During the Newport City Council meeting on October 6, 2025, significant discussions centered around the adoption of Ordinance Number 2025-06, which includes a series of housekeeping amendments to the Newport Zoning Ordinance. The ordinance aims to address discrepancies and outdated provisions within the zoning code, ensuring that it remains relevant and functional.

Derek Tokos, the Community Development Director, presented the staff report, explaining that the amendments are necessary due to the accumulation of various code changes over the years. He emphasized that the ordinance is not intended to introduce major policy shifts but rather to clean up existing regulations and improve their coherence. This includes correcting erroneous citations and updating sections that have not been revised in decades.

Notably, the ordinance incorporates mandates from two recent House Bills passed during the 2025 legislative session. These bills require adjustments to zoning regulations, including modest density increases for single-room occupancy and affordable housing units, as well as expanded permissions for residential care facilities in commercial areas. Tokos highlighted that these changes are not optional, as they are mandated by state law.

The council opened the floor for public comments on the ordinance, but no members of the public chose to speak. Following this, the council moved to finalize the adoption of the ordinance, which passed unanimously.

In addition to the zoning amendments, the council also addressed Ordinance Number 2025-05, which pertains to updates in the wastewater facilities and goals within the Newport comprehensive plan. This ordinance is expected to enhance the city's infrastructure planning and ensure that wastewater management aligns with current and future needs.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to maintaining an effective regulatory framework that supports community development while complying with state mandates. The adoption of these ordinances reflects ongoing efforts to streamline city governance and improve the quality of life for Newport residents. Further discussions on the wastewater facilities ordinance are anticipated in upcoming meetings, as the council continues to address critical infrastructure issues.