The City of Blaine has rolled out a series of amendments to its zoning code, with the most recent batch of changes introducing tweaks to everything from office definitions to development procedures and permitted uses. According to a document posted on the city's official website, the ordinance, numbered 24-2556, underscores additions while striking out superfluous terms to shape the 105th Avenue Redevelopment District (RD). Notably, the definition of "professional office uses" has been refined to exclude medical or clinics, marking a clear boundary for the types of commerce that can set up shop within the district.
Residents and developers looking to contribute to the fabric of Blaine's 105th Avenue will find a defined path laid out by the amended ordinance. All new buildings and additions are subject to site plan approval, and a development agreement is mandatory as part of the approval process. This agreement is comprehensive, covering aspects from building design to construction phasing and maintenance. In a move to streamline responsibilities, the ordinance states that the district will be under the jurisdiction of an owner's association, or similarly structured entity, to manage maintenance duties.
When it comes to the kind of businesses and residences that can plant roots in the RD, the city has delineated a list of permitted and conditionally permitted uses. Among the permitted uses are small grocers and multi-family residential arrangements, such as apartments and townhomes, as well as professional offices—sans medical or clinics—a variety of restaurants, and even a hotel. Conditional uses range from brewer tap rooms to buildings over 50 feet high and different types of recreational spaces.
The often-contentious issue of parking seems to have been a focus in the ordinance as well. Minimum parking space requirements have been stipulated, and the concept of shared parking has been broadened to provide flexible solutions. This includes the provisioning that shared parking arrangements must be recorded with the county and evidenced to the zoning administrator before any building permits get issued. Commercial establishments are now allowed to go into shared parking covenants, provided they're not more than 800 feet apart and that their use does not substantially conflict according to a parking analysis.
Lighting and signage within the RD have not escaped the City Council's attention either. The new rules state, "Any lighting used to illuminate...should consist of downcast style fixtures with a concealed or shielded light source," ensuring residents and businesses are not subject to invasive light pollution. On the signage front, there's a clear message: if it's not expressly permitted by the section or approved through site plan review, it's not allowed.
The recent amendments signify Blaine's dedication to shaping the 105th Avenue RD into a more regulated and refined area. Full details and specifics of the zoning code changes are available for public review on the City of Blaine's website.
