Council approves code change to allow limited rebuilding of non-conforming structures

The council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2026-O-02 on Jan. 6 to revise the Form-Based Code’s non-conforming-structure rules. Planning Director Wendelin Knobloch explained the amendment: "Rebuilding and limited expansion of a non-conforming structure is now possible if the use is allowed, the new building footprint does not exceed the original building footprint by more than 20%, and the expanded or rebuilt non-conforming structure matches the aesthetics of the original non-conforming structure or is in compliance with the requirements of Section 17-7-11.6 (Building Types)."

Staff reported that required public notice under Section 17-3-9.B was provided and concluded the proposal met code-amendment criteria in Section 17-3-1(F) because it advances General Plan objectives for preserving Historic Main Street character and clarifies code interpretation. No public comments were received during the hearing; the motion to approve was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote with Council Members Paul Glover, Heidi Robinson, Bryant Brown, Denece Mikolash and Bonnie Billings all voting Aye.