19.17.04 Gradual Transition of Uses and Density

It is the policy of the City Council, through exercising its zoning authority, to: (a) transition high intensity uses to help prevent the impacts of high density uses on low density areas; and (b) to limit inconsistent uses being located on adjacent parcels. The City Council may implement this policy using its zoning powers. Through amendments to the General Plan and the Zoning Map, the City Council intends to apply the following guidelines to implement this policy: 1. Residential lots, parcels, plats, or developments should not increase by more than 20 percent of density as compared to adjacent lots, zones, parcels, plats, or developments to enable a gradual change of density and uses. To appropriately transition, new lots should be equal to or larger than immediately adjacent existing platted lots. 2. Exceptions a. The City should avoid allowing high intensity uses (e.g., commercial, industrial, multi-family structures, etc.) adjacent to lower intensity uses (e.g., single family, low density residential, etc.)., however may allow these uses to be located adjacent to each other if appropriate transitions and buffers are in place. Appropriate buffers and transitions include a combination of roadways, landscaping, building orientation and facades, increased setbacks, open spaces, parks, and trails. 3. Despite these guidelines, the City Council recognizes that it will become necessary to allow high intensity next to low intensity uses in order to allow for the implementation of multiple zones in the City. The City Council should use their best efforts to limit inconsistent uses and zones being located on adjacent parcels and to mitigate inconsistent uses and zones through transitions and buffers.