MEMORANDUM. City Council. David J. Deutsch, City Manager. County Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Briefing. DATE: June 11, 2015

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1 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: City Council David J. Deutsch, City Manager County Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Briefing DATE: June 11, 2015 As Council is aware, Prince George's County is conducting a comprehensive rewrite of the County s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. This project will transform the current zoning code to a more user-friendly 21st Century Zoning Ordinance for Prince George's County. Staff of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) will brief Council on the status of the project. The last presentation Council received was in September, as the project was getting underway. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is attached. The M-NCPPC Chief of Countywide Planning, Mr. Derick Berlage will be presenting. No Council action is required at this time. Attachments

2 September 15, 2014 September 17-23, 2014 as Constitution Week in Bowie; C) Adoption of Resolution R Accepting a Proposal for Consuiting Services Related to a 15, 000 Square Foot Addition to the Planned 10th Street Park and Playground, and for Construction Drawings for Planned Improvements to the Bowie Railroad Museum in Old Town Bowie; D) Approval of Letter to Prince George' s County Planning Board re: Proposed FY16 Maryland- National Capital Park and Planning Commission Budget; E) Adoption of Resolution R Awarding a Contract to Garcete Construction, Inc. in the Amount of 62, 000 for the Replacement of the Stage and Stairs at the Bowie Playhouse; F) Approval of Proclamation P Establishing Monday, September 22, 2014 as Car Free Day in Bowie. Councilmember Brady seconded the motion and it carried 6-0. NEW BUSINESS: A. Prince George' s Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Mr. Joe Meinert, City of Bowie Planning Director, introduced Mr. Derick Berlage from Maryland- National Capital Park and Planning Commission who briefed Council on the County' s progress of rewriting the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. The rewrite of the ordinance has many objectives; to make it a shorter and more concise ordinance, user-friendly, streamlined, modernized zones, a simplified development approval and master plan approval process. This task is being done in different phases. Phase I which was the Pre- Planning phase began in July of 2013 and was just completed in February of this year. At this point the County is in Phase II of the rewrite which is evaluating and obtaining recommendations from different public outreaches. The County Council hopes to approve the new ordinance in March of Councilmember Polangin asked if the rewrite of the ordinance will affect the permitting process. Mr. Berlage responded that they are making sure that it conforms with the permitting process to allow for a smoother process. Councilmember Brady asked if there have been any assessments to make sure there aren' t any dangers of doing a complete rewrite of the ordinance. Mr. Berlage stated that the rewrite needs to be done, and the County is working hard to make sure it is done the right way, hence the three year process. Mayor Robinson thanked Mr. Berlage for his presentation and stated that all component players have to have a role in order to make the rewrite work. Facilities in the M- X-T Zone Mr. Joe Meinert, City of Bowie Planning Director, summarized the memorandum presented to Council. B. CB ( Draft 1 Amended) Assisted Living Mr. Robert Antonetti, with the law firm Shipley and Horne, representing St. John Properties, went over the proposed changes to CB They are in the form of footnotes; footnote 15 states that a Detailed Site Plan will be required and that a Conceptual Site Plan shall not be required. Under footnote 16 it will include verbiage on semi- independent living units. Councilmember Polangin asked if this change of assisted living units would be in addition to the number required of senior housing when the plan was approved. Mr. Antonetti responded that it will not be in addition, it will be part of the required number. Councilmember Gardner asked how many units are being planned. Mr. Antonetti responded that negotiations are in process with a potential user so they are not sure of exact numbers but all details will be presented to Council before any ground breaking begins.

3 Prince George s County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations Rewrite June 15, 2015 The Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission

4 Let s define a few terms What is Zoning? Zoning is the process of regulating the land use and building design (e.g. height, density, and setback) within a community Zoning Ordinance is the written law that defines how zoning can be implemented in a community. 2

5 Let s define a few terms What is Subdivision? Subdivision is the division by plat or deed of a larger piece of property into two or more smaller lots, plots, sites, tracts, parcels, or other land divisions (either for development or for sale). Subdivision Regulations is the written law that defines how land can be subdivided in a community. 3

6 Let s define a few terms What Are Plans? The General Plan is the overall policy document guiding the County s physical growth. It establishes where and how the County should grow and evolve over the next 20 years. Plan Prince George s 2035 is the current General Plan for Prince George s County. Master Plans provide specific recommendations on the land use, natural environment, transportation networks, housing and neighborhoods, historic preservation, urban design, and public facilities for one or more of the County s Planning Areas. Sector Plans are smaller plans for portions of one or more Planning Areas. They contain the same functional information as a Master Plan but apply to smaller areas that are often targeted for future development or which could benefit from a new vision and framework for future implementation actions. 4

7 Project Background What are we doing? Prince George s County is comprehensively rewriting its Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. 5

8 Project Background Why are we rewriting? The current ordinance is Outdated, lengthy, and confusing Not responsive to the county s vision for future growth and development An impediment to economic growth 6

