Item B: Infill Compatibility Standards Code Amendments

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Infill Compatibility Standards Recommendations Meeting Date: November 9, 2009 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Terri Harding www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541/682-5635 ISSUE STATEMENT This work session is an opportunity for the City Council to receive a project update on Infill Compatibility Standards (ICS), and to prepare for the council hearing scheduled for November 16, on the first round of recommendations. BACKGROUND In response to City Council direction to address residential infill compatibility, a task team of neighborhood representatives and professional developers, designers, and housing advocates was created and met monthly from November 2007, to September 2009. As a result of their almost two years of research, public outreach, proposal development and refinement, the task team ultimately passed 17 recommendations. Attachment A shows the implementation timeline for all of the recommendations. In August 2009, the Planning Commission directed three items to proceed to the public hearing phase: Special Area Zone – Jefferson Westside, Building Height, and Parking Strategies. Additionally, on October 12th, while considering action on the Minor Code Amendment Remand Ordinances, the council directed staff to bring the ICS Parking Recommendations for final council action by December 14, 2009. th The Planning Commission held public hearings on October 20, and deliberated on the proposals on th October 26. Draft ordinances and associated maps reflecting the Planning Commission’s recommendations are attached as Attachments B, C, and D. Special Area Zone-Jefferson Westside (Attachment B) The purpose of this special zone is to provide for more compatible infill development by limiting the number of dwellings per lot, lowering allowable building heights, and establishing new development requirements related to roof form, setbacks, parking, and open space in areas currently zoned R-2, while still achieving housing densities within the medium density range. The Jefferson-Far West and Westside Refinement Plans are also proposed to be amended to include references to the new zone. Building Height (Attachment C) The purpose of these regulations is to provide for greater infill compatibility in neighborhoods west and south of the University of Oregon by lowering building height limits and providing a gradual transition in building height to single family areas, while still allowing buildings in high-density (R- 3 and R-4) zones to meet the City’s density targets and accommodate additional residents. Allowable building height is proposed to be reduced in the R-3 zone from 50 feet to 35 feet, and in the R-4 zone from 120 feet to 35, 50, 75, or 90 feet, depending on location and size of the development site. If Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M091109\S091109B.doc