensional standards or other measurements of the regulating plan, the Director shall notify the applicant. The applicant may request a minor modification or variance, as described in Sections 16.030.150 and 16.030.110, respectively. The Town is prohibited from varying the following standards of a regulating plan: 79 (1) Maximum block perimeter and block face; (2) Minimum height requirement; (3) Required provision of real alleys; (4) Parking location standards; (5) Permission to build accessory buildings;; (6) Parking and density calculations; (7) Prohibited buildings or functions; (8) Architectural standards; and (9) Signage standards. (iii) Incentives To encourage the implementation of any regulating plan, the Council, in its sole discretion and to the extent authorized by state law, may grant one or more incentives in accordance with adopted policies for neighborhood and economic revitalization. The project owner or the Director may submit an application to the Council for consideration of appropriate incentives. 16.03.150 DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW 80 (a) Purpose The purpose of the development plan review process is to ensure compliance with the development and design standards and provisions of this Unified Code. It is designed to encourage quality development reflective of the goals, policies, and objectives of the comprehensive plan. 79 This list may need to be expanded or shortened. We will discuss with the Town what items should be included. 80 This section contains procedures related to development plan review for by-right uses. It allows a development plan that conforms to the Unified Code to be approved by staff, which is typical in most jurisdictions (“development plans” are more often called “site plans” in other communities). This updated procedure represents a significant change from existing Sections 17.12.020: Development – Approval of Plan Required – Procedure, and 17.12.030: Permit Requirement. The Council would hear appeals of staff decisions. Any application that does not conform to the code must also submit an alternative compliance determination application (Section 16.03.130.), or may be submitted under the minor modification, variance, or planned unit development procedure, as applicable. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.150. Development Plan Review Town of Avon Page 59 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (b) Applicability 1. Paragraph 3, below, identifies the types of development and design activities that require development plan approval. For land uses requiring a development plan review, such uses may be established in the Town, and building or land use permits may be issued, only after a development plan showing the proposed development has been approved in accordance with the procedures and requirements of this section. 2. Preliminary PUD review and approval serves as development plan review for the purposes of this section. 3. Types of Development Plan Review The following types of projects are subject to development plan approval: (i) All new uses and structures that are not part of a preliminary PUD application or preliminary subdivision plat; (ii) Any proposed redevelopment that meets or exceeds 20 percent increase in gross square footage or 50 percent increase in assessed valuation, with either measurement calculated over a five-year period. (iii) Relocation of development pads, buildings, or dwelling units for some practical reasons such as topography, road alignment or easements provided that the modification does not significantly alter the site design in terms of parking layouts, vehicular circulation, landscape design, and other similar components of the development plans; (iv) An increase or decrease in a proposed setback, provided Code requirements are still met; (v) A change in building design relating to items such as materials, colors, window, and door locations and mechanical units, provided the design remains essentially the same as that previously approved by the PZC or Council; (vi) A modification to a recreation area or open space design, but not elimination or a significant reduction; or (vii) A change in landscape design/plant types or parking lot/site revisions. (viii) Any change that may affect an adjoining residential neighborhood; (ix) Any request that would significantly alter the design of the site and/or building(s); or (x) A request to change or delete a condition of approval established by the PZC or Council. (c) Procedures Figure 16.03-13 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply in the review of applications for development plan review. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.150. Development Plan Review Town of Avon Page 60 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Optional. An applicant may request a pre- application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b). 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The Town will process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). 4. Step 4: Notice Not applicable. 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Not applicable. 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) as modified by this section. (i) Decision-making Authority The Director shall have decision-making authority for a development plan. (ii) Referral to Planning Commission The Director may refer to the PZC any application that in the Director’s opinion presents issues that requires PZC attention. (iii) Review and Approval Criteria (A) Evidence of substantial compliance with the purpose and intent provisions of the Unified Code as specified in Section 16.04.010; [Section 17.48.040] (B) Consistency with the Avon Comprehensive Plan; (C) Consistency with any previously approved subdivision plat, planned development, or any other precedent plan or land use approval as applicable; (D) Compliance with all applicable development and design standards set forth in this Code, including but not limited to the provisions in Figure 16.03-13: Development Plan Review KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision Director 5. Public Hearing(s) CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.160. Minor Modification Town of Avon Page 61 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 Chapter 16.04, Zoning Districts, Chapter 16.05, Use Regulations, and Chapter 16.06, Development Standards; and (E) That the development can be adequately served by city services including but not limited to roads, water, and wastewater. 7. Termination A development plan approval terminates two years after the approval date pursuant to Section 16.03.020(h). 8. Revocation 81 Approved site plan documents shall be binding upon the applicants and their successors and assigns. No permit shall be issued for any building or structure or use that is not in accord with the approved documents or any approved modifications thereto. The construction, location, use, or operation of all land and structures within the site shall conform to all conditions and limitations set forth in the documents. No structure, use, or other element of approved design review documents shall be eliminated, altered, or provided in another manner unless an amended site plan is approved. Any deviation from the approved development plan as approved shall be grounds for revocation of the development plan approval. 16.03.160 MINOR MODIFICATION 82 (a) Purpose This section sets forth the required review and approval procedures for “minor modifications,” that are minor deviations from otherwise applicable standards that may be approved by the Director. Minor modifications are to be used when the small size of the modification requested and the unlikelihood of any adverse effects on nearby properties or the neighborhood make it unnecessary to seek a formal variance. (b) Applicability 1. Minor Modifications to Development Standards (i) The Director may approve minor modifications of up to a maximum of ten percent from the following general development and zoning district standards, provided that the applicable approval criteria below are met. (A) Minimum lot area requirements (B) Setback requirements; and 81 This new revocation provision clarifies that any deviation from the approved development plan is grounds for revocation of the approval. This provision eliminates the need to record separately any district waivers to which the applicant agrees as a condition of approval. 82 This new minor modification section adds a new procedural alternative to the full PUD or variance procedures for development that seeks only small deviations from codified standards. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.160. Minor Modification Town of Avon Page 62 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (C) Quantitative development standards set forth in Chapter 16:06; Development Standards (e.g., percentage of site landscaping, number of parking spaces, etc.). (ii) The maximum allowable modification is calculated by applying the ten percent modification to the resulting units derived from the application of the numerical development standard in the Unified Code, rounded to the nearest whole number. 2. Limitations on Authority to Grant Minor Modifications In no circumstance shall the Director approve a minor modification that results in: (i) An increase in overall project density; (ii) A change in permitted uses or mix of uses; (iii) An increase in building height; (iv) A deviation from the use-specific standards in Section 16.05.xx; (v) A change in conditions attached to the approval of any site plan or conditional use permit; (vi) A change to a development feature already modified through a variance or minor modification; (vii) A deviation from the flood damage prevention standards in Section 16.06.xx; (viii) A deviation from the sensitive area protection standards in Section 16.06.xx; (ix) A deviation from the roadway standards, as set forth in Section 16.07.xx; or (x) Requirements for sanitary sewer, water, and access to or construction of utilities. (c) Procedures Figure 16.03-14 shows the steps of the common development review procedures that apply in the review of applications for a minor modification. The common procedures are described in Section 16.03.020: Common Procedures and Requirements. Specific additions and modifications to the common review procedures are identified below. 1. Step 1: Pre-application Conference Optional. An applicant may request a pre-application conference pursuant to Section 16.03.020(a). 2. Step 2: Application Submittal Figure 16.08-2: Minor modifications of up to ten percent may be approved administratively. In this instance, a one foot modification to the 10-foot side yard setback may be approved by the Director. Example: 10-foot side yard setback CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.170. Vested Property Right Town of Avon Page 63 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 Applicable. The applicant shall submit a complete application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(b). 3. Step 3: Application Processing Applicable. The Town will process the application pursuant to Section 16.03.020(c). 4. Step 4: Notice Not applicable. 5. Step 5: Public Hearings Not applicable. 6. Step 6: Review and Decision Applicable. Review and decision shall be conducted pursuant to Section 16.03.020(f) as modified by this section. (i) Decision-making Authority The Director shall have decision-making authority for a minor modification. (ii) Review and Approval Criteria (A) Evidence of substantial compliance with the purpose and intent provisions of the Unified Code as specified in Section 16.04.010; [Section 17.48.040] and (B) Compatibility with surrounding land uses. [Section 16.20.040] 7. Termination An approved minor modification terminates at the time of the original approval. Minor modification of an approval does not extend the lapse period of the original approval. 16.03.170 VESTED PROPERTY RIGHT 83 (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to provide procedures necessary to implement the provisions of Article 68 of Title 24, C.R.S., as amended. [Section 17.14. 010] 83 This section is carried forward from the existing code with minimal changes. The vested property rights procedure is distinct from other application types. It is not organized along the common steps. We believe that the Town may have recently modified this section. Please advise regarding any necessary changes. Figure 16.03-14: Minor Modification KEY Step is applicable Step is optional Step is not applicable Figure illustrates typical procedure. Exceptions may apply as noted in the text. 1. Pre-application Conference 2. Application Submittal 3. Application Processing 4. Notice 6. Review and Decision Director 5. Public Hearing(s) CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.170. Vested Property Right Town of Avon Page 64 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (b) Definitions As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. “Site-specific development plan” means a planned unit development plan together with a development agreement approved pursuant to the Unified Code. 2. “Vested property right” means the right to undertake and complete the development and use of property under the terms and conditions of a site specific development plan. [Section 17.14. 020] (c) Applicability A vested property right shall be deemed to have been created only upon the approval of a site-specific development plan. [Section 17.14. 030] (d) Procedures Procedures for a vested property right shall be as indicated in this section. 1. Creation of Vested Property Right (i) No site-specific development plan shall be approved until after public hearings in compliance with the Unified Code. [Section 17.14. 040] (ii) Each map, plat, site plan, or other document constituting a site specific development plan shall contain the following language: “Approval of this plan constitutes a vested property right pursuant to Article 68 of Title 24, C.R.S., as amended.” The failure of the document constituting a site specific development plan to contain this language shall invalidate the creation of the vested property right. (iii) A notice generally describing the type and intensity of the use approved and the specific parcel or parcels affected, and stating that a vested property right has been created, shall be published once by the landowner in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town not more than 14 days after final adoption of the ordinance approving the site specific development plan. [Section 17.14. 050] (iv) The establishment of a vested property right shall not preclude the application of ordinances or regulations that are general in nature and are applicable to all property subject to land use regulation by the Town, including but not limited to the regulations contained in Title 15 of the Avon Municipal Code. [Section 17.14. 070] 2. Duration of Vested Property Right (i) A property right vested pursuant to this chapter after June 1, 2006, shall remain vested for a period designated in a development agreement, not to exceed five years; provided that nothing contained in this Subsection shall be construed so as to prevent the Council from agreeing as a part of the development agreement for extensions of the period of vesting upon further public hearing and demonstration by the landowner that it meets the conditions for such extension contained in the development agreement and that the site-specific development plan complies with the comprehensive plan in effect at the time of consideration of the extension. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.180. Appeal Town of Avon Page 65 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (ii) Any site-specific development plan for a multiple-phase development approved after June 1, 2006, may have separate vesting created for each phase. The vesting for any subsequent phase may be contingent upon completion of the preceding phase and review by the Council. Such review shall include but not be limited to whether the landowner or developer is in compliance with its obligations to the Town, including but not limited to the site-specific development plan, the development agreement, and any other agreements between the landowner and the Town, as they may have been amended from time to time. (iii) The rights vested by any site-specific development plan approved after June 1, 2006, may be terminated, upon a finding of a material breach of any condition of approval of the plan or any component thereof, including the failure of the landowner to comply with the terms and conditions of the development agreement, the site-specific development plan, a related subdivision improvements agreement or any other agreement related to that development. Any such hearing shall be initiated by the adoption by the Council of an order and notice to show cause, which shall describe the basis on which termination is sought. [Section 17.14. 060] 3. Effect of Termination on Dedications The termination of a vested property right shall have no effect upon public streets, alleys, or rights-of-way previously dedicated with respect to such property. [Section 17.14. 090] 16.03.180 APPEAL 84 (a) Purpose The purpose of the appeal procedure is to provide a means of relief in the event that a decision of the Director, DRB, or PZC relating to this Unified Code is made in error. (b) Applicability Only a final decision of a Town decision-making body or official may be appealed. Recommendations made by a review body or official may not be appealed. 1. Decisions of the Director, Design Review Board, and Planning and Zoning Commission Decisions of the Director, DRB, and PZC may be appealed to the Council pursuant to this section. 2. Decisions of the Council 85 A decision of the Council is final. An aggrieved person may appeal a decision of the Council to the district court or to another state or federal court of competent jurisdiction. 84 This section has been carried forward from Section 2.16.160, Appeal of Decisions, and expanded to apply to decisions of the Director and DRB. The appeals procedures are distinct from other procedures, and have not been organized using the common steps. 85 This is a new provision to specify that decisions of the Council cannot be appealed except in court. CHAPTER 16.03: Review and Approval Procedures Section 16.03.180. Appeal Town of Avon Page 66 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (c) Procedures Procedures for appeals shall be as indicated in this section. 1. Application Submittal An appeal shall be filed pursuant to this section. (i) Initiation An appeal may be filed by the applicant or any interested person, or may be reviewed at the request of a majority of the Council. An “interested person” is an adjacent property owner or a person entitled to have notice of the hearing mailed to him or her in association with the action of the decision officer or body (ii) Timing Each appeal must be filed within 15 days86 of the date of the decision and must be accompanied by the appeal processing fee established by the Council. 87 2. Notice Notice of public hearing(s) is required pursuant to Section 16.03.020(d). 3. Public Hearings The Council shall review the action of the decision-making body or officer in a public hearing. 4. Decision (i) Council shall, in writing, confirm, modify, or reverse the decision within 30 days of the filing of the appeal or request for review. If it deems insufficient information is available to provide the basis for a sound decision, the Council may postpone final action for not more than 30 additional days in order that the applicant may provide additional information. Failure of the Council to act within the 30 additional days shall be deemed action confirming the decision unless the applicant consents to an additional time extension. (ii) Any decision by the Council that results in action modifying or reversing the decision of a Town body or officer shall describe the specific reasons for the modification or reversal. (iii) Action of the Council shall become final immediately. [Section 2.16.160] 86 C.R.S. 31-23-207 allows 30 days for the filing of an appeal. Does the Town want to revise this timing? It also appears that the 30 days in which to make a decision in section 4(i) below may be a misinterpretation of the 30 days to file an appeal. If this timeframe is working, we will leave it alone. The town attorney is reviewing this section. 