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Consultants tell Lincoln planning commission the 1979 zoning code needs a user‑focused, citywide reorganization
Summary
Opticos Design’s pre‑study recommends reorganizing Lincoln’s Title 18 into clearer divisions, consolidating definitions, adding tables/diagrams, clarifying relationships with specific/general development plans and improving administrative procedures; staff will seek council authorization to begin a formal code update and working group.
Opticos Design Inc. told the Lincoln Planning Commission on July 23 that the city’s zoning code (Title 18 of the Lincoln Municipal Code), last comprehensively updated in 1979, would benefit from a citywide reorganization to make it easier to navigate and apply.
Cecilia Kim, an Opticos consultant, summarized the firm’s pre‑study and said the update should consolidate definitions, relocate scattered content into logical chapters, and present allowed uses in a single, easy‑to‑read table. Roger Forman, Opticos’ assessment lead, recommended clearer dimensional standards (height, length, footprint) accompanied by diagrams and a single division explaining measurement methods.
Opticos also recommended clarifying how the zoning code interacts with the city’s many specific and general development plans, which currently can leave users uncertain which standards apply to a given site. The firm proposed maintaining a matrix that cross‑references code topics with each specific plan so applicants and staff can see at a glance which regulations control.
On administrative procedures, Opticos urged adopting objective standards where appropriate to enable streamlined approval processes but also including an objective adjustment mechanism to allow limited, documented flexibility when strict application would cause unintended results. The consultants suggested that objective criteria for deviations reduce the need for negotiated waivers.
Staff said the pre‑study memo will be finalized and brought to City Council to request authorization and a contract to start the full code update. Staff also recommended forming a working group of city staff and community members, and noted existing industry working groups (including a BIA industry working group) would be engaged during the process. No formal timeline was given; staff said the scope and contract terms will determine scheduling.
Commissioners asked about early stakeholder engagement. Several suggested structured work sessions with major local developers and homeowner representatives to solicit practical feedback during drafting. A public commenter urged stronger search tools and noted potential value in searchable, consolidated digital code resources; staff and IT cautioned that off‑the‑shelf AI tools present security and liability risks and must be evaluated carefully.
Next steps: staff will finalize the pre‑study memo, return to City Council for direction and contract authorization, then begin the public outreach and drafting process if council approves initiation of the zoning code update.
