Amended PUD ordinance promotes pedestrian-friendly development
Laura Bond, Reporter
11-03-2009
Ruston’s aldermen unanimously approved changes to the city’s Planned Unit Development ordinance at the regular monthly meeting on Monday.PUDs are typically made up of a combination of commercial and residential developments, or various residential types, such as town homes and single-family detached homes.
The new alterations lessen restrictions for PUDs, making it possible for houses of varying lot size or commercial sites and homes to be located in closer proximity to one another.
“The aim is to mix things in a compatible way, such as where you might be able to have a home next to an ice cream shop,” said city planning administrator Pat Doane.
The introduction of the PUD changes stemmed from residents’ feedback through Ruston 21, the city’s master plan for the future.
The goal of the ordinance change is to promote the development of more green spaces and pedestrian-friendly areas.
Alderwoman Marie Riggs said the ordinance amendments are positive and will not negatively impact the community’s residents.
“I don’t fear it will in any way encroach upon our neighborhoods,” Riggs said. “We’re 10 years behind getting our zoning laws in place. I’m real excited about this and Ruston 21.”
Alderman Jim Pearce said he believes the changes will provide more opportunities for developers to be creative, while protecting the property values of existing neighborhoods.
PUDs can be located anywhere within the city, but they must encompass at least two acres or at least four acres if within a residential area.
Two key changes in the new PUD ordinance include:
• No minimum lot size or frontage. Lots for each structure can be of varying sizes. There will be a density requirement of no more than six units per acre in residential areas.
• Greater area reserved for open space and parks. PUD developers must set aside 10 percent of lot space for “green space.” The board of aldermen can approve a reduction of this percentage when the plan includes design features such as terraces, sculptures, fountains or preservation of unusual natural features.
The new PUD ordinance was first approved by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission and the Ruston 21 advisory and land use committees.
Other zoning changes are expected in the future stemming out of the Ruston 21 plan.
“Planning and zoning is never a finished job,” Mayor Dan Hollingsworth said. “As styles and trends change, we have to work with that. We also have to adapt to population growth and environmental factors.”
Doane said Ruston 21 is the city’s first comprehensive master plan since around 1960.
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