87 This section on fees was revised to reference the schedule set by the Council rather than a set fee. Town of Avon Page 67 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 CHAPTER 16.04: ZONE DISTRICT REGULATIONS [Forthcoming in Module 2] CHAPTER 16.05: Use Regulations Section 16.03.180. Appeal Town of Avon Page 68 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 CHAPTER 16.05: USE REGULATIONS [Forthcoming in Module 2] CHAPTER 16.06: Development Standards Section 16.03.180. Appeal Town of Avon Page 69 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 CHAPTER 16.06: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS [Forthcoming in Module 3] CHAPTER 16.07: Design and Improvement Standards Section 16.03.180. Appeal Town of Avon Page 70 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 CHAPTER 16.07: DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS [Forthcoming in Module 3] CHAPTER 16.08: Violations, Enforcement, and Penalities Section 16.08.010. Violations Town of Avon Page 71 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 CHAPTER 16.08: VIOLATIONS, ENFORCEMENT, AND PENALITIES 88 16.08.010 VIOLATIONS 89 (a) Violations 1. Activity Inconsistent with the Unified Code (i) The erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, moving, conversion, or maintenance of any building or structure and the use of any land, structure, or building that is continued, operated, or maintained contrary to any provisions of this Unified Code is declared to be a violation of the Unified Code and unlawful. [Section 17.124.070] (ii) No permit issued pursuant to this Unified Code shall remain in force and effect if the use or structure authorized therein becomes nonconforming, However, if, subsequent to and in reliance upon the issuance of the permit, an applicant has so substantially changed his position or incurred extensive obligations and expenses that it would be highly inequitable and unjust to destroy the rights acquired by issuance of the permit, then such permit shall not be invalidated and the approved development shall be allowed to proceed to completion if not otherwise unlawful. [Section 17.12.040] 2. Activity Inconsistent with a Permit or Approval 90 Any activity that inconsistent with the terms and conditions of any permit or approval issued under the Unified Code, including but not limited failure to construct or maintain required improvements in accordance with the conditions of approval, is a violation of the Unified Code. [Section 16.12.060] 3. Permit or Approval Based on Materially False Information Any building permit or approval authorized by the Unified Code that is issued in reliance upon any materially false statement in the development application or in supporting documents or oral statements, is void ab initio and shall be revoked. [Section 17.12.040] 4. Transfer, Sale, or Lease of Interest Prior to Subdivision Plan Approval It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to transfer, sell, lease, or agree to sell or lease any lot, tract, parcel, site, separate interest (including a leasehold interest), condominium interest, timeshare estate, or any other division within a subdivision within the Town until such subdivision has been approved in writing by the Council and a plat thereof recorded in the office of the Eagle County Clerk and Recorder; provided, however, that a written agreement to sell or lease a 88 As indicated in the diagnosis on page 59, this new chapter combines the enforcement and penalty provisions from both the subdivision and zoning regulations, and incorporates appropriate cross-references to procedures in other applicable titles of the municipal code. 89 This section identifies the various types of violations to the Unified Code. It is based on Sections 16.12.060: (Subdivision) Suspension of Approval, 17.12.070: (Zoning) Violations – Penalties and Remedies 90 We expanded this provision from the existing, narrower application. CHAPTER 16.08: Violations, Enforcement, and Penalities Section 16.08.020. Enforcement and Penalties Town of Avon Page 72 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 condominium unit that is expressly conditioned upon approval of the Council of the final plat, condominium map, and condominium declarations shall not constitute a violation so long as the project as to which the agreement relates has been approved by the design review board and so long as the preliminary plan has been approved by the Council. [Section 16.52.020] 5. Public Nuisance Violations of this code may coincide with actions or conditions that are identified as a public nuisance in Chapter 8.24 of the Avon Municipal Code. When that is the case, the Director may proceed under this Unified Code or the procedures of Chapter 8.24. (b) Persons Liable 91 The owner, tenant, or occupant of any building or land, or any part of the building or land, and any architect, builder, contractor, agent, or other person who participates in, assists, directs, creates, or maintains any situation that is contrary to the requirements of the Unified Code or a permit or approval issued pursuant to the Unified Code, may be held responsible for the violation and be subject to the penalties and remedies provided in this section. (c) Violations Cumulative Any person violating any of the provisions of the Unified Code shall be deemed to have committed a civil infraction for each and every day or portion of a day during which any infraction is committed, continued, or permitted. [Section 17.124.070] 16.08.020 ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES 92 (a) Enforcement 1. Right of Entry (i) Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of the Unified Code, or whenever the Director has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any violation of the Unified Code, the Director may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the Director by the Unified Code; provided that if such building or premises are occupied, the Director shall first present proper credentials and demand entry; and if such building or premises are unoccupied, the Director shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and demand entry. (ii) Should entry be refused, the Director shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry. When the Director shall have first obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occupant or any other person having charge, 91 This is a new section to clarify who may be held liable for a violation. 92 This section identifies the range of enforcement measures available to the Town and penalties that may result from violations. It is based on material in existing Sections 16.52: (Subdivision) Enforcement and Penalty and 17.12.080: Enforcement – Planning Director – Right of Entry. CHAPTER 16.08: Violations, Enforcement, and Penalities Section 16.08.020. Enforcement and Penalties Town of Avon Page 73 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 care, or control of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper demand is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the Director for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to the Unified Code. (iii) Any person failing or refusing to permit entry shall be deemed to have committed a violation of this section. [Section 17.12.080] 2. Procedures Upon Discovery of a Violation 93 (i) If the Director finds that any provision of the Unified Code is being violated, the Director shall send a written notice to the person responsible for such violation, indicating the nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it. Additional written notices may be sent at the Director’s discretion. (ii) The building official may order a stop-work order pursuant to Section 15.08.090 of the Avon Municipal Code. (iii) If the person responsible for the violation does not take action to correct the violation within 30 days of the first notice, a final written notice shall be sent by certified mail with return receipt required to the owner of record of the subject property, or to the homeowners association, as applicable. The final written notice shall state the action the Director intends to take if the violation is not corrected and shall advise that the Director’s decision or order may be appealed to the Council, pursuant to Section 16.02.170: Appeal. (iv) Following an appeal to the Council or failure to file a timely appeal of a decision, or notwithstanding the foregoing, when a delay would seriously threaten the effective enforcement of the Unified Code, or pose a danger to the public health, safety, and welfare, the Director may immediately issue an order for compliance by personal service, posting of the property, or certified mail with return receipt required to the owner of record of the subject property, or to the homeowner’s association, as applicable, and seek enforcement through the municipal court as authorized in Chapter 1.09 of the Avon Municipal Code. (b) Remedies and Penalties 94 1. Penalties (i) Any person violating any of the provisions of the Unified Code shall be subject to the penalties contained in Chapter 1.09 of the Avon Municipal Code. Any remedies provided for in this section shall be cumulative and not exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies provided by law. 93 This section updates existing violation procedures in Sections 16.12.060 (Subdivision) and 17.12.070 (Zoning). The major substantive change is away from requiring a hearing prior to revocation of a plat that was approved based on materially false information. Instead, the generally applicable administrative enforcement process, with appeal available to the Council, applies. 94 As indicated in the diagnosis on page 59, the existing zoning and subdivision titles have very few remedies (only revocation of approvals and civil penalties) compared to many jurisdictions. We added substantially to this section to authorize other remedies, including a stop-work order, withholding of entitlements, injunctive relief, and abatement. CHAPTER 16.08: Violations, Enforcement, and Penalities Section 16.08.020. Enforcement and Penalties Town of Avon Page 74 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 (ii) The imposition of any penalty under this Unified Code shall not preclude the Town or affected property owner from instituting any appropriate action or proceeding to require compliance with the provisions of this Unified Code. [Section 17.12.070] 2. Civil Infraction Every person violating any provision of this Unified Code shall be deemed to have committed a civil infraction for each and every day or portion of a day during which any infraction is committed, continued, or permitted and shall be subject to the penalties contained in Chapter 1.09 of the Avon Municipal Code. 3. Revocation and Invalidation of Approvals and Permits 95 Any entitlement or other form of authorization required under this Unified Code may be revoked, after notice and a hearing by the Council within one month of a request by the Director, when the Director determines that: (A) There is a departure from the approved plans, specifications, limitations, or conditions as required under the entitlement; (B) The entitlement was procured by false representation; (C) The entitlement was issued in error; (D) There is a violation of any provision of this Unified Code; or (E) Public improvements are not constructed in accordance with the approved final plat and supplemental information.. No work or construction shall proceed after service of the notice of revocation hearing, except to correct the alleged violation. Upon determination of a violation and issuance of a revocation order by the Town Council, no work or construction shall proceed except to comply with the revocation order. Once conditions for resumption of work have been met, the Director shall rescind the notice of revocation hearing or revocation order. 4. Deny/Withhold Entitlements The Town may deny or withhold all entitlements, including building permits, certificates of occupancy, business licenses, or other forms of authorization to use or develop any land, structure, or improvements, until an alleged violation, associated civil penalty, and/or lien resulting from a previous final order related to such property, use, or development is corrected. This provision shall apply whether or not the current owner or applicant for the permit or other approval is responsible for the violation. 5. Injunctive Relief The Director may seek injunctive relief or other appropriate relief in any court of competent jurisdiction against any person who fails to comply with any provision 95 We replaced the existing revocation provisions of the subdivision regulation (Section 16.12.060) with this language to enhance clarity and broaden applicability. The broader language will encompass a range of deviations from the code or approval. This lays groundwork that, coupled with a new maintenance provision in the development standards chapter, will allow the town to require maintenance of elements of site plans such as vegetated roofs (as discussed on pages 18-19 and 58 of the diagnosis). CHAPTER 16.08: Violations, Enforcement, and Penalities Section 16.08.020. Enforcement and Penalties Town of Avon Page 75 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 of this Unified Code or any requirement or condition imposed pursuant to this Unified Code. In any court proceedings in which the Town seeks a preliminary injunction, it shall be presumed that a violation of this Unified Code is a real, immediate, and irreparable injury to the public; that the public will be irreparably injured by the continuation of the violation unless the violation is enjoined; and that there is no plain and adequate remedy at law for the subject violation. 6. Abatement 96 The Town may abate a violation pursuant chapter 8.24 of the Avon Municipal Code and as follows: (i) Investigation – Abatement Notice (A) The Town Manager or any person specifically authorized by the Town Manager shall investigate into every public nuisance within the Town, and the Town Manager shall have the power to deliver a request for abatement to any person or persons in control of any public nuisance. (B) Any request for abatement delivered by the Town Manager shall be in writing and shall state the nature of the nuisance or nuisances which are to be abated, and shall specify a reasonable time within which such nuisance or nuisances are to be abated. (C) It is the duty of any person or persons in control of any public nuisance within the Town to abate the nuisance, upon receiving a request for abatement from the Town Manager, within the time specified in the request. (D) In the event a person fails or refuses to abate any nuisance within 24 hours of notification of the existence of such notice, or in the event the Town is unable to deliver written notice to any person responsible for the correction of such nuisance, the Town may proceed to correct such nuisance, in which event the cost of such correction, together with a 15 percent charge for administration, interest upon such costs and administrative expenses at the rate of 18 percent per year, and all costs of collection shall be recoverable against any person determined to be responsible for the existence of such nuisance. (ii) Abatement Procedure (A) In addition to any procedure authorized by this chapter, the Town Manager may direct the town attorney to bring an action in the municipal court for the Town to abate and restrain any violation set forth in this chapter within the Town; provided that no action to abate and restrain any such violation shall operate as a bar to any subsequent proceedings for the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter where the violation occurred prior to the action to abate or restrain the nuisance, but no testimony given by the defendant at any hearing in an action to abate or restrain the violation shall be admissible against him or her in any proceeding under this chapter instituted for any violation 96 In this section, we inserted the provisions from chapter 8.24 of the Avon Municipal Code with minor formatting revisions. Alternatively, we could simply cross-reference chapter 8.24. CHAPTER 16.08: Violations, Enforcement, and Penalities Section 16.08.020. Enforcement and Penalties Town of Avon Page 76 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 of the provisions of this Unified Code occurring subsequent to the hearing. (B) In addition to, or in place of, the remedy provided in paragraph (a) above, the amount owing pursuant to any fine or penalty imposed pursuant to this chapter may be caused to be a lien against the property on which the violation was found to exist by the recording of a notice of lien. Such lien may be foreclosed upon in the same manner as the foreclosure of a mechanics lien pursuant to the Colorado Revised Statutes. Town of Avon Page 77 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 CHAPTER 16.09: DEFINITIONS [Forthcoming in Modules 2 and 3] Town of Avon Page 78 Module 1: Administration ZAC Draft | April 2009 APPENDICES FORM AND CONTENT OF REQUIRED STUDIES AND REPORTS [This section to be delivered with Chapter 16-06: Development Standards, in module 3. The need for studies and requirements for what will be included will be clearer in context of the enhanced baseline development standards.]   PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t s / P u b l i c    Be n e f i t s  Me m o r a n d u m      TOW N  OF  AVO N , COL O R A D O   UNI F I E D  LAN D  USE  COD E  PRE P A R A T I O N      APR I L  2009      CLA R I O N  ASS O C I A T E S   62 1  17 th  St r e e t ,  Su i t e  22 5 0   De n v e r ,  CO  80 2 3 0   30 3 / 8 3 0 ‐28 9 0   ww w . c l a r i o n a s s o c i a t e s . c o m      To w n  of  Av o n               2  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9      Co n t e n t s   1. 0   In t r o d u c t i o n  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3  2. 0   Pl a n n e d U n i t D e v e l o p m e n t s  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4  De f i n i n g  th e  Is s u e  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .  4  Ap p r o a c h  to  Ac t i o n  1:  Re d u c e  th e  Us e  of  PU D  fo r  De v e l o p m e n t  Ap p r o v a l s  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6  Wh a t  Op t i o n s  ar e  Av a i l a b l e  to  Re d u c e  th e  Re l i a n c e  on  PU D s ?  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .7   Es t a b l i s h i n g  De v e l o p m e n t  Pa r a m e t e r s  an d  Ta r g e t  Lo c a t i o n s  fo r  PU D s  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .8   Wh a t  Wo u l d  an  Up d a t e d  PU D  Pr o c e s s  Lo o k  Li k e ?  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12   3. 0   Up d a t i n g t h e Z o n e D i s t r i c t s  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15   De f i n i n g  th e  Is s u e  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .  15   Ap p r o a c h  to  Ac t i o n  1:  Up d a t e  th e  Ex i s t i n g  Di s t r i c t s  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16   Im p l e m e n t  th e  Av o n  Fu t u r e  La n d  Us e  Pl a n  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16   Up d a t e d  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t  Ch a r t  – Re s i d e n t i a l  Di s t r i c t s  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22   Up d a t e d  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t  Ch a r t  – Co m m e r c i a l  an d  Mi x e d ‐Us e  Di s t r i c t s  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25   Ap p r o a c h  to  Ac t i o n  2:  Co n s i d e r  Es t a b l i s h i n g  a Pr o c e s s  fo r  Co n v e r t i n g  Ex i s t i n g  PU D s  to  St a n d a r d  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t s  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28   4. 0   UP D A T E T H E P U B L I C B E N E F I T S P R O C E S S  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29   De f i n i n g  th e  Is s u e  ‐   .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .  29   Wh e r e  Do e s  th e  Pu b l i c  Be n e f i t  Re q u i r e m e n t  Co m e  Fr o m ?  