J5 UDC Amendment Clustering January 20, 2015 Chance Sparks, Director of Planning

Summary of Amendment

Background Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval on December 9 th unanimously. City Council approved first reading unanimously on December 16 th unanimously. City Council tabled the second reading pending clarification of the relationship between parkland dedication & cluster development, including discussion of abilities to compel payment of parkland fees-in-lieu. Note: Need for amendment was identified in a 2006 UDC diagnostic, as well as the Comprehensive Plan

Comprehensive Plan Relevant Recommended Actions Action P-3.3 Work with developers… to develop trails on greenways and other linear open spaces. Action P-3.4 Identify “urban trail” corridors along Buda’s streets and drainage corridors that connect to and contribute to the trail network in Buda. Action P-3.5 Utilize the Trail Master Plan to require incorporation of trails into site plans & plats of subdivisions… Action P-5.1 Promote cluster developments/ conservation developments that establish conservation easements over environmentally sensitive areas. Action P-5.2 Develop conservation and funding strategies to acquire open space and natural areas for public use. Action P-5.3 Identify areas to be preserved based on environmental features and preservation benefits… Action H-1.1 Amend UDC to develop new zoning categories for housing types to expand housing options. Action H-1.2 Review and amend the UDC where necessary to allow for and encourage a greater mix of compatible housing types within neighborhoods. Action H-7.2 Require new subdivisions to be connected to surrounding areas through both vehicular and pedestrian connections… Action H-7.5 Require trail or pedestrian path connections to improve walkability within a neighborhood and link schools, neighborhoods, parks…

Comprehensive Plan General Land Development Policies Page 192, 213 “Seek public acquisition of open space… for areas of environmental sensitivity” “Promote dense, cluster development in order to protect natural features” “Connect existing and future parks” “Use linear open space along creeks and floodplains for trails as a way to provide connectivity throughout Buda”

Comprehensive Plan Green Growth District Page 196 of Comprehensive Plan –“Cluster developments should be heavily encouraged, or possibly mandated in this district” –“Allowing density bonuses in conjunction with cluster developments is appropriate for this area and will encourage use of the zoning district” –“Floodplains of… Garlic Creek… should be protected in perpetuity from development” –“These will also create opportunities to develop trails and promote connectivity”

Existing Conditions

Conventional Subdivision Floodplain Study/LOMR; Channelization Developed as Lots Minimum Park Lots Ponds Not desired in Green Growth Area per Comprehensive Plan

Cluster Subdivision Developed as Lots Ponds Open Space/Parkland Desired in Green Growth Area per Comprehensive Plan

Cluster Development Development tool with benefits for both the City/Community and Developer Implement plans more effectively/efficiently through developer compliance: can get more than just the minimum –Parkland/open space acquisition (passive recreation, trails) –Community vision –Key recommendation of Comprehensive Plan –Achieve efforts to preserve riparian corridors in particular Preservation of open space –Environmental/wildlife benefits –Community character benefits Reduced Operation & Maintenance costs (fewer linear feet) Avoids alteration of natural environments, floodplains, etc. Doesn’t increase density—just shifts it around on the site –Cluster development often results in a reduced lot count overall Developer flexibility to design around constraints Developer reduced capital development costs