Modify a planned unit development (PUD) ordinance to emphasize or require mixed-use development or affordable housing, to limit residential PUDs to areas adjacent to commercial development, and/or to add sustainability features.

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Modify a planned unit development (PUD) ordinance to emphasize or require mixed-use development or affordable housing, to limit residential PUDs to areas adjacent to commercial development, and/or to add sustainability features.

Best Practice of this action
Rating Guideline
1 star Ordinance allows mixed uses.
2 star Ordinance: requires residential-only PUDs to be adjacent to commercial development or to be served by frequent transit; requires/gives amenity points for conduit to facilitate future EV chargers; addresses other sustainability features.
3 star Ordinance: requires a mix of uses; requires affordable units; requires EV charging ability in residential/commercial buildings.
Resources
  • The Planned Unit Development Ordinance from the 2009 Minnesota Model Ordinances for Sustainable Development provides guidance for emphasizing mixed use and residential-commercial adjacency. Some cities also incorporate a menu of community benefit requirements (via "amenity points"): a list of development flexibility options from which a PUD applicant can select. Each community benefit is assigned points, and the applicant must achieve a sufficient number of points in order to be considered for flexibility on zoning conditions. The menu of benefits includes a variety of sustainability options such as electric vehicle charging station requirements in large commercial or mixed-use developments (Golden Valley: 2017), green building certification, on-site renewable energy, geothermal-based HVAC systems, energy efficiency higher than the state building code, bicycle and transit amenities, use of car sharing programs for residents/businesses.
  • The American Planning Association published a 2007 inexpensive guide to Planned Unit Developments that offers ordinance examples and addresses legal and statutory issues.
  • See guidance on increasing EV charging in cities from Drive Electric Minnesota.
Order Number
3
Action Type
Finite