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Council considers requiring council sponsor for resident‑initiated text amendments
Summary
Staff asked whether the council wants property owners to obtain a council sponsor before staff spends time processing text amendment requests. Council favored requiring at least one council sponsor (ideally the district councilor) to ensure staff resources are used efficiently.
At the Jan. 14 work meeting, staff raised the topic of how property owners can initiate text amendments to the city land‑use code. Current code language allows property owners to initiate a text amendment; staff suggested narrowing that pathway to require a council sponsor or similar threshold so staff does not spend resources on proposals lacking elected support.
Staff proposed that applicants first consult their district council member and secure a council sponsor before staff initiates a formal text amendment process. Council members supported the idea generally, noting it would prevent staff from spending significant time on proposals unlikely to gain traction and would route applicants to their elected representatives for initial vetting.
There was discussion about whether one or two council members should sponsor an item, whether the sponsor must be the district councilor, and how to accommodate applicants who lack a good relationship with their district councilor. Staff said they will draft recommended code language and return for council consideration.
