Planners outline five-meeting process to rewrite zoning ordinance; committee approves moving draft forward

The Committee on Bills on Second Reading voted to approve moving a draft zoning ordinance rewrite forward for the public hearing process after Planning and Community Development Director Jeff Belanger and senior planner Kristen Bixby described the steps to adopt a new code.

Belanger told the committee the adoption process for a zoning rewrite consists of five meetings: the committee consideration that took place Wednesday, a full board recommendation to set a public hearing, a public hearing (which he said would comply with state statute and likely be scheduled in November), then review at the committee on accounts and enrollment, and a final vote at the second meeting in December.

"The process for adoption of a new zoning ordinance or rewrite to a zoning ordinance is a five-meeting process," Belanger said. He and Bixby said the public hearing requires a 10-day notice under state law and that the likely hearing date would be the board’s November meeting.

Several aldermen asked whether the rewrite would affect a specific property on Edward J. Roy Drive. Belanger said the planning department "heard the residents of that area loud and clear and we would keep it as it is," and noted a court ruling specific to the parcel. "If something is legally established, a new zoning ordinance does not disturb it," he added, referencing nonconforming-use law.

Committee members moved and passed the motion to approve the draft for the next step. The motion to advance the draft was made by Alderman Barry, seconded by Alderman Fajardo; the chair called the question and members voted "Aye." Planning staff said the draft will go to the full board for a public hearing and then through the remaining steps of the five-meeting adoption process.

Kristen Bixby was introduced as the project manager for the zoning rewrite and will serve as a staff point of contact for questions and public comment.