Title
An Ordinance to Amend Sections 5.17.4 and 5.18.6 of Chapter 55 (Unified Development Code) of Title V of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (Premiums, D1 and D2 Floor Area Ratio) CPC Recommendation: Approval (7 Yeas, 0 Nays) (ORD-23-32)
Memorandum
Amendments are proposed to eliminate the floor area premiums provided in Section 5.18.6 [Premiums] and to change the maximum FAR (floor area ratio as a percentage of lot area) of the D1 (Downtown Core) and D2 (Downtown Interface) districts in Section 5.17.4 [Mixed Use Zoning Districts, Table 5.17-4] from 900% and 400%, respectively, to none.
Consultants Carlisle Wortman Associates (CWA) worked with the City Planning Commission and Planning staff since February 2023 to evaluate the premium floor area program provided in Section 5.18.6 and downtown zoning standards in Section 5.17.4 of the Unified Development Code to consider if the premium program and resulting development is consistent with the City's comprehensive plan goals and, if not, suggest changes. This work concluded that the premium program was not consistent with the City's goals and plans.
Prior to developing policy options to consider, the City Planning Commission established common assumptions and agreements to guide this work, including: a balance of land uses and development types in downtown is important; development is more difficult and more expensive downtown than elsewhere in the city; and attainable density in downtown provides places for present and future residents to live as well as influences regional sustainability by providing access to housing in a walkable, mixed-use place.
Stakeholders were engaged in policy options under consideration, including the Energy Commission, the Housing and Human Services Advisory Board, the Renters Commission, the Downtown Development Authority, affordable housing providers, developers, elected and appointed officials, and residents.
The proposed amendments reflect the simplest, clearest, and most ...
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