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30   Ap p r o a c h  To  Ac t i o n  1:  Ad o p t  A Pu b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me n u  Or  Po i n t  Sy s t e m  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31   Ap p r o a c h  to  Ac t i o n  2:  Cl a r i f y  Pu b l i c  Be n e f i t s  Ea r l y  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34   Ap p r o a c h  to  Ac t i o n  3:  Es t a b l i s h  Pl a n n i n g  Pr i o r i t i e s  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34     Purpose  Th e p u r p o s e o f t h i s m e m o i s to p r o v i d e a d d i t i o n a l in f o r m a t i o n a b o u t h o w w e ca n a p p r o a c h t h e P U D / Zo n e D i s t r i c t / P u b l i c B e n e f i t s is s u e t h r o u g h t h e d r a f t i n g pr o c e s s . Th i s m e m o i s f o r t h e co n s i d e r a t i o n o f s t a f f , Z A C , Pl a n n i n g a n d Z o n i n g Co m m i s s i o n , a n d t h e T o w n Co u n c i l . Yo u r r e s p o n s e w i l l g u i d e ho w w e a p p r o a c h t h e s e is s u e s i n M o d u l e 2 .  To w n  of  Av o n               3  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9    1. 0 IN T R O D U C T I O N Du r i n g   ou r   re c e n t   an a l y s i s   of   th e   To w n   of   Av o n ’ s   ex i s t i n g   la n d   us e   de v e l o p m e n t   re g u l a t i o n s   an d   fo l l o w ‐up   me e t i n g s   wi t h   to w n   st a f f ,   th e   zo n i n g   ad v i s o r y   co m m i t t e e   (Z A C ) ,   an d   th e   to w n   co u n c i l ,   we   id e n t i f i e d   an d   di s c u s s e d   a  ma j o r   re g u l a t o r y   is s u e   th a t   af f e c t s   th e   ov e r a l l   us e   of   bo t h   th e   zo n i n g   an d   su b d i v i s i o n   re g u l a t i o n s .    St a t e d   si m p l y ,  fo r  a va r i e t y  of  re a s o n s  th e  co n v e n t i o n a l  di s t r i c t  sy s t e m  (a n d   at t e n d a n t   de v e l o p m e n t 1  an d   su b d i v i s i o n   st a n d a r d s 2)  is   no t   fu n c t i o n i n g ,   an d   bo t h   th e   to w n   an d   de v e l o p m e n t   co m m u n i t y   ha v e   de f a u l t e d   to   th e   PU D   pr o c e s s   to   fi l l   th i s   vo i d .    As   a  re s u l t ,   ne w   de v e l o p m e n t   pr o j e c t s   of   al l   sh a p e s   an d   si z e s   ar e   ha n d l e d   th r o u g h   a  ge n e r a l   an d   ge n e r i c   ne g o t i a t e d   pr o c e s s .    Fo r   th e   pu r p o s e s   of   th i s   me m o ,  we  wi l l  ca l l  th i s  pr o b l e m  th e  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t  is s u e .    To   re s o l v e   th e   PU D / Z o n e   Di s t r i c t   is s u e ,   we   wi l l   ne e d   to   ad d r e s s   th e   th r e e  ma i n  wo r k i n g  pa r t s  of  th e  pr o b l e m :    1. Re v i s i n g   th e   pl a n n e d   un i t   de v e l o p m e n t   pr o c e s s   to   ta r g e t   mo r e   co m p l e x / l a r g e r   pr o j e c t s   or   pr o j e c t s   lo c a t e d   in   sp e c i f i c   ge o g r a p h i c   ar e a s ,   an d   to   fu n c t i o n   as   on e   of   mu l t i p l e   ty p e s   of   de v e l o p m e n t  ap p l i c a t i o n s ;   2. Up d a t i n g   th e   zo n e   di s t r i c t s   to   pr o v i d e   a  mo r e   co m p l e t e   fr a m e w o r k   fo r   de v e l o p m e n t   in   Av o n   –  pa r t i c u l a r l y   fo r   sm a l l e r ,                                                                                                                                   1 In  th i s  me m o ,  wh e n  we  re f e r  to  de v e l o p m e n t  st a n d a r d s ,  we  me a n  re q u i r e m e n t s   su c h  as :  la n d s c a p i n g ,  pa r k i n g ,  si t e  de s i g n ,  ar c h i t e c t u r a l  de s i g n ,  li g h t i n g ,  an d  op e n   sp a c e .   2 In  th i s  me m o ,  wh e n  we  re f e r  to  su b d i v i s i o n  st a n d a r d s ,  we  me a n  re q u i r e m e n t s  fo r   pu b l i c  fa c i l i t i e s  an d  se r v i c e s  su c h  as  st r e e t s ,  si d e w a l k s ,  wa t e r ,  se w e r ,  an d   st o r m w a t e r .   Cu r r e n t D e v e l o p m e n t P r o c e s s 1. S u b m i t P U D a p p l i c a t i o n 2. N e g o t i a t e D e v e l o p m e n t St a n d a r d s (d e n s i t y , u s e , d e s i g n , b e n e f i t s ) 3. E n f o r c e i n d i v i d u a l st a n d a r d s o r am e n d e n t i r e p r o j e c t Re v i s e d D e v e l o p m e n t P r o c e s s 1. E s t a b l i s h Z o n e D i s t r i c t s a n d De v e l o p m e n t S t a n d a r d s 2A . D e v e l o p a s b y - r i g h t pr o j e c t o r a p p l y fo r r e z o n i n g 3A . E n f o r c e e x i s t i n g re g u l a t i o n s 2B . D e v e l o p a s P U D i f co m p l e x o r T o w n C e n t e r project 3B . N e g o t i a t e ap p l i c a b l e d e n s i t y , u s e s , an d s t a n d a r d s  To w n  of  Av o n               4  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9      le s s   co m p l e x   pr o j e c t s   –  an d   to   im p l e m e n t   th e   co m p r e h e n s i v e   pl a n ;  an d   3. Cl e a r l y   sp e c i f y i n g   ho w   pu b l i c   be n e f i t   re q u i r e m e n t s   wo r k   wi t h i n   th e  de v e l o p m e n t  ap p r o v a l  fr a m e w o r k .      In  Se c t i o n  2,  we  ex p l o r e  th e  ro l e  of  pl a n n e d  un i t  de v e l o p m e n t  in  th e   ov e r a l l   re g u l a t o r y   fr a m e w o r k .    We   id e n t i f y   st e p s   th e   to w n   ca n   ta k e   to   re d u c e   th e   us e   of   PU D   de v e l o p m e n t   th r o u g h   li m i t i n g   PU D s   to   co m p l e x   pr o j e c t s   an d   ta r g e t e d   lo c a t i o n s   in   Av o n   wh e r e   th e   PU D   is   th e   be s t   me t h o d   to   bo t h   va r y   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s   an d   ac h i e v e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s .    In   Se c t i o n   3,   we   di s c u s s   ho w   cr e a t i n g   ne w   zo n e   di s t r i c t s  wi t h  es t a b l i s h e d   de n s i t i e s  an d  us e s  (a n d   la t e r   in   th e  pr o j e c t   ad d i n g   ba s e l i n e   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s )   wi l l   pr o v i d e   th e   in f o r m a t i o n   th a t   de v e l o p e r s   an d   pr o p e r t y   ow n e r s   ne e d   to   ma k e   a  ch o i c e   be t w e e n   de v e l o p i n g   un d e r   ex i s t i n g  zone districts and  st a n d a r d s   or   su b m i t t i n g   a  mo r e   co m p l e x  and detailed PUD  ap p l i c a t i o n .    We   pr o v i d e   an   ov e r v i e w   of   our recommended zone  di s t r i c t   li n e ‐up   to   il l u s t r a t e   ho w   a  mo r e   traditional review and  de v e l o p m e n t   pr o c e s s   th a t   em p l o y s   zo n e   di s t r i c t s  with specific uses,  de n s i t i e s ,   an d   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s   wi l l  implement the Avon  Co m p r e h e n s i v e   La n d   Us e   Pl a n .    An d   in   Se c t i o n  4, we explore how  bo t h   th e   to w n   an d   de v e l o p m e n t   co m m u n i t y  benefit from clear and  ea r l y   id e n t i f i c a t i o n   of   re q u i r e d   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s  to make choices  ab o u t  ho w  an d  wh e t h e r  a pr o j e c t  sh o u l d  pr o c e e d .        2. 0 PL A N N E D U N I T D E V E L O P M E N T S DEF I N I N G  TH E  ISS U E   He r e  is  th e  is s u e  as  we  st a t e d  it  in  th e  Av o n  Di a g n o s i s :    Th e m e  1:    Mo d e r n i z e  th e  Pl a n n e d  Un i t  De v e l o p m e n t  Pr o c e s s .       Th e   To w n   of   Av o n   cu r r e n t l y   us e s   PU D   ap p r o v a l   fo r   th e   ma j o r i t y   of   pr o j e c t s .    Li k e   ma n y   co m m u n i t i e s ,   Av o n   ha s   ad o p t e d   th i s   ap p r o a c h   to   pr o v i d e   fl e x i b i l i t y   in   de v e l o p m e n t   de s i g n   an d   ap p r o v a l .    Ch o o s i n g   to   ma k e   ev e r y t h i n g   a  PU D ,   ho w e v e r ,   ha s   fo u r   me a s u r a b l e   im p a c t s   on   th e   de v e l o p m e n t   pr o c e s s .    Fi r s t ,   st a f f   an d   to w n   of f i c i a l s   re p e a t e d l y   ne g o t i a t e   ma n y   fa c e t s   of   de v e l o p m e n t  ‐   in c l u d i n g   us e s ,   de n s i t i e s ,  de v e l o p m e n t  an d  di m e n s i o n a l  st a n d a r d s  ‐   ma n y  it e m s  th a t   co u l d   be   st a n d a r d i z e d   fo r   a  mo r e   ef f i c i e n t ,   quicker review.  Second,  de v e l o p e r s  di s c o u n t  th e  ro l e  of  th e  pl a n n i n g  and zoning commission.   Th i r d ,   PU D   ap p r o v a l   is   a  tw o ‐st e p   pr o c e s s  that may involve  si g n i f i c a n t   ti m e   la g   be t w e e n   ap p r o v a l s ,   during which time the  to w n ’ s   po l i c i e s   to w a r d   de v e l o p m e n t   ma y   ch a n g e .   And fourth, this  ap p r o a c h  to  la n d  re g u l a t i o n  cr e a t e s  lo n g ‐te r m ,  future administrative  he a d a c h e s   by   es s e n t i a l l y   cr e a t i n g   do z e n s   of  site‐specific mini‐zoning  Go a l Re v i s e P U D p r o c e s s t o e n c o u r a g e a p p l i c a b i l i t y t o co m p l e x , s o p h i s t i c a t e d p r o j e c t s a n d p r o j e c t s lo c a t e d i n t h e A v o n T o w n C e n t e r  To w n  of  Av o n               5  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   co d e s .    In d e e d ,   ma n y   co m m u n i t i e s   th a t   ha v e   pu r s u e d  th i s  ap p r o a c h ,   li k e  Av o n ,  ar e  no w  st a r t i n g  to  re i n  in  th e  PU D  ap p r o v a l s  an d  mo v e  to   a re g u l a t o r y  pr o c e s s  th a t  pr o v i d e s  mo r e  ce r t a i n t y  an d  ef f i c i e n c y .    De s p i t e   th e s e   im p a c t s ,   so m e   ma y   as k   wh y   li m i t i n g   PU D   is   ap p r o p r i a t e   be c a u s e   it   is   a  us e f u l   an d   fl e x i b l e   to o l .    Wh i l e   th i s   is   tr u e ,  us e  of  PU D  in  Av o n  go e s  be y o n d  it s  in t e n d e d  pu r p o s e .       Pl a n n e d   Un i t   De v e l o p m e n t s   ar e   es s e n t i a l l y   ne g o t i a t e d   zo n i n g   “d e a l s ”  th a t  su p e r s e d e  th e  zo n i n g  an d  su b d i v i s i o n  re g u l a t i o n s  th a t    wo u l d   ot h e r w i s e   ap p l y   to   ea c h   pi e c e   of   pr o p e r t y .    Th e y   we r e   or i g i n a l l y   de s i g n e d   to   in s e r t   fl e x i b i l i t y   in t o   th e   zo n i n g   an d   su b d i v i s i o n   pr o c e s s   –  us u a l l y   by   al l o w i n g   sm a l l e r   lo t s   or   gr e a t e r   de n s i t y / i n t e n s i t y   of   de v e l o p m e n t   in   re t u r n   fo r   th e   pr o v i s i o n   of   ad d i t i o n a l   de v e l o p m e n t   qu a l i t y   or   co m m u n i t y   am e n i t i e s .    Th i s   in c r e a s e d  de v e l o p m e n t  qu a l i t y  co u l d  me a n  mo r e  an d  be t t e r  lo c a t e d   op e n   sp a c e ,   mo r e   la n d s c a p i n g   an d   bu f f e r i n g ,   hi g h e r   bu i l d i n g   de s i g n   st a n d a r d s ,   mo r e   re s o u r c e   co n s e r v a t i o n   or   en v i r o n m e n t a l   pr o t e c t i o n ,  or   al m o s t  an y t h i n g   th a t  th e   lo c a l  go v e r n m e n t  wa n t e d  to   en c o u r a g e .    PU D s   ar e   es s e n t i a l l y   a  li c e n s e   to   se e k   a  de a l   th a t   wi l l   gi v e   la n d o w n e r s   mo r e   of   wh a t   th e y   wa n t   in   re t u r n   fo r   gi v i n g   th e   to w n  mo r e  of  wh a t  it  wa n t s .       Th i s   is   an   im p o r t a n t   po i n t   –  ba s i c   le v e l s   of   de v e l o p m e n t   qu a l i t y   ar e   ge n e r a l l y   re f l e c t e d   in   st a n d a r d   zo n e   di s t r i c t s   or   su b d i v i s i o n   re g u l a t i o n s   (o r   so m e t i m e s   in   fr e e s t a n d i n g   en v i r o n m e n t a l   or   de s i g n   re g u l a t i o n s ) .    PU D s   we r e   no t   de s i g n e d   to   al l o w   fl e x i b i l i t y   fo r   gr e a t l y   in c r e a s e d  de n s i t y  or  ch a n g e  in  us e s  to  ap p l i c a n t s  wh o  on l y  in t e n d e d   to   me e t   th o s e   ba s e l i n e   st a n d a r d s   –  th e y   we r e   in t e n d e d   to   be   us e d   wh e n   ap p l i c a n t s   we r e   wi l l i n g   do   mo r e   th a n   th e   ba s e l i n e   st a n d a r d s   in   re t u r n   fo r   fl e x i b i l i t y   in   ot h e r   ar e a s .    Wh e r e   PU D s   ar e   us e d   fo r   al l   pr o j e c t s ,   ma n y   ap p l i c a n t s   wi l l   on l y   se e k   to   co m p l y   wi t h   ba s e l i n e   st a n d a r d s ;   th e s e   ap p l i c a t i o n s   sh o u l d   be   mo v e d  to another type of  re v i e w  pr o c e s s .    Cl a r i o n   re c o m m e n d s   th e   fo l l o w i n g   re v i s i o n s  to modernize the PUD  pr o c e s s :   Di a g n o s i s   Ac t i o n   1:   Re d u c e   th e   Us e   of   PUD for Development  Ap p r o v a l s 3  We   wi l l   ex p l o r e   wa y s   th a t   Av o n   co u l d   focus the use of PUD  de v e l o p m e n t  re v i e w  by  li m i t i n g  it s  us e  to  ma j o r  and unique projects  th a t   ha v e   me a s u r a b l e   im p a c t s   on   th e   co m m u n i t y  or are located in  es p e c i a l l y  im p o r t a n t  lo c a t i o n s  su c h  as  th e  To w n  Center.  This can be  ac c o m p l i s h e d   th r o u g h   id e n t i f y i n g   po l i c i e s   an d  criteria to determine  pr o j e c t   ty p e s ,   si z e s ,   an d / o r   lo c a t i o n s   th a t  are appropriate for a  pl a n n e d   un i t   de v e l o p m e n t .    Pr o j e c t s   th a t   do not meet the criteria  ar e   pr o c e s s e d   th r o u g h   st a n d a r d   zo n e   di s t r i c t  approval, subject to  th e   di s t r i c t   us e   an d   di m e n s i o n a l   st a n d a r d s  and the town’s  ap p l i c a b l e   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s .    Fo r   ex a m p l e ,  the town could  de t e r m i n e   th a t   PU D s   wi l l   be   li m i t e d   to   so p h i s t i c a t e d  projects that  mu s t  be  un d e r t a k e n  in  pa r t n e r s h i p  wi t h  th e  town,  such as: 1) multi‐ ph a s e d   pr o j e c t s ,   2)   pr o j e c t s   th a t   re q u i r e  town financial  pa r t i c i p a t i o n ,   3)   pr o j e c t s   th a t   in v o l v e   a  de v e l o p m e n t  agreement, or  4)   an y   pr o j e c t s   lo c a t e d   wi t h i n   sp e c i f i c   ge o g r a p h i c  areas (such as in  th e  To w n  Ce n t e r ) .    Th i s  wi l l  al l o w  th e  to w n  council and planning and  zo n i n g   co m m i s s i o n   to   fo c u s   on   ma j o r  projects and policy  de v e l o p m e n t .                                                                                                                                    3 Th e s e  ac t i o n s  ar e  ta k e n  fr o m  th e  Av o n  Di a g n o s i s .    On l y  the actions relevant to the  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t  is s u e  ha v e  be e n  in c l u d e d  in  th i s  me m o .    To w n  of  Av o n               6  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9     APP R O A C H   TO   ACT I O N   1:   RED U C E   TH E   USE   OF   PU D   FO R  DEV E L O P M E N T  APP R O V A L S   We  he a r d  in  ou r  di s c u s s i o n s  wi t h  th e  to w n  th a t ,  in  th e  ab s e n c e  of   us e f u l  zo n e  di s t r i c t s ,  th e  as s u m p t i o n  is  th a t  th e  de v e l o p m e n t   pr o c e s s  st a r t s  wi t h  th e  fi l i n g  of  a PU D  ap p l i c a t i o n .    A re f r e s h e r  on   th e  cu r r e n t  pr o c e s s  is  he l p f u l  fo r  un d e r s t a n d i n g  ou r  pr o p o s e d   ch a n g e s .       Pu r s u a n t  to  th e  ex i s t i n g  re g u l a t i o n s ,  an  ap p l i c a n t  in  Av o n  su b m i t s  a  PU D  ap p l i c a t i o n  th a t  in c l u d e s  a de v e l o p m e n t  pl a n  fo r  th e  di s t r i c t .    Th e  cu r r e n t  re g u l a t i o n s  id e n t i f y  th e  co n t e n t  of  th e  de v e l o p m e n t   pl a n  in  Se c t i o n  17 . 2 0 . 1 1 0 ( d ) ,  bu t  do  no t  es t a b l i s h  an y  st a n d a r d s  fo r   th e  ac t u a l  de v e l o p m e n t .    Th i s  is  al l  ne g o t i a t e d  an d  de t e r m i n e d  in   th e  ap p r o v e d  PU D .    Tw o  ke y  as p e c t s  of  de v e l o p m e n t  – de n s i t y  an d   us e  – ar e  de t e r m i n e d  as  fo l l o w s :    17 . 2 0 . 1 1 0 ( f )   De n s i t y .    Al l o w a b l e   de n s i t y   sh a l l   be   de t e r m i n e d   in   ac c o r d a n c e   wi t h   th e   pr o j e c t ’ s   co m p l i a n c e   wi t h   th e   de s i g n   cr i t e r i a   in   su b s e c t i o n   (h )   of   th i s   Se c t i o n   an d   th e   su i t a b i l i t y   of   th e   pr o p o s e d   de n s i t y  fo r  th e  si t e .    17 . 2 0 . 1 1 0 ( g )   Us e s .    De t e r m i n a t i o n   of   pe r m i t t e d   an d   ac c e s s o r y   us e s   sh a l l   be   ma d e   by   th e   Pl a n n i n g   an d   Zo n i n g   Co m m i s s i o n   an d   To w n   Co u n c i l   an d   sh a l l   be   co m p a t i b l e   wi t h   th e   ch a r a c t e r   of   th e   ar e a   ad j a c e n t  to  an d  su r r o u n d i n g  th e  PU D .    A th i r d  ke y  as p e c t  of  ov e r a l l  de s i g n  – de v e l o p m e n t  st a n d a r d s  – ha v e   no   ob j e c t i v e   st a n d a r d s   ag a i n s t   wh i c h   to w n   de c i s i o n ‐ma k e r s   ca n   de t e r m i n e  wh e t h e r  th e  de v e l o p m e n t  ad d r e s s e s  Av o n ’ s  pr e f e r e n c e s :     17 . 2 0 . 1 1 0 ( j )   De v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s .    Development standards  in c l u d i n g   lo t   ar e a ,   si t e   di m e n s i o n s ,   se t b a c k s ,  height, density control,  si t e   co v e r a g e s ,   la n d s c a p i n g ,   an d   pa r k i n g   sh a l l  be determined by the  To w n   Co u n c i l   as   pa r t   of   th e   ap p r o v e d   development plan with  co n s i d e r a t i o n   of   th e   re c o m m e n d a t i o n   of   th e  Planning Commission.   Th i s   de t e r m i n a t i o n   sh a l l   be   ba s e d   up o n   the evaluation of the  pr o p o s e d   PU D ’ s   co m p l i a n c e   wi t h   th e   de s i g n  criteria outlined in  Su b s e c t i o n  (h )  of  th i s  se c t i o n .    Th e   en t i r e   de v e l o p m e n t   pl a n   is   me a s u r e d  against twelve design  st a n d a r d s ,  ma n y  of  wh i c h  ar e  im p r e c i s e  or  va g u e  and some of which  ma y  be  wa i v e d :    17 . 2 0 . 1 1 0 ( h )   De s i g n   cr i t e r i a .    Th e   fo l l o w i n g  design criteria shall be  us e d   as   th e   pr i n c i p l e   cr i t e r i a   in   ev a l u a t i n g   a PUD District.  It shall be  th e   bu r d e n   of   th e   ap p l i c a n t   to   de m o n s t r a t e  that submittal material  an d   th e   pr o p o s e d   de v e l o p m e n t   pl a n   co m p l y  with each of the  fo l l o w i n g   de s i g n   cr i t e r i a   or   de m o n s t r a t e   th a t  one (1) or more of  th e m   is   no t   ap p l i c a b l e ,   or   th a t   a  pa r t i c u l a r  development solution  co n s i s t e n t   wi t h   th e   pu b l i c   in t e r e s t   ha s   be e n  achieved.  Where the  PU D   Di s t r i c t   is   be i n g   re q u e s t e d   in   co n n e c t i o n  with the review of a  de v e l o p m e n t  ag r e e m e n t  pu r s u a n t  to  Ch a p t e r  17.14 of this Code, not  al l   de s i g n   cr i t e r i a   ma y   be   ap p l i c a b l e ,   as determined by the  Co m m u n i t y  De v e l o p m e n t  De p a r t m e n t .    