Planned Unit Development

Standards

A planned unit development is a type of development approved through a special process that can allow for more innovative land use and design. Typically a PUD is located on a larger tract of land capable of accommodating a mix of land uses. The base requirements and process for a PUD are generally established in the zoning ordinance.

Though requirements vary by community, developers usually submit a preliminary plan and application for a rezone, which then goes through the legislative process for approval and modifications. Following legislative approval, the plan is shown on zoning maps, and the development within the boundary is subject to PUD zoning. This is followed by approval of the final plan, showing exact locations, improvements, and development standards for the PUD.

Under PUD zoning, flexibility may be provided regarding minimum site area and minimum lot size; allowable land uses; allowable density; infrastructure design and construction standards; site development standards, including setback requirements and building height, road and street widths; sensitive lands and open space requirements; parking; and transportation circulation and connectivity requirements. PUD zoning can encourage infill development and provide streamlined use approvals.

Benefits

The principal benefit of PUD zoning to the developer or landowner is the flexibility to deviate from established zoning standards. This flexibility can affect the use, density, and layout of a residential, nonresidential, or mixed-use development. A PUD may also relax the construction and design standards for required infrastructure, including streets.

The principal benefit of PUD zoning to the community is the protection of natural site amenities including scenic features. These include any sensitive areas including floodplains, wetlands, steep slopes, and soil and geologic hazards. A benefit to both parties is the achievement of efficiencies in land development by minimizing the length of roads, streets, and utility lines.

A community can provide the opportunity for PUD as a stand-alone zoning district, overlay, floating zoning district, or other mechanism. PUD standards may be applied to greenfield and vacant sites or infill and brownfield sites.

Weaknesses

The flexibility associated with PUD zoning may also be a source of weakness. While PUDs usually provide flexibility in use, density, and site design, they may not permit sufficient flexibility to meet the needs of the landowner or developer, and PUD zoning may go unutilized. Additionally, if PUD standards allow for liberal increases of allowed density, the higher density can essentially amount to a rezone of the development site, without complying with required rezoning procedures. As PUD zoning typically requires a negotiated development approval, the benefits of PUD may depend on the negotiation skills of community officials and the landowner or developer.

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