The zoning ordinance of the city has evolved over time as
most zoning ordinances do and with that evolution a chart was established to
provide concise information concerning what land use was available in what
zoning district. A second chart
established setbacks, size of lots, building heights, impervious coverage and
other data needed in administration of the code.
These charts change over time with additions and
changes. Footnotes were added to provide
specific requirements in one district or another. The charts had limited space so sometimes
they were a bit cryptic in what was shown, meaning the requirement was vague or
subject to too much interpretation. This
lack of clarity in the chart also lead to requirements being placed in the
definition section of the code or elsewhere making it difficult to know all the
requirements.
With that evolution a number of conflicts were created. These were found in both charts and in some
language of the code itself. Is the requirement
this or is it that when addressing the same question reading from two different
sections? These conflicts were problematic
on several fronts.
A goal was set to change the code from a chart format to a
narrative one. In other words each
zoning district would be listed separately.
Land uses would be shown that were Allowed, Permitted, as a Conditional
or Interim Use or Prohibited. Each zone
lists setbacks and other parameters that are pertinent for the district. This effort took a good deal of time. When conflicts were identified the Planning
Commission needed to determine how they wanted to deal with the question. Questions were also generated about some land
uses in some districts, reconsidering if that is what was wanted.
The process of review was completed. A public hearing was held. The Planning Commission recommended the
changes to the city council which were adopted by the council at their May
meeting.
These changes added a good number of pages to the zoning
code. However one of the benefits of
these changes is that if an individual wants to know what they can do with
their lot they can look at the zoning district where their property is located and
know what is required or allowed. It
reduces the hunting and looking at various sections to find the
information. The chart was maintained as
a reference but will not all inclusive.
The district specific language will prevail to hopefully avoid
conflicts.