1. Co n f o r m i t y  wi t h  th e  Co m p r e h e n s i v e  Pl a n  goals and objectives;  2. Co n f o r m i t y  an d   co m p l i a n c e  wi t h  th e  ov e r a l l  design theme of the  To w n ,   th e   su b a r e a   de s i g n   re c o m m e n d a t i o n s ,  and design  gu i d e l i n e s  ad o p t e d  by  th e  To w n ;   3. De s i g n   co m p a t i b i l i t y   wi t h   th e   im m e d i a t e  environment,  ne i g h b o r h o o d   an d   ad j a c e n t   pr o p e r t i e s   relative to architectural   To w n  of  Av o n               7  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   de s i g n ,   sc a l e ,   bu l k ,   bu i l d i n g   he i g h t ,   bu f f e r   zo n e s ,   ch a r a c t e r ,   an d   or i e n t a t i o n ;   4. Us e s ,   ac t i v i t y ,   an d   de n s i t y   wh i c h   pr o v i d e   a  co m p a t i b l e ,   ef f i c i e n t ,   an d  wo r k a b l e  re l a t i o n s h i p  wi t h  su r r o u n d i n g  us e s  an d  ac t i v i t y ;   5. Id e n t i f i c a t i o n   an d   mi t i g a t i o n    or   av o i d a n c e   of   na t u r a l   an d / o r   ge o l o g i c  ha z a r d s   th a t   af f e c t  th e   pr o p e r t y  up o n  wh i c h  th e   PU D  is   pr o p o s e d ;   6. Si t e   pl a n ,   bu i l d i n g   de s i g n   an d   lo c a t i o n ,   an d   op e n   sp a c e   pr o v i s i o n s   de s i g n e d   to   pr o d u c e   a  fu n c t i o n a l   de v e l o p m e n t   re s p o n s i v e   an d   se n s i t i v e   to   na t u r a l   fe a t u r e s ,   ve g e t a t i o n ,   an d   ov e r a l l  ae s t h e t i c  qu a l i t y  of  th e  co m m u n i t y ;   7. A  ci r c u l a t i o n   sy s t e m   de s i g n e d   fo r   bo t h   ve h i c l e s   an d   pe d e s t r i a n s   ad d r e s s i n g   on ‐an d   of f ‐si t e   tr a f f i c   ci r c u l a t i o n   th a t   is   co m p a t i b l e   wi t h  th e  To w n  tr a n s p o r t a t i o n  pl a n ;   8. Fu n c t i o n a l  an d  ae s t h e t i c  la n d s c a p i n g  an d  op e n  sp a c e  in  or d e r  to   op t i m i z e   an d   pr e s e r v e   na t u r a l   fe a t u r e s ,   re c r e a t i o n ,   vi e w s ,   an d   fu n c t i o n ;   9. Ph a s i n g   pl a n   or   su b d i v i s i o n   pl a n   th a t   wi l l   ma i n t a i n   a  wo r k a b l e ,   fu n c t i o n a l ,   an d   ef f i c i e n t   re l a t i o n s h i p   th r o u g h o u t   th e   de v e l o p m e n t   of   th e   PU D .    Th e   ph a s i n g   pl a n   sh a l l   cl e a r l y   de m o n s t r a t e   th a t   ea c h   ph a s e   ca n   be   wo r k a b l e ,   fu n c t i o n a l ,   an d   ef f i c i e n t   wi t h o u t   re l y i n g   on   th e   co m p l e t i o n   of   fu t u r e   pr o j e c t   ph a s e s ;   10 . Ad e q u a c y   of   pu b l i c   se r v i c e s   su c h   as   se w e r ,   wa t e r ,   sc h o o l s ,   tr a n s p o r t a t i o n   sy s t e m s ,   ro a d s ,   pa r k s ,   an d   po l i c e   an d   fi r e   pr o t e c t i o n ;   11 . Th a t   th e  ex i s t i n g   st r e e t s  an d   ro a d s   ar e   su i t a b l e   an d  ad e q u a t e   to   ca r r y   an t i c i p a t e d   tr a f f i c   wi t h i n   th e   pr o p o s e d   PU D   an d   in   th e   vi c i n i t y  of  th e  pr o p o s e d  PU D ;   12 . Th a t   th e   PU D   or   am e n d m e n t   to   th e   PUD requested provides  ev i d e n c e   of   su b s t a n t i a l   co m p l i a n c e   with the public purpose  pr o v i s i o n  of  th e  Zo n i n g  Co d e  as  sp e c i f i e d  in Section 17.28.085.   If   th e   PU D   me e t s   th e s e   st a n d a r d s   an d   cr i t e r i a ,  it may be approved.   Th e  pr o b l e m  wi t h  th e  st a n d a r d s  an d  cr i t e r i a  is the lack of objectivity  ei t h e r   in   th e   PU D   se c t i o n   or   in   th e   ov e r a l l   co d e  to provide decision‐ ma k e r s   wi t h   an   un d e r s t a n d i n g   of   th e   ap p l i c a t i o n ’ s  ability to meet  Av o n ’ s  de v e l o p m e n t  pr e f e r e n c e s .   Wh a t   Op t i o n s   ar e   Av a i l a b l e   to   Re d u c e  the Reliance  on  PU D s ?   Ou r   di s c u s s i o n s   wi t h   th e   to w n   ha v e   he l p e d  us to identify three  op t i o n s   fo r   mo v i n g   PU D   ba c k   in t o   it s  proper place among  de v e l o p m e n t  to o l s .    1.    Ra n g e   of   Ap p l i c a t i o n   Op t i o n s .   As   we   di s c u s s e d  in the diagnosis,  on e   of   th e   mo s t   im p o r t a n t   wa y s   Av o n   ca n  reduce its reliance on  PU D s   is   by   ma k i n g   av a i l a b l e  ot h e r   ap p r o v a l   options.  Right now, the  PU D   is   th e   de f a u l t   ap p l i c a t i o n   op t i o n   an d   it  is, by its nature, more  in t e n s i v e  an d  di f f i c u l t  th a n  so m e  of  th e  ot h e r  methods the town can  us e  to  ac h i e v e  pr e f e r r e d  us e s  on  a si t e .    Ot h e r  options – all of which  we   ar e   in c l u d i n g   in   th e   ne w   Un i f i e d   Co d e  – are: use of by‐right  de v e l o p m e n t  in  st a n d a r d  zo n e  di s t r i c t s  or  re z o n i n g  where necessary  (m a d e  po s s i b l e  th r o u g h  th e  cr e a t i o n  of  a wi d e r  variety of districts as  di s c u s s e d   in   Se c t i o n   Th r e e :   Up d a t i n g   th e  Zone Districts), minor  mo d i f i c a t i o n s   of   st a n d a r d s ,   al t e r n a t i v e   me t h o d s  to comply with the  re g u l a t i o n s ,   an d   va r i a n c e s   wh e r e   ap p r o p r i a t e .   These procedures  pr o v i d e   an   es c a p e   va l v e   fr o m   th e   ex i s t i n g  PUD process and will  al l o w   ap p l i c a n t s   to   pr o c e s s   st a n d a r d   de v e l o p m e n t  applications  mo r e  ef f i c i e n t l y  an d  ef f e c t i v e l y .         To w n  of  Av o n               8  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9     In   Se c t i o n   3. 0 :   Up d a t i n g   th e   Zo n e   Di s t r i c t s ,   we   ex p l o r e   a  nu m b e r   of   ne w   zo n e   di s t r i c t s   th a t ,   if   ad o p t e d ,   wi l l   gi v e   pr o p e r t y   ow n e r s   mo r e   va r i e d   op t i o n s   fo r   de v e l o p m e n t   ty p e s ,   pa r t i c u l a r l y   mi x e d ‐us e   de v e l o p m e n t   as   en c o u r a g e d   by   th e   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n .    Ma k i n g   mi x e d ‐us e   av a i l a b l e   in   a  st a n d a r d   di s t r i c t   wi l l   el i m i n a t e   th e   ne e d   fo r   a PU D  to   ch a n g e  us e s  an d  lo t  si z e s .    Th i s   wi l l   pr o v i d e   mu c h   gr e a t e r  fu n c t i o n a l i t y  to  th e  re g u l a r  zo n i n g  an d  su b d i v i s i o n  pr o c e s s  in   Av o n .       2.    Es t a b l i s h   De v e l o p m e n t   Pa r a m e t e r s   an d   Cl e a r   Pu b l i c   Be n e f i t   Re q u i r e m e n t s .   A  se c o n d   me t h o d   of   re d u c i n g   re l i a n c e   on   th e   PU D   pr o c e s s   is   to   ta k e   aw a y   th e   su b j e c t i v e   qu a l i t y   of   th e   PU D   as   it   is   cu r r e n t l y   wr i t t e n   an d   in s t e a d   ma k e   PU D   a  mo r e   re f i n e d   op t i o n   fo r   mo d i f y i n g   de n s i t y ,   us e s ,   an d   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s   in   co n j u n c t i o n   wi t h   pr o v i d i n g   me a n i n g f u l   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s ,   ra t h e r   th a n   th e   be s t   wa y   to   ac h i e v e   do ‐it ‐yo u r s e l f   st a n d a r d s .    Co m m u n i t i e s   th a t   us e   pl a n n e d   de v e l o p m e n t  in  th i s  wa y  ty p i c a l l y  ti e  it  to  an  un d e r l y i n g  zo n e  di s t r i c t   th a t   sp e c i f i e s   us e s ,   de n s i t y ,   an d   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s .    Th e   ap p l i c a n t   is   al l o w e d   to   re q u e s t   de v i a t i o n s   or   va r i a n c e s   fr o m   th e   un d e r l y i n g   pa r a m e t e r s   in   a  tr a d e ‐of f   fo r   so m e   be n e f i t   to   th e   co m m u n i t y .    Ba s e d   on   ou r   co n v e r s a t i o n s   wi t h   th e   to w n ,   we   be l i e v e   th a t   th i s   ma y   be   a  us e f u l   ap p r o a c h ,   in   co n j u n c t i o n   wi t h   pr o v i d i n g   ot h e r  pr o c e d u r a l  op t i o n s ,  to  li m i t i n g  PU D  ap p l i c a t i o n s .    3.    Ta r g e t e d   Us e   of   PU D s .   A th i r d   me t h o d  to  re d u c e  re l i a n c e  on  th e   PU D   pr o c e s s   is   to   pl a c e   li m i t s   on   th e   av a i l a b i l i t y  of   th e   pl a n n e d   un i t   de v e l o p m e n t  pr o c e s s  th a t  re f l e c t  th e  to w n ’ s  de v e l o p m e n t  pr i o r i t i e s .    As   we  di s c u s s e d   in  th e  di a g n o s i s ,  PU D  mi g h t   be  ma d e  av a i l a b l e  on l y   fo r   ce r t a i n   ca t e g o r i e s   of   pr o j e c t s ,   su c h   as :   1)   mu l t i ‐ph a s e d   pr o j e c t s ,   2)   pr o j e c t s   th a t   re q u i r e   to w n   fi n a n c i a l   pa r t i c i p a t i o n ,   3)   pr o j e c t s   th a t   in v o l v e   a  de v e l o p m e n t  ag r e e m e n t ,  or   4)   an y  pr o j e c t s   lo c a t e d  wi t h i n   sp e c i f i c   ge o g r a p h i c   ar e a s   (s u c h   as   in   th e   To w n   Ce n t e r ) .    Th i s   al l o w s   th e   to w n   to   ta r g e t   sp e c i f i c   de v e l o p m e n t   for closer attention and  em p h a s i s   on   me e t i n g   co m p r e h e n s i v e   pl a n  goals, while typical  de v e l o p m e n t  pr o j e c t s  ar e  mo v e d  to  a st a n d a r d  development review  an d  ap p r o v a l  pr o c e s s .    Es t a b l i s h i n g   De v e l o p m e n t   Pa r a m e t e r s  and Target  Lo c a t i o n s  fo r  PU D s   As   we   he a r d   in   ou r   co n v e r s a t i o n s   wi t h   th e   community, it is difficult  to   te l l   wh e n   a  PU D   ap p l i c a t i o n   co m p l i e s  with an existing  de v e l o p m e n t   pa r a m e t e r   an d   wh e n   th e   applicant wants to do  so m e t h i n g   ou t s i d e   of   th e   pa r a m e t e r s .    Th i s  is probably because  th e r e   is   so m e   un c e r t a i n t y   ab o u t   wh a t   th e   existing parameters are.   Fo r  th e  pu r p o s e  of  PU D  de s i g n ,  th r e e  va r i a b l e s  are quite important:  • De n s i t y   • Pe r m i t t e d  us e s   • De v e l o p m e n t  st a n d a r d s   We   re c o m m e n d   th a t   Av o n   ch a n g e   th e   cu r r e n t  “bring us a site plan  an d   we ’ l l   st a r t   ta l k i n g ”   ap p r o a c h   to   PU D s   to  an approach that first  id e n t i f i e s   th e   th r e e  ke y  va r i a b l e s  an d  th e n  allows for a conversation  be t w e e n   th e   to w n   an d   th e   ap p l i c a n t   ab o u t   how these variables can  be   ch a n g e d 4  to   im p r o v e   th e   de v e l o p m e n t  pattern and quality in  ex c h a n g e  fo r  th e  pr o v i s i o n  of  cl e a r l y  id e n t i f i e d  public benefits to the  co m m u n i t y .   On e   of   th e   fi r s t   qu e s t i o n s   th a t   us u a l l y   co m e s  up when we make a  re c o m m e n d a t i o n   li k e   th i s   is :   “h o w   do   ot h e r  communities do this?”                                                                                                                                   4 So m e  co m m u n i t i e s  ca l l  th i s  “w a i v e r ”  an d  so m e  re f e r  to these changes as  “v a r i a n c e s . ”    We  wi l l  ne e d  to  de t e r m i n e  wh a t  ti t l e  th e  town would like to use.   To w n  of  Av o n               9  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   We   ha v e   ta k e n   a  lo o k   at   so m e   si m i l a r l y   si t u a t e d   mo u n t a i n   re s o r t   co m m u n i t i e s   th a t   ha v e   PU D   pr o v i s i o n s   in   th e i r   la n d   de v e l o p m e n t   co d e s  an d  cr e a t e d  th e  Pl a n n e d  Un i t  De v e l o p m e n t  Co m p a r i s o n  Ta b l e   on   th e   ne x t   pa g e .    Th e   co m m u n i t i e s   we   re v i e w e d   ar e   id e n t i f i e d   ac r o s s   th e   to p   of   th e   ta b l e   an d   th e   ro w s   pr o v i d e   in f o r m a t i o n   ab o u t   th e  fo l l o w i n g  qu e s t i o n s :   1. Is   a  PU D   re q u i r e d   to   fo l l o w   th e   re q u i r e m e n t s   of   an   un d e r l y i n g   zo n e  di s t r i c t  (i . e . ,  ar e  th e y  li n k e d ) ?   2. Wh e r e  ca n  a PU D  be  us e d / w h e r e  mu s t  a PU D  be  us e d ?   3. Ar e  th e  av a i l a b l e  us e s   li m i t e d  to  an  un d e r l y i n g  zo n e  di s t r i c t  or  is   th i s  ne g o t i a b l e ?   4. Is   th e   ma x i m u m  de n s i t y  li m i t e d   to   an  un d e r l y i n g  zone district or  is  th i s  ne g o t i a b l e ?   5. Ar e   th e   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s   (l a n d s c a p i n g ,  parking, open  sp a c e ,   co n n e c t i v i t y )   li m i t e d   to   an   un d e r l y i n g  zone district or are  th e s e  ne g o t i a b l e ?   6. Is  th e r e  a re q u i r e m e n t  or  in c e n t i v e  to  pr o v i d e  public benefits?         Pl a n n e d  Un i t  De v e l o p m e n t  Co m p a r i s o n  Ta b l e     Ja c k s o n ,  WY   Va i l ,  CO  (S D D )   Pa r k  Ci t y ,  UT   St e a m b o a t   Sp r i n g s ,  CO   Du r a n g o ,  CO  Aspen/Pitkin County, CO  1.  Li n k e d  to   Un d e r l y i n g  Zo n e   Di s t r i c t   Ye s   Ye s   Ye s   Ye s   No   Yes                2.  Ap p l i c a b i l i t y   Re s i d e n t i a l  on l y   Co m m e r c i a l  co r e   on l y   Re q u i r e d  fo r :   re s i d e n t i a l  > 10   lo t s ;  mo s t  ho t e l   an d  lo d g i n g   pr o j e c t s ;  ne w   co m m e r c i a l  or   in d u s t r i a l  > 10 , 0 0 0   sf  GF A   Re q u i r e d  fo r   co m m e r c i a l  us e   >1 2 , 0 0 0  sf  an d   bu i l d i n g  su p p l y /   lu m b e r y a r d  >  12 , 0 0 0  sf  ne t  fl o o r   ar e a ;  ca n n o t  be   us e d  so l e l y  to   ob t a i n  a si n g l e   fa m i l y  va r i a n c e  or   mo d i f i c a t i o n   Av a i l a b l e  fo r   al m o s t  al l  us e s ;   re g u l a t i o n s  cr e a t e   mu l t i p l e  pl a n n e d   di s t r i c t s ,  su c h  as   re s i d e n t i a l ,  mo b i l e   ho m e ,  tr a d e   (c o m m e r c i a l ) ,   re c r e a t i o n ,  an d   ca m p g r o u n d   Must have 27,000 sf parcel unless Director waives requirement                3.  Us e s   Re s i d e n t i a l ,  no   Li m i t e d  to   Li m i t e d  to   Un d e r l y i n g  zo n e   Pe r m i t t e d  us e s  Limited to   To w n  of  Av o n               10  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9      Pl a n n e d  Un i t  De v e l o p m e n t  Co m p a r i s o n  Ta b l e     Ja c k s o n ,  WY   Va i l ,  CO  (S D D )   Pa r k  Ci t y ,  UT   St e a m b o a t   Sp r i n g s ,  CO   Du r a n g o ,  CO  Aspen/Pitkin County, CO  mo b i l e  un i t s   un d e r l y i n g  zo n e   di s t r i c t   un d e r l y i n g  zo n e   di s t r i c t   di s t r i c t  se r v e s  as  a  gu i d e ;  mu s t  ha v e   pu b l i c  be n e f i t  to   ob t a i n   mo d i f i c a t i o n s  of   th e  st a n d a r d s   es t a b l i s h e d  in   ea c h  ty p e  of   pl a n n e d  di s t r i c t  underlying zone district                4.  De n s i t y   Lo o k  at  ba s e   zo n i n g  di s t r i c t ,   mi x  of  un i t s ,  an d   ch a r a c t e r  of   su r r o u n d i n g   ne i g h b o r h o o d   Li m i t e d  to   un d e r l y i n g  zo n e   di s t r i c t  un l e s s   pr o v i d e s  a pu b l i c   be n e f i t   Li m i t e d  to   un d e r l y i n g  zo n e   di s t r i c t   Un d e r l y i n g  zo n e d   di s t r i c t  se r v e s  as  a  gu i d e ;  mu s t  ha v e   pu b l i c  be n e f i t  to   ob t a i n   mo d i f i c a t i o n s  of   th e  st a n d a r d s   Pl a n n e d  di s t r i c t   ma y  ex c e e d  th e   st a n d a r d s  of   si m i l a r  zo n e   di s t r i c t s  if   “n e c e s s a r y ,  or   de s i r a b l e ,  in  or d e r   to  be  co n s i s t e n t   wi t h  th e  pu r p o s e s   of  a PD  Zo n e   di s t r i c t  or  ot h e r   se c t i o n s  [o f  th e   co d e ] . ”   Limited to maximum aggregate of underlying zone                5.  De v e l o p m e n t   St a n d a r d s   Fl e x i b l e  bu t   in c l u d e s  cr i t e r i a   by  ca t e g o r y  (e . g . ,   he i g h t ,  pa r k i n g ,   se t b a c k s )   Li m i t e d  to   un d e r l y i n g  zo n e   di s t r i c t  un l e s s   pr o v i d e s  a pu b l i c   be n e f i t   So m e  re f e r e n c e s   to  ot h e r  co d e   se c t i o n s ,  so m e   st a n d a r d s  sp e c i f i c   to  ma s t e r  pl a n n e d   de v e l o p m e n t   Un d e r l y i n g  zo n e d   di s t r i c t  se r v e s  as  a  gu i d e ;  mu s t  ha v e   pu b l i c  be n e f i t  to   ob t a i n   mo d i f i c a t i o n s  of   th e  st a n d a r d s   Sa m e  as  de n s i t y ;   ho w e v e r ,  PD   re g u l a t i o n s   in c l u d e  se p a r a t e   si t e  pl a n n i n g  an d   de s i g n   re q u i r e m e n t s   Flexible, underlying zone district serves as a guide                6.  Pu b l i c  Be n e f i t   Pu b l i c  be n e f i t  no t   De v i a t i o n  fr o m   Pu b l i c  be n e f i t  no t   Re q u i r e d  pu b l i c   No t  sp e c i f i e d   Bonus density if it   To w n  of  Av o n               11  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   Pl a n n e d  Un i t  De v e l o p m e n t  Co m p a r i s o n  Ta b l e     Ja c k s o n ,  WY   Va i l ,  CO  (S D D )   Pa r k  Ci t y ,  UT   St e a m b o a t   Sp r i n g s ,  CO   Du r a n g o ,  CO  Aspen/Pitkin County, CO  sp e c i f i e d  bu t  ca n   ob t a i n  bo n u s   de n s i t y  (u p  to   25 % )  fo r  pr o j e c t s   th a t  in c l u d e   pe r m a n e n t l y   af f o r d a b l e   ho u s i n g   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s  al l o w e d   wh e r e  “s u c h   de v i a t i o n  pr o v i d e s   be n e f i t s  to  th e   to w n  th a t   ou t w e i g h  th e   ad v e r s e  ef f e c t s  of   su c h  de v i a t i o n . ”   sp e c i f i e d ;  ca n   ob t a i n  bo n u s   de n s i t y  (1 0 % )  if :   (1 )  do n a t e  op e n   sp a c e  in  ex c e s s  of   re q u i r e m e n t ;  (2 )   pr o v i d e  30 %   af f o r d a b l e   ho u s i n g ;  or  (3 )   80 %  op e n  sp a c e    be n e f i t s  ti e d  to   sq u a r e  fo o t a g e  of   so m e  co m m e r c i a l   us e s  an d  to   re q u e s t e d   mo d i f i c a t i o n s  fo r   ot h e r  us e s   serves one or more communities goals as identified in the plan and site can accommodate    We   ca n   se e  fr o m  th i s   ta b l e   th a t   ma n y  mo u n t a i n  re s o r t  co m m u n i t i e s   ma k e   us e   of   PU D   pr o c e d u r e s ,   bu t   in   th e   ca s e   of   th e s e   ex a m p l e s ,   al l   ha v e   so m e   co n n e c t i o n   to   ex i s t i n g   ba s e   zo n e   di s t r i c t s   or   re g u l a t i o n s   re l a t i n g   to   us e ,   de n s i t y ,   or   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s   th a t   ar e   mo r e   re s t r i c t i v e   th a n   Av o n ’ s   cu r r e n t   co d e .    As   we   di s c u s s e d   ab o v e ,   th i s   cr e a t e s   a  ba s e l i n e   fo r   th e   st a r t   of   ne g o t i a t i o n s   fo r   th e   PU D .    An d ,   th i s   li n k   to   an   un d e r l y i n g   zo n e   di s t r i c t   se r v e s   th e   pu r p o s e   of   re d u c i n g   th e   nu m b e r   of   PU D   re q u e s t s   –  wi t h   th e   de v e l o p m e n t   es s e n t i a l l y   ti e d   to   th e   un d e r l y i n g   zo n i n g   un l e s s   th e   ap p l i c a n t   pr o v i d e s   a  si g n i f i c a n t   pu b l i c   be n e f i t ,   an   ap p l i c a n t   wi l l   ha v e   to   we i g h   th e  co s t s  an d  be n e f i t s  of  ap p l y i n g  fo r  PU D  ov e r  a si m p l e  re z o n i n g .    We   al s o   lo o k e d   at   a  nu m b e r   of   co m m u n i t i e s   wh e r e   th e   us e   of   PU D   is   li m i t e d   to   sp e c i f i c   lo c a t i o n s ,   an   id e a   th a t   re c e i v e d   po s i t i v e   fe e d b a c k  fr o m  bo t h  th e  st a f f  an d   to w n .    