Planning staff to review City Council’s temporary water-use zoning; permanent ordinance expected

The Planning Director, Nick, told the commission that the City Council enacted temporary zoning regulations limiting daily water use to 200,000 gallons and narrowed the code exceptions that previously exempted certain institutional and agricultural uses.

The measure takes effect as a temporary land-use regulation for 180 days. "As a temporary land use regulation, it's in effect for 180 days unless the city adopts an ordinance that makes those permanent," Director Nick said. He said the mayor must initiate a petition for an ordinance and staff expects to begin the planning commission process within weeks so a permanent code change can be considered before the temporary regulation expires.

Staff said the council’s action tightens existing exemptions and clarifies which institutional and government-operated facilities could be subject to the limit. Nick emphasized the timeline: "Hundred and 80 days is basically 6 months from now. So by the end of September, the city will have to have something in place." The director said the temporary regulation prompted the council to act because of current drought conditions; staff noted local snowpack and runoff are significantly below average this year.

Commissioners asked about how the planning commission’s review will fit into the 180-day period. Director Nick said the division will prepare the petition and analysis and add it to an upcoming meeting (likely in May), and that staff will support the commission’s deliberations on appropriate permanent standards.

The commission did not vote on the ordinance at the meeting; staff said they will return with formal materials and an implementation timeline.