Livingston board continues zoning code update after heated debate over downtown heights, short-term rentals and riparian setbacks

The Livingston Consolidated Land Use Board spent the bulk of its Oct. 8 meeting on a continuation of a comprehensive zoning code update, taking public testimony and debating text changes for height limits, parking, short-term rentals and riparian setbacks while noting map amendments will be considered by the City Commission.

Jennifer (planning staff) opened the staff report by reminding the board that, because of recent state law changes, the board is being asked to act only on text amendments and can only advise on map amendments. She told members the proposed code would limit the central business district (CBD) to a 60-foot height cap — the lowest the city can lawfully adopt under current state constraints — and would introduce a new Light Mixed Use (LMU) district capped at 36 feet in most locations (staff presentation).

The staff presentation also summarized changes to parking rules that follow the Legislature’s recent adjustments. Under the new text staff described, accessory dwelling units and several other classes of reuse can no longer be subjected to older off-street parking minima; instead, the draft applies a…