HAYS POST

The Hays Area Planning and Development Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Agenda items for Aug. 19 include discussion of proposed changes to the Unified Development Code regarding a reduction in development density requirements and changes in parking requirements.

City staff is considering some changes to the UDC that would remove specific requirements for development density.

Minimum landscaping area, floor area, lot area, street frontage, and maximum building height are all regulated within the UDC and can directly impact density.

According to a commission memo, staff has found that the UDC has various requirements that can be too restrictive and create the need for unnecessary larger property lots. Making changes to the regulations would provide developers more options for more dense developments.

Staff recommends setting a public hearing for Mon., Sept. 16, 2019 to consider changes to UDC Table 3.1.301A, Development Standards, and Sec. 2.2.306 (C) (9), Hotel/Motel Compatibility Standards.

Staff has also considered a change that would add flexibility to parking requirements for small business owners.

Allowing a limited amount of on-street parking to be counted towards the total parking required could help reduce costs for some developments.

A second public hearing is being recommended for Sept. 16 to  consider adding proposed language to the UDC allowing limited on-street parking to be counted towards total parking requirements.