Staff previews design-review streamlining and schedules community meetings; commission asks to be notified about firefighter sign installation

In director comments, city planning staff told the commission they are preparing a draft ordinance to streamline the design-review process and to incentivize desired outcomes while reducing review requirements for non-historic properties. Staff said the work will include consideration of a citywide historic resource survey and could lead to changes in how the historic overlay is used.

The director described the approach as "streamline, incentivize what we want to happen, and require review of things that we don't," and said staff will seek funds for a citywide historic resource survey to better identify actual historic resources. Depending on survey results, staff may recommend adjustments to the historic overlay and bring draft ordinance language to the commission in the coming months.

Commissioners also asked for updates about the firefighter memorial sign and associated landscaping, saying several commissioners would like to attend any installation or dedication. Staff said the sign permit was approved and the sign installation and associated landscaping are in process; staff will follow up with the fire chief and notify the commission if there is a ceremony or notable installation date.

Staff reminded commissioners of upcoming public events: a city goals meeting Jan. 30 with public comment at 10:15 a.m., and a General Plan community meeting at 6 p.m. at Vintage House to discuss land-use directions in an informal, Q&A format. A presentation by local historian Jim Silverman about the plaza is expected to be scheduled for the commission's February meeting; commissioners expressed interest and staff said the February agenda would be arranged to allow discussion.

Staff said the ordinance and draft changes will come back to the commission for input before moving to the planning commission and city council.