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03-29-2016 HOPKINS PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION " AGENDA Tuesday, March 29, 2016 6:30 m THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE START OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. ADOPT AGENDA III. OPEN AGENDA— PUBLIC COMMENTS/CONCERNS IV. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of the February 23, 2016, Planning and Zoning Commission V. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Request by the City of Hopkins for a Text Amendment Related to Subdivision Regulations (2016-09-TA) VI. OLD BUSINESS VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Process ^'lll. ANNOUNCEMENTS IX. ADJOURN ; � UNOFFICIAL — ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February 23, 2016 A regular meeting of the Hopkins Zoning and Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Hopkins City Hall. Present were Commission Members Brian Hunke, Scott Kerssen, Matt McNeil, Gary Newhouse, Mike Tait, Emily Wallace-Jackson and James Warden. Also present was City Planner Jason Lindahl. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kerssen called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ADOPT AGENDA Commissioner Warden moved, Commissioner Hunke seconded, to adopt the agenda. The motion was approved unanimously. PRESENTATIONS - None. CONSENT AGENDA ^ Commissioner McNeil moved, Commissioner Wallace-Jackson seconded, to approve the minutes of the January 26, 2016, regular meeting. The motion was approved unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS Request by the City of Hopkins for a Text Amendment Related to Zoning Standards for Theaters (2016-04-TA) Mr. Lindahl gave a summary presentation to the Commission, explaining that this action will bring the Zoning Code in line with recent changes to the City Liquor licensing regulations related to Theaters. The Commission discussed the definition for theaters and the relationship between the zoning changes and the recent changes to the City's Liquor license regulations. Mr. Lindahl answered questions regarding the boundaries of the B-3 district, proximity to schools and churches and how this action applies to the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Public Hearing: Chair Kerssen opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak. Commissioner Warden moved, Commissioner Newhouse seconded, to close the public hearing. The motion was approved unanimously. The public hearing closed at 6:41 p.m. Commissioner McNeil moved, Commissioner Newhouse seconded, to adopt Planning Resolution 2016-04, recommending the City Council approve an ordinance amending Sections 515.07 and 535 of the City Code related to zoning standards for theaters. The motion was ,-. approved unanimously. Request by the City of Hopkins for a Text Amendment Related to Zoning Standards of the Institutional District and Rezoning for the Public Works and Pavilion Properties (2016-OS- TA and 2016-06-RZ) Zoning and Planning Commission Minutes—February 23, 2016—Page 2 Mr. Lindahl gave a summary presentation to the Commission, explaining that the Public Works � department request for an electronic sign prompted this housekeeping item. The rezoning to Institutional is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the addition of"Public or Governmental Services" as a permitted use will provide greater consistency between the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. The Commission asked general questions about the City's electronic sign standards, the location of the sign on the site and whether there were any concerns from neighboring residents. Public Hearing: Chair Kerssen opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak. Commissioner Newhouse moved, Commissioner Warden seconded, to close the public hearing. The motion was approved unanimously. The public hearing closed at 6:47 p.m. Commissioner Newhouse moved Commissioner Hunke seconded, to adopt Planning Resolution 2016-05, recommending the City Council approve an ordinance amending Section 542 of the City Code related to zoning standards for the Institutional District. The motion was approved unanimously. Commissioner Hunke moved, Commissioner Newhouse seconded, to adopt Planning Resolution 2016-06, recommending the City Council approve an ordinance rezoning the properties at 11000 Excelsior Boulevard (Hopkins Pavilion and Public Works buildings) and 101 — 17t�' Avenue South (Fire Station) from R-5, High Density Multifamily, to Institutional. The motion was approved unanimously. ._ Request by the City of Hopkins for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning for Land Annexed into Hopkins from St. Louis Park(2016-07-AMD and 2016-08-RZ) Mr. Lindahl gave a summary presentation to the Commission, explaining that when properties are annexed, future land use and zoning designations must be assigned to them. The Commission discussed how to address the existing nonconforming outdoor storage and the process for amending the Comprehensive Plan. Public Hearing: Chair Kerssen opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak. Commissioner Warden moved, Commissioner Newhouse seconded, to close the public hearing. The motion