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TA2015-05002k �1�����t�r � MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM: CASE: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT June 16, 2015 F.3. TA2015-05002 ORDINANCE NO.: 8730-15 REQUEST: Review and recommendation to the City Council, of an amendment to the Community Development Code, imposing a 12-month moratorium for the proposed Regional Center and Neighborhood Center subdistricts of the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District. INITIATED BY: City of Clearwater, Planning and Development Department BACKGROUND: The U.S. 19 Corridor within the City of Clearwater has transitioned over the last decade from an at-grade full access arterial to a grade separated limited-access highway. This change has substantially affected land use and urban form, as well as the viability of many businesses. The City of Clearwater has determined that U.S. 19 is of strategic economic importance to the City and Pinellas County. For that reason, the City has taken several steps to encourage reinvestment in this area. Plans to date include: • Clearwater Comprehensive Plan amendments (2008): Set forth a Citywide Design Structure, including identification of corridors to redevelop (e.g., U.S. 19) and Activity Centers (e.g., Countryside Mall and Clearwater Mall), as well as policies to improve the "livability" of Clearwater. • Economic Development Strategic Plan (2011): Recommended an employment center overlay district to encourage higher-wage employment along the U.S. 19 Corridor. • Clearwater Greenprint (2011): Identified U.S. 19 as an appropriate corridor for energy-efficient infill development and redevelopment, and encouraged the use of transit, walking and cycling for a greater percentage of overall travel. • U.S. 19 Corridor Redevelopment Plan (2012): Established the City's vision for the Corridor as a series of revitalized, mixed-use centers served by enhanced transit, with high quality development and redevelopment between the Centers, and identified strategies are organized into four topic areas: Revitalization and Redevelopment, Competitiveness, Mobility and Connectivity, and Sustainability. Since late 2013, the City has been working to implement the U.S. 19 Corridor Redevelopment Plan strategies. These include updates to the City's Community Development Code. There are several tasks that must occur before this process can be completed: 1. Adoption of the updated Countywide Plan by the Countywide Planning Authority (July/August 201 S). 2. Creation of new future land use plan categories and zoning districts in the Comprehensive Plan. : Clearwater Community Development Code Text Amendment . "^�t�"5"�7 �,.:,_;.>.. . � 3. Adoption of new U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District standards. 4. Amendments to the City's Future Land Use Map and Zoning Atlas. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DMSION While the City awaits the adoption of the updated Countywide Plan, staff is engaging the public for feedback on the proposed U.S. 19 District Standards. Staff will continue to meet with neighborhood groups and other stakeholders before final recommendations are made for City Council adoption. As expected, increased interest in development in the U.S. 19 Corridor area is being seen as construction activity comes to a close. The City is also at a critical stage in this process. There is currently a risk that properties in key locations will redevelop in ways that are inconsistent with the City's long term Economic Development Strategic Plan objectives. These are important areas where desired urban form should be considererd in the context of long term objectives and is critical to future success. Based on these and other factors, it is recommended that a limited moratorium be established within the proposed Regional and Neighborhood Center subdistricts of the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District so that the City can complete this process. This will afford opportunity in the short term to further refine the document based on public comment. The moratorium would limit comprehensive plan amendments, rezoning, development approvals, and various development orders. It is understood that the proposed stoppage must be short term, limited in focus to the greatest extent possible, and have clear focus on those areas which have been determined to be of the highest priority for the City's strategic economic development objectives. The moratorium would not apply to properties within the proposed Corridor subdistrict. While the moratorium is in place, the following will be allowed: 2 3. 