05-24-12 Special Called Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012 organization, communication, coordination, and education is a key for maintaining and improving livable neighborhood environments. Established, stable neighborhoods must be preserved and protected from encroaching incompatible development while new neighborhoods should be developed in accordance with Smart Growth and community character principles detailed throughout this plan. In essence, neighborhoods that are safe, well- maintained, and are of a quality, enduring character, will maintain property values and thus, a sound neighborhood environment and stable residential tax base. The City can greatly enhance the quality of life for its citizens by enacting ordinances and incentives to protect and enhance the integrity of its neighborhoods. Mechanisms to improve the quality of neighborhoods may include ordinances focused on neighborhood conservation; provision of improved or updated public facilities and services such as streets, sidewalks, trails, neighborhood parks, street lighting, drainage systems, pedestrian amenities, traffic control, neighborhood policing and fire protection; enforcement of codes and ordinances; providing support for the creation or the organization of qualified neighborhood organizations by providing technical assistance with private restrictions and/or conducting special neighborhood studies (including redevelopment and/or rehabilitation revitalization plans); providing funds for neighborhood improvements, and, generally investing or reinvesting in the community’s neighborhoods. Actions and Initiatives One of the most effective ways to protect neighborhood integrity is through the implementation of neighborhood conservation districts. As detailed later in this chapter, the existing neighborhoods that are envisioned as remaining stable over the 20-year planning horizon are reflected on the Future Land Use Plan as Neighborhood Conservation (NC). Within an amended zoning ordinance should then be corresponding descriptions as to prevailing lot sizes, setbacks, floor area, and other criteria with by-right provisions allowing certain house or property improvements to enable (and encourage) reinvestment. The purpose of these NC districts is to preserve neighborhood character and establish standards consistent with those at the time of development so that nonconforming situations are not created. Actions and Initiatives 1)Identify established neighborhoods with cohesive character and community identity and create neighborhood conservation districts to protect and promote the existing neighborhood feel. In addition, allow for reasonable improvements in these existing neighborhoods without cumbersome variance procedures. Include by-right standards for making improvements to buildings to ensure that they remain in character with the neighborhood and do not adversely impact the use and enjoyment of neighboring properties. 2.10 Chapter 2