He r e  ar e  so m e  ex a m p l e s  of   ho w   co m m u n i t i e s   us e   ge o g r a p h i c a l l y ‐ta r g e t e d   PU D   re q u i r e m e n t s   in   di f f e r e n t   wa y s   to   re f l e c t   th e  th e m e   of   us i n g   PU D   to   me e t   im p o r t a n t   pl a n n i n g  pu r p o s e s :   Co m m u n i t y   PUD Location  La r i m e r  Co u n t y ,  Co l o r a d o   Li m i t e d  to Growth Management  Ar e a   Pi t k i n  Co u n t y ,  Co l o r a d o   Se p a r a t e  rural and urban  pr o v i s i o n s   Sc o t t s d a l e ,  Ar i z o n a   PU D  in t e n d e d  for areas designed  in  th e  Ge n e r a l  Plan for mixed  us e s .   Au s t i n ,  Te x a s   Si z e  re q u i r e m e n t s  limits use –  mu s t  ha v e  10 acres for PUD  in s i d e  ci t y  limits but 250 acres  ou t s i d e  city limits   Th e   ea r l y   co n s e n s u s   wa s   th a t   PU D s   ma y   be  best used if limited to  To w n   Ce n t e r   de v e l o p m e n t .    To   co r r e s p o n d  with the Avon  Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n ,   PU D s   co u l d   al s o   be   li m i t e d  to the four high  pr i o r i t y   di s t r i c t s   wh e r e   de v e l o p m e n t   an d   re d e v e l o p m e n t  are most  li k e l y :    To w n  of  Av o n               12  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9      1. We s t  To w n  Ce n t e r  (W T C ) ,   2. Ea s t  To w n  Ce n t e r  (E T C ) ,   3. Co n f l u e n c e  Di s t r i c t  (C D ) ,  an d   4. Av o n  Ro a d  Co r r i d o r  (A R C ) .   Ea c h   of   th e s e   di s t r i c t s   ha v e   pl a n n i n g   po l i c i e s   th a t   ca n   be   ex p r e s s e d   we l l  th r o u g h  pl a n n e d  un i t  de v e l o p m e n t ,  in c l u d i n g :   1. De v e l o p   a  mi x   of   us e s   th a t   pr o v i d e s   st r o n g   re s i d e n t i a l   an d   lo d g i n g   be d   ba s e   su p p o r t e d   by   co m m u n i t y   an d   gu e s t   co m m e r c i a l  us e s  (W T C ) .   2. Cr e a t e   a  co h e s i v e   ph y s i c a l   fr a m e w o r k   an d   co m m u n i t y   im a g e   (c o m p a t i b l e   bu i l d i n g   or i e n t a t i o n ,   sc a l e ,   ma s s i n g ,   si t i n g ,   st r e e t   al i g n m e n t s ,   st r e e t s c a p e   fu r n i s h i n g s ,   si g n a g e ,   li g h t i n g ,   et c . )   be t w e e n   th e   To w n   Ce n t e r   Di s t r i c t s   an d   th e   Vi l l a g e  at  Av o n  (E T C ) .   3. Cr e a t e   a  vi b r a n t   mi x   of   us e s   an d   cr e a t i v e   us e   of   re c r e a t i o n   an d  op e n  sp a c e  to  al l o w  a un i q u e  ri v e r  ex p e r i e n c e  (C D ) .   4. Re c o n f i g u r e   ke y   pa r c e l s   an d / o r   re d e v e l o p   ol d e r ,   un d e r u t i l i z e d   bu i l d i n g s   ad j a c e n t   to   Av o n   Ro a d   to   fu l f i l l   th e   pu r p o s e   of   th e   di s t r i c t   as   a  sh o w c a s e   an d   to   ma k e   th e m   co m p a t i b l e   wi t h   ex i s t i n g   an d   fu t u r e   de v e l o p m e n t   in   th e   We s t  To w n  Ce n t e r  Di s t r i c t  (A R C ) .   Ad d i t i o n a l l y ,   ea c h   of   th e s e   di s t r i c t s   ha s   pl a n n i n g   po l i c i e s   th a t   id e n t i f y   a  po t e n t i a l   pu b l i c   be n e f i t   to   Av o n   th a t   ca n   be   in c o r p o r a t e d   in t o  th e  de s i g n  of  on e  or  mo r e  pr o j e c t s .    Th e s e  in c l u d e :   • Es t a b l i s h   pu b l i c   pl a z a s   an d   ot h e r   ga t h e r i n g   sp a c e s   fo r   co m m u n i t y  in t e r a c t i o n  an d  so c i a l  ev e n t s  (W T C ) .   • De v e l o p   st r u c t u r e d   pa r k i n g   fa c i l i t i e s  to make parking less  ob t r u s i v e  to  pe d e s t r i a n s  (E T C ) .   • En c o u r a g e   pr e s e r v a t i o n   of   tr e e s  in wetland areas.   En c o u r a g e  de v e l o p m e n t  ef f o r t s  to  minimize the loss of trees  an d   im p a c t   to   th e   ri p a r i a n   ar e a   while still achieving the  ur b a n  de s i g n  go a l s  of  th i s  se c t i o n  (C D ) .   • Co n t i n u e   an d   ex p a n d   th e   us e   of Avon Road (and  su r r o u n d i n g   To w n   Ce n t e r   Di s t r i c t s )  as a gallery for  sc u l p t u r a l  ar t  (A R C ) .   In   th e   ne x t   se c t i o n ,   we   re c o m m e n d   th e   ad d i t i o n  of a number of  mi x e d ‐us e  di s t r i c t s  Av o n ’ s  ov e r a l l  zo n e  di s t r i c t  list. With the addition  of   mi x e d ‐us e   di s t r i c t s   in   mo r e   lo c a t i o n s   in   Avon, and the potential  fo r  fo r m ‐ba s e d   di s t r i c t s  al s o   (t h a t   te n d  to   in c o r p o r a t e  a mix of uses,  al t h o u g h   th e   fo c u s   is   on   th e   de s i g n   an d  specific location of  st r u c t u r e s   on   a  lo t ) ,   we   an t i c i p a t e   th a t   we will be addressing  th r o u g h   st a n d a r d   zo n i n g   th e   re a s o n   wh y   ma n y  applicants decide to  us e   th e   pl a n n e d   un i t   de v e l o p m e n t   pr o c e s s .   This would make it  fe a s i b l e   to   li m i t   PU D   to   th e   To w n   Ce n t e r   ar e a  where the town will  ge t   th e   be s t   an d   cl e a r e s t   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s  for negotiated  de v e l o p m e n t .    Th e n ,   if   th e   PU D s   ar e   us e d   in conjunction with the  de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s   th a t   we   wi l l   be   dr a f t i n g  in Module 3 (e.g.,  su b d i v i s i o n ,   la n d s c a p i n g ,   co n n e c t i v i t y   an d   mobility, open space), it  wi l l   be   po s s i b l e   fo r   bo t h   th e   ap p l i c a n t   and decision‐makers to  un d e r s t a n d   wh a t   th e   pr o j e c t   sh o u l d   lo o k  like and whether the  pr o p o s e d  ch a n g e s  ar e  in  th e  be s t  in t e r e s t  of  the community.  Wh a t  Wo u l d  an  Up d a t e d  PU D  Pr o c e s s  Look Like?  Co m m o n l y ,  PU D  re g u l a t i o n s  ar e  st r u c t u r e d  to address both issues of  de s i g n  an d  de v e l o p m e n t  qu a l i t y  an d  co m m u n i t y  benefits (discussed  ab o v e )  an d  is s u e s  of  pr o c e d u r e  (a p p l i c a t i o n ,  review, approval, and   To w n  of  Av o n               13  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   am e n d m e n t ) .    Mo r e  sp e c i f i c a l l y ,  PU D  or d i n a n c e s  us u a l l y  co v e r  th e   fo l l o w i n g  to p i c s :    1. Pu r p o s e  St a t e m e n t  (m a y  in c l u d e  li m i t s  on  wh e r e  PU D  ca n  be   us e d )   2. De f i n i t i o n  of  Te r m s  (i f  ne c e s s a r y  – th e s e  sh o u l d  id e a l l y  be   in t e g r a t e d  in t o  th e  de f i n i t i o n s  se c t i o n  of  th e  zo n i n g  or   su b d i v i s i o n  or d i n a n c e )   3. Pr o c e d u r e s   a. Ap p l i c a t i o n  (i n c l u d i n g  a re q u i r e m e n t  to   id e n t i f y / m a p  na t u r a l  re s o u r c e s  an d  se n s i t i v e  la n d s ,   an d  a de t e r m i n a t i o n  of  co m p l e t e n e s s  be f o r e   pr o c e s s i n g )   b. St a g e s  of  ap p r o v a l  (s o m e  re q u i r e  a co n c e p t   ap p r o v a l  an d / o r  a ge n e r a l  pl a n  ap p r o v a l  be f o r e  th e   fi n a l  pl a n  ap p r o v a l )   c. Re q u i r e m e n t s  fo r  ev a l u a t i n g  im p a c t s  of  th e   pr o p o s e d  de v e l o p m e n t  (f o r  ex a m p l e ,  tr a f f i c ,  wa t e r ,   dr a i n a g e ,  se n s i t i v e  la n d s ,  fi s c a l ,  sc e n i c ,  an d  wi l d l i f e   im p a c t s )  an d  to  pr o p o s e  mi t i g a t i o n  of  th o s e  im p a c t s   as  pa r t  of  th e  ap p l i c a t i o n .   d. Cr i t e r i a  fo r  re v i e w  an d  ap p r o v a l  / fi n d i n g s  re q u i r e d   fo r  ap p r o v a l   e. Do c u m e n t s  re q u i r e d  to  pr o t e c t  op e n  sp a c e  (i f   ne c e s s a r y )   f. De v e l o p m e n t  ag r e e m e n t  to  go v e r n  ph a s i n g ,  ti m i n g ,   im p r o v e m e n t s ,  or  co n t r i b u t i o n s  of  la n d  or  fa c i l i t i e s   g. Fu t u r e  am e n d m e n t s   4. Pe r m i t t e d  Us e s   Ma n y  PU D s  do  no t  ch a n g e  th e  pe r m i t t e d  or conditional uses  av a i l a b l e  to  la n d o w n e r s  un d e r  th e i r  ex i s t i n g  base zoning, but if  Av o n  wa n t s  to  al l o w  ap p l i c a n t s  to  in c l u d e  additional uses, we  ne e d  to  ad d r e s s  th a t  to p i c   5. De n s i t y  / In t e n s i t y    a. Ma x i m u m  de n s i t y  / in t e n s i t y  permitted  (either  sp e c i f i c  st a n d a r d  or  li n k  to  underlying district)  b. Op e n  sp a c e  or  am e n i t i e s  (p u b l i c  benefit) required to  ea r n  de n s i t y  or  wa i v e r s   c. Cl u s t e r i n g  st a n d a r d s  (i f  ap p l i c a b l e )   6. De s i g n  an d  De v e l o p m e n t  St a n d a r d s   a. Wa i v e r s  of  ba s e  de v e l o p m e n t  standards (lot sizes,  he i g h t ,  se t b a c k s ,  pa r k i n g ,  et c . )  in return for  ad d i t i o n a l  co m m u n i t y  am e n i t i e s  or quality.  b. Se n s i t i v e  la n d  / na t u r a l  re s o u r c e s  standards (which  ma y  in c l u d e  we t l a n d  an d  ri p a r i a n  setbacks, water  qu a l i t y  pr o t e c t i o n ,  st e e p  sl o p e  regulations, wildfire  re g u l a t i o n s ,  wi l d l i f e  ha b i t a t  and corridor protection,  de f i n e d  vi e w  co r r i d o r s ,  co l o r  controls to reduce  vi s i b i l i t y  an d  si t e  pl a n n i n g  cr i t e r i a  governing  pl a c e m e n t  of  th e  ho m e  on  th e  site)   c. Pu b l i c  an d  pr i v a t e  op e n  sp a c e ,  parks, and trail  co n n e c t i o n s   d. La n d s c a p i n g  / fe n c i n g  / pa r k i n g  / sign controls  e. Co m m u n i t y  am e n i t i e s  th a t  sh o u l d  or must be  in c l u d e d  in  or d e r  fo r  wa i v e r s  of development  st a n d a r d s  to  ap p l y ,  wh i c h  ca n  include road  im p r o v e m e n t s ,  ha b i t a t  pr o t e c t i o n  or enhancement,   To w n  of  Av o n               14  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9      co n t r i b u t i o n s  to  pu b l i c  se r v i c e s  or  fa c i l i t i e s ,   co m m u n i t y  ce n t e r s ,  tr a i l s ,  et c .   f. In f r a s t r u c t u r e  st a n d a r d s  (i f  different than other  fo r m s  of  de v e l o p m e n t )    To w n  of  Av o n               15  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9    3. 0 UP D A T I N G T H E Z O N E D I S T R I C T S DEF I N I N G  TH E  ISS U E   He r e  is  th e  is s u e  as  we  st a t e d  it  in  th e  Av o n  Di a g n o s i s :    Th e m e  7:    Cr e a t e  Ap p r o p r i a t e  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t s  an d  Ov e r l a y  Di s t r i c t s    Th e   to w n ’ s   ba s i c   zo n i n g   ha s   no t   be e n   up d a t e d   ov e r   ti m e   an d   do e s   no t   fu n c t i o n   we l l   as   ei t h e r   th e   st a n d a r d   ap p r o a c h   to   la n d   cl a s s i f i c a t i o n   or   as   a  ba c k ‐up   to   th e   PU D   sy s t e m .    Zo n e   di s t r i c t s   an d   ov e r l a y   di s t r i c t s   co u l d   be   up d a t e d   to   pr o v i d e   a  mo r e   co m p r e h e n s i v e   ov e r a l l   sy s t e m   to   gu i d e   pr e f e r r e d   de v e l o p m e n t   pa t t e r n s   an d   to   in c o r p o r a t e   de s i g n ‐or i e n t e d ,   fo r m ‐ba s e d   re g u l a t i o n s   wh e r e   ap p r o p r i a t e .    Th e   to w n ’ s   go a l s   an d   po l i c i e s   as   id e n t i f i e d   in   th e   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e  Pl a n  co u l d  be  re f l e c t e d  in  th e  la n d  us e  re g u l a t i o n s  to   pr o v i d e   a  me t h o d   to   di s t i n g u i s h   be t w e e n   ty p i c a l   de v e l o p m e n t   –  su b j e c t   to   st a n d a r d   zo n i n g   di s t r i c t s   an d   ap p r o v a l s   –  an d   ma j o r   or   un i q u e   de v e l o p m e n t   th a t   sh o u l d   be   su b j e c t   to   th e   PU D   pr o c e s s ,   as   di s c u s s e d  in  th e m e  on e .    Di a g n o s i s  Ac t i o n  1:    Up d a t e  th e  Ex i s t i n g  Di s t r i c t s   Re v i e w   th e   ex i s t i n g   di s t r i c t   st r u c t u r e   an d   th e   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n   to   id e n t i f y   po t e n t i a l   ne w   an d   up d a t e d   di s t r i c t s .    Th e   to w n   sh o u l d   co n s i d e r   th e   fo l l o w i n g   ne w   di s t r i c t s :   1)   a  mi x e d ‐de n s i t y   re s i d e n t i a l   di s t r i c t ;   2)   a  re s i d e n t i a l   mi x e d ‐us e   di s t r i c t   (p r i m a r i l y   re s i d e n t i a l   wi t h   ne i g h b o r h o o d  co m m e r c i a l ) ;   3)  a co m m e r c i a l   mi x e d ‐ us e   di s t r i c t   (p r i m a r i l y   co m m e r c i a l   wi t h   so m e   re s i d e n t i a l ) ;   an d   4)   a  be t t e r   fu n c t i o n i n g   ra n g e   of  co m m e r c i a l   di s t r i c t s .    Th e s e   di s t r i c t s  wi l l   be   dr a f t e d   to   wo r k   in   co n j u n c t i o n   wi t h   th e   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s   an d   su b d i v i s i o n   re g u l a t i o n s   to   pr o v i d e   an   avenue of development  re v i e w   se p a r a t e   fr o m   th e   PU D   pr o c e s s .    As  we draft new districts,  we   wi l l   wo r k   wi t h   th e   to w n   to   id e n t i f y   th e  most functional format  fo r   ea c h ,   ch o o s i n g   fr o m   st a n d a r d ,   fo r m ‐ba s e d ,  performance, and  hy b r i d  te m p l a t e s .   Di a g n o s i s   Ac t i o n   2:   Co n s i d e r   Es t a b l i s h i n g  a Process for  Co n v e r t i n g  Ex i s t i n g  PU D s  to  St a n d a r d  Zo n e  Districts  We   wi l l   ex p l o r e   me t h o d s   to   es t a b l i s h   a  pr o c e s s  that converts an  ex i s t i n g   PU D   ap p r o v a l   to   a  st a n d a r d   zo n e  district if and when a  pr o p e r t y   ow n e r   se e k s   am e n d m e n t   to   th e  PUD.  Through this  pr o c e s s ,   th e   PU D   co u l d   be   re ‐de s i g n a t e d  as an existing zoning  di s t r i c t   bu t   th e   co n d i t i o n s   at t a c h e d   to   th e  PUD might be brought  fo r w a r d   or   su p p l e m e n t e d .    We   wi l l   al s o   lo o k  at the possibility of  ap p l y i n g   un i f o r m   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s   to  developments that are  mo v e d   th r o u g h   th i s   pr o c e s s ,   wh i c h   wo u l d   help reduce the burden  on   st a f f   of   ad m i n i s t e r i n g   mu l t i p l e   “m i n i ‐zoning” ordinances that  re s u l t  fr o m  ap p r o v a l  of  mu l t i p l e  PU D s .   Go a l Cr e a t e a r a n g e o f z o n e d i s t r i c t s t h a t e s t a b l i s h de n s i t y , u s e , a n d d e v e l o p m e n t r e q u i r e m e n t s  To w n  of  Av o n               16  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9     APP R O A C H  TO  ACT I O N  1:  UPD A T E  TH E  EXI S T I N G   DIS T R I C T S   We   ar e   pr o v i d i n g   in f o r m a t i o n   ab o u t   up d a t i n g   ex i s t i n g   di s t r i c t s   in   a  tw o ‐st e p   pr o c e s s .    Fi r s t ,   we   ha v e   re v i e w e d   th e   la n d   us e   cl a s s i f i c a t i o n s   in   th e   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n   an d   de t e r m i n e d :   1)   wh e t h e r   th e   ex i s t i n g   di s t r i c t s   st i l l   wo r k ,   2)   wh e t h e r   th e y   ne e d   to   be   am e n d e d ,   an d   3)   wh a t   ne w   di s t r i c t s   mi g h t   be   ne c e s s a r y .    Th i s   in f o r m a t i o n   is   in c l u d e d   in   th e   Pl a n ‐to ‐Zo n i n g   Co n v e r s i o n   Ch a r t   on   pa g e   17 .    Ba s e d   on   th i s   an a l y s i s ,   we   ha v e   cr e a t e d   a  se c o n d   se t   of  ch a r t s   th a t   id e n t i f y   wh a t   th e   re v i s e d   an d   ex p a n d e d   di s t r i c t  li n e ‐up  wo u l d  lo o k   li k e .    Th i s  in f o r m a t i o n   is   in c l u d e d   in   th e   Re s i d e n t i a l   Di s t r i c t s   an d   Co m m e r c i a l   an d   Mi x e d ‐Us e   Di s t r i c t s   ch a r t s   on   pa g e s  22  an d  27 .   Im p l e m e n t  th e  Av o n  Fu t u r e  La n d  Us e   Pl a n    Th e   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n   in c l u d e s   a  Fu t u r e   La n d   Us e   Pl a n   (r i g h t )  th a t   “e s t a b l i s h e s   pr e f e r r e d   de v e l o p m e n t   pa t t e r n s   by   de s i g n a t i n g   la n d   us e   ca t e g o r i e s   fo r   sp e c i f i c   ge o g r a p h i c   lo c a t i o n s . ”    Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n   at   23 .    Th e s e   la n d   us e  categories are intended  to  co r r e s p o n d  wi t h  on e  or  mo r e  zo n e  di s t r i c t s  to implement the   pl a n   an d   cr e a t e   th e   pr e f e r r e d   de v e l o p m e n t  pattern in Avon.  The  Pl a n   to   Zo n i n g   Co n v e r s i o n   Ch a r t   be l o w   id e n t i f i e s  the ten plan land  us e  de s i g n a t i o n s  al o n g   wi t h   ex i s t i n g   an d   ne w  zone districts that will  be  ne c e s s a r y  to  fu l l y  im p l e m e n t  th e  pl a n .           To w n  of  Av o n               17  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   Pl a n  to  Zo n i n g  Co n v e r s i o n  Ch a r t     Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n  De s i g n a t i o n   De s c r i p t i o n   Ex i s t i n g  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t ( s )    an d  In t e n t i o n  St a t e m e n t s   Po t e n t i a l  New Districts   an d  Co m m e n t s             1  Ci v i c / P u b l i c    (C P  pg .  23 )   Pu b l i c  ar e a s  ar e  in t e n d e d  to  co n t a i n  us e s   re l a t e d  to  co m m u n i t y  se r v i c e s ,  su c h  as   fi r e  st a t i o n s ,  sc h o o l s ,  co m m u n i t y  ce n t e r s ,   ho s p i t a l s ,  mu n i c i p a l  ce n t e r s ,  re c r e a t i o n   ce n t e r s ,  po l i c e  st a t i o n s ,  an d  mu n i c i p a l   ma i n t e n a n c e  ya r d s .   17 . 2 0 . 1 3 0  Go v e r n m e n t ,  Pa r k  an d   Em p l o y e e  Ho u s i n g  (G P E H )       Th e  Go v e r n m e n t ,  Pa r k  an d  Em p l o y e e   Ho u s i n g  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t  is  in t e n d e d  to   pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  pa r k s ,  co m m u n i t y   ce n t e r s ,  pa r k  an d  re c r e a t i o n  fa c i l i t i e s ,   wa t e r  st o r a g e ,  tr e a t m e n t  an d  di s t r i b u t i o n   sy s t e m s ,  fi r e  st a t i o n ,  go v e r n m e n t a l   fa c i l i t i e s  an d  pu b l i c  an d / o r  pr i v a t e   ho u s i n g  un i t s  fo r  Av o n  ar e a  em p l o y e e s .   Ty p i c a l l y ,  many low‐impact civic  an d  pu b l i c  uses are office or  co m m u n i t y ‐based uses and are  pe r m i t t e d  in most zone districts.   We  wi l l  work with staff to explore  wh e t h e r  we can separate the  lo w ‐im p a c t  from the heavier‐ im p a c t  us e s  and move things  su c h  as  sc h o o l s ,  police stations  an d  co m m u n i t y  centers into a  va r i e t y  of  zone districts.            2  Op e n  Sp a c e   (C P  pg .  24 )   Ar e a s  id e n t i f i e d  as  op e n  sp a c e  ar e  to  be   pr o t e c t e d  fr o m  de v e l o p m e n t ,  so  th a t  th e   na t u r a l  ch a r a c t e r  an d  en v i r o n m e n t  of  th e   la n d s c a p e  is  pr e s e r v e d .    Op e n  sp a c e  ma y   al s o  be  us e d  as  a bu f f e r  be t w e e n   co n f l i c t i n g  la n d  us e s  an d  ac t i v i t i e s ,  as  an   ed g e  to  th e  co m m u n i t y ,  to  pr e s e r v e   vi e w s ,  as  a me c h a n i s m  to  pr e s e r v e  a  va l u e d  na t u r a l  re s o u r c e ,  or  to  pr o t e c t  th e   pu b l i c  fr o m  a ha z a r d o u s  si t u a t i o n .    Fl o o d p l a i n s ,  wi t h  th e i r  as s o c i a t e d  ri p a r i a n   ha b i t a t  an d  wi l d l i f e ,  st e e p  sl o p e s ,  ri d g e s ,   an d  ot h e r  la n d s  wi t h  un i q u e  ph y s i c a l   pr o p e r t i e s  ar e  al s o  go o d  ca n d i d a t e s  fo r   op e n  sp a c e  de s i g n a t i o n .   