Explaining the plan

Coordinated Corridor Development

This plan recommends two broad strategies to coordinate development in Midtown.

The first is investment in the South College Avenue corridor itself. The plan calls for coordinated public and private investment at five “catalytic” sites to build upon the success of the renovations to College Main Street and South College Avenue. These catalytic projects work to stitch the entire length of the corridor together and to stimulate and support new development within Midtown.

The second of the broad strategies is an incremental approach to infill development of the adjacent streets and properties. Midtown is already subject to substantial housing demand from students. As it turns out, young professionals and people over 65 are also moving into Midtown.

When existing demand is bolstered by planned public investments like the Travis Bryan Midtown Park and the catalytic projects, the city will need a more efficient and accessible development process than it has today. The plan details a novel technique — pattern zoning — that creates an opt-in expedited permitting program that uses new site design guidelines, licensed architecture and pre-approved plans.

This plan also recommends several changes to current codes and processes. Other recommended changes include new rules allowing cottage courtyards on large lots, accessory dwelling units in backyards and modest text amendments to existing policies and procedures.

How this affects you

Right now, nothing is changing. Any new zoning regulations still have to go through another public meeting, and then through the legal review and approval processes which will take a few months.

Our focus has been on keeping things as voluntary as possible. All aspects of the Midtown Plan are voluntary or won’t be triggered until you develop/redevelop. This is particularly true for existing legal uses on your personal property. (Illegal non-conforming uses and structures built without permits don’t count here.)

So even if a zoning change occurs you can continue using your property as is, if you chose. If you decide to redevelop your property with something new, then we would be able to explain the new rules, if and when they are adopted.