Please place on the October 18, 2017 City Commission Agenda, a dual referral to the Land Use and Development Committee and to the Planning Board for an amendment to the Land Development Regulations (LDR) of the City Code to allow for a minimum hotel room unit size of 175 square feet for properties zoned under CD-2 along the Alton Road corridor.

In 2015, the City Commission adopted amendments to the CD-2, Commercial, Medium Intensity District zoning district, creating new development regulations specific to Washington Avenue, from 6th to 16th Streets. One of the regulations created for this area of Washington Avenue was to allow for smaller hotel room unit sizes in new hotel construction or conversions, provided larger public spaces are provided and with Design Guidelines. In this regard, a minimum unit size of 175 square feet was established. The rationale behind this proposed change was to encourage and incentivize hotel uses along Washington Avenue.

Along lower Alton Road, which is also zoned CD-2, a similar proximity to transit and walkable activities exists. As such, allowing for smaller hotel units within this area, or a more limited area of Alton Road, is consistent with previous policy direction.

Please contact my office at extension 6437 for additional information.