The request is to approve an ordinance which effectuates a 180-day moratorium on the issuance of building permits for multi-family residential developments in the city which have not already been initiated and which are being implemented in multiple phases.

The purpose of this agenda item is to allow the staff an opportunity to study and make recommendations regarding design and construction standards relating to multi-family residential housing in the city.

The City’s current Land Development Code does not contain design or construction standards relating to the establishment of residential structures.  As such, the city is left vulnerable to adverse safety and aesthetic design decisions. In that respect, it is recommended that the City establish design and construction standards in order to protect the value of our existing neighborhoods and ensure that future development is fitting to the community. Although design and construction standards are contemplated for all of the residential zoning classifications of the city in the future at this time I am recommending that the study and evaluation of possible standards apply exclusively to multi-family housing.

Therefore, please consider approving the moratorium as submitted.