Planning Commission Special Meeting Meeting

Detailed briefing

Planning Commission Special Meeting — February 2, 2023 • The body devoted the special meeting to zoning-code review following completion of the city master plan. Members said detailed review of existing land-use districts should be paired with broader study of newer zoning approaches before decisions are made. • Members agreed to enter a “learning mode” over the next two to three months. John will prepare background materials on three initial subjects: collapsing zoning districts, character districts, and expanding allowable uses. Discussion indicated these subjects may take more than one meeting. • The group identified other future study topics: mixed zoning and a two-level approach to nonconforming uses. Staff explained that one category could prohibit expansion of a nonconforming use, while another could allow limited changes if dimensional requirements are met. No code change was adopted. • A special meeting was put on the calendar for March 2 at 5:30 p.m. John said he could prepare material for the Feb. 16 meeting. Members also discussed a possible Planning Commission presentation to City Council, with March 6 as a soft target after the next learning session. • Short-term-rental staff reported that, after the Feb. 1 renewal cutoff, six prior license holders in restricted single-family districts did not renew. Five new applicants filled five openings, leaving 60 of 61 licenses issued in those restricted districts. The city had roughly 92 total short-term-rental licenses, versus 91 last year. One restricted-district license remained available. • The group expects to review a memo from City Attorney Raymer on short-term rentals at its next regular meeting if it is available. Members discussed reviewing the memo first and then deciding whether any action is needed. • Members also discussed preservation of historic or distinctive buildings and the reuse of demolition materials. Staff said historic review is generally handled through a historic-district ordinance rather than zoning, though zoning can include design-compatibility standards. No preservation or deconstruction policy was adopted. Worth watching: • Whether the city attorney’s short-term-rental memo is received and what follow-up the body chooses. • What zoning-reform materials and options are presented at the Feb. 16 session. • Whether the planned City Council update occurs around March 6. Upcoming: Feb. 16 zoning learning session; special meeting scheduled for March 2 at 5:30 p.m. Why it matters: The group is setting the groundwork for a zoning-code update that could affect housing options, neighborhood character, permitted uses, and short-term rentals.

Agenda items

• 5A · Zoning Code Review - Article 2 and 3discussed

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.

Related issues

• Zoning / Land Usediscussed
• Short-Term Rentalsdiscussed