was approved unanimously. The public hearing closed at 7:02 p.m. Commissioner Warden moved, Commissioner Newhouse seconded, to adopt Planning Resolution 2016-07, recommending the City Council approve a Comprehensive Plan Amendment establishing the land use designation for the properties located at 8000 and 8050 Powell Road as Mixed Use, subject to approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment by the Metropolitan Council. The motion was approved unanimously. Commissioner Newhouse moved, Commissioner Hunke seconded, to adopt Planning Resolution 2016-08, recommending the City Council approve an ordinance establishing the zoning for the properties at 8000 and 8050 Powell Road as Business Park. The motion was approved unanimously. � Zoning and Planning Commission Minutes—February 23, 2016—Page 3 OLD BUSINESS -None. NEW BUSINESS -None. ANNOUNCEMENTS -None. ADJOURN Commissioner McNeil moved, Commissioner Tait seconded, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. OPEN AGENDA- PUBLIC COMMENTS/CONCERNS -No one came forward to speak. MEMBERS ATTEST: Scott Kerssen, Chair � March 29, 2016 Planning Report 16-09-TA A Text Amendment Related to Subdivision Regulations Proposed Action: Staff recommends the following motion: • Move to ado�t Planning Coininission Resolurion 2016-09. recommending the Citv Council a��rove an ordinance amending Sections 500 of the Cit� Code related to waiving of �lat standards. Overview This application was initiated by staff to modernize and streainline the City's subdivision regulations relating to the waiving of plat standards. Currendy, these regulations allow minoY lot divisions to be approved by the City Council after a public hearing before the Planning& Zoning Coinmission, subject to certain standards. They also allow lot consolidations to be adininistratively approved by staf£ The challenge with the current regulations is that they create diffeYent review and approval processes foY substantially the same type of application and lack specific standards to support those processes. Staff recommended changes are detailed in the attached draft ordinance. Should the City approve the proposed text amendment, it would: 1. Re-define the e�sting"Waiver of Plat" regulations into a "Waiver of Subdivision Approval" pxocess. ^ 2. Update and simplify the adnvnistrative subdivision and lot consolidation review process subject to detailed review and approval criteria. This memo reviews the City's legal authority for this type of application, the proposal's consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, the proposed subdivision standards and potential non-conformity issues. Based on the fmdings included in this report, staff recommends approval of this request. Primary Issues to Consider • Consistency with the Compxehensive Plan • Proposed Subdivision Standards • Potential Non-Conformiry Issues Su�porting Documents • Planning and Zoning Commission Resolution 2016-09 • Draft Proposed Ordinance • Ordinance 2014-1069 Jason Lindahl,AICP City Planner ^ Financial Impact: $ N/A Budgeted: Y/N Source: Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.): Notes: �"1 � , �''� � Planning Report 16-09-TA Page 2 � Background The City's waiver of plat regularions were last updated in 2014 (see Ordinance 2014-1069 attached). At that time, the City's regularions allowed a waiver of platting requirements if(1) the division requested is a substanrially single line; (2) the division will not create more than one additional lot; and (3) the division will not require the dedication of a public right-of-way or extension of utilities in a public right-of-way. Waiver of Plat applications must be approved by the City Council after a public hearing before the Planning& Zoning Coinmission. The 2014 update to these regulations added a lot consolidation process. It allowed for consolidating two lots into one provided the resulting lot conforms to all applicable zoning ordinance requirements. Lot consolidation applications are reviewed and approved administtatively by the Zoning Adininistrator. Legal Authority. Text amendments are legislative actions in that the City is creating new standards to regulate the development of certain types of uses and/or structures. Under the law, the City has wide fle�bility to create standards that will ensure the type of development it desires; however, it should be noted that the proposed regulations must be reasonable and supported by a rational basis relating to promoting the public health, safety and welfare. Primary Issues to Consider � Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed text amendment is consistent with the goals and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan. The applicable goals or implementarion strategies from the Comprehensive plan, along with staffls findings for each, are detailed below. • Review and Update Zoning and Subdivision Regulations Findings: The Comprehensive Plan includes several goals related to redevelopment. It also identifies strategies to unplement its goals. Specifically, the Comprehensive Plan idenrifies the implementation strategy to review and update the City's zoning and subdivision regulations. Updating the subdivision regulations is consistent with