HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-6733 Staff AnalysisMarch 2, 2000
ITEM NO.: F DOWNTOWN ZONING
REQUEST: Add new zoning classification for
Downtown
LOCATION: Generally from Arkansas River to I-630
and Cross Street to old Rock Island
railroad line
STAFF REPORT:
The Planning Commission approved the new classifications for
Downtown in September 1999. The Board of Directors has held
the rezoning in order to permit the Downtown Partnership
more time to examine the proposed ordinance requirements.
The Downtown Partnership formed a committee of their
Executive and Land Use Committees to review the proposals
(City Staff was invited to these meetings to provide
assistance and information). After four to five meetings
from November to early January the Committee discussed
concerns and developed consensus positions.
No changes are suggested for the "R4 -Alf residential district
nor is the area to be zoned "R -4A" or "UU" an issue. The
Partnership does -recommend seven clarification or
improvements to the Urban Use District. They are:
1. Add the four "corridors" not listed as `Primary
Streets' to the `Primary Street' definition list.
2. Modify the no new drive-in/drive-through facility, so
as not to allow them on `Primary Streets' (but allow
other places) .
3. Clarify that street trees are a requirement.
4. Change the transparency requirement back to 60 percent.
5. Require activities other than parking or a building
fagade on the first floor of parking decks along
`Primary Streets'. (No requirements on other streets)
6. Change the base building height from 3 to 5 stories,
with the "skyscraper zone" from 2nd to 9t'/Scott to
Broadway.
7. Change the front build -to line from 5 feet to zero
feet, and remove the "Integral Accessory Use" option.
March 2, 2000
ITEM NO.: F (Cont.) DOWNTOWN ZONING
The attached letter from the Partnership helps explain some
of the issues related to these changes.
None of the seven issues is new. Several were discussed at
length in September. None of the suggestions conflict with
the basic goals and vision as described by the Downtown
Vision for the Future and the other documents making up the
Downtown Plan.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MARCH 2, 2000)
Walter Malone, Planning Staff, reminded the Commission that
last fall a draft Downtown Zoning Ordinance was approved.
Since then the Downtown Partnership has reviewed the draft
and now wishes to make several modifications or changes.
The Board of Directors will review the entire package
(including the commission action today) next Tuesday (March
7, 2000) .
Mr. Malone reviewed the seven general topics proposed for
changes or modification and explained some of the thinking
behind the changes. Staff is supportive of the requested
changes.
Jane Dickey, vice president of Downtown Partnership,
indicated the Partnership had worked on this for several
months (the end of last year and early this year). After
lively discussions a consensus was built around the issues
presented today. She indicated that she would answer any
questions the Commission might have.
Dickson Flake stated that these changes are an improvement.
On one issue, Mr. Dickson was a minority but would like the
Commission to consider his request, on the Primary Street,
issue. Broadway should not be included as a Primary Street
since it is not a Pedestrian Street and is a major traffic
street. In addition the zoning defines two large an area.
The Primary Streets should be limited to north of sixth and
east of Broadway. In response to a question from
Commissioner Earnest, Mr. Flake stated that the larger area
is a support area to Downtown and these regulations would be
detrimental to those uses. We need to maintain the
pedestrian orientation in the core area to make it more
successful.
`:
March 2, 2000
ITEM NO.: F (Cont.) DOWNTOWN ZONING
In response to a question from Commissioner Nunnley, Mr.
Dickson stated Broadway should be eliminated and North-South
Streets south of 6t' and East-West Streets south of 6t'
Street. Commissioner Berry asked Mr. Flake to point out the
"core" on the map (generally). Commissioner Rahman stated
the regulations are there to encourage the area to become
more pedestrian friendly.
