2024-03-18-PB Report Article 51 - Laserfiche WebLink

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"oA Town ofLexington � ° �1�1:1 airn, Mair 01' 024 Robert D.Peters Chair - � � PLANNING BOARD 1625 Massachusetts Avenue ., ,,, Michael Schanbacher, Vice Chair 1"OW Cal,, 1 K Melanie Thompson Clerk Lexington,MA 02420 Tel(781) 698-4560 Robert Creech Member al°°EI �°��" MA Charles Hornig Member APRIL Ir ' plammng&lexin tog nma.gov ' )(lNG gov/planning Michael Leon, Associate Member www.lexingtonma. RECOMMENDATION REPORT OF THE LEXINGTON PLANNING BOARD ARTICLE 51: MAXIMUM HEIGHT FOR VILLAGE OVERLAY(VO) DISTRICT RECOMMENDATION The Planning Board recommends that Town Meeting approve the motion under Article 51 to amend §7.5.5.10.a of the Zoning Bylaw relative to the height bonus for mixed-use developments in the Village Overlay District. AMENDMENT DESCRIPTION This amendment clarifies the original intent of the mixed-use height bonus by doing the following: • Makes clear the maximum height of a mixed-use project is based on the underlying zoning district and not on whether the non-residential use is permitted. • Lists the commercial principal uses which may be included on the first floor to be eligible to build taller than 40 feet. • Requires that more commercial space be provided on the first floor by basing the minimum required amount on the first floor's total gross floor area rather than net floor area. RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION This zoning amendment will clarify ambiguous language describing when a mixed-use development in the VO District is eligible for increased maximum height. The maximum height will be based on the underlying zoning district and on the specific commercial use proposed. This article will also change the amount of required commercial square footage to be based on gross floor area rather than the net floor area. These changes are based on questions raised by developers during the preliminary planning stages for new developments and will tighten up the language so prospective applicants don't exceed the maximum height allowance. The greater commercial requirement will help get the active street floor uses desired by the community. PUBLIC PROCESS The Planning Board held four public work sessions between November and January to consider zoning amendments for Annual Town Meeting. On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, after publication of the legal advertisement in the Lexington Minuteman newspaper on January 18 and January 25, 2024, the Planning Board held a public hearing. The public hearing was closed on February 7 and the Board voted on February 28 to recommend that Town Meeting approve the motion under Article 51. RECORD OF THE VOTE Planning Board Report to 2024 Annual Town Meeting Article 51