4. Building permits required for repair and/or maintenance of existing structures. Building permits, which are necessary to rebuild existing structures that were destroyed as a result of "force majeure," subject to the city's land development regulations, so long as such permits are issued prior to second reading of the proposed amendment to the city's Zoning Atlas implementing the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District. Building permits for development approvals that were submitted prior to May 11, 2015. Development approvals for interior or exterior remodeling/renovation or changes in use consistent with the underlying zoning designation, so long as such proposed remodeling/renovation or change in use does not expand the footprint of the existing structure and/or its parking lot. Development approvals for temporary uses pursuant to Article 3, Division 21, Community Development Code, or signage. The moratorium would, however, preclude the processing of all other comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, development approvals, development orders, building permits and other related permits for those parcels within the proposed Regional Center and Neighborhood Center subdistricts of the proposed US 19 Corridor Zoning District. It should be noted that the objectives for the U.S. 19 Corridor District are to promote primary employment- intensive and transit-supportive development. It aims to create increased desirability for re-connecting Community Development Board — June 16, 2015 TA2015-05002 — Page 2 ° Clearwater Community Development Code Text Amendment PLANNING& DEVELOPMENT ' DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DMSION . �ro�� �i.,, . .. adjoining communities to the new corridor environment. Therefore it must address issues pertaining to pedestrian safety and walkability. This is especially important at the new and limited major cross points along the corridor. When adopted, the standards will provide property owners and residents with much greater development potiential, greater flexibility of a wider range of uses, greater predictability regarding the form of development, and reduced time and expense in the permitting process for developments consistent with the corridor plan. Following is further analysis and Ordinance No. 8730-15. ANALYSIS: To assist in the redevelopment of the U.S. 19 Corridor in a manner that promotes the public interest, it is necessary to balance development incentives (e.g., significant increase of allowed development potential, greater height, and broader mix of uses approvable at a staff level) with provisions of public benefits and amenities (e.g., prioritizing walkable environments through defined building placement, pedestrian walkways and improved connections). To achieve that balance, a 12-month (July 16, 2015 through July 15, 2016) moratorium is recommended within the proposed Regional Center and Neighborhood Center subdistricts of the US 19 Corridor Zoning District. The proposed moratorium would not apply to properties within the proposed Corridor subdistrict, which accounts for almost 28 percent of the land to be included in the U.S. 19 Corridar Zoning District. In addition to allowing owners to complete repair and maintenance on their properties, the proposed moratorium still allows property owners throughout the corridor to receive development approvals for the remodeling of interiors and fa�ades of existing structures, as long as the changes do not include expansion of the structure and/or its parking lot. This will allow staff to approve changes in use consistent with the current zoning designation. Development approvals for temporary uses or signage would not be restricted during the proposed moratorium. Additionally, structures that may be destroyed as a result of force majeure could potentially be rebuilt under the current zoning regulations, as long as building permits are issued prior to the Zoning Atlas amendments (rezoning) becoming effective (second reading). Finally, any development approvals submitted prior to May 11, 2015, would be allowed to proceed through the complete process and receive building permits. The proposed moratorium will, however, preclude the processing of all other comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, development approvals, development orders, building permits and other related permits for those parcels within the proposed Regional Center and Neighborhood Center subdistricts of the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District. Since the approval of the Corridor Plan in December 2012, the City has seen increased interest in development along the corridor. This can be attributed to the improvement in the market, in particular for attached dwellings, as well as to the increased densities/intensities proposed within the Corridor Plan. Due to circumstances outside of the City's control, the drafting of the updated Countywide Plan took longer than expected, and delays in scheduling the public hearings to adopt the Countywide Plan affected the City's ability to allow for development at the proposed increased intensity, and also the City has not been able to require development to conform to the new form desired. Community Development Board — June 16, 2015 TA2015-05002 — Page 3 ° Clearwater Community Development Code Text Amendment P�N�ING& DEVELOPMENT . . DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DMSION The Department has met with numerous property owners and representatives through the Building Plans Review Committee (BPRC) process, as well as individual meetings, to discuss the desired mix of