HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-18-PB Report Article 51 "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
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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
Michael Schanbacher moved that the Planning Board recommend that Town Meeting approve the motion under
Article 51. Melanie Thompson seconded the motion.The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 5-0-0 (Roll
Call: Robert Creech — yes, Charles Hornig — yes, Robert Peters — yes, Michael Schanbacher — yes, Melanie
Thompson—yes).
SIGNATURE OF THE PLANNING BOARD CHAIR
Robert D. Peters
Exhibit:
Approved Planning Board Meeting Minutes
Planning Board Report to 2024 Annual Town Meeting
Article 51