Lafayette — The City Council approved an exception to development fees for the Park Theater Trust’s renovation, allowing the trust to use the sidewalk and adjacent parking areas for construction without paying the usual fees required by Lafayette Municipal Code.

City staff (Speaker 5) explained the code allows the council to grant an exception when a privately managed project functions as a city‑sponsored activity providing a significant communitywide benefit. The staff report recommended findings under Lafayette Municipal Code (staff cited "code section 3-205 b to c" in the presentation). Councilmember (Speaker 11) disclosed she serves as an uncompensated Park Theater Trust board member and participated after a city attorney consultation.

Councilmembers noted the city contributed $500,000 toward the Park Theater’s earlier purchase and rehabilitation; Councilmember (Speaker 2) moved to find that the project meets the code findings and to approve the exception. The council voted in favor by voice vote.

Councilmembers said the waiver is intended to direct more funds to theater rehabilitation and that the action is a limited exception rather than a blanket policy change. Staff will return with implementation details for permit processing and any conditions attached to the fee waiver.