HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 2009-27 - Comp Plan Amendment PackageO k. b
An Ordinance of the City of Council of the City of Georgetown, Texas,
Amending or replacing portions of text and related maps in the following
Sections of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan: Executive Summary, Introduction,
Land Use Element, and Plan Implementation, related to the 2009 Annual
Update; repealing conflicting ordinances and resolutions; including a
severability clause; and establishing an effective date.
Whereas, the City Charter of the City of Georgetown was amended by vote of the people in April
1986 such that comprehensive planning was established as a continuous and ongoing
governmental function; and
Whereas, the City Council approved the 2030 Coinprehensive Plan: Executive Summary;
Introduction; Plan Framework; Plan Elements: Land Use Element, Procedures for Plan Administration,
1Inplementat_ion, Monitoring and Updates; and Appendices, on February 28, 2008; and
Whereas, the 2030 Comprehensive Plan's Plan Administration Section made provisions for an
annual update to be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council for a
review of implantation progress and consideration of possible plan amendments; and
Whereas, on November 11, 2008, the City Council adopted Resolution Ill 108-S, establish>szg
procedures for an ongoing anrival update; and
Whereas, on February 3, 2009, the Plazuling and Zoning Commission recommended to the Cite
Council a proposed list of amendments proposed by staff that would be included in the
amendment package for adoption; and
Whereas, on February 25, 2009, the City Council directed staff to move forward drafting the
amendments related to the proposed list; and
Whereas, on April 7, 2009, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing and
recommended to the City Council the specific text and map amendments proposed by staff as
part of the 2030 Annual Update amendment package; and
Whereas, notice of the City Council public hearing was published in a newspaper of general
circulation in the City thirty days prior to the hearing, which stated the time and place of the
hearing.
NOW! THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, THAT:
Section 1. The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this ordinance are hereby found
and declared to be true and correct, and are incorporated by reference herein and expressly
made a part hereof, as if copied verbatim. The City Council hereby finds that this ordinance
implements the following procedures of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan:
Ordinance No. Page 1 of 2
2009 Amendments to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan: Executive Summary Introduction; Plan Framework; Land Use Element;
Plan Administration, Implementation, Monitoring and Updates;
Vision 4.0: Effective Governance
A. Our City government retains its reputation for providing a high level of
responsiveness to citizens and in exercising visionary leadership in planning and investing for
the future.
H. The City has followed through on its commitment to plan for the future, by adopting
a comprehensive plan; by consistently applying it as a criterion in all decision-making; by
implementing actions called for in the plan; and by periodic monitoring and updating of the
plan.
and further finds that the enactment of this ordinance is not inconsistent or in conflict with any
other Century Plan Policies, as required by Section 2.03 of the Administrative Chapter of the
Policy Plan,
J
Section 2: The text portions of 2030 Comprehensive Plan: Introduction, Executive Summary, Plan
Framework; Land Use Element; and Procedures for Plan Administration, Implementation, Monitoring
and Updates are hereby amended, as described, by Exhibit A.
Section 3: The Future Land Use Map and the Growth Tier Map (formerly known as the Growth
Management Framework) are herby replaced, in accordance with Exhibit B.
Section 4. All ordinances and resolutions, or parts of ordinances and resolutions, in conflict with
this Ordinance are hereby repealed, and are no longer of any force and effect.
Section h. If any provision of this ordinance or application thereof to any person or circumstance
shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions, or application thereof,
Of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to
this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.
Section 6. This ordinance shall become effective in accordance with the provisions of the Charter
of the City of Georgetown.
PASSED AND APPROVED on First Reading on the 28t', day of April,
PASSED
AND
APPROVED on Second Reading on the 1211, day
of May, 2009.
