PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA REQUEST

Sponsor:

Board of Supervisors Meeting Date:

Planning Commission

July 13, 2006

Staff Lead:

Department:

W. Todd Benson, Assistant Zoning Administrator

Community Development

Topic:

A Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to Section 7-604 to Permit the Zoning Administrator to Waive, Reduce and/or Modify Buffer/Landscaping Requirements for Commercial Property Where Such Property Abuts Recorded Open Space

Topic Description:

This proposed text amendment is designed to add flexibility to landscape design standards.  The amendment allows the Zoning Administrator to waive, reduce and/or modify buffer/landscaping requirements for commercial property where such property abuts recorded open space when reasons or factors for employing buffers are not present.

Requested Action of the Board of Supervisors:

Conduct a public hearing and consider adoption of the attached ordinance.

Financial Impact Analysis:

No financial impact analysis has been conducted.

Summary Staff Report:

Over the last several months, the Board of Supervisors has passed several ordinances permitting the Zoning Administrator to amend certain developmental restrictions when the facts indicate that flexibility would enhance development and design.  This proposed amendment is in keeping with this line of amendments;  however, it does permit the reduction in landscaped buffers between commercial and residential areas in specified circumstances.

This proposed text amendment was initiated by the Planning Commission on April 27, 2006. On May 25, 2006 the Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval after adding a notice provision to adjacent landowners.

Identify any other Departments, Organizations or Individuals that would be affected by this request:

Economic Development