Title
Public Hearing to Consider a Proposed Amendment of Chapter 155 of the Mansfield Code of Ordinances to Amend the Provisions of Section 155.092(L)(2) Related to Aesthetics and Passive Space in MF-1, MF-2, OP, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2, FR, SE and PD Districts (OA#23-007)
Requested Action
To consider the proposed text amendment
Recommendation
The Department of Planning and Development Services recommends approval of the text amendment to the provisions in Chapter 155 of the City of Mansfield Code of Ordinances as presented.
Description/History
On July 11, 2022, the City Council adopted new landscaping regulations, including a requirement that new development dedicate a minimum of ten (10) percent of the total building floor area to passive space in the multi-family residential, commercial and industrial zoning districts and in the Planned Development and the Freeway and Secondary Freeway Overlay Districts (e.g., MF-1, MF-2, OP, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2, FR, SE and PD Districts). However, upon further review, the application of passive space to industrial developments --- in particular --- may not be fully practical due to the size of some of the buildings and nature of some industrial activities. The City Council directed the Department of Planning and Development Services to propose modifications to the aesthetic and passive space standards based on that review.
The proposed text amendment relaxes the passive space requirements for certain industrial developments, clarifies the location requirements, and provides examples of passive space. The following is a general summary of the proposed changes:
• All new development in the MF-1, MF-2, OP, C-1, C-2, C-3, FR, SE, and PD Districts must dedicate a minimum of ten (10) percent of the total building floor area to passive space.
• In the I-1 and I-2 Districts, in particular, the following provisions will apply:
§ Industrial developments are not required to provide passive space unless the property is in the Freeway and Secondary Freeway Overlay Districts (however, there are provisions within Section 155.092 (B) that allow for “alternate landscape practice if it is consistent with the provisions of this section and further the public health, safety, and welfare and community aesthetics”).
§ Industrial developments on parcels fronting on Heritage Parkway and Lone Star Road must dedicate a minimum of 2,000 square feet of area to passive space.
• Passive space must be located within 100 feet of the center of the property unless site constraints prevent it.
• Passive space must be entered directly from a thoroughfare, a walkway or other pedestrian path, or a civic or open space.
• Graphic examples of passive space have been provided.
Prepared By
Art Wright, AICP
Principal Planner
817-276-4226
Attachments
Proposed Ordinance