Wednesday, December 05, 2012 - Regular Planning ... - Polk County

Fort Fraser Trail and proposed drive-through traffic could create a conflict with pedestrians
entering and exiting the trail to and from these uses, staff has outlined in the amendment
additional pedestrian crossing regulations to ensure that the crossings are safe and pedestrians
can safely cross vehicle traffic created by the drive-through use. These criteria are:
• One-way traffic to allow pedestrians to scan for traffic in only one direction;
• Crosswalk markings that require motorists to stop for pedestrians;
• A raised crosswalk that provides direct access to a building entrance or curb extensions to
reduce vehicle speed and reduce the pedestrian crossing distance; and
• The provision of adjacent bicycle and pedestrian amenities, e.g., bicycle rack and
benches, to help channel pedestrians to the enhanced crosswalk.
Findings of Fact
1. This is an applicant-initiated request to amend the text of the Land Development Code to
amend Section 401.04.D, US Highway 98 Selected Area Plan-Modified Land Use
Requirements, Section 401.04.I, Ft. Fraser Trail and Table 4.12, Allowable Uses for US
Highway 98 SAP, to allow the uses Restaurant, Drive-thru/Drive-in and Financial
Institution, Drive Through in the Town Center-X (TCX) land use district in the US
Highway 98 Selected Area.
2. In accordance with Policy 2.131-RA4.H, only one Town Center is intended to be located
within the US Highway 98 Selected Area Plan.
3. The proposed amendment only affects the Town Center (TC) designated parcels within
the US Highway 98 Selected Area Plan.
4. The Fort Fraser Trail parallels the entire eastern side of the TC land use designation
within the US Highway 98 SAP.
Land Development Division Recommendation:
The Land Development Division, based on the information provided with the proposed text
amendment application, finds that the proposed text change request is CONSISTENT with the
Polk County Land Development Code and the Polk County Comprehensive Plan. Staff
recommends APPROVAL of LDC 12T-09.
Comments from Other Agencies: None
Planning Commission Staff Report Page 3 of 3
Level 4/JMB 12/5/2012 9:38 AM LDC 12T-09 December 5, 2012