Commission moves draft 2045 future land use map forward with edits to emphasize green space and walkability

Planning staff updated the commission on the proposed 2045 future land use map on March 17, reporting that the planning commission forwarded the map and compatibility matrix with a recommendation of approval. Staff said the packet includes an itemized list of property‑by‑property inset changes agreed with specific commissioners.

Commissioners Link, Myers and Wright described a series of district‑level edits and inset changes intended to protect historic neighborhoods, provide buffers between downtown and residential areas, and add language that promotes green space, plazas and activated third places in denser corridors. Commissioner Myers said she asked for text edits to two land‑use descriptions—minor corridor and mixed‑density residential—to explicitly reference green space and walkability so the categories reflect pedestrian amenities.

Staff and commissioners also discussed implementation tools. Planning staff said the map’s descriptive language is qualitative and not itself zoning law, but that implementation will proceed through a combination of zoning text amendments, small‑area plans, overlays, and private development proposals. A subcommittee (GIC) and a planning‑commission working group are drafting text amendments aimed initially at provisions that can benefit housing; staff indicated the first items could come forward as soon as summer.

Commissioners noted the county’s zoning code is decades old and will require systematic updates to align code with the map’s goals; they asked staff to pursue targeted code changes and small area planning as priorities. The commission did not take a final vote on the map on March 17; further edits and an April vote were anticipated.