Planning staff launches public-facing code critique, aims to hire consultant in 2027

Staff told the commission that the city has procured a community‑engagement software package and expects to begin training and to launch an online site by mid‑August to solicit wide public input on the land development code. The objective, staff said, is to tie regulations to clear community objectives, make requirements measurable, and reduce unnecessary burden for applicants while protecting community character.

"We are supposed to start training on that either at the end of this week, or the beginning of next week," staff said, and described a two‑month code critique process that will include interviews with people who navigated the code, online topic prompts, at least one open house presented by the commission, and use of prior review comments to inform consultant requests for proposals. Staff told commissioners the goal is to have a consultant on board and beginning work at the start of 2027.

Commissioners asked about outreach and timing; staff said a new communications hire will expand outreach through local media and social channels and that public‑hearing items are typically known to staff about three weeks before a meeting so notices can be sent to the newspaper. One commissioner raised concern that the critique schedule has already slipped and urged the staff to keep the review focused and timely.