Item B: Initiating Code Amendment for Downtown-Related Zoning Regulations

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Initiating Code Amendment for Downtown-Related Zoning Regulations Meeting Date: September 12, 2005 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Nan Laurence www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5340 ISSUE STATEMENT A Downtown Plan implementation strategy calls for the creation of a single zone to unify the downtown core and to support downtown development. This work session identifies the planning issues involved in implementing this strategy to support desired downtown development and related Downtown Plan policies. The action recommended is City Council initiation of a code amendment to address possible changes to regulations affecting downtown. BACKGROUND This item was originally on the City Council Consent Calendar for July 18, 2005. As a result of City Council action, it was taken off of the Consent Calendar and a work session was requested. As noted in the Agenda Item Summary (AIS) for July 18, 2005, the Downtown Plan supports the evaluation of zoning and code regulations for downtown in an effort to encourage desired development. The plan, adopted by the council in April 2004, contains the following implementation strategy: Create a single zone to unify the downtown core, including the new Federal Courthouse and riverfront areas. Consider amendments to an existing commercial zone, such as C-2 or C-3, and overlay zones such as /TD, /ND, and the Broadway Overlay Zone. (Page 14) The concept of a downtown zoning district was first included in the Downtown Vision, approved by the City Council in November, 2000. The vision included the following Key Next Step to support downtown development: Create a new zoning district for the downtown that promotes multi-story structures with mixed uses, and emphasizes street-level activity along the Great Streets. Consider Design Review. (Page 9) The Downtown Plan promotes a vision for a strong, active, distinctive urban center. Zoning, by itself, does not induce downtown development or urban levels of activity. However, the zoning for downtown plays an integral part in implementing the vision for downtown by restricting or allowing certain uses and through requirements for how those uses are configured. As part of the implementation of the Downtown Plan, the Planning Commission discussed a review of relevant code regulations on May 10, 2004. The Planning Commission considered this item again on November 15, 2004, and directed staff to work with the Eugene Redevelopment Advisory Committee L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050912\S050912B.doc