Code amendments under scrutiny

Two aspects of the Land Development Code could see changes after the Planning and Zoning Commission’s meeting Tuesday night.

The P&Z agenda includes two public hearings regarding amendments to the code. The first is an amendment that would remove the twice-per-year limit on the number of times the city will accept Preferred Scenario Amendments (PSA). At its Aug. 21 meeting, city council directed staff to remove the twice-per-year limit to avoid missing opportunities for development, especially from smaller developers who could be hindered by the time limitation. The proposed change would allow developers to submit PSA requests any time of year. 

P&Z also will hold a public hearing on an amendment to implement standards for neighborhood presentation meetings. The development code requires applicants for Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map adjustments to hold neighborhood presentation meetings to discuss their proposals with residents. Council directed staff to amend this process and provide standards regarding the location and decorum of such meetings. Staff is also recommending a change in the timing of the meetings. The proposed amendments would require the neighborhood presentation meetings to be held within, or near, the areas where requests are being made, and that decorum standards similar to those observed by city boards, commissions and councils be adhered to. Applicants must also hold these neighborhood meetings 20-28 days before the P&Z meeting where their requests will be heard. 

Planning and Zoning will meet at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, 630 E. Hopkins St. P&Z meetings are also streamed online.