17 . 2 0 . 1 2 0  Op e n  Sp a c e ,  La n d s c a p i n g  an d   Dr a i n a g e  (O L D )       Ar e a s  to  re m a i n  as  th e y  ex i s t  an d  to  be   pu b l i c  or  pr i v a t e  un d e v e l o p e d  op e n   sp a c e s .    So m e  la n d s c a p i n g  an d  dr a i n a g e   co n t r o l  wo r k  ma y  be  ne c e s s a r y  an d   de s i r a b l e .   We  do  no t  recommend Open  Sp a c e  as  a zone district (except as  ap p l i c a b l e  to land that is already  de s i g n a t e d  open space, such as  BL M  pr o p e r t y ,  state lands, or  lo c a l  pa r k s )  because of the  po t e n t i a l  for problems with  re g u l a t o r y  takings.  Open space  ca n  be  re q u i r e d  through the  de v e l o p m e n t  standards,  id e n t i f i e d  on a site plan as part of  an  ov e r a l l  development, and  ma i n t a i n e d  through any zone  di s t r i c t ,  dedication, acquisition,  or  co n s e r v a t i o n  easement.             To w n  of  Av o n               18  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9      Pl a n  to  Zo n i n g  Co n v e r s i o n  Ch a r t     Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n  De s i g n a t i o n   De s c r i p t i o n   Ex i s t i n g  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t ( s )    an d  In t e n t i o n  St a t e m e n t s   Po t e n t i a l  New Districts   an d  Co m m e n t s   3  Pa r k l a n d   (C P  pg .  24 )   Pa r k s  ar e  in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  fo r  th e   pa s s i v e  an d  ac t i v e  re c r e a t i o n  ne e d s  of  th e   co m m u n i t y  or  re g i o n .    Wh e r e  po s s i b l e ,   th e y  sh o u l d  be  lo c a t e d  an d  de s i g n e d  to   ta k e  ad v a n t a g e  of  na t u r a l  fe a t u r e s  an d   am e n i t i e s .     Sa m e  co m m e n t  as Open Space.            4  Re s i d e n t i a l  Lo w   De n s i t y   (C P  pg .  24 )   Ar e a s  de s i g n a t e d  fo r  re s i d e n t i a l  lo w   de n s i t y  ar e  in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r   si n g l e ‐fa m i l y ,  du p l e x ,  an d  mu l t i ‐fa m i l y   dw e l l i n g s  at  a de n s i t y  no  gr e a t e r  th a n  7. 5   dw e l l i n g  un i t s  pe r  ac r e .   17 . 2 0 . 0 5 0  Re s i d e n t i a l  Si n g l e ‐Fa m i l y  (R S F )       Th e  Re s i d e n t i a l  Si n g l e ‐Fa m i l y  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t   is  in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  si n g l e ‐ fa m i l y  dw e l l i n g s  on  se p a r a t e  lo t s ,  wi t h   ac c e s s o r y  us e s .    (M a x .  de n s i t y :  5. 8   du / a c r e )    17 . 2 0 . 0 6 0  Re s i d e n t i a l  Du p l e x  (R D )       Th e  Re s i d e n t i a l  Du p l e x  Di s t r i c t  is  in t e n d e d   to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  lo w ‐de n s i t y  re s i d e n t i a l   de v e l o p m e n t .  (M a x .  de n s i t y :  8 du / a c r e ,   pl u s  1 ac c e s s o r y  ca r e t a k e r  ap a r t m e n t  pe r   du )    17 . 2 0 . 0 7 0  Re s i d e n t i a l  Lo w  De n s i t y  (R L D )       Th e  Re s i d e n t i a l  Lo w  De n s i t y  Di s t r i c t  is   in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  si n g l e ‐fa m i l y ,   tw o ‐fa m i l y ,  an d  mu l t i p l e ‐fa m i l y  dw e l l i n g s   at  a de n s i t y  no t  to  ex c e e d  se v e n  an d  on e ‐ ha l f  (7 . 5 )  dw e l l i n g  un i t s  pe r  ac r e .   • La r g e  lot/estate lot/  co n s e r v a t i o n  development     To w n  of  Av o n               19  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   Pl a n  to  Zo n i n g  Co n v e r s i o n  Ch a r t     Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n  De s i g n a t i o n   De s c r i p t i o n   Ex i s t i n g  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t ( s )    an d  In t e n t i o n  St a t e m e n t s   Po t e n t i a l  New Districts   an d  Co m m e n t s             5  Re s i d e n t i a l   Me d i u m  De n s i t y   (C P  pg .  24 )   Ar e a s  de s i g n a t e d  fo r  re s i d e n t i a l  lo w   de n s i t y  ar e  in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r   mu l t i ‐fa m i l y  dw e l l i n g s  at  a de n s i t y  no  le s s   th a n  7. 5  dw e l l i n g  un i t s  pe r  ac r e  an d  no   gr e a t e r  th a n  15  dw e l l i n g  un i t s  pe r  ac r e .   17 . 2 0 . 0 8 0  Re s i d e n t i a l  Me d i u m  De n s i t y   (R M D )       Th e  Re s i d e n t i a l  Me d i u m  De n s i t y  Di s t r i c t  is   in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  mu l t i p l e ‐ fa m i l y  dw e l l i n g s  at  a de n s i t y  no t  to   ex c e e d  fi f t e e n  (1 5 )  dw e l l i n g  un i t s  pe r   ac r e .      Co n s i d e r  changing to Residential  Di v e r s e  Dwellings and include  si n g l e  fa m i l y  detached uses to  al l o w  tr a d i t i o n a l  neighborhood  de v e l o p m e n t  mix of lot sizes and  dw e l l i n g  unit types.            6  Re s i d e n t i a l  Hi g h   De n s i t y   (C P  pg .  24 )   Ar e a s  de s i g n a t e d  fo r  re s i d e n t i a l  hi g h   de n s i t y  ar e  in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r   mu l t i ‐fa m i l y  dw e l l i n g s  no  le s s  th a n  15  an d   no  gr e a t e r  th a n  20  un i t s  pe r  ac r e .   17 . 2 0 . 0 9 0  Re s i d e n t i a l  Hi g h  De n s i t y  (R H D )     Th e  Re s i d e n t i a l  Hi g h  De n s i t y  Di s t r i c t  is   in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  mu l t i p l e ‐ fa m i l y  dw e l l i n g s  at  a de n s i t y  no t  to   ex c e e d  tw e n t y  (2 0 )  dw e l l i n g  un i t s  pe r   ac r e .   No  ch a n g e s             7  Mi x e d  Us e   (C P  pg .  24 )   Th e  in t e n t  of  th e  mi x e d ‐us e  de s i g n a t i o n  is   to  cr e a t e  an  ar e a  pr o v i d i n g  co m m e r c i a l   re t a i l  an d  se r v i c e  us e s  wi t h  a su p p o r t i n g   mi x  of  of f i c e ,  re s i d e n t i a l ,  lo d g i n g ,  an d   en t e r t a i n m e n t  us e s  in  an  ur b a n i z e d ,   pe d e s t r i a n ‐or i e n t e d  en v i r o n m e n t .    A hi g h   pr o p o r t i o n  of  lo d g i n g  an d  ot h e r   re s i d e n t i a l  us e s  sh o u l d  be  ac h i e v e d  in   or d e r  to  cr e a t e  th e  ne e d e d  cr i t i c a l  ma s s   of  po p u l a t i o n  an d  ac t i v i t y  to  en e r g i z e  th e   To w n  Ce n t e r  Di s t r i c t .    Bu i l d i n g  sh o u l d  be   ve r t i c a l l y  mi x e d ,  wi t h  re t a i l ,  re s t a u r a n t s ,   an d  ot h e r  co m m e r c i a l  se r v i c e s  lo c a t e d  on   th e  lo w e r  le v e l s  in  or d e r  to  en c o u r a g e  a  17 . 2 0 . 0 2 0  To w n  Ce n t e r  (T C )    Th e  To w n  Ce n t e r  Di s t r i c t  is  in t e n d e d  to   pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  a va r i e t y  of  us e s  su c h  as   lo d g e s ,  co m m e r c i a l  es t a b l i s h m e n t s ,  an d   of f i c e s  in  a pr e d o m i n a t e l y  pe d e s t r i a n   en v i r o n m e n t .    In  ac c o r d a n c e  wi t h  th e   Co m p r e h e n s i v e  Ma s t e r  Pl a n  (n o t e :  th i s   re f e r e n c e s  th e  pr e v i o u s  pl a n ) ,  th e s e   re g u l a t i o n s  ar e  in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e   de v e l o p m e n t  wh i c h  di s t i n g u i s h e s  th e   To w n  Ce n t e r  fr o m  ot h e r  ar e a s  wi t h i n  th e   To w n .      • Mi x e d ‐use neighborhood  (p r i m a r i l y  residential, not  ne c e s s a r i l y  high density)   • Mi x e d ‐use commercial  ou t s i d e  of the Town Center  (o v e r l a y )    • Fo r m ‐based mixed‐use  di s t r i c t    To w n  of  Av o n               20  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9      Pl a n  to  Zo n i n g  Co n v e r s i o n  Ch a r t     Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n  De s i g n a t i o n   De s c r i p t i o n   Ex i s t i n g  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t ( s )    an d  In t e n t i o n  St a t e m e n t s   Po t e n t i a l  New Districts   an d  Co m m e n t s   hi g h  le v e l  of  in t e r e s t  an d  pe d e s t r i a n   ac t i v i t y .    Bu i l d i n g  de s i g n ,  si t i n g ,  an d   or i e n t a t i o n ,  as  we l l  as  sh a r e d  pa r k i n g   fa c i l i t i e s  an d  pu b l i c  ga t h e r i n g  sp a c e s   cr e a t e  an  en v i r o n m e n t  th a t  is  ap p e a l i n g   an d  in v i t i n g  fo r  pe d e s t r i a n s  an d  ve h i c l e s .   17 . 2 0 . 0 3 0  Sh o p p i n g  Ce n t e r  (S C )       Th e  Sh o p p i n g  Ce n t e r  Di s t r i c t  is  in t e n d e d   pr i m a r i l y  fo r  ma j o r  re t a i l  es t a b l i s h m e n t s   an d  sm a l l e r  re t a i l  sh o p s  an d  pe r s o n a l   se r v i c e  es t a b l i s h m e n t s ,  of f i c e s  an d  li m i t e d   ap a r t m e n t s .    17 . 2 0 . 1 0 0  Re s i d e n t i a l  Hi g h  De n s i t y   Co m m e r c i a l  (R H D C )       Th e  Re s i d e n t i a l  Hi g h  De n s i t y  Co m m e r c i a l   Di s t r i c t  is  in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  th e   de v e l o p m e n t  of  mu l t i p l e ‐fa m i l y  dw e l l i n g s   an d  lo d g e  un i t s ,  al o n g  wi t h  ac c e s s o r y   co m m e r c i a l  us e s ,  no t  to  ex c e e d  a de n s i t y   of  tw e n t y ‐fi v e  (2 5 )  dw e l l i n g  un i t s  pe r  ac r e   or  se v e n t y ‐fi v e  (7 5 )  ac c o m m o d a t i o n  un i t s   pe r  ac r e .             8  Re g i o n a l   Co m m e r c i a l   (C P  pg .  25 )   Th e  re g i o n a l  co m m e r c i a l  ar e a s  ar e   in t e n d e d  to  se r v e  bo t h  lo c a l  an d  re g i o n a l   sh o p p e r s  wi t h  a wi d e  va r i e t y  of   co m m e r c i a l  us e s ,  in c l u d i n g  di s c o u n t   re t a i l e r s ,  of f i c e s ,  su p e r m a r k e t s ,  an d  ot h e r   si m i l a r  us e s .   17 . 2 0 . 0 4 0  Ne i g h b o r h o o d  Co m m e r c i a l   (N C )       Th e  Ne i g h b o r h o o d  Co m m e r c i a l  Zo n e   Di s t r i c t  is  in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r   co m m e r c i a l  fa c i l i t i e s  an d  se r v i c e s  fo r  th e   pr i n c i p a l  be n e f i t  of  re s i d e n t s  of  th e   co m m u n i t y  an d  al s o  to  hi g h w a y   co m m e r c i a l  ne e d s  (s i c ) .   • Si n g l e  purpose regional  co m m e r c i a l  regulation   • Hi g h w a y  commercial             To w n  of  Av o n               21  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   Pl a n  to  Zo n i n g  Co n v e r s i o n  Ch a r t     Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n  De s i g n a t i o n   De s c r i p t i o n   Ex i s t i n g  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t ( s )    an d  In t e n t i o n  St a t e m e n t s   Po t e n t i a l  New Districts   an d  Co m m e n t s   9  Ne i g h b o r h o o d   Co m m e r c i a l   (C P  pg .  25 )   Th e s e  ar e a s  ar e  in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e   ne i g h b o r h o o d ‐fo c u s e d  re t a i l  an d  se r v i c e   us e s  (s u c h  as  ma r k e t s ,  ch i l d c a r e ,   re s t a u r a n t s ,  an d  ca f e s )  th a t  ar e   co n v e n i e n t l y  lo c a t e d  ne a r  an d  co n n e c t e d   wi t h  su r r o u n d i n g  re s i d e n t i a l   ne i g h b o r h o o d s .   17 . 2 0 . 0 4 0  Ne i g h b o r h o o d  Co m m e r c i a l   (N C )     Th e  Ne i g h b o r h o o d  Co m m e r c i a l  Zo n e   Di s t r i c t  is  in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r   co m m e r c i a l  fa c i l i t i e s  an d  se r v i c e s  fo r  th e   pr i n c i p a l  be n e f i t  of  re s i d e n t s  of  th e   co m m u n i t y  an d  al s o  to  hi g h w a y   co m m e r c i a l  ne e d s  (s i c ) .    Se e  mi x e d ‐use neighborhood,  ab o v e             10   Li g h t  In d u s t r i a l   Co m m e r c i a l  an d   Em p l o y m e n t   (C P  pg .  25 )   Li g h t  in d u s t r i a l  co m m e r c i a l  an d   em p l o y m e n t  ar e a s  co m p r i s e  a va r i e t y  of   bu s i n e s s e s ,  in c l u d i n g  wa r e h o u s e s ,   re s e a r c h  an d  de v e l o p m e n t  fi r m s ,  re p a i r   sh o p s ,  wh o l e s a l e  di s t r i b u t o r s ,  an d  li g h t   ma n u f a c t u r i n g .    Th e s e  ar e a s  ma y  in c l u d e   su p p o r t i n g  of f i c e ,  co m m e r c i a l ,  an d   ac c e s s o r y  re s i d e n t i a l  us e s  wh e r e   ap p r o p r i a t e .   17 . 2 0 . 0 1 0  In d u s t r i a l  an d  Co m m e r c i a l  (I C )    Th e  in d u s t r i a l  an d  co m m e r c i a l  di s t r i c t  is   in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  li g h t   in d u s t r i a l  an d  ma n u f a c t u r i n g  us e s ,   wh o l e s a l e  ou t l e t s ,  wa r e h o u s i n g ,  of f i c e s ,   an d  st o r a g e  fa c i l i t i e s .   No  ch a n g e s       To w n  of  Av o n               22  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9     On c e   we   ha v e   co m p a r e d   th e   ex i s t i n g   or d i n a n c e   an d   th e   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n ,   we   ca n   lo o k   at   a  se c o n d   se r i e s   of   ch a r t s   th a t   id e n t i f y   th e   ne w   li n e ‐up   of   zo n i n g   di s t r i c t s .    We   ha v e   br o k e n   th i s   in t o   tw o   ch a r t s ,   on e   fo r   re s i d e n t i a l ,   be l o w ,   an d   on e   fo r   co m m e r c i a l   an d  mi x e d ‐us e s ,  pa g e  27 .   Up d a t e d  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t  Ch a r t  – Re s i d e n t i a l  Di s t r i c t s   Th e  pu r p o s e s  of  re s i d e n t i a l  di s t r i c t s  ar e  ty p i c a l l y  ve r y   st r a i g h t f o r w a r d ,  in c l u d i n g :  cr e a t i n g  st a b l e  ne i g h b o r h o o d s ,   en c o u r a g i n g  a mi x  of  ho u s i n g  ty p e s ,  pr e s e r v i n g  th e  ch a r a c t e r  of  th e   co m m u n i t y ,  an d  re d u c i n g  th e  im p a c t  of  ne w  de v e l o p m e n t  on   su r r o u n d i n g  ar e a s .    Av o n  cu r r e n t l y  ha s  si x  re s i d e n t i a l  zo n e  di s t r i c t s   th a t  co r r e s p o n d  we l l  wi t h  th e  co m p r e h e n s i v e  pl a n .    Ba s e d  on  ou r   an a l y s i s  in  th e  Co n v e r s i o n  Ch a r t ,  we  re c o m m e n d  th a t  Av o n  ad d  tw o   re s i d e n t i a l  di s t r i c t s  to  co v e r  th e  fu l l  ra n g e  of  de v e l o p m e n t  in  th e   to w n .    At  th e  ve r y  lo w  de n s i t y  en d  of  de v e l o p m e n t ,  we recommend  a la r g e  lo t  di s t r i c t  th a t  ca n  be  us e d  fo r  de v e l o p m e n t  in  en v i r o n m e n t a l l y  se n s i t i v e  ar e a s .    An d  in  th e  medium range of  de n s i t y ,  we  re c o m m e n d  th a t  th e  to w n  mo d i f y  the Residential  Me d i u m  De n s i t y  di s t r i c t  to  pe r m i t  a mi x  of  lo t  sizes and the inclusion  of  si n g l e ‐fa m i l y  us e s   to  pe r m i t  th e  cr e a t i o n   of  th e  re s i d e n t i a l   pi e c e  of  a tr a d i t i o n a l   ne i g h b o r h o o d  di s t r i c t .               Re s i d e n t i a l  Di s t r i c t s   Lo t  Pa t t e r n ,    ty p i c a l   Pu r p o s e   Us e s   De n s i t y  an d   Lo t  Si z e   Co m m e n t s   Re s i d e n t i a l  Es t a t e  (R E )  (n e w  di s t r i c t )     Ac c o m m o d a t e  la r g e ‐lo t  si n g l e ‐fa m i l y  de t a c h e d   re s i d e n t i a l  us e s  an d  ac c e s s o r y  de v e l o p m e n t   co m p a t i b l e  wi t h  th e  mo u n t a i n  la n d s c a p e ;  pr o t e c t   en v i r o n m e n t a l l y  se n s i t i v e  ar e a s ;  pr o v i d e  fo r  op e n   sp a c e  an d  co n s e r v a t i o n  su b d i v i s i o n s        Si n g l e  fa m i l y   re s i d e n t i a l   1 du / a c r e ;   Mi n .  lo t  1 ac r e   (l o t  si z e  ca n  be   ch a n g e d  fo r   co n s e r v a t i o n   su b d i v i s i o n )   Go a l  is long‐term large  lo t s  in rural areas;  ho w e v e r ,  this also allows  lo o k  at potential  re d e v e l o p m e n t  pattern if  pe r m i t t e d .   A por t i o n  of  th e current Avon zoning map.  To w n  of  Av o n               23  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   Re s i d e n t i a l  Di s t r i c t s   Lo t  Pa t t e r n ,    ty p i c a l   Pu r p o s e   Us e s   De n s i t y  an d   Lo t  Si z e   Co m m e n t s   Re s i d e n t i a l  Si n g l e ‐Fa m i l y  (R S F )  (e x i s t i n g  di s t r i c t )        Th e  Re s i d e n t i a l  Si n g l e ‐Fa m i l y  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t  is   in t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  si n g l e ‐fa m i l y  dw e l l i n g s   on  se p a r a t e  lo t s ,  wi t h  ac c e s s o r y  us e s .        Si n g l e  fa m i l y   re s i d e n t i a l   Ma x .  de n s i t y :  5. 8   du / a c r e ;  mi n .  lo t   7, 5 0 0  sf   Qu e s t i o n :  is there any  re a s o n  to allow smaller  lo t  sizes – maybe down to  5, 0 0 0  sf?  Re s i d e n t i a l  Du p l e x  (R D )  (e x i s t i n g  di s t r i c t )   Th e  Re s i d e n t i a l  Du p l e x  Di s t r i c t  is  in t e n d e d  to   pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  lo w ‐de n s i t y  re s i d e n t i a l  du p l e x   de v e l o p m e n t .    Si n g l e  fa m i l y   Du p l e x   Ac c e s s o r y   ca r e t a k e r  ap t .   Ma x .  de n s i t y :  8  du / a c r e ,  pl u s  1  ac c e s s o r y   ca r e t a k e r  ap t .  pe r   du ;  mi n .  lo t  .2 5   ac r e   If  the purpose of this  di s t r i c t  is to maintain  se p a r a t i o n  between  si n g l e  family detached  di s t r i c t  and duplex  de v e l o p m e n t ,  may  co n s i d e r  eliminating this  in  favor of mixed‐density  re s i d e n t i a l .      Re s i d e n t i a l  Lo w  De n s i t y  (R L D )  (e x i s t i n g  di s t r i c t )     Th e  Re s i d e n t i a l  Lo w  De n s i t y  Di s t r i c t  is  in t e n d e d  to   pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  si n g l e ‐fa m i l y ,  tw o ‐fa m i l y ,  an d   mu l t i p l e ‐fa m i l y  dw e l l i n g s .    Si n g l e  fa m i l y   Du p l e x   To w n h o m e   Co n d o   Ap a r t m e n t      7. 5  du / a c r e ,  no   mo r e  th a n  8 du /   bu i l d i n g ;  mi n .  lo t   .2 5  ac r e   No  changes   To w n  of  Av o n               24  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9      Re s i d e n t i a l  Di s t r i c t s   Lo t  Pa t t e r n ,    ty p i c a l   Pu r p o s e   Us e s   De n s i t y  an d   Lo t  Si z e   Co m m e n t s   Re s i d e n t i a l  Me d i u m  De n s i t y  (R M D )  (e x i s t i n g  di s t r i c t )     Th e  Re s i d e n t i a l  Me d i u m  De n s i t y  Di s t r i c t  is  in t e n d e d   to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  mu l t i p l e ‐fa m i l y  dw e l l i n g s .         To w n h o m e   Co n d o   Ap a r t m e n t     15  du / a c r e  of   bu i l d a b l e  ar e a ;   mi n .  lo t  .5  ac r e   Co u l d  replace Residential  Me d i u m  Density with  Re s i d e n t i a l  Diverse  Dw e l l i n g s ,  below.  Re s i d e n t i a l  Hi g h  De n s i t y  (R H D )  (e x i s t i n g  di s t r i c t )   Th e  Re s i d e n t i a l  Hi g h  De n s i t y  Di s t r i c t  is  in t e n d e d  to   pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  mu l t i p l e ‐fa m i l y  dw e l l i n g s .           To w n h o m e   Co n d o   Ap a r t m e n t     20  du / a c r e  of   bu i l d a b l e  ar e a ;   mi n .  lo t  1 ac r e   No  changes  Re s i d e n t i a l  Di v e r s e  Dw e l l i n g s  (R D D )  (n e w  di s t r i c t )     Pr o v i d e  fo r  bo t h  de t a c h e d  an d  at t a c h e d  ho u s i n g ;   al l o w  a mi x  of  dw e l l i n g  un i t  si z e s  an d  lo t   co n f i g u r a t i o n s ;  pr o v i d e  fo r  co m p a c t  de v e l o p m e n t  to   he l p  pr e s e r v e  op e n  sp a c e s   Si n g l e  fa m i l y   Du p l e x   To w n h o m e   Co n d o   Ap a r t m e n t   20  du / a c r e  of   bu i l d a b l e  ar e a ;   mi x e d  lo t  si z e s   de t e r m i n e d  by   si t e  pl a n   No  changes   To w n  of  Av o n               25  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   Re s i d e n t i a l  Di s t r i c t s   Lo t  Pa t t e r n ,    ty p i c a l   Pu r p o s e   Us e s   De n s i t y  an d   Lo t  Si z e   Co m m e n t s   Re s i d e n t i a l  Hi g h  De n s i t y  an d  Co m m e r c i a l  (e x i s t i n g  di s t r i c t )     In t e n d e d  to  pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  th e  de v e l o p m e n t  of   mu l t i p l e ‐fa m i l y  dw e l l i n g s  an d  lo d g e  un i t s ,  al o n g   wi t h  ac c e s s o r y  co m m e r c i a l  us e s .   