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Commissioners map timeline for new development code and waterfront overlay; council pursuing urban renewal feasibility study
Summary
Planning staff reported a timeline aiming for a summer release of a revised development code that will incorporate a waterfront overlay; council has authorized a feasibility study for an urban renewal district and plans a town hall for community input before further action.
Planning staff told commissioners the draft new development code is advancing and work continues to integrate a waterfront overlay zone. Staff said the effort focuses on identifying which existing provisions will carry forward and which will change; the overlay material will be merged so the public can clearly see what is different. The commission discussed a target of completing the draft and receiving legal and DLCD review in advance of public hearings this summer.
Staff described using track changes, color coding and highlighting so reviewers can more easily identify substantive edits versus boilerplate language. Commissioners emphasized that marking the changed sections will help citizens and reviewers focus on the updated material.
On related policy, staff reported that the city council held a workshop on urban renewal and established a feasibility study; council expects a community town hall before deciding whether to pursue an urban renewal district. Staff said they are assembling a public engagement agenda and materials for the town hall to educate residents and gather feedback.
Commissioners also discussed specific definitions and use categories in the draft code. They asked whether the state definition of "bed and breakfast" must be adopted locally; the city attorney (John) said the state does not mandate local language and offered to verify the correct approach before the commission proceeds. Commissioners expressed a preference for owner-occupancy or a conditional requirement for local bed-and-breakfast uses if the goal is local accountability.
Another substantive point: the draft initially limited day care centers to six children but staff noted the state definition allows up to 16; commissioners asked counsel to confirm whether adopting the state definition would change local allowances and to report back.
Commissioners and staff agreed the next steps are finalizing the draft text, completing internal reviews (including a legal check by the city attorney), ensuring DLCD has adequate review time, and scheduling public outreach (town hall) before any formal council action.
