AgdaPkt 2004-04-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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!.�-� Text Amendment to allow a floor area ratio (FAR) exemption to accommodate the additional area for the retention of MSi. MSI is an important community resource and Abbott's agreer�ent to retain MSI on this property is significant. Abbott has allowed MSI to continue oper.�tions from the site rent- _ free since Abbott bought the property from Cargill in late 2000. 4 new MSI building is proposed as part of the Phase 1 site development. MSI's future operations have been relocated to the "fronY' of Abbott's property. This location gives MSI more visibility and fosters a relationship between MSI and the adjacent Port of Redwood City water-oriented uses. For MSI's permanent location, Abbott intends to either sell a parcel designed to accommodate the MSI building for a minimal fee (e.g. for $1.00) or lease the site to MSI for a nominal fee. Abbott has also agreed to provide MSI with design assistance, but they have not agreed to fund the construction. The existing MSI dock, which is attached to the north side of Abbott's property, would be left in pface for MSI. MSI would conduct educational programs inside their building, on their boat, and on Abbott's property along the proposed multi-use public-access path on Abbott's waterfront, which will have excellent views of adjacent wetlands. The City first established FAR limits in all of the industrial and some of the commercial zoning districts in the spring of 2001. At that time, it was decided that a conservative approach was most appropriate and the code was written to not allow for a vehicle to exceed FAR limits in any case. The FAR limits that the City established tended to be fairiy generaus and thus there was concern that the FAR limits would not fulfill their purpose if exemptions were readily available. Since FARs were new forthe City, the approach was to "wait and see" if there were unintended negative consequences. If there were, staff was instructed to bring amendments forward to accommodate special circumstances. In conducting the research for establishing Redwood City's FAR limits, many other cities FAR standards were considered. Other cities allow for special exemptions to FAR limits, which include a range of amenities, such as cafeterias, gyms, and in several cases, child care facilities. At several study sessions before the Planning Commission, the concept of FAR exemptions for child care facilities was discussed and the Planning Commission encouraged staff to pursue this concept for child care, and possibly for other types of amenities. At Abbott's Public Hearing on February 10, 2004, the Planning Commission considered two options for FAR exemptions, one based solely on the provision of a child care facility, and the other on the provision of a child care facility or an education facility open to the public. Both options had different limitations. The Planning Commission chose a combination of the two options and expanded upon them. They specified four types of amenities that should merit additional floor area when provided within large commercial or industrial developments: child care facilities; independent non-profit educationai facilities open to the public; open space for public use and enjoyment; and outdoor recreation facilities for public use and enjoyment. The Planning Commission Staff Report and Minutes are included in Attachment 3. The Abbott project appears to offer a context from which there is an excellent opportuniry to estabfish such a new standard.