A planned unit development (PUD) is a zoning tool that lets a large project, or a group of parcels, be designed and approved as a whole under its own negotiated standards, instead of lot by lot under the base zoning.
In exchange for flexibility on uses, density, setbacks, height or parking, the developer commits to a master plan and usually to public benefits such as open space, infrastructure or affordable housing. PUDs are common for mixed-use projects, campuses and master-planned communities. See master plan.
Parking in a PUD
- Parking ratios can be set for the project as a whole, often lower than base zoning, supported by a demand study. See parking demand analysis.
- Shared district garages can replace parking on every parcel. See shared parking.
- Phasing rules can tie garage construction to the pace of development.
- Transportation demand management commitments can be written into the approval. See TDM.
The Parkonomics view
A PUD is one of the best chances to get parking right, because the whole district is planned at once. Negotiate shared, phased parking and a monitoring requirement instead of carrying base-zoning ratios into the master plan.
Related terms: Master Plan, Land-Use Planning, Shared Parking, Parking Ordinances, Parking Minimums