FINAL ORDINANCE NO. 08-167 - Laserfiche WebLink

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areas, and may be used to provide a transition between rural development areas and the city's urban development and districts. Densities shall range from two 2 to 4 units per acre; however, the overall density for a specific development area must be consistent with the net densities specified in the Comprehensive Plan. The lot size and other district standards allow for the creation of smaller lots with the expectation that common open space will be provided within developments that exceed the base densities (at low end of the land use density range) within the Comprehensive Plan. C. MDR Urban Medium Density Residential District. The MDR district is established to provide for a diversity of housing types in those areas where such development is consistent with the medium density residential designation of the comprehensive plan and compatible with the development pattern of the surrounding area. Clustering of buildings to permit more orderly development and to preserve open space within new developments is encouraged. Development within the district shall occur at densities in the range of 4 to 7 dwelling units per acre, with two-family dwellings and townhouses permitted. The city will determine the allowed density for a piece of property at the time of the development application, and this determination will be based upon the site-specific characteristics of the property and the requested development. Factors to be considered in increasing or decreasing the allowed density include the existing environmental conditions such as wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, significant trees; the specific site plan; the amount of open space preserved, and the type of housing units proposed, including whether greater density is desirable because the development contains housing that is consistent with the city's housing goals. The burden of establishing the appropriateness of the high end of the density range will be on the applicant. D. HDR Urban High Density Residential District. The HDR district is established to provide for an environment of moderate to high-density attached and multi- family housing, designed to present an attractive appearance to neighboring streets and adjacent uses, to include sufficient private and semi-private outdoor space, and to be well integrated into their surroundings. Small office and service businesses of limited size and extent may be allowed as conditional uses. The HDR district is appropriate as a transition between commercial or industrial districts and surrounding neighborhoods, and in already developed higher-density areas. Development within the district may occur at densities in excess of 7 dwelling units per acre, provided the overall densities for within a development area are consistent with the net densities specified in the Comprehensive Plan and that a density analysis is used consistent with the purpose statement for the MDR district. (Ord. 2012-062, passed 9-18-2012) 2