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Consultants outline development code overhaul: clearer structure, redlines and phased updates promised
Summary
Consultants from Logan Simpson presented a development code assessment recommending reorganization of code structure, clearer administration procedures, a separate uses chapter, streamlined development standards, alignment of subdivision rules with long-range plans, and updates to supplemental standards including oil-and-gas setbacks; staff will return redlines and a summary of changes.
Consultants from Logan Simpson presented the city’s development code assessment and recommended a phased, user-focused overhaul to make the code easier to read and apply.
Caleb Jackson of Long Range Planning framed the project as an effort to "clarify, calibrate, and streamline" the code so it aligns with the city’s long-range planning goals and is easier for applicants and staff to use. Reese Wilson of Logan Simpson said the current code organization is scattered and often difficult to interpret; the team’s primary recommendations include reorganizing code chapters, creating a dedicated uses chapter with use-specific standards, consolidating zoning district content, and improving administration procedures (clearer review steps, defined roles, and simplified tables).
Wilson highlighted several substantive topics: cleaning up PUD standards to avoid their use to circumvent other rules, consolidating zoning and overlay content to reflect long-range planning intent, simplifying dense development standards (parking, residential and nonresidential design, and architectural requirements), and right-sizing parking ratios by area or use with consideration of multimodal transportation. On subdivision standards, consultants flagged a misalignment with the comprehensive plan and transportation master plan and proposed aligning street types, easement standards, and traffic-calming/access-management tools with public works requirements.
Consultants also recommended updating supplemental standards to address specific uses (telecom, gravel pits, on-site refuse), add clearer oil-and-gas setbacks and site standards, and include standards for alternative energy and urban agriculture so staff need fewer ad hoc interpretations. "One of the key recommendations that we're considering is reorganizing the development code to make sure that it's more user friendly, and that it's easier to read and understand what's being regulated in the code," Wilson said.
Commissioners requested redline/side-by-side documents and narrative explanations for major structural changes; staff and consultants agreed to provide draft ordinances in both redline and clean forms and to circulate summaries that show how the old code maps to proposed changes. Jackson said the project will move into code drafting and that the team anticipates one or two rounds of code updates this year, followed by additional phases as budget and priorities allow. The West Side area plan and a form-based code component will be presented at upcoming meetings; consultants invited commissioners to a West Side tour and an open house on January 26 to review plans and form-based code work.
The presentation closed with an invitation for further feedback; consultants will revise the assessment report based on commission and stakeholder feedback and return with draft ordinance language and supporting materials.
