Expect city to require more PUD detail and review

Historic City News readers often comment on the dangers of Planned Unit Development (PUD) approval that essentially overrides existing limitations and requirements in local zoning codes.  Some critics refer to a PUD as “spot zoning”, created to allow development or use of a property in spite of established zoning definitions that would otherwise prohibit it.

At least in the City of St Augustine, that may change; if city commissioners support a draft ordinance being advanced by its Planning and Zoning Board that would refine the process.

The planning board, on its own and in response to mounting concern from local residents, will seek more project detail and more time for community review before a planned unit development can be approved.

Former St Augustine Mayor, George Gardner, reported his observations of public concerns voiced in a Town Hall meeting on the topic, held by the Planning and Zoning Board on March 12th:

• Change the code to establish a requirement for a 2-step application process, so that PUD re-zonings are reviewed by the Board at least twice.
• Better more complete applications should be filed, or at least be required of applicants before the proposal is reviewed by the Board.
• Introduce more time into the process so that every level (including the neighborhoods) has more time to review the applications.
• Clarify the intent and use of the PUD so that the tool is not abused as an excuse for spot zoning, misuse of the intent for a PUD, and whether the PUD is the right thing for infill development.
• The code should be fixed in other ways, such as allowing variances to lot coverage in the HP districts instead of artificially forcing the use of a PUD or updating the variance process for all districts.
• Need more facts related to the PUD applications — for the Board, for the public, and so that the standards are specific and not arbitrary.