Council adopts sweeping zoning code rewrite including density‑bonus program after contentious public comment; 4–2 vote

The Caldwell City Council voted to approve a comprehensive set of zoning ordinance amendments on April 21 that reorganize the city’s development code, revise landscaping and parking standards, restrict certain signage and establish a voluntary density‑bonus program that awards additional residential units for specific public benefits.

Joseph Dodson, principal planner, summarized the package as a major reorganization that moves provisions into clearer articles for residential, commercial and industrial districts, updates definitions and creates measurable standards for landscaping, buffers and multifamily design review. Key changes discussed at length included:

- A voluntary density‑bonus program that grants additional allowed units when applicants provide qualifying public benefits such as deed‑restricted affordable housing, enhanced open space or other amenities. The ordinance requires deed‑restricted affordable housing approvals that seek a density bonus to be considered by the City Council via a council‑level special use…