Council holds first readings on multiple zoning code changes, Dugan Place final plan and a large annexation

At its meeting the Urbana City Council placed multiple planning-related ordinances on their first readings and scheduled public hearings, moving several zoning and development matters toward formal review.

Items on first reading included approval of a final development plan for a planned unit development called Dugan Place (Ordinance 46-18-25). Staff said the final plan closely matches the preliminary PUD approved in 2022, with most substantive changes limited to a reworked townhome section. The planning process will now move toward a preliminary plat at the planning commission and subsequent council consideration; staff indicated TIF-related legislation could follow in the summer.

Council accepted a first reading of an ordinance to accept annexation of approximately 219.986 acres in Urbana Township as petitioned by multiple owners (Ordinance 46-19-25). Staff said nine parcels were involved and that the county commissioners previously acted on the annexation; the ordinance will return for additional readings after required waiting periods.

Council also held first readings on a set of code amendments, each identified by ordinance number, that largely clarify definitions and update permitted uses and standards across districts. Highlights presented by planning staff included adding a definition and permitted use category for computing infrastructure/data centers, clarifying lot-coverage calculations (explicitly excluding pavement and parking from roof-area calculations), changes to the M-1 (manufacturing) district to allow light manufacturing and to move auto repair to conditional use status, and modest changes to B-2 general business, supplemental regulations (including fence height allowances in M-1), and off-street parking/loading rules. The city also proposed updating the official zoning map for parcels expected to be annexed (Ordinance 46-25-25); staff proposed R-3 zoning for four parcels and M-1 for five parcels consistent with prior planning work.

All items on this agenda were at the first-reading stage; council scheduled public hearings and asked staff to proceed through the normal planning and review process. No final approvals were taken on these first-reading items during the meeting.