Carter Lake Council approves RFP to overhaul zoning code, sets 30-day window for proposals

The Carter Lake City Council voted to issue a request for proposals to hire a zoning-code consultant to revise the city's zoning regulations following a recent workshop on the comprehensive plan. Councilors approved the RFP and discussed scheduling and turnaround expectations for respondents.

Council members said the planning board and city council identified the need for a code revision during a joint workshop and that the RFP is intended to solicit firms experienced in zoning-code updates and cost estimates for the work. A council member asked staff to allow at least 30 days for responses so the proposals could be reviewed and, if needed, a special workshop or a committee meeting could be scheduled to evaluate submissions.

The vote to issue the RFP passed by roll call during the meeting. Councilors discussed options for how proposals would be reviewed, noting the city could either schedule a special workshop to examine returned bids or appoint a committee to make a recommendation to the full council. No consultant has been selected and the RFP does not yet specify an awarded budget; the city clerk indicated the RFP would be issued promptly.

What happens next: staff will release the RFP and collect proposals under the 30-day guideline the council endorsed. Council members said they expect to follow up with either a special workshop or committee review once proposals are received.