ATTEST:
TAE CITY
OF C4E ORGETOWN:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
a
il 4
t fi r
i e 44
r a
By: Patricia E. Carls
City Attorney
By:eorge Garver
Mayor
J
Ordinance No. Paae 2 of 2
2009 Amendments to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan: Executive Summanf; Introduction; Plan framework; Land Use Element;
Plan Administration, Implementation, Monitoring and Updates;
Exhibit A
IIIIIII ''quill Ip III III IIIIII 111 111111 1111 � 111 IN I I
The 2030 Comprehensive Plan is a long-range guide to implementing the vision of the
community. The Plan should be implemented effectively and purposefully but also be able
to adapt to changing; circumstances as needed. The framework established in this Plan for
amending and revising the plan elements, maps and related text is clearly stated and should
be carefully documented through the life of the Plan.
At the 2030
Plan Annual Update, staff may
recommend changes
to maps, text, tables, etc. in
accordance to the procedures established in
this Plan. Following each Annual Update, staff
will provide to the necessary parties inserts that will include any approved amendments, to be
documented
on this page by vear. An emergency amendment
or revision made outside of
the Annual
Update cycle will appear on
this page as well.
In addition, the City of
Georgtown
website and/or Planning office
will have the official
version of the Pian available
to the public
ime.
at an time.
Example: 2008:
Plan
established by Ordinance
#2008.....
2009:
Plan
amendments adopted by
Ordinance # 2009.....
Gary Nelon, Chair
Brenda Clark Rosemary Rodriguez
Mike Cook .lake Schrum
Chris Damon
Patty Eason
Bob Horick
Jack Hunnicutt
Sarah Milburn
Mel Pendland
Mark Ramsey
2030 Plan Text Amendments
Exhibit A - Page 1 of 10
Rick Smith
Farley Snell
Perry Steger
Clark Thurmond
Marge Tripp
Micki Wiesner
Jim Wooll
Exhibit A
City Council
Gary Nelon, Mayor
Patty Eason, Councilmember District f
Gabe Sansing, Mayor Pro Tem - Councilmember District 2
Keith Brainard, Councilmember District 3
Doug Smith, Former Councilmember, District 3
Bill Sattler, Councilmember District 4
Henry Carr, Former Councilmember District 4
Pat Berryman, Councilmember District 5
Farley Snell, Councilmember District 6
Ben Oliver, Councilmember District 7
City of Georgetown Staff
Edward G. Polasek, AICD, Principal Long Range Planner
Jordan Maddox, Planner II
Chris Bryce, GIS Coordinator
Karen Frost, Administrative Supervisor, Planning & Development
Bobby Ray, AICP, Director, Planning & Development
Tom Yantis, Assistant City Manager
Paul Brandenburg, City Manager
Wallace Roberts
AIA, Principal in Charge
Silvia E. Vargas, AICP, LEED AP, Project Direct
Project Planner
** Table of Contents to be updated accordingly **
In 1986, the residents of Georgetown decided that an ongoing, functioning comprehensive
plan was a necessity for the City, requiring it in an amendment to the City Charter.
Georgetown, not unlike many small cities facing continued explosive growth in the future,
has realized the value that an extensive yet practical comprehensive plan brings to the
community. The first comprehensive plan, the Century Plan, was adopted in 1988 and laid
the groundwork for the next twenty years and a new plan. In 2008, the Georgetown City
Councilpassed The 2030 Comprehensive Plan, which seeks to move Georgetown further
into a new century faced with new opportunities and challenges.
2030 Plan Text Amendments
Exhibit A - Page 2 of 10
Exhibit A
The 2030 Comprehensive Plan ("Plan") is built on a community -supported Vision
Statement that becomes the policy touchstone and the destination for the comprehensive
plan. The long-term goals and objectives stem from the overall vision of what Georgetown
strives to be in the future. The Plan helps the city push towards those goals using new
policy tools and initiatives, user-friendly applications and a framework for implementation
and monitoring.