uses and form of development within the Regional and Neighborhood Centers. Unfortunately, staff has also been asked many times when the new Code is anticipated for adoption so that they could submit new development proposals "under the old code." This question has typically been asked by franchises for various automobile service stations, storage facilities, and restaurants with drive-through components. Although the proposed standards would allow each of these uses along the corridor, the change from an auto-oriented to pedestrian- oriented form of development is something these customers have typically wanted to avoid. Briefly, the standards within the U.S. 19 Corridor District are designed to accomplish the following: • Promote more employment-intensive and transit-supportive development • Establish walkable, mixed use destinations at major cross streets; and • Provide safe, attractive, and accessible settings for working, living, and shopping. The types of development, both approved, recently submitted, and discussed at BPRC, do not achieve these goals. For example, several properties within the Regional and Neighborhood Centers have redeveloped in ways inconsistent with the desired urban form of the proposed zoning district standards, and others have been approved for uses that are allowed through the existing Community Development Code standards but are not the types of uses the proposed zoning district targets for economic vitality in these Centers. Within the Clearwater Mall Area Regional Center, a new 426-unit attached dwelling complex is under construction, and a new drive-through restaurant and several other buildings have been constructed in a form which is inconsistent with the proposed zoning district standards (e.g., setback further from the street with parking in front or with drive-through facilities in locations other than the rear of the building). Similarly, within the Countryside Area Regional Center, an office building (constructed) and a retail plaza (proposed) contain drive-through facilities in locations which the zoning district standards would prohibit and parking is located within the front setbacks where the proposed standards limit parking to side and rear areas. The proposed retail plaza site is identified as a"key corner" because of its economic development potential and location along the corridor, where additional standards would apply. In addition to parcels that have received development orders and/or building permits, several conceptual projects have been presented to the members of the BPRC within both the Regional and Neighborhood Centers, including redevelopment of several large (10+ acre) properties. The Department has provided consistent guidance regarding the proposed changes. During the moratorium Staff will prepare amendments to the Comprehensive Plan which will establish new future land use categories for the U.S. 19 Regional Center, U.S. 19 Neighborhood Center, and U.S. 19 Corridor (to be applied to the "in-between" areas) and will create the new U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning DistricdSubdistricts in the Comprehensive Plan. Staff will also complete the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Development Standards which would apply to properties within the subdistricts and present the standards to City Council for their approval. Lastly, staff would initiate Future Land Use Map and Zoning Atlas amendments to apply the new categories and subdistricts to the properties within the City along the U.S. 19 corridor. The Department will also initiate the public hearing process for the Comprehensive Plan amendments once the Countywide Plan is adopted by the CPA in August 2015. The complete process Community Development Board — June 16, 2015 TA2015-05002 — Page 4 ° Clearwater Community Development Code TeM Amendment R.���: � �,.. .. - . PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DMSION should be completed in its entirety within the next 10 months, with the Future Land Use Map and Zoning Atlas amendments anticipated to be effective in mid-June, 2016, should there be no other delays. CRITERIA FOR TEXT AMENDMENTS: Section 4-601, CDC, sets forth the procedures and criteria for reviewing text amendments. All text amendments must comply with the following: 1. The proposed amendment is consistent with and furthers the goals, policies and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. A review of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan identified the following Goals, Objectives and Policies which will be furthered by the proposed Code amendment: Goal A.5 Objective A.5.1 The City of Clearwater shall identify and utilize a Citywide Design Structure comprised of a hierarchy of places and linkages. The Citywide Design Structure will serve as a guide to development and land use decisions while protecting those elements that make the city uniquely Clearwater. Establish the Hierarchy of Places as shown on Map A-14 Policy A.5.1.1 Identify Activity Centers: high intensity, high-density multi-use areas designated as appropriate for intensive growth and routinely provide service to a