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Staff to fold large-scale retail rules into existing highway-overlay zoning; special-exception review planned
Summary
City staff proposed adding large-scale retail standards to the city's existing highway-overlay district rather than creating a separate 'big box' ordinance. Staff said the proposal would use tiered special-exception review by building size, require enhanced landscaping and design, and go to the Planning & Zoning Board in March.
City staff told the City Commission it will consolidate large-scale retail (formerly called "big box") standards into the city's existing overlay district and return with a combined ordinance for commission consideration.
Stacy Heck, director of community development, said staff reviewed the overlay district and concluded it is largely suitable for large-scale retail with targeted enhancements. "Instead of adding additional ordinances to our code, take an ordinance that we already have that's pretty well written and move forward with that, but adding the large scale retail in the overlay district," Heck said.
Staff proposals described in the meeting include: - Treat large-scale retail as a special exception within the overlay district so applicants must present renderings and obtain commission review; - Create size tiers (staff cited possible ranges such as 20,000'to 40,000 square feet, 40,000'to 60,000, and larger tiers) that trigger progressively stricter design and landscaping requirements; - Tighten landscape standards and require a mix of compulsory design elements rather than optional selections.
Commissioners said they want both stronger aesthetic standards and a way to weigh whether a proposed retailer would fill a local market need. "I think it's a two-part tough scale," Commissioner Maison said, adding that commissioners would score projects on aesthetics and on whether the retail type duplicates services already present in Newberry.
Timeline and next steps: Heck told the commission staff aims to bring the revised overlay rules to the Planning & Zoning Board in March, with a commission hearing expected in late March or early April. "We would probably be able to hone in on it and get it to PZB in March," she said.
Ending: Staff will return with a combined ordinance that inserts large-scale retail into the overlay district and proposes tiered special-exception standards for size, design and landscaping.
