Council Cuts Commercial Parking for First 1,200 Square Feet of Leased Space
City Council approved the zoning change to reduce the commercial parking requirement to attract small businesses to the City and enable adaptive reuse of older buildings.
Plans and Policies
Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) Considers T-Zone Project on Historic Property
At their August meeting, HARB received a proposal to build an 8-unit apartment building adjoining a historic property, taking advantage of the new T-Zone ordinance.
City Council Mulls Moving to a Fee-Based System for Solid Waste and Introducing an Organics Bin
In response to condo owners who are not eligible for City solid waste collection today, the City is exploring options that are more equitable. Options to reduce waste are also discussed.
Planning Commission, Citizens Urge Caution on Accessory Dwelling Framework during Community Discussions
Caution is urged and there is a need for data analyses of housing, tax, privacy, parking and environmental impacts of the accessory dwelling code proposal. Public awareness and townhall attendance is low.
Lee Park Townhomes is Approved, Planning Commissioners Reflect on the T-Zone Ordinance
After approving Lee Park Townhomes, the Planning Commission reflected on the results of the new T-Zone code – expensive and dense housing, little tree canopy onsite, consideration for inadequate stormwater drains.
Owners of Commercial Buildings Examined for Conflicts of Interest in Proposed Parking Reductions Ordinance
In an analysis, the Pulse found that two Economic Development Authority members either own or appear to have an interest in commercial buildings eligible for proposed parking reductions and reported on public Council discussion of conflicts of interest. In an update, the City Attorney finds no EDA conflicts of interest.
City Council Reviews Draft “Framework” for Accessory Dwellings Zoning Ordinance
Staff proposed a framework of parameters to be specified in the zoning ordinance for accessory dwellings – size, setbacks, parking, occupancy, rental conditions, conversions. Staff recommended values/specifications for each parameter.
Court Grants City Petition for Special Election to Fill Open City Council Seat
Court orders special election November 5, 2024, to fill former City Council Member Caroline Lian’s seat for the remainder of the term through December 31, 2025.
Planning Commission Public Hearing On Commercial Parking Reductions Delayed to September
Proposed parking reductions now limited to buildings less than 20,000 sq ft. New business tenants can exempt 1,000 sq ft when calculating their parking requirements, although the EDA, Planning Commission, Chamber of Commerce, ESC favor raising that number. The public hearing will be on September 4.