When you find the right property for your needs, but it is determined that you may need to create specific rules to make your project work right, you may need a different zoning method. The creation of a Planned Development District (or a new subdistrict) is a method of zoning La Sierra Planning Group is uniquely qualified to help. Our staff understand the dynamics between the permitting process and zoning regulations. We understand that sometimes regulations need to be specific to ensure that you can ultimately secure a permit to operate. Towards that end, we understand the need to draft language that meets the spirit of the ordinance as well as meet the needs of your project. This process is similar to a zoning application with required public hearings, community outreach, and lobbying efforts with commissioners and councilmembers. These cases vary depending on the needs of the client. Please look at our portfolio to see successful projects we have completed over the years and their range in scope. We hope that our expertise can be used to assist your project in becoming successful.
Our Work
White Rock YMCA
When presented an offer to construct a brand new YMCA facility, members of La Sierra were contacted to navigate the process to rezone a property and build a new branch. La Sierra staff recognized the challenges of building a new facility and keep the required parking and landscaping standards for the property. La Sierra staff prepared a planned development district to allow variances to the parking requirements, allow sidewalks to be placed within a certain zone between the curb and the property to allow ribbon placement, and allow for an electronic message board on their monument sign to provide announcements. La Sierra conducted community outreach and was able to secure neighborhood support for the proposals and a successful outcome at city council.
Megatel Homes
Megatel Homes hired La Sierra to create a one of a kind mixed use project. They converted 31 acres of industrial property into retail, multifamily, and outdoor recreation. The project includes a 2 acre artificial lagoon that will be open to the public. It is surrounded by a food hall, retail and fitness space and entitled to over 2500 multifamily units. La Sierra worked with Allyn Media to coordinate community outreach. La Sierra wrote the planned development ordinance to ensure landscaping, parking, density, and mixed uses would be permitted and platted correctly.
the Ervay Theatre
In trying to redevelop the property once owned by Jack Ruby, the owner of the Ervay Theatre approached the staff of La Sierra Planning Group to create a new subdistrict within the Cedars Planned Development District. La Sierra reviewed the property and prepared an application to address parking, landscaping, and signage allowances on the property. Staff of La Sierra worked with the Cedars Neighborhood Association to ensure the amendments were supported by the community. The final result allows the Ervay Theatre to activate its original marquee sign, allow a reduction in parking, and provide new landscaping to the property.
First Industrial
In looking to develop a new warehouse and distribution center, they located property that was covered by three different zoning districts. The staff at La Sierra Planning Group was asked to help navigate the creation of a new Planned Development Subdistrict to allow the construction of this new facility. La Sierra coordinated community outreach with 13 neighborhood groups to identify areas of enhanced landscaping, sidewalks, designated drive approaches to minimize impact with residential properties, and signage for the development. La Sierra staff worked with the city plan commissioner and city staff to ensure the language for the planned development district would satisfy all permitting requirements. All of these efforts proved successful as the city council approved the request for a new planned development subdistrict.
Centurion American
When Centurion American looked to redevelop the Buckner Retirement Home campus for single family homes, they contacted La Sierra Planning Group to manage their zoning efforts. La Sierra prepared an application for a planned development district to allow private streets and modify the density allowance for the property. La Sierra conducted community outreach to discuss the proposed development and work comments into plan revisions. In addition to this work, they coordinated lobbying efforts with city plan commissioners and councilmembers to secure approval for the project. The new development will include two and three story homes, landscaping mews, an amenity center, and gated entries.