Lowell finishes major municipal code update, launches searchable online codification; council checks accessibility compliance

City Administrator Max Baker told the council the city has completed the final module of a substantial municipal code codification and update, describing it as one of the largest such projects the city has undertaken in some time. The update covers the downtown master plan, new building standards, zoning consolidations from a mass rezoning, ADU standards, downtown development requirements, FEMA flood plan updates and a new building-department fee schedule. Baker demonstrated the new online municipal code system on the city's website (lowelloregon.gov), showing that users can search the code, print, email, and download sections in Word format and also compare prior versions to the current text.

Baker said the searchable system will save staff time when preparing code-enforcement letters and will make it easier for developers and other jurisdictions to access Lowell's ordinances. He noted that during a recent comment period someone had used outdated code information, and that having the current, automatically updated online code is important to avoid that confusion. Council President Jimmy Murray raised concerns about upcoming federal website accessibility requirements and an April 26 deadline for cities; Baker said Municode (which also provides the site through CivicPlus) had assured him Lowell would be in compliance by the April 27 deadline and described accessibility features including screen-reader compatibility, mobile/desktop versions and AI assistance for users with vision, hearing or different language needs.

The council did not adopt new policy during the demonstration; staff presentation focused on user functionality, version history and anticipated savings in staff time for document production. Staff will continue to monitor accessibility compliance and provide updates as needed.