HomeMy WebLinkAboutIV-H Environmental District/Green ZoneCITY OF ~
Memorandum
* WASHINGTON
To: Planning and Community Development Committee
From: Planning, Building, and Community Department
Date: January 7, 2009
Re: Environmental Park (Green) Zone -Building Lot Coverage Requirement
HISTORY
In 2006 by Ordinance No. 6036 the City Council adopted a new zoning category; the
Environmental Park Zoning District (a.k.a. the Green Zone). The stated purpose of the
district is:
"The environmental park district is intended to allow uses in proximity to the Auburn
environmental parkthat benefitfrom that location and will complementthe park and
its environmental focus. Uses allowed in this zone will focus upon medical, biotech
and "green" technologies including energy conservation, engineering, water quality
and similar uses. Other uses complementary to and supporting these uses are also
allowed. Incorporation of sustainable design and green building practices will be a
primary aspect of this zone. The construction of leadership in energy and
environmental design (LEED) and built green certified buildings is encouraged and
built green will be required for multiple-family dwellings. The city recognizes that
much of the property in this zone was developed under earlier standards, so the
goals of the district will be realized over a period of time as properties are
redeveloped."
One of the development standards of this zoning district is a maximum lot coverage
requirement of 35 percent (ACC 18.33.040.D). "Lot Coverage" is defined elsewhere in the
code as the percentage of the plot or lot area covered by all buildings including accessory
buildings except the first two feet of an eave overhang will not be used in the lot coverage
calculation (ACC 18.04.550).
While the exact basis for the 35% number is not currently known, it is believed that it was
based on a general intent to encourage a less dense building development pattern
conducive to the proximity to the nature resource park, to provide a transition, and to be
visually distinguishable from light industrial development.
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Recently, certain property owners within the zoning district have raised a concern that this lot
coverage requirement limits redevelopment opportunities. It has been indicated that
perspective property buyers are discouraged by this requirement. In response, staff is
seeking committee direction regarding possible changes to the requirement.
DISCUSSION ISSUES FOR THE JANUARY ~ 2T" COMMITTEE MEETING
1. Does the committee wish to consider revising this 35% lot coverage standard to
allow more of the lotto be built upon?
2. If so, how much coverage should be allowed?
3. Consistent with the purpose of the zoning district, does the committee wish to
consider an incentive based approach to lot coverage? For example, a certain
amount of lot coverage could be allowed by right and greater amounts of lot coverage
could be allowed in exchange for additional sustainable design and green building
practices as part of the project such as low impact developmenttechniques for
stormwater and LEED certified building practices.
Based on the answers to these questions, staff can formulate approaches to be brought
back to the committee.
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