signifcant number of citizens of more than one county. Activity centers are proximate and accessible to interstate or major arterial roadways, and are composed of multiple destination points, landmarks and neighborhood centers and character features. Objective A.5.2 Define linkages as shown on Map A-14. Policy A.5.2.7 Identify Redevelopment Corridors: those corridors or portions of corridors that need a character change or restoration to a better condition. Objective A.5.4 Use the Citywide design structure as a guide to support redevelopment of properties along important corridors, such as: Policy A.5.4.5 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard east of U.S. Highway 19. Amendments to the Future Land Use Plan and Zoning Atlas may be considered to promote redevelopment and land assembly. Annexations and the installation of appropriate streetscape improvements should be encouraged. Policy A.5.4.9 Support the adoption and utilization of Future Land Use Plan categories made available by the Countywide Plan Rules that are consistent with and promote infll and desired redevelopment along corridors. Objective A.5.5 Promote high quality design standards that support Clearwater's image and contribute to its identity. Community Development Board — June 16, 2015 TA2015-05002 — Page 5 : Clearwater Community Development Code Text Amendment ';$n PLANDRNG & DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DMSION Policy A.5.5.3 Explore the development of special area plans andlor design guidelines for Westfield Shoppingtown Countryside, Clearwater Mall, Hercules Industrial Area, Morton Plant Hospital Area and others, as appropriate. The above Goal, Objectives and Policies establishing the Citywide Design Structure, were included in the Comprehensive Plan when it was adopted December 8, 2008. The Design structure established a hierarchy of places, including major activity centers, destination points, multi-neighborhood and neighborhood shopping centers, landmarks, and neighborhood character features. The policies support the establishment of Activity Centers where higher intensity development should occur within the U.S. 19 Corridor area and indicate that the City should develop plans and design standards for these areas, which is achieved through the U.S. 19 Corridor Redevelopment Plan. Goal A.6 The City of Clearwater Shall utilize innovative and flexible planning and engineering practices, and urban design standards in order to protect historic resources, ensure neighborhood preservation, redevelop blighted areas, and encourage infll development. Objective A.6.1 The redevelopment of blighted, substandard, inefficient and/or obsolete areas shall be a high priority and promoted through the implementation of redevelopment and special area plans, the construction of catalytic private projects, city investment, and continued emphasis on property maintenance standards. Policy A.6.1.6 Land use decisions in Clearwater shall support the expansion of economic opportunity, the creation of jobs and training opportunities as well as the maintenance of existing industries through establishment of enterprise zones, activity centers and redevelopment areas and by coordination with the Chamber of Commerce, Tourist Development Council and other economic development organizations and agencies. The above Goal, Objective and Policy indicate the City's commitment to redevelopment that supports the economic development goals of the City. The City has invested in the U.S. 19 Corridor through several projects, including the U.S. 19 Corridor Redevelopment Plan and the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District Development Standards which, if approved, will allow for a broader mix of uses including certain targeted employment uses along the corridor to be approved more expeditiously. Objective A.6.5 The City shall encourage improved land use compatibility through the evaluation of traffic calming techniques, multi-modal transportation networks, and the use of transit oriented development planning. Objective A.6.8 Policy A.6.8.1 Identify those areas of the City that are appropriate for redevelopment as livable communities and require that specific sustainable elements be used in the redevelopment of these areas. Build active, attractive communities that are designed at a human scale and encourage walking, cycling and use of mass transit. Community Development Board — June 16, 2015 TA2015-05002 — Page 6 ° Clearwater Community Development Code Te� Amendment PLANNING& DEVELOPMENT ' DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DMSiON ���M', . : . . . . Policy A.6.8.2 Encourage mixed-use development that includes a combination of compatible land uses having functional interrelationships and aesthetic features. Policy A.6.8.3 Where appropriate, development shall provide a sense of pedestrian scale on streets through minimal front setbacks, similar building heights, street trees and proportionality of building heights to street widths. Policy A.6.8.4 Use native plants in landscaped areas, use xeriscaping wherever possible and protect natural features of a developing site. Policy A.6.8.5 