Staff previews zoning‑code overhaul to encourage housing, add energy and signage rules

City planning staff presented a preliminary audit of the zoning code and outlined possible amendments intended to modernize development rules and spur redevelopment.

Alexa, the city planner, said staff launched an audit in the spring and noted the last comprehensive update to the zoning code was in 2018. She described three broad priorities: making it easier to build a wider variety of housing types (including accessory dwelling units), removing or reducing parking minimums to encourage redevelopment of large surface parking lots (particularly along US‑169), and adding clearer regulations for alternative energy systems and electric‑vehicle charging infrastructure. She also highlighted needed signage updates to reflect recent court decisions on free‑speech limits.

“By removing parking minimums, and making it where there's not the 150 foot wide lot requirement, we're hoping that might spur some property owners who have an excess of parking to consider redevelopment,” Alexa said. She emphasized that staff would not require breaking up parking lots but hoped to reduce barriers so owners might voluntarily pursue infill or mixed‑use projects.

Why it matters: Proposed changes could affect housing supply, the character of commercial corridors and the regulatory path for solar and EV infrastructure. Staff is drafting amendments in‑house and plans to present more concrete language to the commission in February or March, with final consideration tentatively targeted for late spring or early summer.

Staff requested commissioners review the draft ideas in their agenda packets and send comments within the next month.