Agenda Date: 11/11/2024
Subject:
Title
PC Resolution 09-2024: Amendment to the Future Land Use and Character Map (FLUC - Character Map Update) - VRP: Dry Creek Circle
Body
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Prepared By: |
Teri Whitmore, Senior Planner |
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Presentations: |
Teri Whitmore Senior Planner |
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Diana Rael, Norris Design, Principal |
PURPOSE:
The applicant is requesting the Littleton Planning Commission’s recommendation of approval to Littleton City Council of an amendment to the Future Land Use and Character Map for 5.6 acres of the VRP: Dry Creek Circle site from Suburban Commercial to Suburban Residential Multi-Family. Pursuant to Section 10-9-4.5 of the Unified Land Use Code (the “ULUC”), a public hearing is being held to determine if the proposed amendment to the Future Land Use and Character Map meets the review criteria for approval of the amendment to the Future Land Use and Character Map as listed below:
1. Compatibility. The land use types and characteristics of the proposed land use category will be compatible with the properties in the immediate vicinity of the subject property;
2. Impact Mitigation. The amendment may serve to mitigate adverse impacts of the use and development of land on the natural or built environments, including, but not limited to, mobility, air quality, water quality, noise levels, stormwater management, and vegetation, or will be neutral with respect to these issues;
3. Comprehensive Plan. The proposed amendment supports the goals of the comprehensive plan; and
4. Changing Conditions. The amendment may serve to address a changing condition that was not anticipated by the Comprehensive Plan.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Vibrant Community with a Rich Culture; Robust and Resilient Economy; Safe Community
DISCUSSION:
The proposed amendment to the Future Land Use and Character Map considers 5.6 acres at 16 W. Dry Creek Circle from Suburban Commercial to Suburban Residential Multi-Family. The two (2) character areas are related to each other through the suburban character context. Both Suburban Commercial and Suburban Residential Multi-Family share focus on open space, bufferyards, and development standards such as height and massing.
BACKGROUND:
VRP: Dry Creek Circle at 16 W. Dry Creek Circle is currently vacant, with two single-family homes that will be razed with the proposed 173-unit multi-family development. This amendment request to the Future Land Use and Character Map (FLUC) from Suburban Commercial to Suburban Residential is in coordination with the development request of a Conceptual Master Development Plan. Note, the current single-family residential lot located on W. Fremont Ave. is not considered in the Amendment proposed before the Planning Commission. The Covid-19 pandemic altered the need for office space and the ability to use the underlying Corridor Mixed (CM) zoning district allows the site to be used at its highest and best use, multifamily residential development. The proposed project incorporates quality design, affordable units under the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO), sustainable design, and connections to regional bus lines to enhance the community character.
Prior Actions or Discussions
The applicant has completed the following steps in the entitlement process per the ULUC:
Preapplication Meeting: November 16, 2023
First Neighborhood Meeting: November 2, 2023
Application submitted: February 23, 2024
Second Neighborhood Meeting: June 18, 2024
Third Neighborhood Meeting: September 19, 2024
FISCAL IMPACTS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Based on staff’s analysis, the proposed amendment to the Future Land Use and Character Map is in compliance with the approval criteria in Littleton City Code section 10-9-4.5, subsection C, as detailed in the staff report. Therefore, staff recommends approval of Planning Commission Resolution 09, Series, 2024.
ALTERNATIVES:
The commission may recommend approval, approval with conditions, or denial the amendment to city council of the proposed Future Land Use and Character Map Amendment. If the commission were to recommend denial of the amendment, the applicant may still go before city council.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Planning Commission Resolution 09-2024, recommending approval to city council of the Amendment to the Future Land Use and Character Map for VRP: Dry Creek Circle from Suburban Commercial to Suburban Residential Multi-Family.
REFERENCES:
Littleton City Code Section 10-9-4.5
https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/littleton-co-cc/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-4610 <https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/littleton-co-cc/doc-viewer.aspx>