The City Charter contains certain elements that should be part of any adopted
comprehensive, plan. These include master plans for parks/open space, transportation,
housing, economic development, etc. The City has existing plans for many of these elements,
although most have been done independently in the past. The new Plan provides a structure
to merge these elements with the newly completed Future Land Use Plan, the first element
to be updated as part of this process. The Vision Statement will be the ttpdit°ed Ftttttte I=ftftd
�starting_point and the wide for m n7 of the all future elements. which should be
adapted quickly to complete the Plan., ttsittg iftnd ttse desiegtt ftt the tetttfftl liftk tt the
The Plan will be used by all departments in city government and the community
at -large, drawing on its vision and guiding principles to create a more efficient, responsive
government and a collaborative relationship between the City and the builders, designers
and developers of the community. Georgetown's residents expect first-class development and
amenities and the new plan seeks to foster creativity and teamwork between those who share
a desire to increase the reputation of the city with exciting new development and also protect
the history- and uniqueness of Georgetown.
The 2030 Comprehensive Plan puts Georgetown in an advantageous position to tackle
new problems while continuing to provide superior service to its residents and customers.
The new 2030 Vision can be realized with attention to the details of the new Plan, continued
diligence and responsiveness, and the sustained contributions of Georgetown's citizens.
Chapte7A 3 — Land Use Element — Executive Summary (no page
M
The Land Use Element is the launching pad for many of the 2030 Comprehensive
Plan Elements. The crrowth and development pattern for any city is a key determinant to the
future direction of the community. Land use is directly linked to transportation patterns,
open space and environmental concerns, and the needs for infrastructure, public service and
economic vitality. The Land Use Element of the 2030 Plan seeks to besrin an outline for
new and ongoing elements to be included as part of this Plan.
2030 Plan Text Amendments
Exhibit A - Page 3 of 10
Exhibit A
Georgetown is a fast -growling community
faced with many issues
dealing with the
growing pains of moving from. a small
town to
one with significant population
growth,
management plan
and a future land
use plan that
will be used to effectively prepare for the
anticipated grow=th
that will continue
to strengthen
and enliven the community.
These plans
As with any
fast -!-rowing
city, Georgetown is confronted with an imbalance of residential
economic opportunity and a growing regional
importance.
The existing land use is mostly
single-family residential, agricultural or "undeveloped,"
the current
meaning land that
is anticipated for
urban and suburban development in the
future.
The
city is
blessed
new development,
with
of
an abundance
will reouire
of
open space, historical structures, natural resources and tremendous access within the greater
Austin area.
Historically, Georgetow=n has been a suburban residential tow=n and this is expected
to remain the development pattern for the near term, vet this has led and will continue to
lead to future issues regarding infrastructure extension and costs, development pressures on
transportation needs, expansion
of City services, loss of open space and agricultural land, etc.
necessary tools for implementation. The
Land Use Element
seeks to provide a
framework to meet these challenges
through a growth
management plan
and a future land
use plan that
will be used to effectively prepare for the
anticipated grow=th
that will continue
to strengthen
and enliven the community.
These plans
As with any
fast -!-rowing
city, Georgetown is confronted with an imbalance of residential
to
commercial
land uses and the difficulty of providing municipal services to meet the needs
of
the current
and future
residents. Additionallv, with anticipated changes in the grow=th
pattern and
new development,
community standards for design, aesthetics and protection
of
natural resources
will reouire
attention and effort to maintain the community s Quality
of
life.
Geor¢etown has an opportunity to meet these coming challenges, which require
preparation and a
plan with the
necessary tools for implementation. The
Land Use Element
seeks to provide a
framework to meet these challenges
through a growth
management plan
and a future land
use plan that
will be used to effectively prepare for the
anticipated grow=th
that will continue
to strengthen
and enliven the community.
These plans
will help guide the
Utilitv Master Plans,
work in coniunction with the
Overall Transportation
Plan and other
important City master plans and assist the decision-making process for zoning and other
land use decisions.
The Land Use Element contains specific Goals, Policies and Actions that steer the
short and lonE-term implementation steps of the element based on the Vision ')tatement
established in the 2030 Plan. To fully implement the vision of the community as
determined by this statement, deliberate steps will be taken over the life of the Plan to
develop standards, processes and incentives to encourage this growth ideal. Working in
conjunction with the other Citv master plans, the development code and related documents
will establish clear standards but offer flexibility and creativity in the design process to
achieve the desired result. Annual Updates will seek to measure the progress of the
implementation of the Goals and Policies and an ongoing commitment from the elected
officials. Citv staff and, especially, the citizens themselves, will be crucial to realizing the
vision.
