March 21, 2006 CCP - Laserfiche WebLink

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(Zoning Ordinance — Continued from Page 1) With the determination made that there would be a "from scratch" new zoning ordinance staff suggested that the Commission look at Performance Zoning as a possible alternative to Euclidian zoning. The basic precept of Performance Zoning is that (within broad limits) proper detailed design of sites or uses can render uses thought to be "incompatible" (such as apartments next to single family homes) good neighbors. Performance Zoning goes more to regulation of the physical outcomes of a use or structure than a laundry list of uses/structures deemed in advance to be compatible or incompatible. There are far fewer actual zoning districts but far more complex performance standards for any use or structure. Lane Kendig was invited to show the Commission just what Performance Zoning was all about and the character of the land development outcomes that can result from Performance Zoning. The Commission was impressed with the concept, and Kendig proceeded to prepare a draft Performance Zoning Code somewhat customized to respond to Lake Elmo —specific desires communicated by staff and the Commission. The Commission then invested portions of the several meetings reviewing the draft and directing many edits. With the completion of the MOU with the Met Council early in 2005, the Commission turned its attention to the substantial Comp Plan modifications required to be completed in a very short time frame, and had no time available for further work on the zoning ordinance re -write. Completion of that work is on the Planning Commission 2006 Work Plan. Mayor Johnston has requested this update. He has also expressed concern with the potential complexity of Performance Zoning; and, he desires Council discussion and direction to the staff/Commission as to whether the 2006 zoning ordinance work that needs to get under way soon should continue to focus on Performance Zoning or move to another regulatory alternative.