01/14/2009 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• AGENDA ITEM V.A. STAFF ORIGINATOR: Jeff Smyser P & Z MEETING DATE: January 14, 2009 TOPIC: PUBLIC HEARING: Amending Subdivision Ordinance BACKGROUND The existing subdivision ordinance was adopted in 2003. The ordinance was almost a complete rewrite of the previous one that had been in effect since 1993 with only a few amendments. The 2003 ordinance has served us fairly well, but we have learned that some provisions needed clarification or correction. First, there are housekeeping issues that commonly arise in any type of ordinance. Second, state statutes and city procedures have evolved and the ordinance needs to reflect these changes. The third reason for considering these amendments now is that the City has undertaken the monumental administrative task of codifying all of its ordinances into the City Code using one consistent format. The City Clerk has been working on this for two years or more. The City is working with a consulting firm on the codification project. The consultant converted all the ordinances into a consistent format. Each department is responsible for reviewing the drafts of ordinances it administers. As long as we are doing this, it's an appropriate time for housekeeping, corrections, and updates. There will be another round of amendments in the foreseeable future after the comprehensive plan is adopted. Staff believes it is most efficient to make these currently proposed, relatively straightforward amendments now. The potentially more extensive revisions in the future may involve significant policy issues in a new comprehensive plan— issues that are not yet decided. The zoning ordinance also will need substantive revisions to implement a new comprehensive plan. The zoning ordinance is a very large document and amendments will require a series of meetings of the Planning & Zoning Board. The ordinance with proposed amendments is attached. Proposed text additions are underlined, deletions are shown in strikeeut. The formatting changes, such as changes in numbering of sections, are not indicated because that would result in a visually distracting document. However, citations of other sections are noted, and there are some notes that refer to probable future considerations. Staff will move through the ordinance, explaining substantive changes and answering any questions. When we make it through the ordinance and the Board is satisfied with the amendments, the next step is to forward it to the City Council with a recommendation of approval. There is no pressing need to finish it tonight, but if we don't, we hope to finish at the February meeting.