2030 Plan Text Amendments
Exhibit A - Page 4 of 10
Exhibit A
The Land Use Categories established in this Plan seek to promote various forms of
development densities, a mix of uses, transportation options and commercial opportunities
for property owners and developers. The new categories offer flexibility in various uses and
impact and are endorsed by the conceptual nature of the Future Land Use Map itself. The
new Future Land Use Map is not dedicated to a parcel -by -parcel slicingL of land uses but it is
intended to convey the direction that the Citv is seeking in terms of its impact on established
growth patterns, transportation, open space, etc. The intent of the Plan is to allow flexibility
within the market framework while establishing some certainty in the long-term planning for
essential municipal services, like utilities and public safety. The land use categories allow
development to potentially increase in density over time without significant changes to the
infrastructure systems.
Georgetown has
a tremendous opportunity
to continue evolving into a first class
community that balances the best of its
history with its
greatest ideals of the future.
Together Nvith the other
necessary elements
of the 2030 Comprehensive
Plan, the Land Use
Element will help prepare
the city for
future challenges
and take steps necessary to
accomplish the goals set
forth in the community vision.
Chapter~ 3 — Land Use Elefnent — Page 3.46
In order to stage contiguous, compact, and incremental growth of the city over the next M=o
decades, the 2030 Comprehensive Plan establishes a tiered growth framework (Policy 3A.1
and Map 3-12). The Growth Tier Map is intended to guide long-term City policy regarding
the delivery of municipal services and will evolve only with a continued long-term outlook.
The growth tier classifications will be changed only with a Comprehensive Plan Amendment
and the map will be amended only during the Annual Update cycle. Properties that are
voluntarily or involuntarily annexed into the city limits will not be automatically classified as
Tier lA or Tier IB properties. Only properties located within Tier 1A and Tier 1B will be
eligible for inclusion in Capital Improvement Plans. Zoning and development review
requirements will vary by tier, as follows:
/ier I (Short Term Growth
Tier IA is that portion of the city where infrastructure systems are in place, or can be
economically provided and where the bulk of the city's growth should be guided over the
near term. Hefe develoemettt
estft .lit -d :_ eftel - -i~g di8tfl ~ Within Tier IA, the city is called on to conduct
assessments of public facility conditions and capacities (Policy 2B.1) and to prioritize short
2030 Plan Text Amendments
Exhibit A - Page 5 of 10
Exhibit A
and long term capital investments (Policy 2B.2) so as to ensure that infrastructure capacity is
sufficient to serve development intensities as indicated on the Future Land Use Map and in
the zoning districts.
Impact studies may be required for development approvals in two circumstances.
Applications for rezoning to higher density of use than is depicted on the Future Land Use
Map will place the burden on the applicant to demonstrate sufficient infrastructure and road
capacity and/or to mitigate any public facility .impacts. However, approvals of any
development that are inconsistent with the Future Land Use Map are entirely discretionary
and can only be approved through an amendment to the comprehensive plan. While
anticipated densities are portrayed will be 8tft lishea
generally in the Future Land Use Plan, the full extent of such densities exefeise of t -'b �`
may be limited to coincide with the timing of public improvements necessary to serve the
planned development. As noted above, Policies 2B.I and 2B.2 call for the City to
plan for the development of the full array of public facilities with capacities adequate to serve
the development intensities as indicated on the Future Land Use Map and in zoning
districts. The Capital Improvement Program will carry out these facility improvements and
likely be staged over time. Therefore, in some cases the City may need to delay development
approvals until the necessary infrastructure capacity is in place.