Provide easy access to residential, commercial and recreational areas by providing direct routes such as trails and continuous sidewalks between destinations, in order to minimize potential conflicts between pedestrians and motor vehicles. Policy A.6.8.6 Encourage the development of interconnected systems of natural areas, parks, sidewalks, greenways, trails and open spaces. Policy A.6.8.7 Create mixed-use, higher density, livable communities through design, layout and use of walkability techniques within existing and proposed transit corridors, including proposed TBARTA lines and stations. Policy A.6.8.8 Design and construct pedestrian-oriented streets to include continuous tree-lined sidewalks buffered from traffc by on-street parking and/or landscaping and that include pedestrian amenities such as benches, trash receptacles, bus shelters and lighting. Policy A.6.8.9 Promote a variety of transportation modes such as walking, bicycling, ride sharing and mass transit to increase transportation choices and decrease dependence on the single- occupancy automobile. The proposed Corridor Zoning District Development Standards implement the Objectives and Policies above in a comprehensive manner. The proposed moratorium will provide an opportunity for further refinement of the proposed standards, while precluding new development that would not necessarily be consistent with these Objectives and Policies. Policy A.4.1.2 The City shall recognize the overriding Constitutional principle that private property shall not be taken without due process of law and the payment of just compensation, which principle is restated in Section 1633194(4)(a), Florida Statutes. The proposed moratorium is for a specific timeframe of 12 months and does not permanently take away property rights. During the moratorium, development of parcels within the proposed Corridor subdistrict of the proposed U.S. 19 Zoning Corridor District can be processed. Community Development Board — June 16, 2015 TA2015-05002 — Page 7 ° Clear�ater Community Development Code Text Amendment � . . ?�;':`�:.^st;* ...... .. .... . PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DMSION 2. The proposed amendment furthers the purposes of the Community Development Code and other City ordinances and actions designed to implement the Plan. The proposed text amendment will further the purposes of the CDC in that it will be consistent with the following purposes set forth in Section 1-103. It is the purpose of this Development Code to implement the Comprehensive Plan of the city; to promote the health, safety, general welfare and quality of life in the city; to guide the orderly growth and development of the city; to establish rules of procedure for land development approvals; to enhance the character of the city and the preservation of neighborhoods; and to enhance the quality of life of all residents and property owners of the city (Section 1-103.A., CDC). The imposition of a moratorium for 12 months provides the necessary time to further develop the standards for the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District. The goals of the new zoning district are to enhance the character of this area and improve the quality of life for all residents and property of owners by ensuring quality design of the built environment along the U.S. 19 Corridor while protecting the surrounding residential neighborhoods. It is the further purpose of this Development Code to protect the character and the social and economic stability of all parts of the city through the establishment of reasonable standards which encourage the orderly and beneficial development of land within the city (Section 1-103.E.2., CDC). The proposed moratorium will enable the City to adopt land use regulations crafted to ensure projects within the proposed Regional and Neighborhood Center subdistricts fully leverage development rights to achieve full economic potential. These provisions will assist in the orderly and benefcial development of land within this area. Adequately balancing incentives and opportunities for redevelopment with the provision of public benefits and amenities will lead to economic stability within the area. It is the further purpose of this Development Code to provide the most beneficial relationship between the uses of land and buildings and the circulation of traffic throughout the city, with particular regard for safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian traffc movement (Section 1-103.E.4., CDC). The transition of U.S. 19 from a roadway providing land access into a limited-access highway with overpass interchanges has negatively affected the land use, urban form, and mobility of residents, employees, customers and visitors. Traffic moves significantly faster, even along the frontage roads which are posted for slower speeds. The proposed moratorium will enable the City to refine the proposed standards which ensure individual projects along the corridor contribute to the creation of more compact, accessible and attractive pedestrian- and transit-friendly destinations. It is the further purpose of this Development Code to