The intent of the planned development process is to allow a developer the ability to adjust land use requirements to meet the unique needs of their proposed developments. This process modifies the zoning requirements for selected parcels and is subject to the underlying zoning designation. To assure the planned development meets current requirements and concerns, the city and the public have extensive ability to review and condition those developments. These planned development (PD) requirements replace the planned unit development (PUD) requirements of Title 18 as adopted September 2, 1980. The objectives of planned developments are to:
(a)
Provide for flexibility in the design of land uses and activities to encourage more creative approaches to development, resulting in more efficient, aesthetic, and environmentally responsive use of lands within the city limits.
(b)
Allow for public input and response by city residents, interested persons, agencies and groups. Public input is essential to further assure that land uses and development within the city reflect the needs and desires of city residents and are consistent with the public welfare of the city.
(c)
Encourage creativity in design and placement of buildings, use of required open spaces, provisions for on-site circulation plans, parking, and other site-design elements that better utilize the potentials of the unique natural characteristics of the property.
(d)
Facilitate the provision of economical and adequate public improvements and utilities.
(e)
Minimize and/or mitigate the impacts of development on valuable natural resources and unique natural or existing features including but not limited to key wildlife habitats, riparian habitats, floodplain and other wetlands, mature tree stands, steep slopes, unique or aesthetically important views and vistas, and similar resources and features.
(f)
Encourage the incorporation of public access to recreational opportunities, including trail systems and greenways, as a part of development activities.
(g)
Allow areas to be combined together for development that would otherwise be developed on a lot-by-lot basis, and to develop the area jointly with clustered or common features and structures and shared roads and utilities for more economic use of the land and better utilization of limited land and natural resources and maintenance of open space areas.
(h)
Assure that aesthetics are considered in the architectural design of structures and in the overall development planned, and are a part of the review process of significant developments within the city.
(i)
Provide regulations for the planned development permit process which will give notice to developers of pertinent issues, concerns and limitations in planning of projects.
(j)
Allow planned developments to follow the same general property division requirements as a plat or a binding site plan.
(Ord. 1286 (part), 1995)