Commission launches code-critique process and defers rotating-chair rule change to year-end

Planning staff told the commission on April 7 that a public 'code critique' will collect community comments before the city hires a consultant to update the Land Development Code. The critique will inform the consultant’s scope, and staff proposed sliding the engagement window back a few weeks to secure better online-interaction tools and to coordinate in-person forums.

Staff described the purpose of the critique as identifying real-world administrative and regulatory barriers and giving the community a chance to drive the consultant scope rather than having a consultant produce a top-down diagnosis. Staff said the city has set aside approximately $300,000 for the full code-update consultant contract and estimated consultant selection around September–October with a roughly one-year schedule for code drafting (absent map changes).

Commissioners supported the idea of public forums, including off-dais formats to encourage candid input, and suggested agendizing a standing opportunity for code comments at future meetings so residents can submit ideas without waiting through long agendas. Staff said the critique will be summarized for the commission and used to prepare the RFP for the consultant.

Separately, the commission discussed a proposed rotating-chair rule. Commissioners debated rotation, term limits, transparency and the practicalities for members who may lack bandwidth. Instead of adopting a rule change, the commission voted unanimously to defer the item to the last planned meeting of 2026 so members can further discuss options (term limits, annual rotation, or a standing pre-election agenda item to surface interest in the chair role).

Staff said they will return with a refined engagement plan for the code critique and noted the city will draw on best practices from other jurisdictions while guarding against consultant scope creep by using the critique as a community-driven input prior to hiring.