Commission continues ordinance 25‑035 so developer can negotiate changes with neighbors; commissioners push code changes for public notice

Developer representatives asked the commission to continue Ordinance 25‑035 so they could finalize design revisions and reach a neighborhood consensus. Leslie Olsen of District Planning Group said the team needed more time to ensure majority support for proposed changes. The commission voted unanimously to continue the item to a later date and directed staff to re‑advertise the hearing once revisions are ready.

During public comment and commission discussion, several residents said the city’s notification rules — mailings to properties within 500 feet and small posted signs — were inadequate for significant zoning changes that affect many more households. Resident Perry Lloyd said he had to go door‑to‑door because only a handful of neighbors received mailed notice. Planning Director Kevin Freeman acknowledged staff has been reviewing how to improve notice procedures and sign standards and said staff is preparing potential code changes to increase radii and require larger, more visible notices. Commissioners supported shifting the burden and cost of enhanced notice to applicants (with affidavit proof of compliance) rather than city staff.

The commission asked staff to return with a code amendment that: considers increasing the notice radius (the county uses 1,000 feet in some contexts), standardizes notice sign size/visibility and procedures, and establishes an applicant affidavit process to document outreach. The continued ordinance will be re‑advertised after staff confirms scope and adequate notice.