(a) Standards for Review. In reviewing and determining whether to recommend approval or disapproval of a Development Plan under this chapter, the Planning Commission shall consider, but shall not be limited to consideration of the following characteristics of the proposed
development:
(1) The comprehensive nature and design of the Development Plan, including appropriate and intentional design of the physical, aesthetic, and economic relationships among its parts.
(2) The suitability of the Planned Development, its relationship to existing development in the community, natural features, relationship to community plans, and such other characteristics as the Planning Commission may deem important.
(3) The anticipated effects of the proposed development upon the City and upon adjoining and proximate neighborhoods and properties, including the impacts of traffic, stormwater, noise, lighting, utilities, aesthetic values and other impacts.
(4) The adequacy of planned roads, drives, parking, and loading areas to meet the projected demand for such facilities and to integrate with existing and planned facilities in the City.
(5) The adequacy of planned pedestrian and bicycle facilities to meet the demand for such facilities, to integrate with existing and planned facilities in the City, and to promote use of such transportation modes.
(6) The suitability of the location, dimensions, access to streets and utilities of each proposed lot within the District, given the nature of the use or uses proposed on each such lot.
(7) The adequacy of utilities to serve the proposed development and the suitability of the proposed utility design within the District.
(8) The proper orientation and relationship of the proposed elements of the development with natural and historic features and resources both on and off site, the egree to which the development has been designed to protect and enhance such features and resources, and the measures taken to mitigate negative impacts on such features and resources both on and off site.
(9) The relationships of the architectural and site design characteristics among the areas of the development and with surrounding properties.
(10) The availability of recreation and open space sites and facilities (existing and proposed) for use by the residents of the proposed development.
(11) The nature and extent of proposed landscaping, existing vegetation and landform to be retained, and of proposed screening and buffering.
(12) The suitability of the proposed separations between uses and buildings, including any proposed setbacks or yards, given the nature of the use or uses so controlled and the relationships and impacts of one use upon another.
(13) The suitability of the total acreage and total floor area proposed for each type of use, and the number and bulk of buildings proposed for each type of use.
(14) The suitability of proposed condominium or homeowners association agreements, deed restrictions, protective covenants, and other legal statements or devices intended to provide for the future use, ownership, operation and maintenance of areas of the planned development and its improvements.
(15) If non-residential uses are proposed, the projected traffic impacts, loading requirements, and the likely number of employees.
(16) The ability of each proposed phase of the development, or of any group of developed phases, to meet the standards established in this chapter.
(17) Compliance with the Use Regulations and Development Standards and, to the extent possible, determination of compliance with all other applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. In instances in which variances to existing regulations have been requested, such as to the Subdivision Regulations, the Commission shall consider the suitability of such variances and its impact on the proposed development.
(b) Professional Assistance in Review. The extent and complexity of certain applications for a Planned Development will require that the Planning Commission obtain review assistance, statements of opinion, and reports from qualified professionals such as civil engineers, planners, appraisers, architects, and attorneys. The Planning Commission shall determine when such studies or expert advice are necessary to evaluate a proposed Planned Development relative to the requirements of this chapter. The Commission shall advise the applicant if such studies are required. The Commission will accept the required studies prepared by qualified professionals engaged by the applicant or will require the applicant to provide to the City the funds required to pay for such studies. (Ord. 23-59AC CMS. Passed 9-5-23.)