CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
                 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA



 Agenda Date:        January 3, 2023

 Action Required:    Approve Resolution

 Presenter:          James Freas, Director of NDS

 Staff Contacts:     James Freas, Director of NDS

 Title:              Initiating a Zoning Text Amendment - Planned Unit Development (1
                     reading)


Background
RMD Properties, owner of 2117 Ivy Road, are requesting consideration of a zoning text amendment
that would allow development of this property beyond what is currently allowed by zoning (request
attached). As per the ordinance cited below, only Council or the Planning Commission may initiate a
zoning text amendment.

      Whenever the public necessity, convenience, general welfare or good zoning practice require,
      the City Council may, by ordinance, amend, supplement, or change the city’s zoning district
      regulations, district boundaries, or zoning district classifications of property. A zoning text
      amendment may be initiated by: (1) Resolution of the City Council; or (2) Motion of the Planning
      Commission. (See City Code §34-41(a), which is based on Virginia Code §15.2-2286(a) (7)).

Discussion
As outlined in the request, there is not currently a option within the zoning ordinance that would allow
the proposed project to proceed. The property owner is therefore proposing to utilize the Planned
Unit Development (PUD) provisions of the ordinance, with a zoning text amendment that would
reduce the minimum lot size required for a PUD in the Urban Corridor Mixed Use District. At this point
in time, Council is not being asked to discuss the merits of making this zoning amendment or not, but
simply whether to approve a resolution directing the Planning Commission to consider the proposed
zoning text amendment and to provide a recommendation to Council.

The following information may be useful to Council in this decision:

     • This section of the zoning ordinance was last amended in 2006 when Council raised the
       minimum lot size necessary for a PUD citywide to the current 2 acre requirement.
     • The proposed project is potentially consistent with the 2021 Comprehensive Plan with regard
       to the land use map and affordable housing objectives.
     • Staff is at this time still targeting June 2023 for adoption of the new zoning ordinance. Staff is
       currently not considering keeping the PUD section of the zoning ordinance.
Alignment with City Council's Vision and Strategic Plan
This project could support City Council’s visions of Economic Sustainability. It contributes to the
following Strategic Plan Goal 4: A Strong Creative and Diversified economy.

Community Engagement
After a proposed amendment is initiated, the opportunity for public comment is available through the
public hearing process required as part of a zoning text amendment.

Budgetary Impact
No additional funds are required.

Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the resolution allowing consideration of a proposed zoning text
amendment by the Planning Commission and City Council.

Suggested Motion: "I move the RESOLUTION initiating an amendment to the zoning text
within Section 34-492 of the City Code"

Alternatives
The City Council may decide not to approve this resolution.

Attachments
1.   RES Initiate ZTA
2.   RMD Properties_ LLC Request for Initiation of Zoning Text Amendment w_ exhibits