14-13-010 MIXED USE ZONE: Purpose and Intent

The purpose of the Mixed Use (MU) Zone is to provide opportunities for thoughtfully designed master planned developments centered around commercially viable development integrated with complementary residential, civic, recreational, and public uses that create cohesive, high-quality neighborhoods consistent with the Salem City General Plan. The Mixed Use Zone is intended to: A. Promote high-quality commercial development and employment opportunities; B. Expand and diversify Salem City's tax base; C. Encourage coordinated infrastructure planning and orderly growth; D. Integrate residential and commercial development that supports walkability and connectivity; E. Create high-quality public parks, trails, open space, and community amenities; F. Encourage exceptional architectural design and site planning; G. Promote fiscally responsible development that reduces the City's long-term cost of providing public services; and H. Implement the goals and policies of the Salem City General Plan. The primary purpose of the Mixed Use Zone is to create commercially viable, master planned developments where residential uses complement and support commercial development. Residential development shall not be the principal purpose of the zone. The Mixed Use Zone is intended to encourage exceptional development quality and shall not be used solely as a mechanism to increase residential density. Nothing in this Chapter shall be interpreted as creating an entitlement to increased residential density, modification of City development standards, or approval of a Mixed Use zoning designation or Development Agreement. Flexibility within the Mixed Use Zone is intended to encourage meaningful commercial investment, exceptional design, public amenities, and demonstrated public benefit.