18.76.010 Purpose.
The comprehensive plan provides the Lakeland Hills South special area plan is intended to be consistent with the conditions of approval of the Lakeland Hills South PDD (Pierce County Hearings Examiner Case No. Z15-90/UP9-70) as amended. The conditions of approval which remain applicable are attached to Ordinance No. 5092 as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference.
Auburn has accepted the Lakeland Hills South PUD as an approved PUD. Therefore, this purpose section shall apply to minor and major amendments to the Lakeland Hills South PUD.
The purpose of a planned unit development (PUD) district is to offer enhanced flexibility to develop a site through innovative and alternative development standards. A PUD district also allows for a greater range of residential development scenarios, provides for internal transfers of density, and may result in more dwelling units than may be realized by using the existing development standards. In exchange for this enhanced flexibility, the city will require the PUD to result in a significantly higher quality development, generate more public benefit and be a more sensitive proposal than would have been the case with the use of standard zoning or subdivision procedures.
In order for a PUD to be approved it will be the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate, to the city’s satisfaction, that the proposed PUD achieves or is consistent with the following desired public benefits and expectations in whole or in part:
A. Preservation of Natural Amenities. Preservation of desirable site characteristics such as open spaces and the protection of sensitive environmental features including steep slopes, rivers, creeks, wetlands, lakes and scenic views.
B. Pedestrian-Oriented Communities. Use of traffic management and design techniques to reduce traffic congestion and increase the potential use of alternative modes of travel such as mass transit, pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
C. Land Use Efficiencies. Provide efficient and effective use of land, open space and public facilities that result in lower development cost and make housing more affordable.
D. Implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Provide development that is consistent with the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan. PUDs may also allow for a small amount of development from other comprehensive plan designations if determined to be appropriate for the PUD and its surroundings.
E. Enhanced Design Features. Provide building and structural designs that complement surrounding land uses and their environment. Design standards should reflect quality site planning, landscaping and building architecture.
F. Creation of Public Amenities. Enhance parks and open spaces consistent with the comprehensive park plan and nonmotorized plan.
G. Affordable Housing. Provide affordable housing options in accordance with Auburn’s comprehensive plan. (Ord. 5092 § 1, 1998.)