the City's overall redevelopment goals in the Comprehensive Plan. Zoning Standards. The proposed text amendment would make changes to Section 500.61 Waiver of Plat and create Section 500.63 rldininistrative Subdivisions and Lot Consolidarions. Staff finds these changes to be reasonable and they will promote the public health, safety and welfare by establishing a more modern and streainlined platting alternatives process. Specific changes to each section are outlined below and based on staff research of cities across the metropolitan area including, but not limited to, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka and Savage. Section 500.61 is currendy tided "Waiver of Plat" and allows for minor divisions and consolidations. Divisions are allowed after a public hearing and approval by the City Council if �-. (1) the division requested is a substantially single line; (2) the division will not create more than one additional lot; and (3) the division will not require the dedication of a public right-of-way or extension of utilities in a public right-of-way. Consolidations may be approved administratively by staff provided the resulting lot conforms to all applicable zoning ordinance requirements. Planning Report 16-09-TA Page 3 ^ Staff believes it is more appropriate to retitle this section "Waiver of Subdivision" to empower the City Council to completely waive the review requirements in limited situations where compliance with the subdivision ordinance would create an unnecessary hardship and failure to comply does not interfere with the purpose of the subdivision regulations. Waiver of subdivision would not require review by the Planning& Zoning Commission or a public hearing but would require review and approval by the City Council. After retitling and restructuring the Waiver of Plat section to Waiver of Subdivision, staff recommends moving the division and lot consolidation standards into the new Section 500.63 Adininistrative Subdivisions or Lot Consolidations. As the title implies, these applications would no longer require a public hearing before the Planning& Zoning Cominission and would now be adininistratively approved by staf£ These adininistrative approvals would be limited to specific purpose, applicarion, review, findings, conditions and filing language, which are detailed in the attached draft ordinance. Staff believes the proposed amendments will both modernize and streainline the City's alternarive platting process. Nonconformities. As with any change to the City's regulations, this text amendment has the potenrial to create nonconformiries; however, staff believes the proposed amendments will not create nonconformities because they will implement procedural changes that will apply from this point forward rather than modify an e�sting development standard. Alternatives � 1. Recommend approval of the proposed text amendment. By recommending appYoval, the City Council will consider a recommendation of approval. 2. Recommend denial of the proposed text amendment. By recommending denial, the City Council will consider a recommendation of denial. If the Planning Coinmission considers this alternative, findings must be identified that support this alternative. 3. Continue for further informauon. If the Planning Coininission indicates that further information is needed, the item should be continued. �"1 i`�, �"1 ^ CITY OF HOPKINS ^ Hennepin County, Minnesota PLANNING AND ZONiNG COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO: 2016-09 A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 500 OF THE CITY CODE RELATED TQ WANING OF PLAT STANDARDS WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins initiated an application to amend Sections 500 of the City Code related to waiving of plat standards; and, WHEREAS, the procedural history of the application is as follows: 1. That an application to amend Sections 500 of the City Code related to waiving of plat was initiated by the City of Hopkins on February 23, 2016; 2. That the Hopkins Planning and Zoning Commission, pursuant to published notice, held a public hearing on the application and reviewed such application on March 29, 2016: all persons present were given an opportunity to be heard; and, 3. That the written comments and analysis of City staff were considered. ^ NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that an application to amend Sections 500 of the City Code related to waiving of plat standards is hereby recommended for approval based on the following Findings of Fact: 1. The zoning ordinance text amendment is consistent with the goals and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan and will promote the public health, safety and welfare by establishing a more modern and streamlined platting alternatives process. Adopted this 29`h day of March 2016. Scott Kerssen, Chair � i"� .