Commission adopts broad zoning code updates to reflect recent state law changes including SB 840 and small‑lot rules

The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a comprehensive text amendment to the Unified Development Code on Aug. 25 to align local regulations with recent changes in state law, including provisions commonly associated with SB 840 and a separate statute governing small‑lot development.

Planning staff (Savannah) told commissioners the amendment updates many articles across the UDC and appendix W. Key points staff highlighted:

- Senate Bill 840: the amendment implements state direction that multifamily and mixed‑use residential development may be permitted in districts that allow office, commercial, retail or warehouse uses, and that municipalities cannot impose certain restrictions that are more stringent than state law (for example, arbitrary higher parking minima, lot‑size limits beyond the statute, or requirements that would effectively ban multifamily where state law allows it). The city will now administratively approve site plans for multifamily and mixed‑use residential projects that meet the state’s Chapter 218 requirements, rather than requiring a governing‑body approval for routine site‑plan decisions.

- Small‑lot rules (Senate Bill 15 referenced in staff presentation): the code now incorporates the state‑defined small‑lot dimensions and setback minima for small‑lot single‑family development (for small‑lot plats of five or more lots, a required 30‑ to 31‑foot street with alley access and one off‑street parking space accessed from the alley).

- Parking: the city adjusted parking tables. For small‑lot single‑family units, one off‑street parking space accessed from a rear alley is required; for multifamily the code retains preferred parking standards but acknowledges state limits (the city may not require more than one parking space per unit under the statute). Clubhouse and leasing‑office parking calculations were added.

- Notices and signs: the code is updated to require one zoning sign per street frontage (state law specifies minimum sign size) and to require legal notices be published on the city website in addition to the local paper; the city added a $50 zoning‑sign fee to cover larger sign costs.

- Administrative and procedural changes: concept‑plan requirements for PDs were adjusted, the role of the Planning & Zoning Commission in certain advisory‑committee functions was updated to match state law, and staff clarified which deviations require a formal zoning change vs. administrative denial.

Savannah said staff prepared a table that maps each state bill to corresponding amendments in the UDC and appendix W. Commissioners praised staff for the extensive work and unanimously moved to close the public hearing and approve the text amendment as recommended by the Development Review Committee.

The changes will alter how multifamily and mixed‑use developments are reviewed, update parking and small‑lot standards, and implement new notice and sign requirements. Staff said some development standards not covered by state law will default to the city’s MF‑3 or mixed‑use development standards.