establish zoning districts of a size, type, location and with standards that reflect the existing and desirable characteristics of a particular area within the city (Section 1-103.E.8., CDC). It is the further purpose of this Development Code to establish permitted uses corresponding with the purpose and character of the respective zoning districts and limit uses within each district to those uses specifically authorized (Section 1-103.E.9., CDC). Community Development Board — June 16, 2015 TA2015-05002 — Page 8 ° Clearwater Community Development Code Text Amendment .a��,.;..,x. . .. . PLANNING Be DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DIVLSION It is the further purpose of this Development Code to establish use limitations for specified uses consistent with the zoning district in which they are allowed and the particular characteristics of such specified uses (Section 1-103.E.10., CDC). It is the further purpose of this Development Code to enumerate density, area, width, height, setback, coverage and like requirements for each district, and make appropriate distinctions between categories of use within districts, based on the general purposes of this article, the Comprehensive Plan, and existing and desired community characteristics (Section 1-103.E.11., CDC). It is the further purpose of this Development Code to coordinate the provisions of this Development Code with corollary provisions relating to parking, fences and walls, signs, and like supplementary requirements designed to establish an integrated and complete regulatory framework for the use of land and water within the city (Section 1-103.E.12., CDC). The proposed moratorium will enable the City to adopt the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District and subdistricts, which will ultimately encourage a broad mix of uses throughout the corridor, while targeting the establishment of certain desired uses within the proposed Regional and Neighborhood Center subdistricts. The proposed new zoning district standards would allow significantly higher intensity of development. In order to offset the increased level of development and to protect the surrounding residential districts, these new standards will require placement of buildings within the Regional and Neighborhood Center subdistricts within specifc setback ranges, and in some areas will require parking to be to the side or rear of buildings, as consistent with an urban center. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION: The proposed amendment to the Community Development Code is consistent with and will further the goals of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan and the purposes of the Community Development Code for the reasons cited above. The Planning and Development Department recommends APPROVAL of Ordinance No. 8730-15 that imposes a moratorium within the proposed Regional and Neighborhood Center subdistricts of the proposed Corridor Plan for a period of no more than 12 months (July 16, 2015 through July 15, 2016). Prepared by Planning and Development Department Staff: L n Matzke, AICP, Long Range Planning Manager ATTACHMENTS: Ordinance No. 8730-15 Community Development Board — June 16, 2015 TA2015-05002 — Page 9 ORDINANCE NO. 8730-15 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, RELATING TO LAND USE; MAKING FINDINGS; IMPOSING A MORATORIUM UPON CERTAIN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS, REZONINGS, AND ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS, ORDERS, AND PERMITS, 1NCLUDING PROCESSING, FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE REGIONAL CENTER AND NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER SUBDISTRICTS OF THE PROPOSED U.S. 19 CORRIDOR ZONING DISTRICT AS CONTEMPLATED BY THE U.S. 19 CORRIDOR REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND ACTIVITY CENTER AND MULTIMODAL CORRIDOR BOUNDARY DESIGNATION OF THE PROPOSED COUNTYWIDE PLAN MAP; PROVIDING FOR COVERAGE AND DURATION OF THE MORATORIUM; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND SUPERSEDING INCONSISTENT SECTIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City of Clearwater has the authority pursuant to Florida Constitution Article VIII and Florida Statutes Chapters 166 and 163 to adopt and amend land development regulations; and WHEREAS, the City of Clearwater Comprehensive Plan ("the Comprehensive Plan"), adopted December 8, 2008, established a Citywide Design Structure to serve as a guide to development and land use decisions while protecting those elements that make the city unique; and WHEREAS, the Citywide Design Structure identifies U.S. 19 as a corridor to redevelop; and WHEREAS, the Citywide Design Structure identifies the Clearwater Mall/Park Place area and the Countryside Mall/Westfield area as "Major Activity Centers" which are intended for high-intensity, high-density multi-use activities centers appropriate for intensive growth; and WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan identifies promotion of high quality design standards that support Clearwater's image and contribute to its identity as an objective and calls for the development