Commissioner Berry asked Ms. Dickey to review who is on the
Partnership. Ms. Dickey explained the membership and the
groups "Mission". Commissioner Berry asked if the group was
aware and supports the drafts main element - mix use
developed. Ms. Dickey stated they did. Commissioner Berry
asked why the Partnership believes height restrictions are
important. While the Partnership would welcome any major
new development downtown, it might be wise to have some
review because there may be other concerns or issues which
should be considered. Fire safety was an issue but so was
visual impact on some of Downtown's important structures and
areas.
The Partnership will look at the corridors one at a time and
bring back ideas for consideration by the Commission. In
response to Commissioner Nunnley, Ms. Dickey stated that the
corridors are the entrances to Downtown, what visitors see,
etc. Therefore, it is important that these streets present
the best images of Little Rock. (Important in our "civic
life")
Commissioner Faust thanked the Partnership for their work.
Commissioner Downing asked about the timing for the
"overlays". Mr. Malone responded that the Partnership would
take the lead and staff would work with them. Christie
Godwin, Executive Director Downtown Partnership, indicated
that either Main or Capitol would be first. Commissioner
Downing stated it would be premature to except Mr. Flake's
request to reduce the Primary Streets.
Ruth Bell, League of Women Voters, was called to the
microphone. The League has been involved from the beginning
of this process and would just like to clarify a few issues.
The first issue was the building height, exactly how high
could you build. Mr. Malone responded that the bonuses were
still in the draft. The base height is two stories greater,
3
March 2, 2000
ITEM NO.: F (Cont.) DOWNTOWN ZONING
one bonus is gone (parking decks), thus the result is about
one or two stairs higher than before, 11 or 12 stairs. Mr.
Malone noted that the Partnership wishes to look further at
the bonuses and in the future this could change with
amendments.
Ms. Bell asked about the requirements on parking decks. Mr.
Malone stated that only the frontage along the Corridors had
requirements, anywhere else there is no requirement. Ms.
Bell indicated the League did have concerns about that -
setting up two standards and the impact that would have on
pedestrians. Finally, Ms. Bell asked that the League be
included in the development of any "overlay districts" for
downtown.
Commissioner Hawn moved that the Commission endorse the
seven proposals presented by the Downtown Partnership and
that the Board include them in the new Downtown Zoning
Ordinance (second Commissioner Faust). By a vote of 9 for
0 against, the item was approved.
4
September 16, 1999
Item No.: 3 Z-6730 through Z-6737
Owner: Various
Applicant: City of Little Rock
Location: Cross to College, Arkansas River to 15th Street
Rte: Rezone from various in the Downtown area
Purpose_: Encourage a more urban, pedestrian oriented
development pattern of mixed uses.
Existing Use: Various
STAFF REPORT:
As part of the Framework for the Future (Downtown) review,
alternative development standards were viewed as necessary. The
desire was,to achieve a development pattern which was more urban
and pedestrian oriented. After discussion the committee
reviewing downtown decided a new zone classification was
necessary to allow and encourage "urban", "pedestrian friendly"
development. A draft ordinance was prepared which attempted to
address the issues raised by the committee. The draft was made a
part of the committee's final work - the Framework for the
Future.
The basic tenant was, use should not be a major issue as long as
it is inside and does not adversely affect the neighbors. Other
important issues are described below. Buildings should be on the
street with surface parking limited and only to the rear or side.
Sidewalks and streets should encourage pedestrian activity and
movement. Residential should be allowed everywhere, with
MacArthur Park residential protected. There should be a unique
urban feel to downtown with pedestrian friendly buildings and
streets.
A second committee (three Planning Commissioners, three property
owners, three representatives of Downtown Groups (Downtown
Partnership, Downtown Neighborhood Association, MacArthur Park
Residents Association) and a representative of the League of
Women Voters) reviewed the concepts developed by the Framework
for the Future committee and a new draft ordinance was developed.
September 16, 1999
ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.)
