At the Nov. 20 meeting, the planning director updated the commission on several near‑term policy items: review of the School Street Plaza submittal, an urgency ordinance to update accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations before the Jan. 1 state deadline, planned 2026 updates to the open‑space element to incorporate state environmental‑justice requirements, and ongoing BPAC (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee) work.

The director said the town will likely adopt the ADU changes as an urgency ordinance at the Dec. 3 council meeting to avoid losing the town’s ADU rules and then return the ordinance to the planning commission for review. On open space, staff said the state’s environmental‑justice changes require a few targeted revisions to the general plan’s open‑space element and that the Fairfax Open Space Committee is expected to help with the work in 2026. The director also said, “We haven't forgotten about Dark Sky,” and suggested a holistic approach that includes public streets and private property once the new public‑works director is engaged.

Commissioners asked for additional clarifications about AB 1409 (safety element requirements) and evacuation‑route analysis; staff said the town will seek state guidance and coordinate with the fire department. Commissioners also requested updates on formula‑business code work and any changes to teleconferencing/Brown Act rules that may affect future meetings.