-� � CITY OF HOPHINS -� Hennepin County, Minnesota ORDINANCE NO. 2016-1111 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 500 OF THE CITY CODE RELATED TO WAIVING SUBDIVISION APPROVAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION AND CONSOLIDATION REQUIREMENTS THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOPKINS DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: That Sections 500 of the Hopkins City Code is the same and is hereby amended by adding the following underlined language and deleting the following s�il� language, which reads as follows: 500.61 Waiver of-�� Subdivision Ap rp oval. In anv case in which compliance with the subdivision ordinance will create an unnecessarv hardship and failure to complv does not interfere with the purpose of the subdivision regulations, the Citv Council may waive com liU ance by adopting a resolution to that effect and the conveyance may then be filed or recorded. �-s���e�e ���e-a��e��;�n��� ��., �,. „ .,�a�*�, �'�� ��� ��. •-` a) r�, a;.,;�;,,., ,.o o��oa : „i,��.,,,*;.,ii., � ,.io i;,,o b� -rt,o a;.,;�;,,,, . .;ii .,,,� ,. v„�o,,, o��.,,., „ o „aa;.;,,.,.,i i,.� C� rriiv ui�'ai'rvir-vv'-iii�iv� .-o 0 4b.o .70.7:....4:..,�. „�.� „i,t;.. ,..,.i,4 „�.:,.�., „ o..�o.,�,:,,v. „� „�;1;4;0� : „1,1;..,�,.�1,4 .,f'....,.. <<rirrcirac'�a--����-����1������l1 t� ..t.,;�, ' ��,,.,o� ' F,.1.,� l.o � . . 6i�S6 Ai�F�6crcuxrrcii-cmir9�ccrr�.�-ir=drir'r`r'cz vrprccczi�7c-riivi@ 3�9�� ��E��'o'i-S�6�--�9�6i�S6�E���+'F�9�6�S�irc9 6i�2—�9 � •;•7 o.a �1,o .-o „1�;�,.. 1„� ee�€e�e��e-a�e�e�ge��Ee�e��i�e�e�+�•�e���a�i n,�-'�� ��d-3.���e-a� nii �• �; � � i.,� � • i„ao ���,o v�pp�icircr9irsr6�c`�-�vtii'r`rcrvr�raczizcrscizicn,�c-crJc�ivc��vrmc ,-.o,-�., �., l.o .7;.,:.70.7 ., .,1;.7.,�o,a �,�,7 �L,o ., > lo...,l rlo�..,.;,.�;.,,,/�\ „f'�L,o .. o,-+.. .,#o,. Yi vYvi�� �v vv ua v auvas vi vviiovzauu�vu-aiicr � �e�ep�e�e�re���e�e3�-{�ne��e�-9�d-�99F 9�}{�nex�e�-9�.z,�$n- �� a��4:-�E�t�te-Ee�e��. ��Y�,;,..,�:,,., �,. ., o ,.�r�„� �,. „ a;,,; „ao,. co,.�;,,., cnn �i c„i.a i �t,,,ii �.o ,.o�,...oa i... �t,o ,.i�„�;,,,� ao..,,,...,..o„+ �„ �t,o �,,,,;�,� ,,,,a lAl1l1V1 1JVV1.1V11 ✓VV.VZ�Z J11U11 7 7 7 • C-�-6�����?�-E��6�-6��i��i���—Jcuiiaur��iz Q 7••7. �, 6�S�3-c'1� � � • ���e�„'�•�e��e�1��&�4-�Sb�-} $� . , �t,o 7,,,,;,, n�i8�e��pi�cut�e"zi vr�u-`�'dr�l'bte��e�veC��ei� � � �"1 ...,t �n,,,o.,aoa i..,n,.a �ni n i n�m ^ . . �#tlt�l7. ���tzP'���efYY�A���4�`L "�-�Yt'Ckt�vc-T�tt��'rttY� �.a.,-.:.,;��.-„4.,.- . .;�1, � ..1, �;1:.,.. �o ., . 1.v F,,,�. �;,,-.o ♦., �;,,,o o�+.,l.l;�l,0.7 t�.. .- .,1„�;.,., ,�F' uax.i...a,.��iuw. ��,a.,■ .�'uvz � �E9uirC�.�i����cr vy--i�"�rc i,�� 500.63 Administrative Subdivisions/Consolidations. Subd. 1. Purpose. This section is established to provide for administrative a�proval of subdivisions or consolidations that meet specified criteria and for the waiver of standard platting requirements specified elsewhere in this chapter. It is intended largelv to facilitate the further division of previouslv platted lots, the combination of previousl�platted lots into fewer lots, or for the adjustment of a lot line by relocation of a common boundarx Subd. 2. Application. An�person having, a legal or equitable interest in a property may file an application for administrative subdivision. An application for minor subdivision shall be filed with the Zonin� Administrator on an approved form and shall be accompanied bv an accurate boundarv survev and legal description of the parent parcel and a survev and le�al description identif�g the resultin�parcel(s) after subdivision. Subd. 3. Review. The Zoning Administrator shall review all applications to determine compliance with the standards identified in this section and all other�ertinent requirements of this chapter. Upon written approval of the request, the applicant shall be responsible for filing ^ the subdivision or combination survey with the County Recorder's or Registrar of Title's office as applicable. If the request is denied, the Zonin� Administrator shall provide to the applicant a written statement of denial stating the reasons for the denial. Anv appeal of citv staff's decision shall be made to the Plannin� & Zoning Commission in accordance with the procedures specified in Section 525.15. Subd. 4. Findin�s for Approval. All administrative subdivisions or consolidations shall conform with the following: 1) The proposed division will not create more than one additional lot. 2) The proposed division conforms to all development re�ulations of zoning district in which the property is located. 3) Provision of all necessarv drainage and utilitv easements. 4) No public improvements or dedications of ri t-of-wa ay re required. 5) The proposed division or consolidation meets all desi�n standards as specified elsewhere in this chapter• Subd. 5. Conditions. The Citv ma�pose conditions on anv proposed administrative subdivision or combination that are deemed reasonable and necessarv to protect the public ^ interest and to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Chapter including, but not limited to, the followin�: 1) Provision of wetland buffers, trail, sidewalk, conservation, and drainage and � utility easements and responsibilitv for the cost of filing and recording written easements with the Countv Recorder's or Re�istrar of Title's office as applicable; 2) Vacation of easements no lon eg r required as determined bv the Cit� i� 3) Pavment of all required development and park dedication fees. Subd. 6. Filing. If the administrative subdivision or combination is not recorded with the Countv Recorder or Registrar of Titles within ninet�(90) davs