Agenda Date: January 14, 2019
Subject:
Title
A resolution to amend Title 10, of the City Code, Chapter 1 regarding recreational definitions and Chapter 8 regarding conditional uses to include indoor shooting ranges
Body
|
Presented By: |
Mike Sutherland, Planning Manager, and Steve Kemp, City Attorney |
PROPOSED CODE AMENDMENT:
Does planning commission recommend approval of Resolution 01-2019 to amend Title 10 of the City Code, Chapter 1 regarding recreational definitions and Chapter 8 regarding conditional uses to include indoor shooting ranges?
BACKGROUND:
The recreation definitions address a number of unrelated uses in Littleton’s zoning code. As with many of the definitions in the code, they do not relate to the actual uses or define uses that should be addressed separately. Staff recommends correcting these definitions.
An example of this problem is the definition of gun ranges. Currently indoor gun ranges are treated as an indoor recreation use. Outdoor gun ranges have no standards and are treated as outdoor recreation.
These definitions have been carried over into planned developments throughout the city that allow recreational uses in general without reference to the city’s definitions. As a result, there are some instances of incompatible uses being permitted with no further review. Staff analyzed the problem and recommends a number of amendments.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
Study sessions were held with city council on November 27, and planning commission on December 10, 2018.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The mixture of uses in the zoning code’s recreational definitions and the lack of definitions under the recreational section for some uses such as sexually oriented businesses is a critical problem that needs to be addressed. Most cities, such as Lakewood and Fort Collins provide specific definitions for these uses and identify the uses by definition in the land use chart. This was also a recommendation of Clarion & Associates when they reviewed the definitions of the Littleton Code in 2015.
Staff proposes creating specific definitions for a number of the recreational uses in the zoning code and to place those uses in the land use chart. Where possible, the existing designations were carried over to the new definitions. This includes making indoor gun ranges and outdoor gun ranges conditional uses.
Staff will present this proposal and the justification of making these uses conditional uses, including a requirement that they be a conditional use in existing Planned Developments unless the Planned Development was amended to provide for the use. The proposed ordinance also adds clarification and a revocation provision to the conditional use permit process.
Independent of the proposed code modifications, staff recommends an administrative process that would require the Police Department to review all applications for retail gun stores and firing ranges with the purpose of making recommendations for safety and security of such facilities. The proposed code amendments are on LittletonPlans.org for community input and comment.
OPTIONS/ALTERNATIVES:
The planning commission may take the following actions on the application: forward recommendation of approval to city council, forward recommendation of approval with conditions, continue to date certain, or forward recommendation of denial. A sample motion is provided for each option.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff finds that the proposal to amend Title 10, of the City Code, Chapter 1 regarding recreational definitions and Chapter 8 regarding conditional uses to include indoor shooting ranges into the city’s zoning code complies with the pertinent goals and policies of the city’s comprehensive plan, and promotes the general welfare of the community. Staff recommends approval of PC Resolution 01-2019.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
Motion to Approve and/if necessary, With Conditions
I move to approve PC Resolution 01-2019, amending Title 10, of the City Code, Chapter 1 regarding recreational definitions and Chapter 8 regarding conditional uses to include indoor shooting ranges, which forwards a favorable recommendation to city council, with the following condition(s):
1.
2.
Motion to Continue to a Date Certain
I move to continue the public hearing on PC Resolution 01-2019, amending Title 10, of the City Code, Chapter 1 regarding recreational definitions and Chapter 8 regarding conditional uses to include indoor shooting ranges, to __________ (insert date) in order to_____________________.
Motion to Deny
I move to recommend denial of PC Resolution 01-2019, amending Title 10, of the City Code, Chapter 1 regarding recreational definitions and Chapter 8 regarding conditional uses to include indoor shooting ranges, which forwards an unfavorable recommendation to city council. The foregoing denial is based on the findings that the proposed change:
Note: Identify criterion or criteria not met and adjust motion accordingly:
1.
2.