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REZONING - BUTLER DEVELOPMENT PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (B)
Ordinance No. 121108; Petition No. PB-12-150 PDV
An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending the Zoning Map Atlas by rezoning certain property known as the Butler Development that is generally located north of Archer Road, west of SW 34th Street, east of I-75, and south of SW 24th Avenue as more specifically described in this ordinance, from Planned Development District (PD), Business Industrial District (BI) and General Business District (BUS) to Planned Development District (PD); adopting a PD report; providing for enforcement; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an effective date.
recommendation
The City Commission: 1) adopt the proposed ordinance; and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the Traffic Enforcement Agreements, Transit Transfer Station and park-and-Ride Lot Agreement, Second Addendum to TCEA Zone M Agreement, subject to review as to form and legality by the City Attorney; 3) direct staff to initiate a petition to the Plan Board to conditionally vacate a portion of Southwest 42nd Street between the northern and southern boundary of the Butler Development PD.
explanation
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT
Planned Development District (PD) zoning is an entirely voluntary method for landowners or developers to submit unique proposals that are not provided for or otherwise allowed in the zoning districts established by the City of Gainesville Land Development Code. On January 5, 2012, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 090538, which rezoned the Butler Development property (excluding six small parcels that are currently the subject of a small-scale land use change in Ordinance No. 121106) to Planned Development District (PD). That ordinance and its implementing regulations remain in effect at this time.
The Butler Development PD totals approximately 267 acres and is generally located north of Archer Road, west of SW 34th Street, east of I-75, and south of SW 24th Avenue. The Butler Development PD includes the existing Butler Plaza retail area located between Archer Road and Windmeadows Boulevard, which is developed with over one million square feet of commercial uses. The Butler Development PD also includes several adjacent shopping plazas and multiple outparcels along Archer Road, and is accessed by several public streets and private drives connecting from Archer Road to Windmeadows Boulevard. The existing commercial centers were developed under Alachua County's development regulations over a period of 30 years and remained outside city limits until an annexation in 2008.
This ordinance adds to the Butler Development PD the six small parcels that are the subject of a small-scale land use change in Ordinance No. 121106 as well as replaces the existing regulations pertaining to the Butler Development PD. According to the PD Report, the purpose of the proposed rezoning is to create a more practicable plan for infrastructure, allow for relocation of the Town Center, and provide for flexibility in implementation. The proposed PD will not increase the overall development potential beyond what was approved for the existing PD.
The proposed PD is separated into four subareas, rather than the current three subareas, and the requirements for the development are based upon these areas. The PD Layout Map (included in the PD Report) shows the overall arrangement of the planned development with existing streets, proposed new public streets, and the boundaries of the four subareas. The map also shows the location for the RTS Transit Transfer Station and the proposed route for the Archer Braid Trail. Subarea 1 is shown as the area north of Windmeadows Boulevard and west of the SW 62nd Boulevard extension, and will be designed for large-scale retail and auto-oriented commercial uses. Subarea 2 encompasses the area east of SW 62nd Boulevard extension and south of SW 24th Avenue, and is proposed to be developed with more of an urban character. Subarea 3 encompasses the portion of the existing commercial center east of Butler Boulevard (currently the site of the Wal-Mart, Lowe's and Regal Cinemas). This area is proposed to be redeveloped in the form of a 'Town Center' commercial area, which is essentially an outdoor shopping mall that is organized around a 'main street.' Subarea 4 represents the remainder of the existing retail area.
The PD Report outlines proposed standards and permitted uses within the four subareas. The development standards in the report incorporate many of the general requirements that are currently found within the conditions of the existing PD. A table in the report lists all of the standards that vary according to subarea, including basic dimensional standards (such as building setbacks) and some urban design standards (such as build-to line, building frontage, and building glazing and articulation). A maximum block perimeter is also defined for each subarea; this standard is designed to ensure that adequate vehicular and pedestrian connectivity will exist throughout the development. Architectural guidelines are outlined for each subarea (including illustrations which indicate the general architectural theme for the buildings within each subarea). A higher level of urban design and architecture is required for Subarea 3 (Town Center) and for Subarea 2, which has been recognized by staff and the applicant as a transitional area between the Urban Village and the more auto-oriented commercial development in Subareas 1 and 4. Other unique standards for the PD are provided within sections on the Unified Signage Plan, Tree Preservation and Landscaping, and Stormwater Management Facilities. The Development Schedule outlines the proposed timing of infrastructure improvements within the development. Specific elements of infrastructure (such as the new public streets, the transit transfer station and park-and-ride facility, and an additional turn lane on the I-75 exit ramp) are required to be constructed at certain points in the progression of the development.
Public notice was published in the Gainesville Sun on January 31, 2013. The Plan Board discussed the petition at a public hearing on February 19, 2013, and recommended approval with revisions by a vote of 6-0. After public notice was published in the Gainesville Sun, the City Commission held a public hearing on May 29, 2013, and approved the petition with revisions by a vote of 6-1.
CITY ATTORNEY MEMORANDUM
This ordinance requires two readings. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon final adoption; however, the rezoning shall not become effective until the amendments to the City of Gainesville Comprehensive Plan adopted by Ordinance Nos. 121106 and 121107 become effective as provided therein.