Z-6730 throucth Z-6737
The second committee surveyed property owners to get their
reactions to the concepts. These comments were discussed prior
to formation of a draft ordinance. In late spring 1999, a draft
ordinance was distributed to property owners for comment
In order to achieve the recommendations of the Framework for the
Future committee and Downtown Zoning Committee, three primary
actions are needed: addition of new zone district(s),
reclassification of areas to the new district(s), and repeal of
the Zoning Plan for Central Little Rock Urban Renewal Project.
Based on the work of the Downtown Zoning Committee, two zone
classifications are proposed for addition to the Zoning
Ordinance=. They are Urban Use and Low Density Residential.
Urban Use,District is designed for "older" established commercial
or business districts or for area where pedestrian oriented
development which is mixed in nature is desired. The Low Density
Residential District is patterned after the City's "R-4" Two
Family District and Capitol Zoning's "M" Residential District.
This district allows for a variety of residential uses and some
nonresidential use (as a conditional use). The pattern reflects
the existing mix and tries to capture the things liked about
Capitol Zoning over the city's regulations.
This change requires additions to the definitions section, height
and area exception section, districts established section,
exception/modifications (zoning buffer) section as well as adding
the two new classifications. The attached outline has the
proposed changes and wording for the new districts.
Once the new districts are part of the ordinance, the
recommendation of both committees is to rezone the Downtown area
under city zoning regulations to one of the two districts. That
is the area between Cross Street east to I-30 and the Arkansas
River to I-630 would be the Urban Use District except for
Riverfront Park and an area around MacArthur Park. The two Parks
would be zoned Open Space (OS). The area between 6t' and 9t'
Streets, Ferry to Cumberland and 9t' Street to I-630, Commerce to
Scott north and west of MacArthur Park would be zoned Low Density
Residential (see attached sketch map).
The final change is to remove the Zoning Plan for Central Little
Rock Urban Renewal Project from the zoning code. This portion of
the zoning code is over thirty years old and has proven to be
difficult for staff to use and explain. Having Downtown zones be
F
September 16, 1999
ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.)
Z-6730 throucrh Z-6737
part of the basic zoning code for the entire city is seen as more
desirable and workable.
In order to ease the change to the new classifications, staff has
offered to grant C.U.P.'s with the zone change. These C.U.P.
requests will be included as an addendum to allow property owners
more time.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approval
71M)WI MA
CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS FOR NEW DOWNTOWN ZONING
STAFF REPORT:
As part of the downtown rezoning effort, property owners were
given the opportunity to request conditional use permits. This
was done in an attempt to reduce the number of nonconforming uses
which might otherwise have occurred. The idea is to allow
existing uses to continue to operate as legal uses, if at all
possible.
In the letters to property owners, they were given the option of
providing a legal description and letter asking for a conditional
use. Eight request were received and are described below:
Z -6370-A Southwest Hotels, C.U.P. for lots 1-12 Block 292 and 1-3
Block 260 Original City. This is an area which currently has
"I-2" Light Industrial zoning. The C.U.P. is for an existing
warehouse use and expansion on to lots 10-12 Block 292 Original
City using similar construction materials. This is the block
between Capitol/4t' Street and Cross/Ringo Streets. The C.U.P.
further allows for a commercial surface parking lot on lots 1-3
Block 260 Original City. This would replace a lot on lots 10-12
Block 292 Original City. This is the block between Capitol/4t'
and Ringo/Chester. Both exchanges would be on 4t' Street. The
C.U.P. allows "I-2" uses and expansion of the use as noted.
Z -6730-B Arkansas Graphics, for lots 1-12 Block 175 Original
City. Arkansas Graphics currently occupies half of this block
3
September 16, 1999
ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.)
Z-6730 through Z-6737
and plans to expand into the other half. The area is currently
zoned "I-2" Light Industrial. The existing use does not require
a C.U.P. in the Urban Use District. The proposed addition may.
The addition is to be located on 9t' Street. The site is between
8t'/9t' Streets and State/Gaines Streets. The C.U.P. allows "I-2"
uses and the expansion noted.
