Planning study recommends zone change
After an analysis of property between Marketplace Lane and the Montgomery Safety Center, a planning consultant has recommended that the City implement changes to ensure that there is proper transitioning of land uses along this section of the Montgomery Road corridor.
In 2006, the City established an Interim Development Control District over this area while the staff and Planning Consultant McBride Dale Clarion reviewed the existing land use regulations and development trends. Subsequently, Twin Lakes submitted its application to build 13 garden homes on undeveloped land at the northern edge of the IDC study area.
Recently, Twin Lakes has expanded this project to 23 units by gaining control of the adjoining property to the south. Both properties are currently zoned for the residential use proposed by Twin Lakes, and the McBride Dale Clarion report will not affect those plans.
The final report, which has been presented to both the Planning Commission and City Council, recommends that the existing residential zoning for the undeveloped area be maintained, however it does recommend the Montgomery Road Corridor Design Guidelines be enhanced for this area.
The principal changes recommended in the report involve the commercial land between the undeveloped wooded area and the Marketplace. Currently zoned for general business use, the report recommends that these properties be rezoned to a limited business classification. This would allow the proper transitioning between the more intensive commercial uses south of the study area and the anticipated residential development to the north. The study also recommends the following modifications to the existing limited business zoning regulations:
- Establishment of a 20,000 sq. ft. maximum building footprint for a single occupant building.
- Establishment of a 30,000 sq. ft maximum building footprint for a multiple occupant building.
- Establishment of a 60% maximum impervious surface coverage ratio.
- Taverns, bars and lounges should be permitted as a conditional use.
- Extension of a buffer requirement between limited business zoning uses and residential uses.
At its April 23 work session, City Council accepted the report and requested staff and the Planning Commission prepare changes to the zoning ordinance and map to reflect these recommendations. The Planning Commission began its review at the commission’s May 19 meeting. The Council will consider the matter following the recommendation of the Planning Commission.