Commission previews zoning ordinance permitted‑use table update; staff seeks commissioner feedback

Planning staff provided a preview April 16 of a major zoning ordinance update, showing a draft permitted-use table that reorganizes zoning districts and expands or refines use definitions. The presentation was a status update rather than a formal action item; commissioners were asked to review the draft table and return comments.

Staff said the draft mixes Euclidean and form-based components, consolidates some districts and adds new and more-specific use categories. The goal is to make permitted uses and district expectations more predictable, reduce the current “kitchen sink” approach to older commercial districts and better align district choices with the city’s comprehensive-plan goals. Staff noted some uses are already required by state code (for example, fireworks sales limitations) and that the consultant and staff compiled a long list of uses from model codes and other jurisdictions.

Commissioners were asked to mark uses that seem out of place or to flag where definitions must be clearer (for example, how a “maintenance facility” might differ from an “auto service” use). Staff said they will supply the draft use definitions to the commissioners and that additional public-facing meetings and code chapters will follow. Commissioners welcomed the opportunity to review the draft and asked staff to provide printable formats and a mapping view to help evaluate where districts would apply on the city map. Staff said overlay districts — such as downtown and Uticott overlays — were not addressed in this session and will be considered later.