after the date of approval, the Zoning Administrator ma �,�upon ten davs written notice to the applicant, revoke the approval in writing_ First Reading: April 5, 2016 Second Reading: April 19, 2016 Date of Publication: Apri128, 2016 Date Ordinance Takes Effect: April 28, 2016 � � Molly Cummings, Mayor ATTEST: � � Amy Domeier, City Clerk ��_ APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: City Attorney Signature Date � � � i"t C'ITY OF HOPKINS '� HENNF,PIN COUN'I'Y, MINNESOTA ORDINANCE 2014-IOG9 1�1iI: COi1NC'IL OF TI�E CITY OP HUYKINS U(��S Hf�IZf:I3�' ()RUAIN AS FOI.LO\��S: 'lllat the I�opkins 'Lonin� Ordinance No. 500 and 515 be, are the same and is hereby amended by adding ihe lollowing underlined language and deleting the following �*��'���; language, which reads as follo���s: Section 500.61 Waiver of Plat. Subdivision. 1. Division. In certain circumstances a waiver of plat �e may be more appropriate than a subdivision to divide a property. An applicant may apply for a waiver of plat if the following circumstances exist: a) 7'he division request is a substantially single line b) �1'he division will not create more than one additional lot c) � 7'he division will not require ihe dedication of public right-oi=way or e�ctension of utilities in a public riglit-of-way Subdivision 2. Consolidation. ln certain circumstances a waiver of plat may be � more a�propriate than a subdivision to consolidate•tavo lots into on� lot,•pcovided the resulting lot confonns to all applicable zoning ordinance requirements. Subd. �-3. Application. All applications ior a�e� waiver of plat must include � a survey of the property to be divided or consalidated and the new legal �e�� description(s) of� the property alter the division or consolidation. This survey will also include locating all existing utilities on the propert}�. The owner of the property must grant easements for the utilities if needed. The application must also include evidence of title to the propertv to be divided or consolidated in a form acceptable to the Citv Attorney. Subd. 3. 4. Action by the Commission. .Application for a waiver oi� plat for a division under Section 500.61 Subd. 1 shall be relerred by the planning department to the Zoning & Planning Commission, which shall hear the applicant or representative thereof at its neat regular meeting, provided all necessary data have been submitted. "I'he Commission shall recommend � conditions relating to the granting of the waiver as it deems necessary te--se--�s to carry out the intent and purpose of this code and the standards in Subd. ] or � recommend denial of the request. 7�he Commission's recommendation shall be i��rwarded to tlle City Council. Subd. 5. Action by the 'Lonin� Administrator. An application for a waiver w�der Section 500.61 Subd. 2 f'or the consolidation of lots shall be subject to administrative review and approval bv the Zonin� Administrator. The Zonin�, Administrator max ''� impose conditions on the ap�roval. Subd. � 6. Filing. Applications for a waiver of plat shall be filed with the Zoning � r ^ Administrator with such iiling fee as may be from time to time established by resolution ��� '� of the City Council. Subd. 7. "I�he Applicant shall record a lot di�-ision or consolidation with the Hennepin County Recorder or Re�,istrar of Titics �vithin 30 days of a�prm�ai. In the case of a lot division, the Cit�� Council's certiGed resolution shall be recorded. In a lot consolidation, thc 'l_onin�; Administrator shall provide the applicant with written � ccrtilication of the Cit ��pproval of the consolidation, which shall then bc recorded. 515.07. Subd. 6]. Da�� care facility: a licensed facility in ���hich care is provided lor one or more childi•en as defined and regulated per M.S.A.245 �� First Reading: July 1, 2014 Second Reading: luly 15, 2014 Uate of Publication: ,lulv 24, 2014 Uate Urdinance 7'akes Efiect: Julv 24, 2014 �-�► Eu ne J axwell, Mayor A1;I'�ST: ; ,��✓ - , 1 Amy Domeier, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: � -J ; l 5 � �� �� � ,� .; �t ,Yr � — � ity Attorne ignature ate i'�. �'1 r� �"�, --� � M EMO To: Planning & Zoning Commissioners From: Jason Lindahl, AICP Date: March 29, 2016 Subject: 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Process Pro�osed Action Provide direction to staff regarding the ubcomin��040 Com�rehensive Plan u�date �rocess. Overview Minnesota Statute 473, the Metropolitan Land Planning Act, requires each jurisdiction in the seven county area to update their comprehensive plan by the end of 2018. Staff is in the initial stages of planning and scheduling this process. During the meeting staff will provide an overview of the following topic areas and request feedback. • Metropolitan Council Requirements -� • Hopkins E�sring Comprehensive Plan • Major Issues to Consider • Initial Plan Development Process and Timeline To help set the context for our discussion I've attached two articles from the Planning Commi.r.rionerr Ja����al. Please review and bring your questions and comments to the meeting. Attachments Planning Commi.r.rioner.r Journal article—"Your Community's Litde Instrucrion Book" Planning Commi.r.rioner.r Jourrral arricle—"This Plan's For You" �"� THE PLANNING COMMISSION