Commission narrows administrative adjustment flexibility to 10% and asks staff to revisit appeals timing

During the code workshop commissioners reviewed procedural sections that govern ministerial and administrative actions. A key change the commission directed is to lower draft administrative adjustment flexibility from 20% to 10% across dimensional standards (height, setbacks and similar measures), citing concerns that larger percentages could produce unexpectedly large built results and undermine neighborhood expectations.

"Twenty percent across the board felt like a lot," said Vice Chair Mead. Commissioners argued that 10% would provide modest flexibility while limiting surprises during design review; staff agreed to update the adjustment threshold in the draft.

The panel also questioned an appeals window in the draft set at 10 calendar days and asked staff to compile comparative examples from peer cities. Commissioners suggested that 10 calendar days is likely too short, especially for seasonal residents or during holiday periods; alternatives discussed included 10 business days or 14 calendar days. The commission asked staff to return with recommended language and implementation implications (for example, whether longer appeal windows delay final effective dates of approvals).

Finally, commissioners encouraged staff to publish a public dashboard or postings for administrative decisions so residents can track ministerial and discretionary administrative outcomes even where formal notice is not required before a decision.

Staff will reflect the 10% administrative adjustment limit in the revised draft and return with appeal‑period comparisons.