Directors debate whether to require development plans with every Planned Zoning District

Deputy City Administrator Maggie Rice opened a May 20 study-session discussion on whether the city should require a development plan to accompany every Planned Zoning District application.

Rice told the board the PZD option was adopted in 2013 to allow developers to secure rezonings "without undue financial risk," noting that other rezoning options already require a full development plan. "Adding the mandate that a development plan be required with every PZD project booklet would be counterintuitive to the purpose of a PZD, and staff would not be in favor of mandating that requirement," Rice said.

Several directors said they wanted a middle ground. Director Cerro said the PZD process has grown to include long lists of desired uses and that neighborhoods are often unsure what a developer is proposing. "I'm not asking for a full development plan. I'm asking for just sometimes here's what we're thinking," Cerro said, asking for a simple sketch or "back-of-the-napkin" plan to show likely use and building placement.

Director Rigo and others asked whether other communities require funding commitments or different plan requirements for PZDs. Rice said she had not found that requirement in her experience and recommended options the board already has: deny the rezoning, remand to the planning commission, or add a condition requiring a development plan prior to building permit issuance.

Director Kemp and others asked staff to research best practices from peer communities and return with potential policy options. No formal action was taken; the board asked staff to provide examples and consider a consistent, citywide approach rather than ad hoc conditions.