To w n h o m e   Co n d o   Ap a r t m e n t   Ho t e l s  an d  Lo d g e s B& B   Re t a i l  (w / i n  lo d g e   or  ho t e l )   25  du / a c r e  or  75   ac c o m m o d a t i o n   un i t s  pe r  ac r e ;   mi n .  lo t  1 ac r e   No  changes    Up d a t e d  Zo n e  Di s t r i c t  Ch a r t  – Co m m e r c i a l  an d   Mi x e d ‐Us e  Di s t r i c t s   Th e   pu r p o s e   of   co m m e r c i a l   di s t r i c t s   is   to   pr o v i d e   re t a i l   an d   se r v i c e s   to   th e   co m m u n i t y   in   va r y i n g   si z e s   an d   sc a l e s   of   in t e n s i t y   ac c o r d i n g   to   th e   lo c a t i o n   of   th e   di s t r i c t .    In   Av o n ,   th e r e   ar e   cu r r e n t l y   fo u r   co m m e r c i a l   di s t r i c t s   th a t   ap p e a r   to   be   fa i r l y   tr a d i t i o n a l   in   th a t   th e y   di v i d e   co m m e r c i a l   us e s   in t o   in c r e a s i n g l y   la r g e r   di s t r i c t s   ba s e d   on   th e   ma r k e t   ar e a   fr o m   wh i c h   th e y   dr a w   (r a n g i n g   fr o m   ne i g h b o r h o o d   co m m e r c i a l   to   to w n   ce n t e r   co m m e r c i a l ) .    Re v i e w i n g   th e   to w n ’ s   re c e n t  re d e v e l o p m e n t  pa t t e r n  an d  co m p r e h e n s i v e  pl a n ,   ho w e v e r ,  it   ap p e a r s   th a t   tr a d i t i o n a l   co m m e r c i a l   di s t r i c t s   ar e   no t   wh a t   Av o n   ne e d s   fo r   th e   fu t u r e .    In s t e a d ,   th e   co m m e r c i a l   di s t r i c t s   sh o u l d   in c o r p o r a t e   mo r e   op p o r t u n i t i e s   fo r   mi x e d ‐us e s ,   pa r t i c u l a r l y   in   an d   ar o u n d   th e   To w n   Ce n t e r .    Wh e r e   th e   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n   re c o m m e n d s   th a t   co m m e r c i a l   us e s   be   se p a r a t e d   fr o m   re s i d e n t i a l   us e s ,   su c h   as   in   th e   Ne i g h b o r h o o d   Co m m e r c i a l   la n d   us e   cl a s s i f i c a t i o n ,   th e   us e s   sh o u l d   st i l l   be   ad j a c e n t   to   an d   co n n e c t e d   to   th e   ne i g h b o r h o o d   th r o u g h   ro a d s ,   pa t h s ,   an d   tr a i l s .    Th e   on l y   co m p r e h e n s i v e   pl a n   cl a s s i f i c a t i o n   th a t   do e s   no t   co n n e c t   to   or   mi x   wi t h   re s i d e n t i a l   us e s   is   Re g i o n a l   Co m m e r c i a l ,  which is shown in the  Fu t u r e   La n d   Us e   Pl a n   as   bu f f e r e d   by   op e n  space, civic uses, and  ne i g h b o r h o o d   co m m e r c i a l .    We   re c o m m e n d  an overhaul of the  co m m e r c i a l  di s t r i c t s  to  fo c u s  on  co m m e r c i a l  uses as part of a mixed‐ us e   de v e l o p m e n t   pa t t e r n ,   ex c e p t   fo r   re g i o n a l  commercial that will  re m a i n   a  si n g l e ‐fo c u s   di s t r i c t .    An d ,   no t   in c l u d e d  in this chart, we  re c o m m e n d   th a t   th e   to w n   ke e p   th e   In d u s t r i a l  Commercial (IC)  Di s t r i c t .       Be f o r e   dr a f t i n g   th e   ne w   di s t r i c t s ,   we   ne e d  to discuss the Avon  Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n   re c o m m e n d a t i o n   th a t  the districts include a  me a s u r e m e n t   fo r   fl o o r   ar e a   ra t i o   (F A R ) .      Se e  Policy B.1.2: “Amend  th e   zo n i n g   co d e   to   in c l u d e   Fl o o r   Ar e a   Ra t i o  limitations, which help  to   mi n i m i z e   st a n d a r d i z a t i o n   of   he i g h t s   an d   break‐up building bulk.”    FA R   is   a  me a s u r e m e n t   of   th e   bu l k   of   th e   st r u c t u r e  on the site.  It is  ca l c u l a t e d   by   ad d i n g   th e   ar e a   of   ea c h   fl o o r   of the development and  di v i d i n g  th i s  nu m b e r  by  th e   to t a l  ar e a  of  th e  lot.  While FAR sets the  ba s i c   pa r a m e t e r s   fo r   th e   bu i l d i n g ,   it   al l o w s  the developer to make  ch o i c e s   ab o u t   th e   di s t r i b u t i o n   of   th e   bu i l d i n g  on the site.  The FAR  ca n  be  in c r e a s e d  or  de c r e a s e d  de p e n d i n g  on  the proposed uses, and   To w n  of  Av o n               26  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9     ca n   al s o   be   in c r e a s e d   to   pr o m o t e   a  sp e c i f i c   st r u c t u r e ,   su c h   as   fo r   mi x e d   us e   bu i l d i n g s   to   en c o u r a g e   mi x e d   us e   de v e l o p m e n t .    It   do e s n ’ t   ap p e a r   fr o m   th e   ex i s t i n g   re g u l a t i o n s   th a t   th e   to w n   is   cu r r e n t l y   us i n g   FA R   as   a  me a s u r e m e n t   to o l ,   al t h o u g h   we   ha v e   no t   di s c u s s e d  th i s  an d  it  is  ce r t a i n l y  po s s i b l e .       Th e   il l u s t r a t i o n s   be l o w   an d   to   th e   ri g h t   fr o m   an o t h e r   zo n i n g   co d e   il l u s t r a t e  FA R .    Fo r  an  FA R  of  1. 0 ,  th e  bu i l d i n g  co u l d  be  bu i l t :   • Fi g u r e  1:  si n g l e  st o r y  ov e r  th e  en t i r e  lo t ;   • Fi g u r e  2:  tw o  st o r i e s  ov e r  ha l f  of  th e  lo t ;  or   • Fi g u r e  3:  fo u r  st o r i e s  ov e r  ¼ of  th e  lo t    Of   co u r s e ,   th e   st r u c t u r e   co u l d   al s o   be   th r e e   st o r i e s   or   si x   st o r i e s ,   bu t   th e   ma t h   is   ea s i e r   to   fo l l o w   fo r   th e s e   ex a m p l e s .    We   do   no t   th i n k   th a t   si m p l y   ad d i n g   FA R  to  th e  Un i f i e d  Co d e  wi l l  cr e a t e  th e   di v e r s i t y   en v i s i o n e d   by   th e   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n ,   an d   it   ma y   mo v e   th e   to w n   aw a y   fr o m   it s   pr e f e r r e d   re d e v e l o p m e n t   pa t t e r n .    Th e   go a l   of   FA R   is   to   el i m i n a t e   ot h e r   me a s u r e m e n t   ty p e s ,   su c h   as   he i g h t   an d   se t b a c k ,   in   or d e r   to   cr e a t e   mo r e   de v e l o p m e n t   op t i o n s   on   a  si t e .    Th i s ,   ho w e v e r ,   ma y   re s u l t   in   st r u c t u r e s   th a t   do   no t   co n f o r m   to   th e   ne w   to w n   ce n t e r   ch a r a c t e r   of   Av o n .    Mo v i n g   to   th e   us e   of   FA R   is   al s o   no t   in   ke e p i n g   wi t h  th e  to w n ’ s  de s i r e  to  ex p l o r e  fo r m ‐ ba s e d   zo n i n g   pa t t e r n s ,   wh e r e   th e   go a l   is   to  specify exactly how the  st r u c t u r e   wi l l   wo r k   on   th e   si t e .    We   wi l l   need feedback from the  to w n   ab o u t   ho w  to work with this  po l i c y .                1  3  2  To w n  of  Av o n               27  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9     Co m m e r c i a l  an d  Mi x e d ‐Us e  Di s t r i c t s   Ty p i c a l  St r u c t u r e   Pu r p o s e   Us e s   De n s i t y  or  Sq u a r e   Fo o t a g e   Comments  Mi x e d ‐Us e  Ne i g h b o r h o o d  (M X N )  (n e w  di s t r i c t )     Pr o v i d e  fo r  a co m p a t i b l e  mi x  of   re s i d e n t i a l  an d  sm a l l ‐sc a l e   co m m e r c i a l  us e s  in  a  ne i g h b o r h o o d  se t t i n g .   Si n g l e  fa m i l y  de t a c h e d   Si n g l e  fa m i l y  at t a c h e d   To w n h o u s e   Co n d o   Ap a r t m e n t   Li m i t e d  sf  co m m e r c i a l   Es t a b l i s h  mi x  by   pe r c e n t a g e  (e . g . ,  no  le s s   th a n  60 %  re s i d e n t i a l ) ;   de n s i t y  co m p a t i b l e  wi t h   su r r o u n d i n g  ar e a  an d   co m m e r c i a l  li m i t e d  by   sq u a r e  fo o t a g e  (e . g . ,  to t a l   co m m e r c i a l  fo r  di s t r i c t   li m i t e d  to  25 , 0 0 0  sf  gf a )   No comments  Ne i g h b o r h o o d  Co m m e r c i a l  (N C )  (e x i s t i n g  di s t r i c t )     Pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  co m m e r c i a l   fa c i l i t i e s  an d  se r v i c e s  fo r  th e   pr i n c i p a l  be n e f i t  of  re s i d e n t s  of   th e  co m m u n i t y   Co m m e r c i a l   Ac c e s s o r y  ap a r t m e n t s   Lo t  si z e :  .5  ac r e   Si t e  co v e r a g e  50 %   Ma x .  de n .  7. 5  un i t s / a c r e ;   re s .  FA R  2: 1   Eliminate “highway‐oriented convenience commercial needs” from intent statement.  Add to Mixed‐Use Commercial and address with design standards.   Mi x e d ‐Us e  Co m m e r c i a l  (M X C )  (n e w  di s t r i c t )     Gr o u p  an d  li n k  pl a c e s  us e d  fo r   wo r k i n g ,  sh o p p i n g ,  ed u c a t i n g ,   an d  re c r e a t i n g ,  wi t h  re s i d e n t i a l   us e s ,  th e r e b y  re d u c i n g  ve h i c l e   tr i p s ,  re l i e v i n g  tr a f f i c  co n g e s t i o n ,   an d  im p r o v i n g  th e  ov e r a l l  qu a l i t y   of  li f e  in  th e  to w n   Co m m e r c i a l   Of f i c e   To w n h o u s e   Co n d o    Ap a r t m e n t   Es t a b l i s h  mi x  by   pe r c e n t a g e  (e . g .  no  le s s   th a n  60 %  co m m e r c i a l ) ;   re s i d e n t i a l  de n s i t y  sh o u l d   co r r e s p o n d  to  su r r o u n d i n g   de n s i t i e s  an d  co m m e r c i a l   sh o u l d  be  li m i t e d  by   sq u a r e  fo o t a g e  (e . g . ,  no   si n g l e  us e  gr e a t e r  th a n   10 , 0 0 0  sf  gf a )   Should consider creation of a mixed‐use commercial overlay for use outside of Town Center.  To w n  Ce n t e r  (T C )  (e x i s t i n g  di s t r i c t )    To w n  of  Av o n               28  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9      Co m m e r c i a l  an d  Mi x e d ‐Us e  Di s t r i c t s   Ty p i c a l  St r u c t u r e   Pu r p o s e   Us e s   De n s i t y  or  Sq u a r e   Fo o t a g e   Comments    Pr o v i d e  si t e s  fo r  a va r i e t y  of  us e s   su c h  as  lo d g e s ,  co m m e r c i a l   es t a b l i s h m e n t s ,  an d  of f i c e s  in  a  pr e d o m i n a t e l y  pe d e s t r i a n   en v i r o n m e n t .    Th e  To w n  Ce n t e r   sh o u l d  be  di s t i n g u i s h e d  fr o m   ot h e r  ar e a s  in  th e  to w n .   Co m m e r c i a l   Of f i c e   Ho t e l   Co n d o   Ap a r t m e n t     Lo t  si z e :  30 , 0 0 0  sf ;   Ma x .  de n .  30  du / a c r e  or   90  ac c o m m o d a t i o n  un i t s     Re g i o n a l  Co m m e r c i a l  (R C )  (n e w  di s t r i c t )     Pr o v i d e  ma j o r  re t a i l   es t a b l i s h m e n t s ,  sm a l l e r  re t a i l   sh o p s ,  pe r s o n a l  se r v i c e   es t a b l i s h m e n t s ,  an d  of f i c e s .   Co m m e r c i a l   Of f i c e   Mi n .  lo t  1 ac r e   Ma x .  si t e  co v e r a g e  50 %   Revise existing Shopping Center district, may need to rezone if mapped in locations other than on Future Land Use map.           APP R O A C H   TO   ACT I O N   2:   CON S I D E R   EST A B L I S H I N G   A  PRO C E S S   FO R   CON V E R T I N G   EXI S T I N G   PU D S  TO   STA N D A R D  ZON E  DIS T R I C T S   Th e  pu r p o s e  of  co n v e r t i n g  ex i s t i n g  PU D s  to  tr a d i t i o n a l  zo n e  di s t r i c t s   is   tw o f o l d :   1)   si m p l i f y   pr o c e d u r a l   is s u e s   re l a t e d   to   fu t u r e   de v e l o p m e n t  an d  re d e v e l o p m e n t ,  an d  2)  el i m i n a t e  th e  ne e d  to  ke e p   tr a c k   of   mu l t i p l e   “m i n i   zo n e   di s t r i c t s . ”    Wi t h   th e   up d a t e d   zo n e   di s t r i c t s   pr e l i m i n a r i l y   id e n t i f i e d ,   we   wi l l   ne e d   to   wo r k   wi t h   st a f f   to   de t e r m i n e  wh i c h  ex i s t i n g  PU D s  ca n  be  co n v e r t e d  to  a st a n d a r d  zo n e   di s t r i c t .    In  or d e r  to  re s o l v e  th i s  qu e s t i o n ,  we  will need to identify or  co m p a r e :   1. Is   th e r e   a  cl o s e   ma t c h   be t w e e n   a  di s t r i c t  or proposed district  an d  th e  ap p r o v e d  PU D  or  pa r c e l s  in  th e  approved PUD?  2. Ho w  do  pe r m i t t e d  us e s  in  th e  PU D  an d  th e  district compare?  3. Ho w   do   pe r m i t t e d   de n s i t i e s   in   th e   PUD and the district  co m p a r e ?   4. We r e   th e r e   co n d i t i o n s   es t a b l i s h e d   fo r  during the approval of  th e  PU D  an d  ho w  ca n  th e y  be  re f l e c t e d  in  the district?  5. We r e   th e r e   en t i t l e m e n t s   es t a b l i s h e d   du r i n g  the approval of the  PU D  an d  ho w  ca n  th e y  be  re f l e c t e d  in  th e  district?   To w n  of  Av o n               29  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   6. Wi l l  it  be  ne c e s s a r y  to  pr o p o s e d  ad d i t i o n a l  di s t r i c t s ?   As  we  di s c u s s e d  wi t h  th e  to w n  co u n c i l ,  it  ma y  be  po s s i b l e  an d  us e f u l   to   co n v e r t   so m e   ex i s t i n g   PU D s   to   a  st a n d a r d   zo n e   di s t r i c t ,   bu t   no t   ot h e r s .    We   wi l l   pr o v i d e   mo r e   de t a i l e d   information about this  pr o c e s s  du r i n g  ou r  di s c u s s i o n  of  Mo d u l e  2:  Zone Districts.    4. 0 UP D A T E T H E P U B L I C B E N E F I T S PR O C E S S   DEF I N I N G  TH E  ISS U E  ‐   He r e  is  th e  is s u e  as  we  st a t e d  it  in  th e  Av o n  Di a g n o s i s :    Th e m e   5:    Pr o v i d e   Mo r e   Sp e c i f i c   In f o r m a t i o n   ab o u t   th e   Pu b l i c   Be n e f i t s  Pr o c e s s    Av o n   ty p i c a l l y   re q u i r e s   ea c h   ap p l i c a n t   to   sh o w   so m e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t   as   a  tr a d e ‐of f   fo r   th e   fl e x i b i l i t y   of   PU D   pr o c e s s   ap p r o v a l   th a t   mi g h t   in c r e a s e   de n s i t y   or   of f s e t   ot h e r   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s   .   Th i s   ap p r o a c h   is   us e d   in   ma n y   co m m u n i t i e s .    He r e ,   ho w e v e r ,   th e   pr o c e s s   to   de t e r m i n e   bo t h   wh i c h   le v e l   of   am e n i t i e s   is   ap p r o p r i a t e   an d   wh a t   le v e l   of   be n e f i t   is   ne c e s s a r y   is   un c l e a r .    Pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   ap p e a r   to   be   de t e r m i n e d   on   a  ca s e ‐by ‐ca s e   ba s i s   wi t h   li t t l e   gu i d a n c e   av a i l a b l e   to   th e   ap p l i c a n t   ab o u t   th e   to w n ’ s   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   pr i o r i t i e s .   It   is   al s o   di f f i c u l t   to   de t e r m i n e   ho w   mu c h   we i g h t   or   va l u e   is   pl a c e d   on   di f f e r e n t   po t e n t i a l   in c e n t i v e s .    Th i s  pr o c e s s  co u l d  be   up d a t e d  as   pa r t   of  th e  PU D  up d a t e  (t h e m e  on e )  to  pr o v i d e  mo r e  ce r t a i n t y  to  bo t h  th e   ap p l i c a n t  an d  th e  re v i e w i n g  bo d y .      Di a g n o s i s   Ac t i o n   1:   Ad o p t   a  Pu b l i c   Be n e f i t  Menu or Point  Sy s t e m   Av o n   sh o u l d   co n s i d e r   id e n t i f y i n g   a  pu b l i c   benefits menu or point  sy s t e m  wi t h i n  th e  Un i f i e d  La n d  Us e  Co d e .    If  a system with a specific  li s t   of   tr a d e ‐of f s   ap p e a r s   to   be   to o   co n f i n i n g  for the town’s  ne g o t i a t e d   pr o c e s s ,   th e   to w n   sh o u l d   at   a  minimum create a list of  cr i t e r i a   th a t   wi l l   be   re v i e w e d   wh e n   co n s i d e r i n g  a compensating  pu b l i c  be n e f i t .   Di a g n o s i s  Ac t i o n  2:    Cl a r i f y  Pu b l i c  Be n e f i t s  Early  If   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   ar e  a ma j o r  po i n t  of  ne g o t i a t i o n  for a project, they  sh o u l d   be   ad d r e s s e d   ea r l y   in   th e   pr o c e s s .    This provides sufficient  ce r t a i n t y   to   bo t h   th e   to w n   an d   th e   ap p l i c a n t  that a project will be  ab l e   to   mo v e   fo r w a r d   ba s e d   on   ot h e r  policy and design  co n s i d e r a t i o n s   an d   mo v e   th e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t  discussion off of the  ta b l e .    Th e   ro l e   of   th e   st a f f ,   pl a n n i n g   an d   zoning commission, and  to w n   co u n c i l   sh o u l d   be   cl a r i f i e d   an d   re f l e c t e d  in the final process.   Fo r   ex a m p l e ,   if   th e   to w n   de t e r m i n e s   th a t   on l y  the town council can  id e n t i f y / a p p r o v e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s ,   th e r e   ma y  need to be an early   To w n  of  Av o n               30  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9     di s c u s s i o n   wi t h   to w n   of f i c i a l s   to   in f o r m   an   ap p l i c a n t   ab o u t   th e   to w n ’ s  ex p e c t a t i o n s .   Di a g n o s i s  Ac t i o n  3:  Es t a b l i s h  Pl a n n i n g  Pr i o r i t i e s   Th e   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n   in c l u d e s   ma n y   go a l s ,   po l i c i e s ,   an d   pr i n c i p l e s  su c h  as :   • En c o u r a g e   re d e v e l o p m e n t   of   ex i s t i n g   li g h t   in d u s t r i a l   an d   ma n u f a c t u r i n g   us e s   th a t   co n f o r m   to   ex i s t i n g   pl a n s   an d   de s i g n  st a n d a r d s  (L a n d  Us e  Go a l  C. 5 ) ;   • Cr e a t e   a  un i f i e d   an d   co h e s i v e   ph y s i c a l   fr a m e w o r k   an d   co m m u n i t y   im a g e   by   en s u r i n g   co m p a t i b l e   bu i l d i n g   or i e n t a t i o n ,   sc a l e ,   ma s s i n g ,   si t i n g ,   st r e e t   al i g n m e n t s ,   st r e e t s c a p e   fu r n i s h i n g s ,   si g n a g e ,   li g h t i n g ,   et c .   (C o m m u n i t y   Ch a r a c t e r  Po l i c y  D. 1 . 4 ) ;  an d   • Si t e   bu i l d i n g s   of   va r i o u s   si z e s   al o n g   th e   st r e e t   ed g e   to   ma x i m i z e   su n   ex p o s u r e ,   pr o t e c t   vi e w s ,   an d   br e a k   up   bu i l d i n g   bu l k   (D i s t r i c t   4:   Av o n   Ro a d   Co r r i d o r ,   Pl a n n i n g   Pr i n c i p l e ) .   As   pa r t   of   cl a r i f y i n g   th e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   pr o c e s s ,   st a f f   ma y   wa n t   to   wo r k   wi t h   th e   pl a n n i n g   an d   zo n i n g   co m m i s s i o n   an d   to w n   co u n c i l   to   es t a b l i s h   pr i o r i t i e s   am o n g   th e   go a l s   an d   po l i c i e s   an d   de t e r m i n e   wh e t h e r   th e   in s t r u c t i o n s   ar e   ma n d a t o r y   or   pe r m i s s i v e .    Th i s   wi l l   al l o w   Av o n ’ s   de c i s i o n ‐ma k e r s   to   es t a b l i s h   wh e t h e r   a  pr o p o s e d   pu b l i c   be n e f i t   pr o m o t e s   an   im p o r t a n t   go a l   or   po l i c y   or   a  mi n o r   go a l   or   po l i c y   an d   us e   th a t   in f o r m a t i o n   to   as s e s s   th e   re l e v a n c e   of   th e   po t e n t i a l  be n e f i t .     WHE R E   DOE S   TH E   PUB L I C   BEN E F I T  REQUIREMENT  COM E  FRO M ?  Th e   co n c e p t   be h i n d   th e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t  re q u i r e m e n t  has been stated  ma n y   ti m e s   in   th i s   me m o   –  wh e r e   th e   to w n  permits development  fl e x i b i l i t y   th e   ap p l i c a n t   sh o u l d   gi v e   so m e t h i n g  back to the town.   Th i s   re q u i r e m e n t   is   fo u n d   in   Se c t i o n   17 . 2 8 . 