AT WORK —� Your Community's Little Instruction Book by Lisa Hollingswnrdi and Jim Segedy Allow us ro introduce ourselves. We've both �here. The zoning ordinance, which is go into grealer depth on each of the five spent our carcers iri vnrying levds oJ proJcssiori- the other book (alung with the zoning questions and show you how yuur plan al advisory capaciry with die�la�ning commis- map)you probably were handed on your can identify your community's shartcom- sions of smaller communities.Before movi�ig to {irst night, is the set of rules used by the ings, highlight its successes, and estab- the Kansus Ciry ureu�his pusi yeur,Jim worhed community to implement the plan. The lish priorities. for many years in Ball State Universiry's Com- comprehensive plan and the zoning ordi- 1 t's important to remember that munity Bnsed Plamtiitg Projects progrnrn,pro- nance are not the same thing, but they change is going to happen with or with- viding assistance to more than one hundred should relate closely to each other. out you.A good comprehensive plan will coutmunities nnd many plan commissions (as Much of what you'll be asked to do as mean the difference between the com- plunning comrnissions are called in Indiana). He also served on tlie Plan Commission in a member of the planning commission, munity deciding its future by choice or Deluwnre Cnwity, Indiunu. Lisu spen� over u including every zoning change request or getting its future by chance. Your plan decade as a circuit-riding planner for a regional new development project you're asked to can be changed as your community pinnning orgnitization serviitg thc wcstcrn consider,must be evaluated on how well changes, to reflect the new priorities that fringe of Metropolitaii Atlanta. it fits within the community's goals emerge as new opportunities reveal established in the comprehensive plan themselves.Your plan can be the founda- Together we will be piching up "The Planning and the ordinances. To be effective,your tion for developing effective policies, Conunission at Worls"coluinn,ably written Jor the Plattnirtg Commissioners Journnl jor many Plan and ordinances should be consistent programs, and praclices; it can build years by our friend Midiael Cliandler. It is our �'ith each other. public support for community improve- liope tliat ns a temn, we can coittinuc irt Mihc's The comprehensive plan has a critical ments; and it can provide guidance for Jine tradition of[alzing d�e ntystery out oJ com- role:it establishes the intent and goals of budgeting and programming. prehensive plans arid other topics by pi�oviding the community. We have both seen too Your comprehensive plan can and ^ you with pluin,down-to-enrih informution thut many communities that have not fully should he your community's Little youcanuse. utilized their comprehensive plans as Instruction Book, a guide regularly I1v7xODVC11vG ... their guide when making importan�deci- referred �o. But i[your plan simply si�s THE COMPREHENSNE PLAN sions and get themselves into real trouble on the shelf after being adopted ... then when making decisions not grounded on something's amiss. As a planning com- hat does your Comprehen- whar's set out in their plan. missioner one of your key responsibili- sive Plan say about the proposed A Good Recipe Needs Good Ingredients ties is to ensure that your community's development?" We both wish we What does it take to make a good comprehensive plan is, in Eact, an effec- had a nickel for every time at comprehensive plan?We need to answer tive,well-used document. ♦ planning commissioner training work- that question with another question — , • ,,.:� _,..i-. � shops we've asked participants that ques- actually five questions: (1) Who are we? !�" � i,�"� tion. (2) Where are we going? (3) Where do ►..- L� When you agreed to take on the job of we want to go? (4)How do we get there? �.r. ' � " ''� planning commissioner,you most likely and the often overlooked (5) Are we i ` � � received a copy of the comprehensive �here ye�? � •� plan, sometimes called the master plan, The answer to these questions will � ���� � � municipal rlan,or overall plan. That plan give you a good understanding of what � � � t, � , � is what might be considered your com- your community is, what it has to work munity's Little Instruction Booh, chock with, and where it sees itself down the �'��r��dt�oi���g 2008 ro helping you u�,d�rsiand full of basic information about your com- road. Then it's just a matter of effectively how comprehensive plans cari be used,and how to munity—past and future—including the using your comprehensive plan to �nalze sure you have the most usablc plan possible. [n coming columns, we'll focus on the detnils of community's goals, and the purpose understand what it will take to be your rrepa.ing a con,p�ehensive plan (or plan update), behind your regulations and programs. guide to the health,safety,and welfare of in��uding how to create a plan with instant suc- In a nutshell,the comprehensive plan the community, and what your plan can cess. Ij you hnve"war stories"you'd likc ro share lays out how the community sees itself in and cannot do for you. wirh us, or questions you'd like us to nddress, �—. the future and how it intends to get In