of special area plans and/or design guidelines for the Clearwater Mall area, Westfield Countryside Mall area, and other U.S. 19 areas, as appropriate; and WHEREAS, the U.S. approved by Resolution No. within; and 19 Corridor Redevelopment Plan ("the Corridor Plan") was 12-18 directing the City Manager to implement the strategies WHEREAS, the Corridor Plan builds upon the Comprehensive Plan, the Economic Development Strategic Plan, and Clearwater Greenprint; and Ordinance No. 8730-15 WHEREAS, the Corridor Plan is consistent with the proposed new Countywide Plan for Pinellas County ("the Countywide Plan"), which is comprised of three components: the Countywide Plan Strategies, Countywide Rules, and Countywide Plan Map series; and WHEREAS, the proposed Countywide Plan is scheduled for adoption by the Board of County Commissioners, acting as the Countywide Planning Authority, on August 4, 2015; and WHEREAS, the U.S. 19 Corridor ("the Corridor") is approaching a built-out condition and has continued transitioning into a limited-access highway with overpass interchanges; and WHEREAS, the Corridor's transition to a limited-access highway has affected land use, urban form, and economic development opportunities for the properties along the Corridor, and it has impacted the mobility of residents, employees, Clearwater visitors, and Clearwater business customers making use of the properties along the Corridor; and WHEREAS, the planned redevelopment of the built environment of the Corridor according to the Corridor Plan is critical to maintaining and improving the city's economy and quality of life; and WHEREAS, the revitalization and redevelopment strategies for the Corridor, pursuant to the Corridor Plan, include planning for land use intensification, applying new zoning regulations, adopting new design standards and encouraging employment-intensive and transit-supportive uses; and WHEREAS, in order to allow for proper planning and redevelopment along the Corridor at increased densities and intensities as envisioned within the Corridor Plan and allowed for in the proposed new Countywide Plan, the U.S. 19 Regional Center, Neighborhood Center and Corridor Area subdistricts of the proposed U.S. 19 Zoning Corridor District must be analyzed carefully and must comply with the urban design standards contained within the proposed Countywide Plan Strategies; and WHEREAS, the Corridor Plan includes further guidance regarding these new design standards to ensure individual projects along the Corridor contribute to the creation of more compact, accessible and attractive pedestrian- and transit-friendly destinations; and WHEREAS, the Clearwater City Council approved Resolution 15-02, which was amended by Resolution 15-12, requesting that the proposed Regional and Neighborhood Center subdistricts and the Corridor subdistrict be designated as Activity Centers and Multimodal Corridor respectively on the new Countywide Plan Map upon its adoption; and WHEREAS, this ordinance would not apply to the Corridor Area subdistrict of the proposed U.S. 19 Zoning Corridor District; and WHEREAS, a draft version of the proposed Development Standards for the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District is currently available for public review and comment; and [GM14-1420-170/166880/8] 2 of 5 Ordinance No. 8730-15 WHEREAS, it is necessary to conduct further study in order to further develop appropriate standards for the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District beyond those already mentioned in these recitals; and WHEREAS, it is therefore necessary to curtail new development during the time period required for Pinellas County to adopt the Countywide Plan, and for the City of Clearwater to study the above matters and for implementation of study results by means of appropriate amendments to the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan, Community Development Code, Future Land Use Map, and Zoning Atlas; and WHEREAS, such study and resulting implementation are expected to take up to and including July 16, 2015 through July 15, 2016 to process; and WHEREAS, it is necessary to impose a development moratorium upon only new development and/or redevelopment occurring within the Regional Center and Neighborhood Center subdistricts of the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District, subject to the exceptions detailed further herein, in order that such study and resulting implementation may occur; now therefore, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Clearwater, Florida hereby finds that a moratorium on certain development, including processing and issuance of certain approvals and permits, is necessary in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare for a period during the pendency of the City's planning study process and the adoption of appropriate amendments to the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan, Community Development Code, Future Land Use Map, and Zoning Atlas. Section 2. A moratorium is hereby imposed upon: The Regional Center and Neighborhood Center subdistricts of the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District, as