The purpose of this Division is to assist developers in determining the maximum permitted density for residential projects and maximum permitted intensity (for nonresidential projects) of development on any given site within the jurisdiction of this Chapter. The development potential of any site is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to: 1) the area of the site; 2) the proportion of the site not containing sensitive natural resources; 3) the zoning district(s) in which the site is located; 4) the development option(s) the site is developed under; and 5) the use(s) considered for development.
Rationale: This Division regulates the development potential of all property within the jurisdiction of this Chapter. This Division is designed to ensure the implementation of many goals and objectives of the City of Moline Comprehensive Plan. Many of these are extremely difficult to address using conventional zoning techniques, particularly those which rely on minimum lot area requirements to establish maximum permitted residential densities, and maximum floor area ratios to establish the character of nonresidential developments. Such approaches provide for minimum flexibility and/or the needless destruction of sensitive natural resources. The approach employed by this Division, relying on Maximum Gross Densities (MGDs) and minimum Green Space Ratios (GSRs) for residential development, and minimum required Landscape Surface Ratios (LSRs) in combination with maximum permitted Floor Area Rations (FARs) for nonresidential development, (both in conjunction with a variety of development options available in every zoning district) results in a very high degree of site design flexibility and the protection and implementation of desired of desired community character and adopted community goals and objectives.