05-15-14 Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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CI Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of May 15, 2014 Page 2 of 3 S. Discussion or other action regarding current and potential provisions related to hotels/motels. Planning Director Tim Tietjens initiated discussion on a request by City Council for the Planning and Zoning Commission to review and provide a recommendation on possible distance locations for hotels/motels and their proximity to residential uses. Commissioner Hoot expressed concern with obsolescence of structure, so he suggested design standards for hotels/motels, including larger ceiling heights and rooms sizes to help with redevelopment of the property should the building be utilized in the future for a different purpose. Commissioners recommended City Council take into account the following when considering possible amendments to the City's hotel/motel provisions: • The Commission was not in favor of imposing distance requirements between hotels/motels. • Consider amending the Code of Ordinances, Section 106-441, Table A, Footnote 4, from "adjacent to" to "within 250 feet" and require a special conditional use permit for any hotel/motel development within 250 feet of any residential development. This would also apply to hotels/motels that may develop within the industrial zones, since uses in the GC zoning district are also allowed in the industrial zones. 6. Discuss creation of a Mixed Use Zone District for inclusion in the Chapter 106 Zoning Ordinance Review. City Planner Eric Ensey provided an overview for the proposed Mixed Use Zoning District, which the Chapter 106 review subcommittee has been working on for inclusion with the Chapter 106 amendments. Mr. Ensey described the Mixed Use District as generally an area where mixes of commercial and residential uses are allowed in the same building. The areas suggested for mix use zoning are the circle parcels adjacent to Sylvan Park near the bay front. Commissioners discussed the pros and cons of allowing mixed commercial and residential uses within the same parcel. Commissioner Hoot requested City Attorney Knox Askins look into whether or not the City could require commercial specifications for a low density residential use. Chairman Lawler allowed for input from the audience. Judy Neiuwenhaus, and her husband Roelof, reside upstairs of their downstairs business located at 319 E. Main Street. The Neiuwenhaus's also own property in one of the circle parcels being discussed for mixed -use zoning. Due to its current zoning, the couple has been unable to either build a home or to sell the property. Mrs. Neiuwenhaus thanked the Commission for working towards changes that would help them utilize their property.