the next several columns we will plcasc email us at jseRedy@oaconsulting.com. PLANNING COMMISSIONERS JOURNAL / NL'MBER 70 / SPRING 2008 � THE PLANNING COMMISSION AT WORK This Plan's For You �- by,Jim Segedy,FAICP and Lisa Hollin�sworth-Segedy,AICP Editor's Note: Wlio is your comprehen- One of the first tools far understand- tion you'll need to answer is, "What is sive pinn designed for?Jim and Lisa exam- ing"Who are we?" is demographic data. causing, or caused, change in our com- ine this crilically importunl c�uestion us Census in[orma�ion breaks down your muni�y?" they continue their series on the role of the population by age, gender, ethnic back- A look a�your city or town's history, local comprehensive plan. ground, home ownership, economic sta- par[icularly since the end of World War 15a Was on the ciry council tus, and more. You can see how your iI, will help you understand the demo- agenda to present the eoneept of population has changed over time, but graphic changes. Has your community a new comprehensive plan. T'he i�'s only a snapshot of the community. gained or lost employment? Has there mayor leaned forward after her But "Who are we?" is more than just been a natural disaster? What about presentation. "We had a plan written for these statistics and facts compiled into changes in nearby places that cuuld us ten years ago. It hasn't done us a darn affect your community?How could these things change the population that you're bit of good." Lisa had �o agree with �he ' � ► � expecting in the next two decades? mayor. The consul�ing firm �hat had wri«en the old plan had included all the � • � As the population changes, the relevant data, pages and pages of census demand for facili�ies and services shilt�s, � � ' ' and the dynamics of local retail evolve. data in tables, statistics in bar graphs, � . � � A population of aging residents requires and percentages in pie charts. It was a complete inventory, and looked very a different level of services than does a impressive, but it really didn't say any- population with a greater share of fami- thing. What did all those charts and lies with school-age children. Employ- tables mean? ment opportunities will bring new They had overlooked two impartant populatiun into your community, and things:First,the plan contained no inter- these new employees may require specif- � pretation of the data. Second, the public ic housing types. Did these changes hap- had no meaningful involvement in the tables and charts. In planning class,Jim pen at once (e.g.,when a factory opened plan's creation. The plan simply did not lells his students, "You've told me the or closed),or did they appear over time? address the very first question in the list numbers. Now tell me what they mean." If it is apparent tha�your�own will be oE ingredients of a good comprehensive A good comprehensive plan Eollows gaining population, then it is important plan. Because oE that, its usefulness as a the presentation of demographic data to ask, "Does our community have the tool to the community was extremely With an analysis of who the plan is for. capacity to grow?" Can your infrastruc- limited. What are the characteristics of your pop- ture handle your anticipated growth? Is "Who are we?" It is important to ask ulation? Your citizens will be the ones there available land for �he grow�h �ha� and answer that question on several lev- living in your community. They may go will meet current and future demand? els throughout the planning process.Part to school,own proper�y,raise their fami- What is happening around you? Will of the planning process is to understand lies, earn a living, shop, play, retire, and growth in nearhy towns or cities drive the people in your community. This will vote there. They are the people who will changes, either positive or negative, in help you determine how your communi- be benefiting the most Erom your com- your community? ty functions and how it should (and prehensive plan. They are the ones you Lisa has worked in many small towns shouldn't) change over the next twenty are planning the community for. surrounding the Me�ropolitan Atlanta years. What is your community's story? area, communities that were being It's also important to remember that Each town or city is unique and your impacted by growth from the metro area. this isn't just a bunch of background plan should reflect that. A wise person It was almost a mantra in these small information —it should be an objective once said: "If you've seen one small towns, "We don't want to be like look at who you are and what's going on. town,you've seen one small town." Atlan�a," yet the plans and local regula- It's abou�where you live,work, play,and Comparing the population statistics tions in these communities actually set do business—and �he forces �hat a[fect over time will help you see how your them up to become just more of the same your city or town. community is changing. The next ques- in the sea of urban sprawl. �... PtAVNII�G COMMISSIONLRS J(IURNAL / NUMBER 71 / tiUMML'R 2008 � In preparing their comprehensive makers to consider the long-term costs of plans, these towns had not dug deeply growth, and educating community leacl- P`"'"'"` COA1A155'°"E"S �°°"""` ^ into the