Council reviews multi-section UDO text amendments affecting setbacks, signage, temporary uses and appeals

City planning staff summarized several proposed edits to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) at the May 12 meeting, describing changes intended to streamline development approvals and modernize definitions.

Key changes described by Mr. Johnson include: adding microlading, permanent and semi-permanent makeup to the definition of personal services so those uses can be primary rather than accessory; removing liquor and package stores from the general retail category because they have a separate classification; reducing front-yard setbacks in established/historic areas (East Highlands, East Winton) so affordable-housing builders do not need frequent appeals; adding a minimum height standard for freestanding signs in the Second Avenue overlay; requiring auto-repair work to occur indoors; revising the board-of-zoning-appeals tabling rule (allow one table, then deny on a second tie/no-action to avoid indefinite delays); and simplifying temporary-use date requirements.

Council asked for follow-up information and examples of applications to understand the practical impacts before taking final action. Mr. Johnson and staff said they will provide more details and bring the item back for vote at a subsequent meeting.

Representative quote: “We’re trying to make this easier for especially for CHOs and affordable housing operations where they don’t have that extra layer of government they have to go through and pay that extra fee,” Mr. Johnson said when describing setback changes.

What happens next: staff will supply additional practical examples, timing and proposed ordinance language revisions; council will consider the UDO text amendment at a later meeting after review and Q&A.