0 8 5  of the current Avon  Zo n i n g  Or d i n a n c e  an d  it  st a t e s :    17 . 2 8 . 0 8 5   Zo n i n g   ap p l i c a t i o n s .    Th e   Town shall consider the  fo l l o w i n g  pu b l i c  be n e f i t  cr i t e r i a  wh e n  ev a l u a t i n g  zoning applications:   (1 )  Th e   ap p l i c a t i o n  de m o n s t r a t e s   a pu b l i c   pu r p o s e  which the current  zo n i n g  en t i t l e m e n t s  ca n n o t  ac h i e v e .    (2 )   Ap p r o v a l   of   th e   zo n i n g   ap p l i c a t i o n   pr o v i d e s  long‐term economic,  cu l t u r a l ,   or   so c i a l   co m m u n i t y   be n e f i t s   th a t   are equal to or greater  th a n   po t e n t i a l   ad v e r s e   im p a c t s   as   a  re s u l t  of the changed zoning  ri g h t s .    (3 )   Th e   fl e x i b i l i t y   af f o r d e d   in   ap p r o v a l   of   th e  zoning application will  re s u l t   in   be t t e r   si t i n g   of   th e   de v e l o p m e n t ,  preserving valued  en v i r o n m e n t a l   an d   cu l t u r a l   re s o u r c e s ,   an d   in c r e a s i n g  the amount of  pu b l i c  be n e f i t  co n s i s t e n t  wi t h  th e  co m m u n i t y  master plan document.   We   ha v e   tw o   co n c e r n s   wi t h   th i s   pr o v i s i o n .   First, as it is currently  wr i t t e n ,  th e  pu b l i c  be n e f i t  re q u i r e m e n t  is  ap p l i c a b l e  to all rezonings.   We   th i n k   th i s   ap p r o a c h   ma y   be   to o   br o a d .    There will be situations  wh e r e   an   ap p l i c a n t   se e k s   a  fa i r l y   lo w   im p a c t  rezoning that really  sh o u l d   no t   tr i g g e r   th e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t   pr o c e s s .   This may be the case  wh e r e   an   ap p l i c a n t   wa n t s   to   go   fr o m   Re s i d e n t i a l  High Density to   To w n  of  Av o n               31  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   Re s i d e n t i a l   Di v e r s e   Dw e l l i n g s   an d   th e   de n s i t y   wi l l   re m a i n   th e   sa m e   bu t   th e   ap p l i c a n t   ma y   ha v e   mo r e   le e w a y   wi t h   si t e   la y o u t .    Th e   im p a c t  on  th e  to w n  wi l l  no t  be  me a s u r a b l y  di f f e r e n t .    Si m i l a r l y ,  if  an   ap p l i c a n t   wa n t s   to   do w n z o n e ,   su c h   as   fr o m   Mi x e d ‐Us e   Co m m e r c i a l   to   Mi x e d ‐Us e   Ne i g h b o r h o o d ,   th e r e   sh o u l d   no t   be   a  pu b l i c   be n e f i t   re q u i r e m e n t .    We   re c o m m e n d   th a t   th e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s  be   li m i t e d   to   PU D   an d   si g n i f i c a n t   ch a n g e s   in   zo n e   di s t r i c t ,   wh e r e   th e   ap p l i c a n t   is   ma k i n g   a  sp e c i a l   re q u e s t   of   th e   to w n .    Mo s t   re g u l a r   by ‐ri g h t   de v e l o p m e n t   in   a  st a n d a r d   zo n e   di s t r i c t   an d   zo n e   ch a n g e s   be t w e e n   ve r y   si m i l a r   di s t r i c t s   sh o u l d   be   re q u i r e d   to   me e t   th e   zo n e   di s t r i c t   de v e l o p m e n t   pa r a m e t e r s   (u s e ,   de n s i t y ,   an d   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s ) ,   in f r a s t r u c t u r e   st a n d a r d s ,   an d   th e   go a l s   an d   po l i c i e s   of   th e   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n ,   bu t   sh o u l d   no t   be   re q u i r e d   to   pr o v i d e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s .    PU D s   an d   ch a n g e s   to   ma j o r   zo n e   di s t r i c t s ,   su c h   as   Re s i d e n t i a l   Hi g h   De n s i t y   an d   Co m m e r c i a l   or   Re g i o n a l   Co m m e r c i a l   –  wh e r e   th e r e   ar e   si g n i f i c a n t   ch a n g e s   in   de n s i t y ,   in t e n s i t y ,  or  us e  ‐   sh o u l d  tr i g g e r  th e  pu b l i c  be n e f i t s  pr o c e s s .    Se c o n d ,   we   ar e   co n c e r n e d   th a t   th e   la n g u a g e   of   th i s   pr o v i s i o n   in c l u d e s   so m e   po t e n t i a l   am b i g u i t i e s   th a t   sh o u l d   be   el i m i n a t e d   pr i o r   to   in c o r p o r a t i n g   th i s   in t o   th e   ne w   Un i f i e d   Co d e .    We   su g g e s t   th e   fo l l o w i n g  la n g u a g e :    17 . 2 8 . 0 8 5   Ma j o r   Re zo n i n g   an d   Pl a n n e d   Un i t   De v e l o p m e n t   aAp p l i c a t i o n s .    Th e   To w n   sh a l l   co n s i d e r   th e   fo l l o w i n g   pu b l i c   be n e f i t   cr i t e r i a   wh e n   ev a l u a t i n g   ma j o r   re zo n i n g   or   pl a n n e d   un i t   de v e l o p m e n t  ap p l i c a t i o n s :    (1 )   Th e   ap p l i c a t i o n   de s i g n   of   th e   pr o j e c t   de m o n s t r a t e s   a  pu b l i c   pu r p o s e   im p l e m e n t a t i o n   of   th e   go a l s   an d   po l i c i e s   of   th e   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pl a n   or   ot h e r   ap p l i c a b l e   pl a n n i n g   do c u m e n t   th a t   ca n n o t   be   ac h i e v e d   in   th e   cu r r e n t   zo n i n g   cl a s s i f i c a t i o n   wh i c h   th e   cu r r e n t  zo n i n g  en t i t l e m e n t s  ca n n o t  ac h i e v e .   (2 )   Ap p r o v a l   of   th e   ma j o r   re zo n i n g   or   pl a n n e d  unit development  ap p l i c a t i o n   pr o v i d e s   lo n g ‐te r m   ec o n o m i c ,  cultural, or social  co m m u n i t y   be n e f i t s   th a t   ar e   eq u a l   to   or  greater than potential  ad v e r s e  im p a c t s  as  a re s u l t  of  th e  ch a n g e d  zo n i n g  rights.   (3 )   Th e   fl e x i b i l i t y   af f o r d e d   in   ap p r o v a l   of  the major rezoning or  pl a n n e d   un i t   de v e l o p m e n t   ap p l i c a t i o n   wi l l   result in: better siting of  th e  im p r o v e d  us e  of  th e  si t e  fo r  th e  de v e l o p m e n t , preserving valued  en v i r o n m e n t a l   an d   cu l t u r a l   re s o u r c e s ,   an d  increasing the amount  th e   pr o v i s i o n   of   a  pu b l i c   be n e f i t   (o r   be n e f i t s )  consistent with the  co m m u n i t y   ma s t e r   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e   Pplan; other planning or  re d e v e l o p m e n t  pl a n s ,  po l i c i e s ,  or  do c u m e n t s ,  or general Town goals  or  st r a t e g i e s .    APP R O A C H  TO ACT I O N  1:  ADO P T  A PUBLIC BENEFIT  MEN U  OR POI N T  SYS T E M   In   th e   di a g n o s i s ,   we   su g g e s t e d   th a t   Av o n   create a public benefit  me n u   as   il l u s t r a t e d   on   pa g e   32 .    Wh i l e   this concept was well‐ re c e i v e d ,  we  ha d  so m e  di s c u s s i o n  wi t h  st a f f  and the ZAC about how  to   st r u c t u r e   th e   in f o r m a t i o n .    We   th i n k  th a t  the preferred approach  wi l l   be   to   id e n t i f y   wa i v e r s   in   te r m s   of   th e i r  impact.  To create this  ch a r t  sp e c i f i c a l l y  fo r  Av o n ,  we  wi l l  ne e d  to  an s w e r  four questions:   1. Ho w  do  we  qu a n t i f y  im p a c t s ?   2. Wh a t  in c r e a s e s  in  de n s i t y  an d  ch a n g e s  in  uses are acceptable?  3. Wh a t   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d   or   de s i g n  waivers will be  pe r m i t t e d ?  an d    To w n  of  Av o n               32  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9      4. Wh a t   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   wo u l d   th e  to w n  li k e  to   se e   in   ex c h a n g e   fo r   pe r m i t t e d   wa i v e r s ?   Th e   le v e l   of   im p a c t   ca n   be   qu a n t i f i e d   by   th r e e   cr i t e r i a :   ty p e   of   us e ,   si z e   of   us e ,   an d   ca t e g o r y   of   wa i v e r   re q u e s t .    Fo r   ex a m p l e ,   an   ap p l i c a n t   pr o p o s i n g   a  re s i d e n t i a l   de v ‐ el o p m e n t   wi t h   te n   ho m e s   se e k i n g   a  la n d s c a p i n g   wa i v e r   mi g h t   qu a l i f y  as  a lo w  im p a c t  re q u e s t .    Th e   le v e l  of  pu b l i c  be n e f i t   re q u i r e d   wi l l   be   ad j u s t e d   ac c o r d i n g l y .    On   th e   ot h e r   en d   of   th e   sp e c t r u m ,   an   ap p l i c a n t   wi t h   a  mi x e d ‐us e   re s o r t   de v e l o p m e n t   se e k i n g   60 0   ho t e l   ro o m s ,   50 , 0 0 0   sq u a r e   fe e t   of   co m m e r c i a l   de v e l o p m e n t ,   an d   st r u c t u r e d   pa r k i n g   th a t   is   lo o k i n g   to   wa i v e   th e   on ‐si t e   op e n   sp a c e   re q u i r e m e n t   an d   in c r e a s e   th e   si t e   de n s i t y   by   25 %   ma y   be   co n s i d e r e d   an   hi g h   im p a c t   wa i v e r   re q u e s t   an d   wo u l d   ne e d   to   pr o v i d e   fa r   mo r e   si g n i f i c a n t   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   to   ge t   to   th e   wa i v e r   ap p r o v a l .       Th i s  sy s t e m  sh o u l d  fu n c t i o n  we l l  fo r  Av o n  as  th e  to w n ’ s  ap p r o a c h  to   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   is   us e d   an d   re f i n e d .    An d   if ,   ov e r   ti m e ,   Av o n   wo u l d   li k e   to   ex p a n d   on   a  mo r e   qu a n t i t a t i v e   ap p r o a c h   to   a  st r u c t u r e d   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   pr o c e s s ,   ch a n g e s   ca n   be   ma d e   ad d   re l e v a n t   st u d i e s   to   pr o v i d e   ad d i t i o n a l   in f o r m a t i o n .    Av o n   ma y   wa n t   to   co n s i d e r   an   ap p r o a c h   si m i l a r   to   He n d e r s o n ,   Ne v a d a   wh e r e  the level of public  be n e f i t s   re q u i r e d   is   me a s u r e d   ag a i n s t   th e   economic impact of the  wa i v e r  so u g h t .    Be c a u s e   th e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   re q u i r e m e n t  is closely tied to  de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s ,   we   wi l l   ne e d   to  draft this section in  co n j u n c t i o n   wi t h   Mo d u l e   3  th a t   wi l l   co n t a i n  a draft of the town’s  pr e f e r r e d   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s .    Wh e n   we understand what is  re q u i r e d   of   ea c h   de v e l o p m e n t   in   te r m s   of  density and design, we  wi l l   be   ab l e   to   ma k e   a  de t e r m i n a t i o n   of   wh a t  requirements will be  su b j e c t   to   re q u e s t s   fo r   wa i v e r   –  ma n y   of   th e s e  trade‐offs are fairly  co m m o n   an d   ca n   be   an t i c i p a t e d .    Me a n w h i l e ,  as we will work with  st a f f   to   us e   th e   zo n e   di s t r i c t s   fr o m   Mo d u l e   2 to identify the level of  im p a c t  by  de v e l o p m e n t  ty p e  an d  si z e .    At   th i s   po i n t   in   th e   pr o c e s s ,   ho w e v e r ,   we can start identifying  po t e n t i a l   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s .    Ty p i c a l l y ,   th e s e  fall into the following  ca t e g o r i e s :    •  Pr o v i d i n g  ad d i t i o n a l  op e n  sp a c e  or  la n d s c a p i n g ;   •  Co n s t r u c t i n g  af f o r d a b l e  ho u s i n g ;   •  Co n t r i b u t i n g  to  co m m u n i t y  in f r a s t r u c t u r e  and facilities;  •  Pr e s e r v i n g  re s o u r c e s  (c o m m u n i t y ,  hi s t o r i c ,  cultural); and  •  Do n a t i n g  pu b l i c  ar t   We   ca n   st a r t   to   cr o s s ‐re f e r e n c e   th e s e   ca t e g o r i e s  with potential  pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   id e n t i f i e d   in   th e   Av o n   Co m p r e h e n s i v e  Plan.  While  th e   pl a n   in c l u d e s   ma n y   go a l s   an d   po l i c i e s   th a t  qualify as lot‐specific  de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s   –  su c h   as   re q u i r i n g  new development to  in c o r p o r a t e   re c r e a t i o n a l   am e n i t i e s   (P o l i c y  I.1.1) or ensuring that  lo w  im p a c t m o d e r a t e  im p a c t h i g h  im p a c t Se t b a c k  al t e r a t i o n A d d i t i o n a l  wa l l  si g n R e l o c a t e  tr a n s i t  st o p Us e  of  al t e r n a t i v e  ac c e n t   ma t e r i a l Wa i v e r  fr o m  pe d e s t r i a n   tr a i l  co n n e c t i o n Re a l i g n  or  va c a t e  pu b l i c   ri g h t ‐of ‐wa y An y  re q u e s t  of  up  to  25 %   of  a nu m e r i c a l l y   me a s u r e d  st a n d a r d An y  re q u e s t  of  up  to  50 %   of  a nu m e r i c a l l y   me a s u r e d  st a n d a r d An y  re q u e s t  of  mo r e   th a n  50 %  of  a  nu m e r i c a l l y  me a s u r e d   st a n d a r d In c r e a s e  in  re q u i r e d   bu f f e r i n g  fr o m  3'  to  6' En h a n c e d  ar c h i t e c t u r a l   st a n d a r d s  as  pr o v i d e d  in   Se c t i o n  xx . x x Pr o v i d e  a 5, 0 0 0  sf  pu b l i c   pl a c e  or  pu b l i c  am e n i t y Ac c e p t a b l e  on ‐si t e   su b s t i t u t i o n s  as  al l o w e d   by  to w n Pa y m e n t  of  an  in ‐li e u  fe e   fo r  pr o v i s i o n  of  lo c a l   st r e e t s c a p e   en h a n c e m e n t s At  le a s t  50 %  of  gr o s s   fl o o r  ar e a  of   de v e l o p m e n t  wi l l   ac h i e v e  LE E D  pl a t i n u m   ra t i n g In c r e a s e  in  on ‐si t e  tr e e   ca l i p e r  by  25 % Co m b i n a t i o n  of  2 or   mo r e  lo w  im p a c t   be n e f i t s Co m b i n a t i o n  of  2 or   mo r e  mo d e r a t e  im p a c t   be n e f i t s Il l u s t r a t i v e  Pu b l i c  Be n e f i t s  Me n u De s i g n  Ch a n g e  Re q u e s t e d Pu b l i c  Be n e f i t  Op t i o n s  To w n  of  Av o n               33  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9   pr o p o s e d   pr o j e c t s   co n f o r m   to   th e   Fu t u r e   La n d   Us e   Pl a n   (P o l i c y   C. 1 . 1 )  ‐   an d  ar e  th e r e f o r e  no t  in  th e  pu b l i c  be n e f i t  ca t e g o r y ,  th e  pl a n   al s o   in c l u d e s   so m e   bi g   pi c t u r e   (o r   bi g   ti c k e t )   it e m s   th a t   ca n   be   pr o v i d e d   fo r   as   si n g l e   or   mu l t i p l e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t  donations.  Some  ex a m p l e s  ar e :       Av o n  Co m p r e h e n s i v e  Pl a n  Po t e n t i a l  Pu b l i c  Be n e f i t s   Pr o v i d e  Ad d i t i o n a l   Op e n  Sp a c e  or   La n d s c a p i n g   Co n s t r u c t  Af f o r d a b l e   Ho u s i n g   Co n t r i b u t e  to   Co m m u n i t y   In f r a s t r u c t u r e  an d   Fa c i l i t i e s   Pr e s e r v e    Re s o u r c e s   Do n a t e   Pu b l i c  Ar t    Achieve a Significant Community Goal Identified in Comprehensive Plan  B. 2 . 4  Wo r k  wi t h   la n d o w n e r s  to  id e n t i f y   op p o r t u n i t i e s  fo r   co n s e r v a t i o n   ea s e m e n t s  or  ot h e r   pe r m a n e n t  op e n  sp a c e   pr o t e c t i o n  to o l s .   F. 2 . 5  Re q u i r e   at t a i n a b l e  ho u s i n g  to   be  wi t h i n  cl o s e   pr o x i m i t y  to  ex i s t i n g   se r v i c e s  an d   de v e l o p m e n t ,  se r v i c e d   by  tr a n s i t  (i n c l u d i n g   bi k e  an d  pe d e s t r i a n   pa t h s ) ,  an d  cl o s e  to   sc h o o l s / c h i l d  ca r e .   C. 1 . 6  In c l u d e  su f f i c i e n t   la n d  fo r  pu b l i c  us e s   su c h  as  sc h o o l s ,   re c r e a t i o n ,  co m m u n i t y   fa c i l i t i e s  (s u c h  as   ch i l d c a r e ) ,  an d   go v e r n m e n t  se r v i c e s   ne a r  th e  pe o p l e  wh o   us e  th e m .   D. 3 . 3 .  En c o u r a g e   de v e l o p m e n t  of  ci v i c   an d  re c r e a t i o n a l   am e n i t i e s  th a t  wi l l   be n e f i t  ex i s t i n g   ne i g h b o r h o o d s .   D. 2 . 1  Be a u t i f y  th e   to w n  wi t h  st r e e t  tr e e s ,   la n d s c a p i n g ,  an d  pu b l i c   ar t .   B.1.9 Encourage redevelopment and revitalization of currently outdated, rundown, or otherwise neglected areas.  H. 1 . 2  Ac q u i r e  or   ot h e r w i s e  pe r m a n e n t l y   pr o t e c t  im p o r t a n t /   si g n i f i c a n t  op e n  sp a c e .     G. 1 . 8  Re t r o f i t  ex i s t i n g   st r e e t s  to  pr o v i d e  sa f e   an d  in v i t i n g  pe d e s t r i a n   si d e w a l k s ,  sh o u l d e r s ,   an d  cr o s s w a l k s .   D. 3 . 4  De v e l o p  a pl a c e   fo r  ev e n t s  su c h  as  an   op e n ‐ai r  pa v i l i o n ,   am p h i t h e a t e r ,  or  pl a z a .   D. 3 . 5  De v e l o p  a pl a n   fo r  ap p r o p r i a t e   co m m u n i t y ‐wi d e  ar t   in s t a l l a t i o n s .   D.2.3 Improve the streetscape along U.S. Highway 6 to strengthen Avon’s overall community  im a g e .      G. 1 . 1 1  Pr o v i d e  a  bi c y c l e  co n n e c t i o n   ac r o s s  or  un d e r  I‐70   be t w e e n  Me t c a l f  Ro a d   an d  Be a v e r  Cr e e k   Bo u l e v a r d .   E. 3 . 9  Id e n t i f y  an d   ho n o r  cu l t u r a l  an d   he r i t a g e  si t e s  wi t h   el e m e n t s  su c h  as   mu s e u m s ,  in t e r p r e t i v e   pa r k s ,  ma r k e r s ,   me m o r i a l s ,  fo u n t a i n s ,   sc u l p t u r e s ,  st a t u e s ,   si g n a g e ,  ba n n e r s ,   in f o r m a t i o n a l  ki o s k s ,   pu b l i c  ar t ,  an d / o r  fl a g s .     G.2.2 Provide safe and cost‐effective, at‐grade pedestrian/ bicycle crossing through the railroad right‐of‐way, particularly between residential neighborhoods and employment centers, shopping centers, and schools.   To w n  of  Av o n               34  PU D / Z o n e  Di s t r i c t / P u b l i c  Be n e f i t  Me m o             ZA C / P Z C / T o w n  Co u n c i l  Dr a f t  | Ap r i l  20 0 9                 We   wi l l   wo r k  wi t h  st a f f  to  id e n t i f y   th e  co m m u n i t y   go a l s  an d  po l i c i e s   th a t   be l o n g   on   th e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   ch a r t .    We   wi l l   th e n   st a r t   to   co o r d i n a t e   th e   le v e l   of   im p a c t   of   a  de v e l o p m e n t   wi t h   ca t e g o r i e s   of   wa i v e r   or   va r i a n c e   re q u e s t s   an d   ti e   th a t   to   sp e c i f i c   be n e f i t s   th a t   mu s t   be   pr o v i d e d .    We   wi l l   ha v e   a  fi r s t   dr a f t   of   th e   fu l l   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s  ch a r t  re a d y  fo r  re v i e w  wi t h  Mo d u l e  3.    APP R O A C H   TO   ACT I O N   2:   CLA R I F Y   PUB L I C   BEN E F I T S   EAR L Y   Th e   to w n ’ s   ac t i o n s   in   si m p l y   cl a r i f y i n g   th e   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   th r o u g h   th e  pr o c e s s  id e n t i f i e d  ab o v e   wi l l   al l o w   th e  de v e l o p m e n t   co m m u n i t y   to   ad j u s t   ex p e c t a t i o n s   ab o u t   wh a t   is   in v o l v e d   in   re q u e s t i n g   an d   pr o v i d i n g   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s .    Th e   to w n   ca n   go   on e   st e p   fu r t h e r ,   ho w e v e r ,   an d   wo r k   wi t h   ap p l i c a n t s   to   id e n t i f y   a  ra n g e   of   po t e n t i a l   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   th r o u g h   th e   ea r l y   re v i e w   pr o c e s s   de s c r i b e d   in   th e   pr o c e d u r e s   dr a f t e d   in   Se c t i o n   16 . 0 3 . 0 2 0 ( b )   Ea r l y   Re v i e w   in   Mo d u l e   1.    Al o n g   wi t h   a  di s c u s s i o n   of   de n s i t y ,   us e s ,   an d   ap p l i c a b l e   de v e l o p m e n t   st a n d a r d s ,   th e   to w n   ca n   es t a b l i s h   th e   pr e l i m i n a r y   ca t e g o r y   of   th e   pr o j e c t   –  ei t h e r   lo w ,   me d i u m ,   or   hi g h   im p a c t ,   an d   di s c u s s   wi t h   th e   ap p l i c a n t   wh a t   pu b l i c   be n e f i t s   th e   to w n   wi l l   co n s i d e r  as  th e  pr o j e c t  mo v e s  fo r w a r d .     APP R O A C H   TO   ACT I O N   3:   EST A B L I S H  PLANNING  PRI O R I T I E S   We   wi l l   ac c o m p l i s h   th i s   ta s k   as   we   cr e a t e   th e  public benefits menu  de s c r i b e d  ab o v e .