The University District, a unique community in our city, has experienced a great deal of change to its early 20th century development pattern.  The narrow lots once developed for single-family use are now typically converted to or replaced by rooming houses and apartments.  A lot may now house up to ten times the number of people it was originally developed for; further taxing an aging infrastructure.  Additionally, this population is more dependent upon their cars, resulting in abnormal parking issues. 

 The area was extensively studied before each zoning overlay was developed.  The current zoning overlay focused on four primary issues: reducing density, increasing parking, insuring compatibility of new development, and improving the livable environment.  The overlay provisions work collectively to control a wide variety of development circumstances.  Relying heavily upon a lot’s capacity to handle its development, the overlay provisions offer development flexibility while reasonably meeting stated community and quality of life objectives.

 Thus, the University Area Planning Overlay (UAPO) superimposes additional or more pertinent standards regarding typical zoning issues.  As a section within the Zoning Code, UAPO standards would be administered no differently than zoning staff would review other applications.

 In general, the UAPO applies only to projects within Residential Districts (R-2F & R-4) and Apartment-Residential Districts (AR-4).  Standards apply when there is either a change of use or construction of habitable floor area of 200 square feet or more.

 Additionally, a section of the UAPO establishes the University Area Review Board (UARB), an architectural review body that reviews and approves plans on an appropriate appearance basis.  The area subject to this architectural review process is a much smaller area surrounding the campus, known as the University Impact District.

 The UID was established in 1992 as part of the University Area Planning Overlay. At the time of inception the UID only covered the core residentially zoned areas adjacent to the University. In 2002 all properties abutting High Street were added to the Impact District and are now subject to the same Architectural Review procedures.