While the City is obligated to provide infrastructure to serve future development in some of
these areas, it may be fiscally and practically infeasible to do so simply on demand. For this
reason, the 2030 Comprehensive Plan calls for a proactive strategy to provide infrastructure
in a staged manner (Policy 3A.3), along with criteria for making decisions concerning utility
extensions (Policy 3A.2). Therefore, within Tier IB, requests for rezonings, additional
infrastructure extensions, and development approvals should be accompanied by
comprehensive assessments of impacts to include both capital and operating costs associated
with water, wastewater, road capacity, police, fire, EMS, and schools. Developments that
cannot adequately mitigate these impacts through either a capital recovery fee (Policy 3A.2),
which may be determined at the potential adoption of a Adequate Public Facilities
Ordinance, or other means, should not be approved.
Chapte7x 3 — Land Use Element - Page 3.65
The desired pattern of future land uses is depicted in Map 3-13. When compared to the
Existing Land Use Map (Map 3-1), it becomes evident that the planned land uses reflect new
2030 Plan Text Amendments
Exhibit A -Page 6 of 10
Exhibit A
patterns designed not only to accommodate the projected growth in population, but also to
do so in new, creative ways that result in a more sustainable Georgetown.
The purpose of the Future Land Use Map is twofold: first, to identify the intended long-
term pattern and character of residential, commercial, employment, and other supporting
land uses, as articulated through the Vision Statement and through the land uses goals,
policies, and actions; ftt -second, to identify the need for adjustments to zoning, land use,
and subdivision regulations, development review procedures and other tools, to achieve the
desired pattern and quality of development; and finally, guide utility planning in order to
insure proper sizing of infrastructure and anticipation of facilities needed for short-term and
long-term growth.
The Future Land Use Map, however, does not constitute zoning, nor does it establish zoning
district boundaries. Ivor is it appropriate for application on a parcel -by -parcel basis. Instead,
the 2030 Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map reflects the Plan's broad policy for
future distribution of land uses to be achieved over a 20+ year period. Unlike the map, the
revisions to zoning and other regulations required to implement these policies will be based
upon detailed, site -scale considerations that are beyond the scope and intent of a
comprehensive plan.
The Future Land Use Map is also the primary guide for the establishment of utility
infrastructure. The Georgetown Utility System anticipates growth and development in
certain areas of the city based on existing infrastructure, planned facilities, and the ranee of
densities suggested by the land use categories of this Plan. The Growth Management
Framework and Future Land Use Plan contribute to the development of the Utility Master
Plans, which focus the decision-making process for the j and 10 -year CIP. The Annual
Update for this Plan, established in the Plan Administration chapter, will coincide, when
necessary, with the formulation of the Utility Master Plans, the CIP and Impact Fee Review
to ensure the coordination and timeliness crucial to each plan.
The utility infrastructure for all land use categories is not planned for ultimate density before
2030. Each land use category may be assigned an anticipated density level for master
planningpurposes based on the Future Land Use Plan. The cost of improvements above
and beyond the planned density will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis but the additional
costs may be borne by the improver.
Chapter 3 — Page 3.70
I
2030 Plan Text Amendments
Exhibit A - Page 7 of 10
Exhibit A
Loma -Density Residential
This category includes the city's predominantly single-family neighborhoods that can be
accommodated at a density between 1.1 and 3 dwelling units per gross acre. Conservation
subdivisions are also encouraged in this land use district. Modifications to development
standards applicable to this category could address minimum open space requirements,
public facility impacts, and greater roadway connectivity.
This categoiy may also support complementary non-residential uses along arterial roadways
such as neighborhood -serving retail, office, institutional, and civic uses, although such uses
may not be depicted on the Future Land Use Map. Standards should be established to
maximize compatibility of these uses with adjacent land uses, minimize traffic congestion
and overloading of public infrastructure, and also ensure a high standard of site, landscape,
and architectural design.
This land use category comprises single family neighborhoods that can be accommodated at
a density ranging between 3.1 and d dwelling units per gross acre, with housing types
including small -lot detached and attached single-family dwellings (such as townhomes).
As in the preceding category, the Moderate -Density Residential category may also support
complementary non-residential uses along arterial roadways such as neighborhood -serving
retail, office, institutional, and civic uses, although such uses may not be depicted on the
Future Land Use Map. Standards should be established to maximize compatibility of these
Uses with adjacent land uses, minimize traffic congestion and overloading of public
infrastructure, and also ensure ahigh standard ofsite, landscape, and architectural design.