Z -6731-A, Heartland C.U.P. for lots 1-12 Block 13 Original City.
This area is currently zoned "GB" General Business and "HR" High
Density residential. The site is located between I-630/13'
Street and Main -Scott Streets. The business is in place. The
request is to allow "I-2" uses on this block.
Z -6732-A, McElroy C.U.P. for lots 1-12 Block 9 Rectortown
Addition: This area is currently zoned "I-2" Light Industrial.
The site -is located between I-30/Collins and 4t'/Capitol Avenue.
There is an existing industrial use. The request is to allow
"I-2" uses on this block.
Z -6732-B, Hayre C.U.P. for lots 7-9 Block 12 Rectortown Addition.
The current zoning is "I-2" Light Industrial. The site is the
northwest corner of 6t' and Collins. The use is Industrial. The
request is to continue the current use, which includes outside
storage of materials. The owner also cannot meet the opening
requirements and is planning further renovations to the
structure, which will not meet this requirement. The owner
wishes to continue operations at this site and requires these
modifications - "I-2" uses and above modifications as noted on
these urban use lots.
Z -6734-A, Poe C.U.P. for lots 4-5 Block 44 Original City. The
current zoning is "HR" High Density residential. The site is in
the 900 Block of Cumberland. The office use is existing. The
request is to allow "C-1" uses on these R -4A lots.
Z -6734-B, Strehn C.U.P. for southeast corner of Trapnell Block in
Stevenson's Addition. The current zoning is "HR" High Density
Residential. The site is the northwest corner of 6t' and
Sherman. This is a multifamily structure with office use as well
as residential. The request is to allow "C-1" uses on this R -4A
lot.
Z -6734-C, 2nd Baptist C.U.P. for the West 1-� lots 4-6 Block 42
Original City. The current zoning is "HR" High Density
residential. The site is the northeast corner of 8t1 and
Cumberland Streets. The use is for religious education and
4
September 16, 1999
ITEM NO.: 3
related uses.
lots.
(Cont.)
Z-6730 through Z-6737
The request is to allow "C-1" uses on these R -4A
Z -6734-D, Hundley C.U.P. for lots 1-3 Block 44 Original City.
The current zoning is "HR" High Density Residential. The site is
the southeast corner of 9th and Cumberland. The owner is
requesting Multifamily and "C-1" neighborhood uses based on
existing and surrounding uses.
Z -6735-A, Parkview Towers C.U.P. for parts of Blocks 56 and 57
Original City. The current zoning is "HR" High Density
Residential. The site is located 1200 Cumberland. The use is a
elderly retired housing with 128 units. The request is for a
conditional use permit for Multifamily.
Z -6732-C'-.- Meyer C.U.P, for lots 1-6 Block 8 Rectortown and lots
1-6 Block 3 Woodruff's Addition. The current zoning is "I-2"
Light Industrial. The site is located between Collins/Byrd and
6th/7th Streets. The existing use is Commercial and Industry.
The request is for "I-2" uses on these Urban Use lots.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
(SEPTEMBER 2, 1999)
Because of the changes proposed by this item, the Commission
asked that this item be deferred to allow for more time to review
the proposal. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for
deferral to September 16, 1999. By a vote of 10 for, 0 against
(Commissioner Adcock absent), the item was deferred.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (SEPTEMBER 16, 1999)
Walter Malone, Planning Staff, reviewed the process used to get
the draft proposal to this point and then the specifics of the
new zoning classifications for Downtown. After review of the
specifics within the proposed "Urban Use" and "R -4A" districts,
Mr. Malone began the presentation of the eleven requests for
conditional uses within the proposed "Urban Use" and "R -4A"
areas. These are existing uses and or allow an owner to keep an
existing permitted use.
There was discussion about the industrial uses in the areas near
the Presidential Library site and whether we really wanted to
keep them legal uses. Mr. Malone proceeded to review the
conditional use requests.
