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Garden City adopts RM medium-residential zoning ordinance; council approves related CPA findings
Summary
The council completed third reading and adopted Ordinance 10-50-24 to create a new RM medium residential zoning district and approved associated comprehensive plan amendment findings (CPA FY2024-000044). The vote was unanimous June 9.
Garden City's City Council completed third reading and adopted Ordinance 10-50-24 on June 9, creating a new RM (medium residential) zoning district. The council also approved the related comprehensive plan amendment findings and the decision document associated with the ordinance.
City staff presented the ordinance and an associated decision document and legal memo. Jenna Thornborough, development services staff, summarized that Ordinance 10-50-24 establishes the RM district and that there were no substantive changes to the ordinance since the May 27 meeting. Legal counsel Charles Wadhams (city attorney) told the council he prepared a draft decision (findings of fact, conclusions of law and decision) and recommended procedural steps for the evening: a third reading by title; a motion to approve the decision document; and a motion to adopt and publish the ordinance.
Wadhams said the draft decision aligns the RM designation with the city's comprehensive plan, noting the plan specifically designates areas north of Chinden and west of Glenwood for medium density residential uses. He wrote that the ordinance and decision were structured to withstand legal challenge under applicable case law and that the matter is legislative in nature.
Council members praised staff work and public engagement. Council member Bill Jacobs said the change helps "get the municipal code to match the comprehensive plan," language Wadhams later quoted in the draft decision. Several council members thanked staff and the legal team for the work that produced the decision document.
The council conducted a third reading by title and then voted to adopt and publish Ordinance 10-50-24. The clerk recorded unanimous votes for the ordinance, the decision document, and approval of CPA FY2024-000044. The clerks' roll calls recorded yes votes from Council member Jacobs, Council member Jorgensen, Council member Page and Council member Rasmussen.
What the ordinance does: Ordinance 10-50-24 amends Title 8 development code chapter 2 to create a new RM zoning district (medium residential density). The decision document ties that new designation to specific comprehensive plan policies allowing for detached and attached dwelling units, including duplexes and townhomes, in the designated areas.
What remains: The council and staff discussed related code amendments in subsequent agenda items (citywide buffer, mixed-use changes and PUD code) that will require additional readings and hearings before they become effective. The RM designation adopted June 9 provides the city a zoning tool staff can later apply to specific neighborhoods through separate rezoning actions.
Votes at a glance: Third reading and adoption, Ordinance 10-50-24 — Adopted (4-0). CPA FY2024-000044 and associated findings/decision document — Approved (4-0).
