Council hears first readings of airport and commercial/animal‑care zoning amendments; planning commission recommended approval

The council opened two public hearings and heard staff presentations for two zoning amendments on first reading.

Senior Planner Winston Larson summarized Ordinance 28-37, which proposes reducing minimum side-yard setbacks in the airport zoning district from 20 feet to 10 feet and clarifying maximum building height where the airport zoning district abuts residential zones (allowing structures up to 18 feet in certain contexts). Larson said the proposed amendments implement the 2024 comprehensive plan, aim to maintain compatibility with aviation operations and surrounding uses, and reflect the planning commission's recommendation to approve the changes. The council offered the public an opportunity to comment; no members of the public spoke and the hearing was closed.

Larson then presented Ordinance 28-38, which would expand permitted uses in commercial and light-industrial zoning districts to include arts and vocational schools, gyms and fitness centers, health studios, and to establish definitions and new standards for animal shelters, daycare and boarding (including interior kennel/pen standards, setbacks from residential zoning and waste-disposal requirements). Larson explained the amendments are intended to create consistent land-use rules across similar districts and to address compatibility concerns near residential areas. The planning commission had reviewed the proposal and voted to recommend approval; staff recommended closing testimony and proceeding with first reading.

Both items were presented for first reading; council did not take final action that evening. Staff outlined council options going forward: adopt as presented, reject and direct staff to continue review, or modify and adopt as amended.