September 16, 1999
ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.)
Z-6730 through Z-6737
The items were reviewed from east to west starting with Z -6732-A
McElroy C.U.P. This is a request for light fabrication, machine
shop and warehousing in the city block between Collins and
Rector, 4t' and Capitol. The business is existing and wishes to
continue operation. Z -6732-B, Hayre C.U.P. is for light
fabrication and warehousing (including outside storage). The
site is located on the northwest corner of Collins and 6t'
Streets. The existing use and zoning are industrial. Z -6732-C,
Meyer C.U.P. is for light fabrication, machine shop and
warehousing. The site is between Byrd and Collins from 6t' to 7t'
Streets. There are several small businesses in one structure.
The existing zoning is industrial.
There are five requests for conditional use permits within the
R -4A district around MacArthur Park. First is Z -3734-B Strahn
C.U.P. The request is for professional offices located in a
structure at the northwest corner of 6t' and Sherman Streets.
Second Baptist C.U.P. (Z -6734-C) located on Cumberland at 8t'
Street is a request for religious and philanthropic organization.
This is an existing part of the Second Baptist campus. The next
two are adjacent. Z -6734-D Hundley C.U.P. is for professional
offices and multifamily. The site is the southeast corner of 9t'
and Cumberland. There are two existing structures and a vacant
parcel. Immediately to the south is the Poe C.U.P. (Z -3634-A)
for professional offices. This is an existing travel agency.
The final request within the R -4A area is Z -6735-A, Parkview
Towers C.U.P. The request is for multifamily. There is an
existing apartment between Commerce and Rock Streets, 11th Street
and I-30.
The Heartland C.U.P. (Z -6731-A) is located between Main and Scott
Streets, 13th Street and I-30. The request is for warehousing.
The current use is a Pinter. The proposal is not to change the
actual use.' There is some warehousing on site. Z -6730-B
Arkansas Graphics C.U.P. is a request for warehousing. The site
is located between 8th and 9th Streets from State to Gaines
Streets. In addition there is an expansion to be located on 9th
Street.
This addition will be a warehouse in support of the existing
business. The C.U.P. request includes construction and siting
different than the Urban Use District requires. The final
request is Z -6730-A Southwest Hotel C.U.P. The request is for
warehousing on the block between 4th Street and Capitol Avenue
along Ringo Street. The owner is planning to expand the existing
6
September 16, 1999
ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.)
Z-6730 through Z-6737
structure on the northwest corner of Ringo and Capitol. The
request includes constructing the building to match the existing
structure. A C.U.P. for the southeast corner of 4t' and Ringo
Streets is requested for a surface commercial lot. This replaces
the lot on the southwest corner which is where they intend to
construct the warehouse.
Commissioner Rahman asked about the height regulations. Mr.
Malone reviewed the proposal and the different boundaries for the
greater build height subarea. Commissioner Berry also addressed
the height area and the Markham Street boundary versus 2nd or 3rd
Streets. There was a discussion about limiting height to protect
civic spaces.
Jeff Hathaway stated support of the overall effort. However, the
areas west of Broadway are different. If the intent is to force
the "urban pattern", then you need to understand some development
will not occur in the area but will go to other parts of the
city. West of Broadway is different in development pattern and
lot size. The requirement to bring buildings to the street and
forbid parking in the front should be relaxed in this area. The
area west of Broadway competes with "Mid -Town" and "West Little
Rock". Along with this development pattern, a nice monument
style sign would add to the overall development.
Barbara Patty, thanked the Commission for its work on this. Ms.
Patty reviewed her involvement in the process. When visiting
other cities, she tends to go to the urban center. From those
experiences, what makes a downtown that works are: inviting
exteriors, lack of dead space, respect for the pedestrian, civic
spaces, mixture of uses, (activities and life with buildings
residential above, commercial below), and clear attractive
signage.
