A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is intended to allow flexibility in the zoning process to encourage innovative design and development. Utilization of a PUD shall meet the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan and adopted master plans of the City, while preserving the health, safety, and welfare of its residents. Pursuant to meeting the purpose(s) listed below, this article may allow modification to zoning and subdivision requirements.

   A.   To facilitate the economical and efficient provision of streets and public utilities and to prevent development that would burden the existing tax base or in areas without adequate public improvements;

   B.   To facilitate developments that provide a benefit to the City as a whole, through, but not limited to, higher standards of architectural and site design, enhanced or innovative public infrastructure, sustainable design, provision of life-cycle and/or affordable housing, redevelopment or expanded transportation options;

   C.   Preservation of valuable natural resources and amenities to ensure a higher quality of environmental conservation;

   D.   To increase public open space to ensure concentration of open space into more usable areas and restoration of natural resources.

   E.   High quality of design and design compatible with surrounding land uses, including both existing and planned;

   F.   Sensitive development in transitional areas located between different land uses and along significant transportation or scenic corridors within the City; and

   G.   Development which is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

   The provisions of this article apply to any zoning district established within the City. Within the PUD, uses are determined by the underlying zoning district and must be in harmony with the Comprehensive Plan.

   The following information is required for each PUD application:

   A.   Location map showing property in relation to the City as a whole and to the City’s primary elements such as streets, schools, parks and shopping areas along with a supporting narrative description of the applicant’s interest in the property in question;

   B.   A legal description of the property including approximate total acreage;

   C.   A full set of civil plans for the proposed development, including the following elements: location of structures; vehicular and pedestrian circulation facilities; parking facilities; housing densities; open space disposition; grading; building elevations; public utilities including water, sanitary sewer, and storm water lines and facilities; landscaping plan; lighting plan including photometrics; and a surface water plan;

   D.   Grading in plan in conformance with the requirements of City Code Title 9, Chapter 7.

   E.   Architectural plans for all structures including colored elevation drawings;

   F.   Preliminary and final plat, if applicable;

   G.   Landscape and tree preservation plans as required by City Code Sections 11-3-12 and 11-3-13.

   The PUD shall be considered at a public hearing pursuant to City Code Section 11-2-3. Findings for approval must include the following:

   A.   The PUD is consistent with the intent of this Chapter;

   B.   The area surrounding the PUD can be planned and developed in coordination and substantial compatibility with the proposed PUD;

   C.   Any variation of flexibility from zoning standards most similar in function to the proposed PUD must produce results equal to or better than those achieved by the applicable zoning standard.

   Lapse pursuant to City Code Section 11-2-12.

   A.   Amendments to an approved PUD shall be administered by submitting an application with the appropriate fees as follows:

   B.   Minor Amendments: Minor amendments to a PUD are:

      1.   Size increases to signage approved as part of the PUD;

      2.   Landscape changes;

      3.   Parking lot configuration changes (not change in number of spaces);

      4.   Less than a ten percent (10%) change in floor area in any one (1) structure;

      5.   Less than a ten percent (10%) change in the approved separation of buildings;

      6.   Less than five percent (5%) change in the ground area covered by the project;

      7.   Less than a five percent (5%) change in the number of residential units; or

      8.   Less than a five percent (5%) change in the number of parking spaces.

   C.   Major Amendments: Major amendments to a PUD are:

      1.   Any decrease in the amount of approved open space;

      2.   More than a ten percent (10%) change in floor area in any one (1) structure;

      3.   More than a ten percent (10%) change in the approved separation of buildings;

      4.   Any change in the original approved setbacks from property lines;

      5.   More than five percent (5%) change in the ground area covered by the project;

      6.   More than five percent (5%) change in the number of parking spaces; or

      7.   The introduction of new uses not included in the PUD approval.

   D.   Review of Minor Amendments: Proposed minor amendments to a PUD shall be reviewed and decided by the Community Development Director. The Community Development Director may determine that a proposed “minor” amendment is a “major” amendment and may refer such proposed amendments to the Planning Commission and City Council according to the procedure established in City Code Section 11-2-4.

   E.   Review of Major Amendments. Any major amendment to a PUD district shall be considered by the Planning Commission and City Council pursuant to City Code Section 11-2-4.