10-14-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Lastly, it is important to note that dividing this process into chapters and approaching it over 2-3 years is not ideal due to the current configuration of the zoning code and how it is used. Each section of the zoning code is linked to each other and it proves, in my experience, a much better process to take a comprehensive approach (delete all amendment) rather than a piece-meal approach. Strategic Plan: The City’s strategic plan notes two plan objectives that highlight the importance of amending the Zoning Code, these are listed below: 1. Creating Operational Efficiency • The City’s Zoning Code is foundational to the health, safety, and general welfare of the community and proper efficient administration of the code is paramount to using the document in day-to-day operations not only the Community Development Department, but the City as a whole. An up-to-date Zoning Code is necessary to continue providing excellent customer service to the community and increase efficiencies within the department in terms of interpreting the code and processing land use applications. 2. Maximize City’s Assets to Catalyze Development • An update to the City’s Zoning Code is not only long overdue, but will be instrumental in carrying out the vision of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan in terms of land use, economic development, and redevelopment goals. An update to the code would accelerate and amplify the vision Little Canada has for development and redevelopment within the City and will alleviate confusion of conflicting regulations, zoning districts that are unclear in provisions and underutilized, and provide an opportunity to be more business friendly to developers and business owners. Comprehensive Plan: Within the current Zoning Code, Section 901.030 Relation to the Comprehensive Plan states, “It is the policy of the City of Little Canada that the enforcement, amendment, and administration of this Ordinance be accomplished with due consideration of the recommendations contained in the Comprehensive Plan as developed and amended from time to time by the Planning Commission and City Council of the City. The Council recognizes the Comprehensive Plan as the policy responsible for regulation of land use and development in accordance with the policies and purpose herein set forth.” The Metropolitan Council states that once your Plan has gone through the review process by the Council and placed into effect, there are a few more steps to take before you are finished with your comprehensive plan update, including within nine months of final action of the Plan, communities must: • Adopt official controls as described in your adopted comprehensive plan update. • Adoption of official controls or fiscal devices that conflict with your comprehensive plan within nine months following adoption of your plan.