Port Royal council approves consultant to finish zoning-code review ahead of moratorium deadline

Council approved paying the next phase of a contract with Moser Design Group to complete a comprehensive zoning-code review intended to update the town—ode to 2025 standards and help direct future development.

Noah, a planning official, told the council the work has focused on grouping related chapters and design standards so staff and the planning commission can review coherent packages rather than piecemeal changes. He said three of ten chapters had been discussed in detail and the team expects to assemble a full draft package to bring to the planning commission for recommendation before presenting to council (S10).

"We are looking at putting a full package together... the goal has ultimately always been to at least have anything that reflects on multifamily development done prior to the termination of the multifamily moratorium," Noah said (S10). He estimated about three months to complete the remaining work.

The consultant, Lauren Kelly of Moser Design Group, was introduced as having form-based code experience in nearby municipalities; council members asked about timeline and public review. The council approved proceeding so staff would not be left to compile pages of edits alone and so the consultant could deliver a cohesive draft for public consideration (motion approved on voice vote).

Next steps include continued planning commission work sessions, more public outreach and a formal recommendation to council before any ordinance changes are adopted.