Ms. Patty read paragraph two of the staff report and then asked
the Commission to be sure the following were not a cross-purposes
with this paragraph. The changes are in the surface parking,
drive-in/drive thru, and dumpster location requirements.
Kathy Wells asked that the boundaries of the no height area be
changed to 3rd and 8t' Streets on the north and south. No more
looming buildings over historic or residential areas. Further
that the "transparency" requirement not be reduced from 60 to 35
percent. If people can see and be seen, we will have a safer
downtown. The need to make and keep downtown a safer place is
one of our aims.
7
September 16, 1999
ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.)
Z-6730 throucTh Z-6737
Dickson -Flake was called. He indicated he had made all his
comments previously (item 2).
Commissioner Hawn called on Mr. Hathaway to discuss the issue of
front yard parking. There was discussion about loading or one
bay parking versus a larger lot in front of the structure and
examples in downtown. There was discussion about rear and side
parking for commercial uses. The discussion included the use of
variances and planned development to permit some additional
setback or parking on a case by case basis.
There was a discussion about the length of time till the new
regulations would take effect. Mr. Lawson stated he would work
with Mr.'Giles to develop a process to identify large projects
which might be granted a longer time before implementation.
Staff indicated that the Planning Commission's recommendation
will be provided to the Board of Directors. Staff clarified that
variances could be requested and other normal zoning processes
would be available to potentially address issues on specific
sites in response to Commissioner Faust's question. There will
be some variations through the area. Overlays or the previously
discussed methods could be used to address these issues.
Additional discussion followed about the "no height" area.
Commissioner Lowry asked about the one year request. Mr. Flake
stated he believed the process of identification discussed by Mr.
Lawson would be workable.
Ms. Wells stated since variance, etc. are available why not just
say it takes effect in 30 days otherwise ask for conditional use
permit.
Commissioner Faust wished to have the boundaries of the high
buildings modified.
Commissioner Berry asked to have the changes "walked through"
(transparencies, building height, drive-thru, etc.).
Commissioner Putnam asked to defer the item and let Plans
Committee "iron out" these issues. The Commission agreed to
spend twenty minutes to see if resolution could be found prior to
considering deferral.
8
September 16, 1999
ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.) Z-6730 through Z-6737
Issues identified as in need of resolution were: The area of
greater building Height; transparencies 60 versus 35 percent;
drive-thru facilities; and front yard parking.
Parking issue - not allowing parking in the front of the
building. Commissioner Hawn agreed that the Downtown Zone
Committee had discussed this issue and we should try the proposed
version.
Height area - new boundaries were discussed. The north, south
and west boundaries were discussed. Mr. Flake expressed concern
about reducing the area since the reduction goes to a base, three
stories, which is too restrictive. The discussion included the
desirability of having intermediate height areas. The Commission
concluded that the higher building area would be from between 9th
and 2nd Streets, Scott Street and Broadway with the two blocks
from 4th to 6th Streets west of Broadway to the Federal Building.
Transparency issue - The staff internally had discussed the issue
based on comments from Mr. Flake and others. A third of the
fagade seemed more reasonable, because we want to have brick and
other materials. Commissioner Rahman pointed out this is a
minimum standard and most new buildings are more glass. Even
though there was some concern about the change, the commissioners
agreed to stay with 35 percent.
Drive-thru issue - The change was from not seeing or accessing
drive- in/drive- thru from any street to "primary streets".
Staff's concern was the effect would be to outlaw the use even
though alleys are permissible. The Commission concluded to leave
the change though some had concern.
Commissioner Hawn moved approval as presented with the
resolutions developed by the Commission and to include the
Conditional Use Permits presented in the application. By a vote
of 10 for 0 against the item was approved.
