Board expands ability to convert office allocation in downtown subareas D and G to other uses

The Planning and Zoning Board on June 5 unanimously recommended amending ordinance 4035 — the Downtown Development of Regional Impact (DDRI) development order — to allow up to 90% of the original office allocation in downtown subareas D and G to be converted to other uses. The change was presented as a short-term measure to avoid a de facto moratorium on new development caused by prior conversion limits.

Arlene Chees Nelson, DDRI planning analyst, explained the DDRI development order divides downtown entitlements (the ordinance’s 8 million-square-foot total) by use and subarea and imposes a 50% cap on conversions and transfers out of a subarea (90% previously allowed for subarea E). Nelson said the proposed amendment would allow conversions up to 90% in subareas D and G, freeing additional office-equivalent square footage to be used for housing, retail or mixed uses in those subareas while leaving a remaining reserved office allotment in other subareas.

Petitioner counsel Ellie Zacharitis (Miskill Backman) said the amendment is a temporary “band-aid” to avoid a near-term development standstill while the city undertakes a larger rewrite of ordinance 4035. Planning and traffic staff told the board conversions to residential and mixed uses would reduce peak-hour traffic compared with office uses. Board members expressed support and the ordinance amendment was approved 7–0; staff recommended approval.