04-18-2016 Planning Commission Packet

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�o�o To: Chair Leskinen and Planning Commission Members Jessica Loftus, City Administrator y� �` G `�XESH�R� From: Jeremy Barnhart, Community Development Director Date: April 18, 2016 Subject: #16-3823, City of Orono, Text Amendment: Concept Plan process Public Hearing Application Summary: The proposed ordinance would establish a process to review conceptual plans and remove the requirement that a sketch plan be prepared for Class III subdivisions. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the ordinance amendment as drafted. List of Exhibits ExhibitA. Draft Ordinance Background The subdivision ordinance provides for, and in some situations, requires,the preparation for and review of a sketch plan. The sketch plan benefits both the City and the applicant the opportunity to give and receive feedback on a potential development, prior to the development of a formal plan. If the City is not open to the style of development proposed, a fast "no" is desirable to the applicant,versus development of formal engineering and proposal documents taking many months and 1,000's of dollars. The proposed ordinance establishes a similar, non-binding process for the review of other applications, including land use (Comprehensive Plan) amendments, rezoning, and text amendments. These applications would also benefit from immediate feedback at the concept plan level. A concept review is not recommended for Site Plans, conditional uses, or variances. Additionally, Section 82-85 requires the preparation of a sketch plan for Class III subdivisions (those subdivisions resulting in three or more buildable lots; involving flexible zoning application the vacation or dedication of a public roadway; or the extension of municipal utilities). This requirement runs afoul of the 120 day review period established by the state. The proposed ordinance removes the requirement that they prepare a sketch plan. The idea of developing a concept plan process ranked 10th in the annual review of the city ordinances. Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance as drafted.