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STRATEGIC OUTCOMES |
ACTION |
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Department: |
☒ Safe & Prosperous |
☐ Motion |
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Planning & Neighborhood Svc |
☐ Active & Appealing |
☐ Resolution |
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☐ Respected & Responsible |
☐ Ordinance - Introduction |
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Division: |
☒ Connected & Engaged |
☒ Ordinance - Adoption |
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Community Planning |
☐ Unique & Creative |
☐ Public Hearing |
TITLE: t
Text Amendment: Planned Unit Development Overlay District
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SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: Summary Recommendation
Amend Title 15, Chapter 154, Article 14, Section 7, to update regulations within the Planned Unit Development Overlay (PUD) District. (Planning and Neighborhood Services/Community Planning) (Alyssa Linville)
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STRATEGIC OUTCOME:
Through a collaborative effort between the City and members of the local development community, the City Council directed the Community Planning Team to update development standards within the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay aimed at allowing increased densities within residential developments. These proposed amendments support the City Council’s strategic outcomes of Safe and Prosperous and Connected and Engaged.
REPORT:
The purpose of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) is to encourage innovative, flexible, and integrated land-use planning that results in more creative and efficient developments. A PUD allows for a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within a defined area, while providing developers with greater flexibility than traditional zoning regulations. This flexibility is designed to promote more thoughtful site designs, better use of land, and improved community outcomes, such as enhanced open space, pedestrian-friendly environments, and a mix of housing types.
PUDs also aim to accommodate a variety of building types, densities, and land uses in a cohesive manner, allowing for the integration of residential, recreational, and commercial spaces that serve the needs of a diverse population. The ultimate goal is to create well-designed, sustainable communities that are more connected, livable, and visually appealing, while meeting the specific needs of both residents and the broader community.
The proposed text amendment to the Yuma City Code updates and clarifies aspects of the PUD regulations. These amendments focus on enhancing the density of developments, ensuring adequate open space, and refining the development process to reflect current best practices. Below is an expanded analysis of the amendment language and its potential impact:
1. Density: In an effort to support increased densities within these developments, the proposed amendment will no longer require that an average lot area be provided in accordance with the underlying zoning district. By removing this requirement, developers will have an opportunity to design communities which offer creative and innovative approaches increasing densities.
2. Open Space: The proposed amendment will update provisions related to required open space. While the code currently requires open space, the open space amount is determined by the size needed to meet the average minimum lot size throughout the development. Therefore, it is proposed that a standard percentage be required, and such open space can either be in the form of private or common open space. A definition for open space will also be added to the zoning code in an effort to provide clarity on what open space is and how it can be utilized.
3. Process Update: The proposed amendment also aims to remove application requirements which are no longer a relevant requirement in processing these types of development applications.
In summary, these amendments reflect a broader vision for higher-density, sustainable, and community-oriented development in Yuma. By defining open space more clearly, requiring a minimum amount of such spaces in new PUD developments, and emphasizing efficient and transparent planning processes, the amendment aims to balance increased density with the preservation of quality living environments.
On April 14, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend APPROVAL (4-0) of the request by the City of Yuma for a Zoning Code Text Amendment to amend Title 15, Chapter 154, Article 14, Title 7 regulations within the Planned Unit Development Overlay (PUD) District.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - EXCERPT FROM PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES:
QUESTIONS FOR STAFF
“Chris Hamel - Planning and Zoning Commissioner asked if Linville could clarify the requirements for open and private space.
“Alyssa Linville - Director of Planning and Neighborhood Services responded that the space could be private or shared, and referenced Desert Sky as an example, noting that the units there have their own backyards and a common open space.
PUBLIC COMMENT
“Jeff Snow, 3064 S. Avenue B, Yuma, AZ, asked for clarification on the difference between a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and a Planned Area Development (PAD) and a Site Specific development, and whether the proposed amendments to PUDs would impact site-specific plans or PADs. He also inquired whether density would be determined by land use, zoning, City Council, or through a PUD agreement. Additionally, he asked what development standards would apply and how those standards are determined. Lastly, Mr. Snow requested examples of passive open space that would be acceptable to the City of Yuma under the proposed amendments.
“Linville stated that, at this time, only Planned Unit Development (PUD) requirements are being addressed and noted that regarding modified development standards such as lot coverage, setbacks, roadways, building heights, and parking, all standards can be modified through the PUD process providing developers with more flexibility and creativity in how they utilize their property.
“Linville also noted that density allowances would be determined by the land use designation.
“Linville referenced Desert Sky as an example, which has a General Plan designation of Medium Density, allowing 5 to 12.9 dwelling units per acre. Under the current code, Desert Sky is developing at a density of 5 to 7 dwelling units an acre. The proposed amendment will support increasing those densities in hopes of achieving a development which is closer to the 12.9 dwelling units per acre.
“Mr. Snow asked whether the amendment would affect how land use and zoning apply to a given property, to which Linville responded yes.
MOTION
“Motion by Lorraine Arney - Planning and Zoning Commissioner, second by Jorge Gonzalez - Planning and Zoning Commission, to APPROVE ZONE-43749-2025 as presented.
“Motion carried unanimously, (4-0) with two absent and one vacancy.’
FISCAL REQUIREMENTS:
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CITY FUNDS: |
$ 0.00 |
BUDGETED: |
$ 0.00 |
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STATE FUNDS: |
$ 0.00 |
AVAILABLE TO TRANSFER: |
$ 0.00 |
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FEDERAL FUNDS: |
$ 0.00 |
IN CONTINGENCY: |
$ 0.00 |
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OTHER SOURCES: |
$ 0.00 |
FUNDING: ACCOUNT/FUND #/CIP |
TOTAL $ 0.00
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To total; right click number & choose “Update Field” |
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FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
NONE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS NOT ATTACHED TO THE CITY COUNCIL ACTION FORM THAT ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK:
NONE
IF CITY COUNCIL ACTION INCLUDES A CONTRACT, LEASE OR AGREEMENT, WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ROUTING THE DOCUMENT FOR SIGNATURE AFTER CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL?
☐ Department
☐ City Clerk’s Office
☐ Document to be recorded
☒ Document to be codified
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Acting City Administrator: |
Date: |
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John D. Simonton |
05/14/2025 |
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Reviewed by City Attorney: |
Date: |
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Richard W. Files |
05/12/2025 |