The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2012 02 27 Public Hearing 502 Town Center Code Rewrite First Reading Ordinance 2012-06 COMMISSION AGENDA Informational Consent ITEM502 Public Hearings X Regular February 27, 2012KSRS Regular MeetingCity ManagerDepartment REQUEST: The Community Development Department – Planning Division requests that the City Commission hold a public hearing for the first reading of Ordinance 2012-06, the re-write of the Town Center District Code. SYNOPSIS: The Town Center District Code was initially adopted by the City Commission in 2000. It was one of the first “form-based” codes adopted in the United States. Since that time, “form- based” codes have evolved, and allow more predictability in design. On August 1, 2011 City staff and the City’s Town Center consultant, Dover-Kohl presented a workshop to the City Commission based on concerns with the format of the current Town Center District Code. At the conclusion of the workshop, the City Commission unanimously directed City staff to re-write the Town Center District Code utilizing the concept of the “transect”, which categorizes settlement patterns into zones ranging from a very rural character to a very urban character. APPLICABLE LAW, PUBLIC POLICY, AND EVENTS Florida Statutes 163.2511-163.3246 : (Provides that land development regulations for municipal planning be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan). Florida Statute 166.041 Procedures for adoption of ordinances and resolutions. Winter Springs Charter Article IV. Governing Body. Section 4.06. General powers and duties. Section 4.15. Ordinances in General. City of Winter Springs Comprehensive Plan Winter Springs Code of Ordinances, Chapter 20, Division 12, Town Center District Code Public Hearings 502 PAGE 1 OF 3 - February 27, 2012 CONSIDERATIONS: The Winter Springs Town Center District Code was one of the first “form-based” codes adopted in the United States. The adopted code, known as a “street-based” code, means that development is broken down by street types with building standards tied to street sections. Under the auspices of the existing code, any permitted use is allowed to be constructed in any location in the Town Center. Based on concerns with the format of the current code, City staff and the City’s Town Center consultant, Dover-Kohl presented a workshop to the City Commission on August 1, 2011. At the conclusion of this workshop, the City Commission unanimously directed City staff to re-write the Town Center District Code utilizing the concept of the “transect”, which categorizes settlement patterns into zones ranging from a very rural character to a very urban character. Staff commenced the re-write and incorporated the concept of the transect into the existing Town Center Code. In the attached draft, all new additions are underlined, and all deletions are in strike-thru format. Several original sections, such as Building Elements and Architectural Guidelines, remain the same in the proposed re-write. A summary of the changes to the code is as follows: Revised map of the Town Center that utilizes an aerial photograph to depict the  boundary. New map of the Town Center that shows specific areas broken down into transects  based on existing development or anticipated development trends. They are: T1 (Natural Zone), T3 (Suburban Zone), T4 (General Urban Zone), T5 (Urban Center Zone), and C/P (Civic/Public). New chart with transect zone descriptions.  New permitted use table, which takes the existing permitted uses in the current code  and places them into an appropriate transect zone. Revised provisions regarding maximum block size and building height.  Elimination of the “Squares, Parks, and Street Types” section and replacement of this  section with a “Transect Standards” section. Re-designation of the “In Our Generation Illustrative Build Out” drawing as  the “Town Center Master Plan” in the Transect Standards section. Detailed descriptions of development standards in each transect zone are provided  including: lot orientation, principle building setbacks, accessory building setbacks, building height and private frontages that are permitted in each transect zone. Revised Town Center thoroughfare plan map which designates acceptable street  design standards in each transect zone. New “Civic/Public Pole Lighting and Decorative Street Signage” section which  designates acceptable lighting standards in each transect zone. Additionally, this section has street sign types that are acceptable in the Town Center. Public Hearings 502 PAGE 2 OF 3 - February 27, 2012 Re-designation of the term “build-to-line” to “principle plane” in the Building  Elements section, as this term is more acceptable to the development community. Creation of a new sign standards section (20-327.1) that incorporates existing and  additional sign code language that is less restrictive toward the general public and business owners in the Town Center. FISCAL IMPACT: While there is no direct fiscal impact to the City as a result of the Code re-write, staff is of the opinion that the new code language will facilitate more diversified development in the Town Center, which will have a positive fiscal impact to the City’s tax base. COMMUNICATION EFFORTS: This Agenda Item has been electronically forwarded to the Mayor and City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney/Staff, and is available on the City’s Website, LaserFiche, and the City’s Server. Additionally, portions of this Agenda Item are typed verbatim on the respective Meeting Agenda which has also been electronically forwarded to the individuals noted above, and which is also available on the City’s Website, LaserFiche, and the City’s Server; has been sent to applicable City Staff, Media/Press Representatives who have requested Agendas/Agenda Item information, Homeowner’s Associations/Representatives on file with the City, and all individuals who have requested such information. This information has also been posted outside City Hall, posted inside City Hall with additional copies available for the General Public, and posted at five (5) different locations around the City. Furthermore, this information is also available to any individual requestors. City Staff is always willing to discuss this Agenda Item or any Agenda Item with any interested individuals. This item was advertised in the Orlando Sentinel on February 16, 2012. RECOMMENDATION: Staff and the Planning & Zoning Board recommend that the City Commission approve the first reading of Ordinance 2012-06, the re-write of the Town Center District Code, and move said Ordinance forward to second reading. ATTACHMENTS: A. Ordinance 2012-06 “Exhibit A” - Draft Town Center District Code B. Advertisement, Orlando Sentinel, February 16, 2012 C. Minutes – February 1, 2012 Planning & Zoning Board meeting Public Hearings 502 PAGE 3 OF 3 - February 27, 2012