Planning staff outlines draft code changes on mobile food services, parking, encroachments and land disturbance

Planning staff presented a package of draft code changes and administrative improvements intended to clarify definitions, update parking standards and add new categories for mobile food services and recreational park types to the zoning appendix.

Staff said proposed edits include definitions for critical-lot development, mobile food services, and short-term rentals; changes to parking standards to address high-density residential and multifamily needs; clarified permitted encroachments within building setbacks; and a land-disturbance application and guide to improve stormwater review. The staff presentation noted issues with existing encroachment practices in historic commercial areas and said an adopted encroachment policy already exists for public-right-of-way encroachments under building codes.

Staff said the proposals are intended to create predictable, objective standards so applicants and staff rely on consistent rules rather than ad hoc determinations. The package will require further discussion, and staff warned that parking standards would likely be a longer public discussion. Planning staff also said an overlays discussion focused on the bypass area will be presented at the next growth meeting on Sept. 8.

No formal code changes were adopted at the meeting; the presentation was informational and staff will return with draft ordinance language and examples for commission and public review.