Colfax council approves zoning code cleanup to add 'public quasi public' uses; second reading set for April 8

The Colfax City Council voted March 25 to introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 17 of the municipal code to add a "public quasi public" zoning category and to rezone four city properties from a special public service designation to public quasi public.

Kathy Peace of planning services told the council the change is a cleanup to align the code with the general plan and would not change the allowed uses on the properties. "There are 4 properties that make up about 95.5 acres. This includes the wastewater treatment plant, the Sierra View Community Center, the old landfill, and the Veterans Memorial Hall," Peace said during her presentation and recommended the council "introduce the proposed ordinance by title only, conduct a public hearing to adopt the ordinance, and amend the zoning map, waive the first reading, and schedule the proposed ordinance for a second reading at the next regular city council meeting currently scheduled for April 8."

Peace said staff found the amendment exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act because the project would be consistent with the general plan. The council received no public comments on the item, and a motion to approve item 5B carried by voice vote.

The ordinance, as described by staff, would amend the zoning map to reflect the new public quasi public districts while leaving permitted uses unchanged. Staff also said property owners received advance notice and the city published the hearing notice in the local paper.

The council scheduled the second reading and final adoption for the April 8 meeting. If adopted at second reading, the map and code amendment would be effective per the ordinance's terms following final adoption.