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Nowthen council prioritizes zoning overhaul, lot‑split fixes and ADU discussion
Summary
Council members made streamlining zoning, clarifying lot‑split procedures and considering accessory dwelling unit rules the top priorities for 2026, asking staff and their planner to pursue parallel work to improve transparency and consider flat‑fee options for applicants.
The Nowthen City Council agreed during a goal‑setting session to make zoning reform and a clearer lot‑split process its top priority for 2026. Council members said residents are frustrated by long, opaque procedures and asked staff to pursue changes that could proceed in parallel with a full ordinance rewrite.
"Our process is far too cumbersome, takes far too long and it is exorbitant" for simple lot splits, a council member said, urging a review of fees and timelines. Councilors discussed a packaged approach — a consistent flat fee and a defined set of required steps — so residents would know up front what to expect and what services are included.
Planner Nash (the consultant referenced by staff) is preparing the ordinance draft. Council members asked staff to investigate what parts of the work can be done in parallel with the draft ordinance so citizens do not have to wait a year for routine changes. Miss Johnson said the current contract with the planner will continue but the council can consider committee work or targeted administrative procedures for simple lot splits.
Council members debated whether hiring a full‑time planner would help, but several members said Nowthen’s current application volume may not justify a salaried position; others suggested negotiating fixed‑price agreements with technical specialists (surveyors, engineers) to speed reviews when needed.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) also received early attention. Councilors said ADU policy could expand housing options but must address practical limits including septic, well capacity and occupancy rules. "We have to be very careful on what we do there," one council member said, asking for a phased approach and careful review of septic and well constraints.
Next steps: staff will (1) ask Planner Nash for a status update and timeline for ordinance drafts, (2) prepare options for a flat‑fee or packaged review path for simple lot splits, and (3) draft an ADU policy paper addressing size, occupancy and utilities for council consideration.
The council expects to include an updated zoning ordinance and a prioritized list of zoning‑related tasks in the 2026 work plan; no formal ordinance was adopted at the meeting.
