Zoning Code Update

The city’s Comprehensive Zoning Code Update is on today’s City Council agenda, item Q-2. I’ve submitted public comments and they should be posted this afternoon as an addendum to the agenda.

I’ve been following this effort for quite awhile now, and I haven’t found it a smooth process. The city’s changes to the Home Occupation section have produced conflict with existing businesses that has already spilled into city council meetings. Regarding the Home Occupation section, I’d like them to either remove all changes—or make and approve the fixes to the home occupation section as-needed to keep people working. There have already been local residents questioning these changes and I expect there may be more in attendance tonight.

But then, let’s fix the Home Occupation section right—by holding separate Ad Hoc meetings to sort it out with people that know these businesses first hand and to open it up to public discussion. That is my recommendation.

I expect the council could approve the remaining zoning code update—first reading—with the caveat that it will be reviewed further and possibly amended in the near future. But I would be happier if they sent the document back to the Planning Division for improvements.

Recommendations

1. Pull the Home Occupation section from the update and propose a Home Occupation Zoning Code Update Ad Hoc Committee be placed on the December 17, 2023 City Council agenda after the seating of the new city council. As one of my first efforts as the new District 3 City Council member on December 17, 2024--I will propose and offer to lead a Home Occupation Zoning Code Update Ad Hoc Committee.

The Home Occupation section as proposed is not clear and it’s overly complicated. It needs work. It will not be repaired completely and correctly via this City Council meeting item.

2. As a witness of the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update development process, as someone that has attempted to participate, and after reviewing this final draft result---I cannot recommend approval for the following reasons:

a. This was not a public process

b. Public questions and comments were left unanswered and ignored

c. It’s not clear the document is written for its intended audiences

d. The document is not ‘reader-friendly’.

e. Use and dependence on the Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee (HCOC)

Yes, this update document does provide some improvements, but I believe it needs more review. It has not been handled as an open and public process. It has not proven to be a ‘reader-friendly’ document. The hyperlinks aren’t even active.

My recommendation is to send this document back to staff for improvements.

You can read my complete public comments submission here: Public Comments Item Q-2 Comprehensive Zoning Code Update