HomeMy WebLinkAboutCHALLENGE6- F-F13
Challenge #6- Growth and Land Use Planning
The rapid growth so evident during the past decade shows no signs of slowing,
creating workload levels that leave little time to address antiquated City
ordinances and future planning at anything other than a “crises management”
level. There is a growing demand for new policies and incentives to encourage
innovative urban and suburban designs that create a “sense of place” and
community throughout the entire area of impact and provide a means of partnering
to reach mutual goals. Public agencies not responsible for land use planning often
proceed without understanding or cohesive support and consensus among city
departments. Inadequate tracking of land use decisions and enforcement actions
leads to wasted time and inefficient use of resources. The expansion of
commercial areas on the fringes of Meridian detracts from the viability of a
downtown that is in need of a distinct identity and revitalization. Urban sprawl
disrupts planning efforts and wastes valuable staff time.
Major Long-Term Goals
To reduce to zero the number of outdated development ordinances that do
not meet contemporary standards, laws, and expectations.
To increase the number of new policies and incentives encouraging
innovative urban and suburban designs.
To increase planning efforts related to long-range and specific area
planning.
To increase understanding and consensus among the various public and
quasi-public agencies responsible for land use planning decisions in the
City’s impact area.
To increase the amount of pro-active code enforcement.
To reduce the number of properties in violation of city ordinances,
decreasing the number of citizen-initiated complaints.
To increase the efficiency and detail of the City’s tracking system.
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To increase the viability of downtown redevelopment by establishing
policies to encourage downtown commercial development and higher
densities.
To increase the quality of life for our citizens and visitors, both young and
old.
To reduce the negative impacts typically caused by rapid population
growth.
To increase the level of compliance with building, zoning and development
ordinances among landowners and developers.
To reduce the number of conflicts with developers and property owners
resulting from poor information, slow response, inadequate records, or
outmoded ordinances.
To reduce the number of non-conforming land uses within the City.
To increase the quality level and livability of site design, building and
renovation associated with development.
To increase the number of parks and open space areas associated with
residential and commercial developments within the City.
To increase the City’s overall infrastructure to accommodate anticipated
commercial, industrial, residential, tourist, and recreational demand.
Key Strategies
Complete the comprehensive plan, help prepare for presentation, and
collaborate with elected officials and others to see the plan through to
adoption.
Create and adopt a Downtown Master Plan for use by Planning & Zoning,
Meridian Development Corporation (MDC), City Council, and other
agencies to guide downtown redevelopment.
Draft, review and adopt new/revised ordinances.
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Centralize data collection and entry of relevant data into a GIS tracking
system.
Hire consultants to help with specific sections of city ordinances, as well as
for specific overlay projects throughout the City.
Annually calculate and report the percentage of each major land use
developed and compare to existing supply of vacant land in each category
for the P&Z Commission and City Council.
Annually monitor residential building permit activity to ensure a desirable
mix of housing is being maintained according to the Comprehensive Plan.
Begin biannual meetings with City staff and the following groups to discuss
projects, issues, and joint planning efforts. The meetings should increase
the amount of proactive coordination between the City and other public and
quasi-public entities that affect land use planning, such as:
o Ada County Development Services
o Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District
o Ada County Highway District
o Meridian Joint School District #2
o COMPASS
o Others as applicable (i.e., ITD, DEQ, ViaTrans, etc.)
Set standards for adequate public facilities with clear, objective criteria that
all agencies and developers can understand.
Adopt business license ordinance to track existing businesses, provide a
database of businesses for Chamber of Commerce and public information,
and alleviate infiltration of non-conforming uses within the city limits.
Work with code enforcement to ensure consistent and swift action is taken
on all complaints, as well as establish more pro-active enforcement
practices.