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State approves Newport housing chapter; planning board and council to workshop zoning changes
Summary
Planning staff reported the state approved the city's housing chapter and said companion zoning language has been drafted; staff will propose a joint workshop with the city council and zoning board in December or January ahead of public hearings.
City planning staff told the board the state has approved Newport's housing chapter, clearing the way for companion zoning changes.
"I'm really happy to report that the state has approved the housing chapter," staff member Trish said. She explained the comprehensive plan (the comp plan) sets policy and values, and the zoning language — drafted by consultants — implements those policies. Trish said staff would propose a combined workshop for the planning board and city council in December or January so councilors can digest changes informally before formal hearings.
Trish said the council was inaugurated the previous Monday and staff will canvass the planning board for preferred workshop dates and propose them to the city manager. After the workshop, Trish said the council will refer zoning language back to the planning board for a consistency opinion; she noted the council process will include two council hearings (one hearing and one meeting) prior to public hearings on zoning.
Board members emphasized the importance of attendance to demonstrate alignment on housing expectations and acknowledged some community members may resist particular changes; staff said the proposed workshop is intended to provide context and allow time for adjustments before a public review period.