9 Project Goals What do we hope to accomplish? Streamline the ordinance and development approval process Modernize and consolidate our zones and development standards Incentivize revitalization and economic, transitoriented, and mixed-use development Protect established neighborhoods 7

10 Project Stakeholders Who is involved? Residents Developers & Real Estate Industry Business Owners Consultants M-NCPPC County Council New Zoning and Subdivision Codes Municipalities Planning Board County Executive and County Agencies Civic, Environmental Faith, and Other Organizations 8

11 Why do the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations matter to me? 9

12 Zoning & Subdivision Why does it matter? The regulation of land use is one of the most important functions of County government Development can improve or hinder the community. It is the Zoning and Subdivision rules that help guide the result 10

13 Zoning & Subdivision Why does it matter? Commercial 11

14 Zoning & Subdivision Why does it matter? Residential 12

15 Zoning & Subdivision Why does it matter? Signs 13

16 Zoning & Subdivision Why does it matter? Roads 14

17 Zoning & Subdivision Why does it matter? Sidewalks 15

18 Zoning & Subdivision Why does it matter? Usable Green Space 16

19 Zoning & Subdivision Why does it matter? Connections within Neighborhoods 17

20 Zoning & Subdivision Why does it matter? Parking Areas 18

21 Zoning & Subdivision Why does it matter? What gets built next to what 19

22 Current Process Disincentive to Investment in Prince George s County More Discretionary Review Increased Costs Late-Stage Community Input Mistakes and Mistrust Uncertain Outcomes Overly Detailed Regulations 20

23 Recommended Process Successful Communities and Increased Investment More Administrative Review Streamlined Process Certainty of Outcomes Upfront Community Input Effective Collaboration Modern, Appropriate Level of Regulation 21

24 22

25 Simplify the Code Structure 8 Divisions 48 Sections Subtitle 27: Suggested Zoning Ordinance Structure Division 27-1 General Provisions Division 27-2 Administration Division 27-3 Zone and Zone Regulations Division 27-4 Use Regulations Division 27-5 Development Standards Division 27-6 Nonconformities Division 27-7 Enforcement Division 27-8 Definitions APPENDIX 23

26 Integrate Text, Tables and Graphics 24

27 Explain Procedures with Flowcharts Public Hearings Zoning Map Amendments 25

28 Consolidate Zones and Regulations Today Recommended 73 Zones 43 Zones Conventional Floating 26 7 Overlay

29 Protect Established Neighborhoods Enhancing Community Involvement Implementing Design Regulations 27

30 Flexibility Funnel 28

31 Enhance Community Involvement 21 Meaningful input up front = more ability to collaborate and influence Improve application notification and incorporate modern technology Require pre-application neighborhood meetings for any discretionary review application Require pre-application conferences with staff and implement a process to ensure application completeness 29

32 Implement Design Regulations 22 Neighborhood Compatibility Standards Protect the character of established single-family neighborhoods Potential standards include: building dimensions, parking/loading/refuse areas, lighting, signage, open space, and operational standards Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Zone Similar to historic district regulations, but less detailed Incorporates a pre-approved area or neighborhood plan covering infill and redevelopment and consistency with elements found in existing community 30

33 Incorporate Best Practices 22 Implement and incorporate Plan Prince George s 2035 Goals Regional Transit Districts and Local Centers base zones and flexible Planned Development zones Infill; redevelop and revitalize commercial corridors Sustainability Connectivity, roadway design, parking, and loading Open space and agriculture 31

34 Modify Review Authority 22 Development Review Decision Makers District Council Planning Board Board of Zoning Appeals Zoning Hearing Examiner Planning Director Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) 32

35 Modify Review Authority District Council Still Reviews (and Decides): Master and Sector Plans Rezoning Planned Developments (new zones) Major Site Plans Other Bodies Will Review (and Decide): Minor Site Plans Special Exceptions Adjustments Non-conforming Uses 33

36 Modify Review Authority More administrative and approval procedures for Planning Board and Staff Elimination of call up procedures Retention of appellate process, but some changes 34

37 Next Steps Project Schedule Continue to encourage community involvement and education Began initial draft of the Code~ April,

38 Next Steps Zoning Rewrite Draft Schedule Module Public Review Draft Zones and Uses Fall 2015 Development Standards and Subdivision Regulations Spring 2016 Processes and Administration Summer 2016 Comprehensive Review Draft Fall 2016 Final Approval March

39 Next Steps How Can I Help? STAY INVOLVED! Give us your feedback and ideas Give the Planning Board and your Council Member your feedback Share what you have learned with family, friends, and neighbors Join our conversation website, OpenComment, , Facebook, Twitter Attend our community forums for the modules and Comprehensive Review Draft 37

40 Contact Information Stay involved Chad Williams, M-NCPPC Project Manager Anika Jackson, M-NCPPC, Public Affairs Core Team Project Website zoningpgc.pgplanning.com OpenComment 38