D
September 2, 1999
Item No.: 10
Owner: Various
Z-6730 through Z-6737
Applicant: City of Little Rock
Location: Cross to College, Arkansas River to 15th Street
Request: Rezone from various in the Downtown area
Purpose: Encourage a more urban, pedestrian oriented
development pattern of mixed uses.
Existing Use: Various
STAFF REPORT:
As part of the Framework for the Future (Downtown) review,
alternative development standards were viewed as necessary. The
desire was to achieve a development pattern which was more urban
and pedestrian oriented. After discussion the committee
reviewing downtown decided a new zone classification was
necessary to allow and encourage "urban", "pedestrian friendly"
development. A draft ordinance was prepared which attempted to
address the issues raised by the committee. The draft was made a
part of the committee's final work - the Framework for the
Future.
The basic tenant was, use should not be a major issue as long as
it is inside and does not adversely affect the neighbors. Other
important issues are described below. Buildings should be on the
street with surface parking limited and only to the rear or side.
Sidewalks and streets should encourage pedestrian activity and
movement. Residential should be allowed everywhere, with
MacArthur Park residential protected. There should be a unique
urban feel to downtown with pedestrian friendly buildings and
streets.
A second committee (three Planning Commissioners, three property
owners, three representatives of Downtown Groups (Downtown
Partnership, Downtown Neighborhood Association, MacArthur Park
Residents Association) and a representative of the League of
Women Voters) reviewed the concepts developed by the Framework
for the Future committee and a new draft ordinance was developed.
September 2, 1999
ITEM NO.: 10 (Cont.) Z-6730 through Z-6737
The second committee surveyed property owners to get their
reactions to the concepts. These comments were discussed prior
to formation of a draft ordinance. In late spring 1999, a draft
ordinance was distributed to property owners for comment.
In order to achieve the recommendations of the Framework for the
Future committee and Downtown Zoning Committee, three primary
actions are needed: addition of new zone district(s),
reclassification of areas to the new district(s), and repeal of
the Zoning Plan for Central Little Rock Urban Renewal Project.
Based on the work of the Downtown Zoning Committee, two zone
classifications are proposed for addition to the Zoning
Ordinance. They are Urban Use and Low Density Residential.
Urban Use District is designed for "older" established commercial
or business districts or for area where pedestrian oriented
development which is mixed in nature is desired. The Low Density
Residential District is patterned after the City's 1IR-4" Two
Family District and Capitol Zoning's "M" Residential District.
This district allows for a variety of residential uses and some
nonresidential use (as a conditional use). The pattern reflects
the existing mix and tries to capture the things liked about
Capitol Zoning over the city's regulations.
This change requires additions to the definitions section, height
and area exception section, districts established section,
exception/modifications (zoning buffer) section as well as adding
the two new classifications. The attached outline has the
proposed changes and wording for the new districts.
Once the new districts are part of the ordinance, the
recommendation of both committees is to rezone the Downtown area
under city zoning regulations to one of the two districts. That
is the area between Cross Street east to I-30 and the Arkansas
River to I-630 would be the Urban Use District except for
Riverfront Park and an area around MacArthur Park. The two Parks
would be zoned Open Space (OS). The area between 6t' and 9t'
Streets, Ferry to Cumberland and 9t' Street to I-630, Commerce to
Scott north and west of MacArthur Park would be zoned Low Density
Residential (see attached sketch map).
The final change is to remove the Zoning Plan for Central Little
Rock Urban Renewal Project from the zoning code. This portion of
the zoning code is over thirty years old and has proven to be
difficult for staff to use and explain. Having Downtown zones be
2
September 2, 1999
ITEM:NO.: 10 (Cont.) Z-6730 through Z-6737
part of the basic zoning code for the entire city is seen as more
desirable and workable.
In order to ease the change to the new classifications, staff has
offered to grant C.U.P.'s with the zone change. These C.U.P.
requests will be included as an addendum to allow property owners
more time.
nTw T1T7 TT1 /'1/11AfL11TTa TT/11T .
Approval
3