depicted in E�chibit A, as attached hereto, regarding the processing of all new comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, development approvals, development orders, building permits, or other related permits. The moratorium, however, will not apply to the following: a. Building permits required for repair and/or maintenance of existing structures. b. Building permits, which are necessary to rebuild existing structures that were destroyed as a result of "force majeure," subject to the city's land development regulations, so long as such permits are issued prior to second reading of the proposed amendment to the city's Zoning Atlas implementing the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District. c. Building permits for development approvals that were submitted prior to May 11, 2015. [GM14-1420-170/166880/8] 3 of 5 Ordinance No. 8730-15 d. Development approvals for interior or exterior remodeling/renovation or changes in use consistent with the underlying zoning designation, so long as such proposed remodeling/renovation or change in use does not expand the footprint of the existing structure and/or its parking lot. e. Development approvals for temporary uses pursuant to Article 3, Division 21, Community Development Code, or signage. Section 3. During the period of this moratorium the City shall not process or issue any new comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, development approvals, development orders, building permits, or other related permits, nor shall it process applications, concerning such matters, except for in those specific instances listed in subsections a through e in the section above in the Regional Center and Neighborhood Center subdistricts of the proposed U.S. 19 Corridor Zoning District. Section 4. The moratorium established by this Ordinance shall commence on the effective date of this Ordinance and shall remain in effect through and including July 16, 2015 through July 15, 2016. Section 5. If any section, provision, clause, phrase, or application of this Ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall be deemed severable therefrom and shall remain in full force and effect. Section 6. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances of said City in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby superseded to the extent of such conflict. Section 7. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption. [This space intentionally left blank. Signature page to follow.] [GM14-1420-170/166880/8] 4 of 5 Ordinance No. 8730-15 PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL READING AND ADOPTED Approved as to form: Camilo A. Soto Assistant City Attorney George N. Cretekos Mayor Attest: Rosemarie Call City Clerk [GM14-1420-170/166880/8] 5 of 5 Ordinance No. 8730-15 Resume Lauren Matzke, AICP 100 South Myrtle Avenue Clearwater, FL 33756 727-562-4547 lauren.matzke(a�m` clearwater.com PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Long Range Planning Manager December 2011 to present Planner III, Long Range Division October 2008 to December 2011 Planner II, Long Range Division September 2008 to October 2008 Ciry of Clearwater, FL Responsible for numerous aspects of the Growth Management Act of Florida such as comprehensive planning, Future Land Use Plan amendments, rezonings, and annexations. Update Community Development Codes by Ordinance. Prepare staff reports for the City Council and Community Development Board. Responsible for providing informational assistance to the public and developers concerning development plans. Coordinate and manage various projects. Serve as the city's representative on countywide and regional planning agency committees. Senior Planner February 2007 to September 2008 City of St. Pete Beach, FL Implemented new legislative directives for Florida's growth management laws related to governments' comprehensive planning and land development regulations. Served as staff to the City Commission, Planning Board and Historic Preservation Board. Administered the land development regulations, processed future land use plan amendments and rezonings. Responsible for the preparation of special area plans. Environmental Specialist III August 2005 to February 2007 Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tallahassee, FL Served as primary reviewer of local government comprehensive plan amendments, sector plans and evaluation and appraisal reports for the northwest region of Florida. Provided comments and recommendations to the Florida Department of Community Affairs. Drafted policies and comprehensive plan language regarding natural resource protection, assisting local government representatives. EDUCATION Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Florida State University, 2006 Bachelor of Science in Design and Environmental Analysis, concentration in Gerontology, Cornell University, 1998 LICENSES AND ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS American Institute of Certified Planners (2009 to Present) American Planning Association (2003 to Present) Florida Chapter (2005 to Present) New York Metro Chapter (2003 to 2005)