question of, "Who are we?" ers about the importance of following a P1annersWeb Because they had not defined their com- comprehensive plan that establishes a munity identity,they were unprepared to template for balanced and appropriate ' � � ' � ' embrace the spillover that was inevitable growth. hecause of their location. They accepted After you've reviewed your communi- Free tO DOWllIOa� developer-driven land use decisions ty profile and honestly answered, "What because their plan didn't pruvide them does this mean?" you are ready to move Go to our PlannersWeb site to with a definable and defensible commu- to �he next level in determining your download a free copy of Michael nity identity on which to base their community's identity and collective per- Chandler's 3-part series on develop- growth. sonality. Perhaps the most important tool ing a capital improvement program— As your town or city answers the for answering "Who are we?" is to ask previously published in the Plmining question,"Who are we?"make certain to the community itselL This will give you Commissioners Journal: ask enough follow-up questions to com- the story behind the numbers and tell �'�''N'•P�annersweb.com/cip.pdf pletely understand how the community you what those numbers really mean. In each upcoming issue of the delines i�self so the plan can es�ablish Through a well-run public involve- Juurnal we'll also be providing links defensible growth priorities. ment program,residents can define what to free copies of one or mare articles If your city or town expects to lose is important to them personally as well as from our archives. population in the coming years, ask to the larger community. They can iden- yourself, "How can we be the bes�com- tify what they like and what[hey don't munity we can be, even if we have to do They can capture the essence of their r`� ' � � ;. ti}� rrr it with fewer people and Eewer community's spirit by telling stories of resources?" things that have happened there. Even a � , ' ':�$► . � � Even places that have lost jobs and question as simple as "Why du you live population can thrive and be successEul. here?" can open the door for a clearer Youngstown, Ohio is a prime example. understanding oEwhat's important about to accommodate current conditions .��. Once a steel manuEacturing mecca of a community and how to preserve it or while positioning itselE for Euture over 200,000 people, the city lost much expand on it. changes, and are willing to be creative in of its core manufacturing base in the As you, the planning commissioner, embracing change,your community will 1990s. Instead of becoming a ghost assist your town or city in developing its he in position to thrive no matter what. town, the city asked ilself, "How can we comprehensive plan, be prepared for In the next issue of PCJ, Lisa and Jim be the hest smaller communi�y possi- some honest self-evalua�ion and soul will tahe on Oie next Kuestion in tlie list oj ble?" and set about the task of reinvent- searching at the community level. Focus ingredients for a successf ul comprehensive� ing itself. Youngstown is well on its way no[ on how you wish things would be, plan: "Where are we goin�?"♦ �owards becoming a �hriving city of but on what's real, to help your cummu- � •: . 80,000. nity determine "who we are." Gain the ;..�.. ='� :,;w;�, As your community develops its com- perspective of hard data, understand -�?� prehensive plan,you, the planning com- what's causing change, and learn how �' ` " ^ " �� �=, missioner, must realize �hat: (1) growth your citizens feel about where they live. � �� k ��, is not always possible; (2) growth is not For many years, when Jim took his � ` ' '''� 1� always avoidable; (3) growth is not students into communities he always ! � . '�` � always good; and (4) balanced growth is taught them to ask the citizens two ques- � Y� � �� � � � often the only way that your community �ions: Firs�, "When Aunt Harriet comes can sustain itself. to visit,where do you take her?"and sec- J����s�g���h �s�hc lli�c�ior ojCommwu�y P4u�n�ng Residential growth is freQuently an ond, "When Aunt Harrie[ comes to visit, Jor thc Penrtsylvanin Environmeri[nl Council.Lisa elected official's panacea, boosting the where don't you take her?" Honest Hollingsworth-Segedy is d�e Managing Pa�rnc� and Senior Planner for The Comniunity Partner- municipal tax base in the short run, but answers �o these two yues�ions will �ell ship.Se�td any questioris, comments,or"wnr sto- outstripping the community's ability to you exactly what you need to work on, ries"you'd lihe to sl,are eo]im and Lisa nt provide for the level of public services and sometimes give the communiry star- �he_cummunity�ar�nershipC�yahno.com. Cdiior's needed lo support it in the long run.As a tling insights into what it has overlooked Note:Sharp-eyed PCJ readers might have noticed planning commissioner,you will become for a long�ime. that Lisa Holli�igsworth is now I.isa the advocate for good planning in your If you ask and answer questions can- Hollingsworth-Segedy. Our congrarularions to � community. You will be asking decision- didly,evaluate your community's options boih Jim und[isn! PLANNING COMM1titilONL'RS J(IURNAL / NL'Ml3LR 71 / SUMM [R 2008 � �"y � .-.