COM 0411.000 2012-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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eTh REASON FOR THE REQUESTS The primary purpose of this change of zone request is to amend the A-la and RS-10 zoning districts to the UNV zoning district to conform to the University Use designation in the Hawaii County General Plan(refer to Exhibit C). The 312 acres that comprise the UHH main campus is zoned A-la and RS-10,historical designations applied with the adoption of the Zoning Code in 1967. The initial and continuing development of the UHH main campus was permitted within the existing RS-10 zoning • district as a"public use"under Chapter 25,Zoning Code,Section 25-5-3 (12)(Permitted Uses in the Single-Family Residential district),that permits"public uses and structures, as permitted under section 25-4-11." Section 25-4-11(c)states"Public uses, structures and buildings and community buildings are permitted uses in any district,provided that the director has issued plan approval for such use". The subject area is also designated "University Use"on the Hilo Community Development Plan since its adoption in 1975 nearly forty years ago. On August 1,2007, a new University District zoning designation(UNV)was established by Ordinance No. 07 104 to specifically allow university related uses in this section of Hilo. The ordinance states"university and college campuses should be treated distinctly from other zoning districts to provide greater flexibility in establishing a mix of uses which are intended to enhance the campus environment of a university or college." The requested UNV zoning reflects current as well as proposed university- related uses and is a more appropriate designation for the land uses in this area. The height limit of 60 feet in the UNV zoned district versus the 35-foot height limit in the RS zoning district would allow for greater design flexibility for the expansion of the university. Plan Approval will be required for all new structures and additions to existing structures in the UNV district, and 20%of the UNV district's land area may be in commercial use including parking,thus allowing additional options for land use planning purposes. The greater flexibility under the UNV designation will facilitate the expansion of the university to accommodate the growing needs of both students and residents in the nearby community. • As previously mentioned, a UNV zoning designation would also be consistent with the existing General Plan designation of University Use, an area generally identified -3-