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COMMUNITYGROWTH Wrfs in .mall T`rruw Planning g x> STAFF REPURT Application: Grow Zone Ordinance Changes Agenda Item:6(a) Background Information and Discussion: When we last talked about changes to the DMU district and the concept of creating a "Grow Zone", I discussed work Community Growth Institute was doing internally to create alternative zoning regulations that would be a good fit for downtown Pequot Lakes. We discussed bringing those in for discussion in December. What we have been working on is a hybrid of a "form-based code". Our current zoning code is based on a standard model that is widely used nationwide. Our specific code is one that is based on the state shoreland regulations and is similar to ordinances found in most of the local communities(Nisswa, Breezy Point, Crosslake, Pine River, etc...) These codes are generally exclusive in that they list uses that are allowed, excluding all others, and set up standards detailing those items the community does not want. They are a variation of Euclidian zoning, establishing a zoning classification with a table of uses for all lands within the city. While these codes are the predominant method of zoning nationwide, they have a number of significant drawbacks, particularly in small towns. Mainly, they are very complex, yet fail to address many of the issues that a community may face. This leaves councils, commissions, property owners and applicants frustrated at how difficult a code is to interpret, how the code does not address key issues of concern, or both. The solutions to problems in the code are often reactionary, which tends to create even more regulation and ultimately doesn't solve the underlying problem that are revealed by the next unexpected event. Form-based coding is significantly different. It regulates the form and mass of structures, not the use. The Institute of Form Based Codes defines them as follows (www.formbasecodm com): A method of regulating development to achieve a specific urban form. Form- based codes create a predictable public realm primarily by controlling physical form, with a lesser focus on land use, through city or county regulations. Form-based codes address the relationship between building facades and the public realm, the form and mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and types of streets and blocks. The regulations and standards in Form- based codes, presented in both diagrams and words, are keyed to a regulating plan that designates the appropriate form and scale (and therefore, character) of development rather than only distinctions in land-use types. This is in contrast to conventional zoning's focus on the micromanagement and segregation of land uses, and the control of development intensity through abstract and uncoordinated parameters (e.g., FAR, dwellings per acre, setbacks, parking ratios, traffic LOS) to the neglect of an integrated built form. Not to be confused Pequot Lakes Staff Report 6(a)-1 December 11,2oo8