This categon' includes most of the land area known as "Old Town." This area is planned to
remain predominantly residential and, although this Plan calls for greater density and infill
in Old Town over time, the utility dans for the area are currently anticipated for mostly
moderate -density development. The reason Old Town is in the Moderate Density
Residential category is because it firs the historic pattern of the area. The Plan does not seek
widespread increases in density or changes in land use that differ from present-day Old
Town. Yet
Old Town, like the Downtown area, is expected to face some increase in density,
provide a greater mix of uses in the future and
redevelop completely
in certain areas. The
historic nature of the buildings, street patterns,
natural resources, etc.
will continue to be an
important
part of Georgetown and a concerted
effort to increase the
utility capacity in this
area would
have to take place for anv significant
changes to occur.
2030 Plan Text Amendments
Exhibit A - Page 8 of 10
Exhibit A
The e High -Density Residential category may also support
complementary non-residential uses along arterial roadways such as neighborhood -serving
retail, office, institutional, and civic uses, although such uses may not be depicted on the
Future Land Use Map. Standards should be established to maximize compatibility of these
uses with adjacent land uses, minimize traffic congestion and overloading of public
infrastructure, and also ensure a high standard of site, landscape, and architectural design.
Chapter 4 — Plan Administration — Pale 4.4
The Plan shall be adopted by the City Council, either by individual Plan element, by groups
of elements, or as a whole. Per the comprehensive plan terms of the City Charter, a Revision
to the Plan shall require a super -majority of the City Council only if the revision occurs more
than once every five (5) vears. A Revision is defined as the adoption or deletion of Plan
Elements). An Amendment, as defined in the Charter, is a minor change to the
comprehensive plan. For the purposes of this Plan, as further defined in this chapter, an
Amendment shall be any non -Element change made by ordinance of the City Council.
Plan Adoption, Revision and Amendment shall follow theretottttnended protocol below:
Transmittal to Planning and Zoning Commission: The Comprehensive Plan
Steering Committee, or staff of the appropriate City department, will transmit the
entire Plan or individual Plan elements, as they are completed, to the Planning and
Zoning Commission or to the appropriate City -appointed board or commission for
their review.
Recommendation to City Council: The Planning and Zoning Commission, or other
appropriate board or commission, shall hold a public hearing to recommend, by a
majority vote, the Plan or Plan element to the City Council for adoption, with
specific reference to any maps and other descriptive material intended as a part of the
Plan. The -Z— recommendation must be recorded in the minutes of the
Planning and Zoning Commission or other board or commission.
Transmittal to City Council: The recommended Plan or Plan element must be
transmitted to the City Council.
Public Hearing: Before adopting the Plan or Pian element, the City Council must
hold a public hearing, advertised at least 30 days in advance.
Ordinance: City Council will adopt the Plan or Plan element by ordinance.
Plan Amendments are periodic, substantive changes to the Plan and its associated goals,
policies, and actions along with changes to the Future Land Use Map that are necessary to
2030 Plan Text Amendments
Exhibit A - Page 9 of 10
Exhibit A
accommodate changed or unforeseen circumstances in a manner consistent with the public
interest. While the Plan provides for reasonable flexibility in interpretation, to have relevance
over time, it should not be permitted to be ignored, nor subject to continuous or arbitrary
amendments to accommodate development applications, which are contrary to the Plan.
Therefore, Plan Amendments will not be made more than once per calendar year, except for
the rare circumstance where the City Council feels it necessary to make a change with a
super -majority vote. Plan Amendments will be processed as part of the Annual Update and
require only a majority vote of the City Council at such update. Plan Amendments shall be
recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission or other appropriate board or
commission and adopted by City Council in the same manner as per Plan adoption.
2030 Plan Text Amendments
Exhibit A - Page 10 of 10
Exhibit B contains the Future Land Use Map and Growth Tier Map that replace in their
entirety that prior approved maps from. March 2008. The new maps will be dated May
2009 to reflect the new adoption date.