Title
Resolution to Approve Ann Arbor Discovering Downtown (A2D2) Zoning Recommendations
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval is a resolution to approve recommendations for zoning changes, developed by the A2D2 Steering Committee, the Downtown Zoning Advisory Committee, staff and the Design Guidelines Advisory Committee to implement the Downtown Development Strategies Final Report. The original recommendations were postponed by City Council on July 16, 2007 and August 20, 2007 to allow for coordination with the A2D2 Urban Design Guidelines Project.
Background
On March 20, 2006, City Council approved the Implementation Plan for the Downtown Development Strategies Final Report and directed staff to begin work on priority elements of the plan.
On July 17, 2006, City Council approved the work plans for the following initiatives:
· Create special overlay zoning for the downtown that identifies areas of similar character
· Streamline the development proposal process (process mapping and technology improvements)
· Incorporate a set of essential design standards
· Pursue a comprehensive parking strategy for the downtown
· Work with the Historic District Commission to clarify criteria for development
In the development of the work plans, City Council requested that each project be completed by June 2007. The Council appointed advisory committees for each project in October 2006 to assist staff and the Steering Committee in developing these recommendations.
Advisory Committee Review Process
The Downtown Zoning Advisory Committee has worked since November 2006 to accomplish the following objectives:
· Simplify the underlying zoning to make the regulations more understandable for both property owners and public and support City goals for the downtown;
· Reach agreement on height and density recommendations, reviewing recommendations from both the 1988/1992 Downtown Plan and the 2006 Vision & Policy Framework;
· Revise floor area premiums to provide i...
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