Updates to our City Code
I have supported, researched and helped draft a number of updates to our city code to better suit the needs of our residents. Among other changes, these updates include:
Changes to our Planned Unit Development Ordinance
Creation of a Buffer Yard Ordinance
Pedestrian Crosswalk Policy
Rental Ordinance
Construction Hours Ordinance
An amendment to allow residents more flexibility with outdoor storage.
Last summer, a number of residents started reaching out regarding code enforcement issues. These were mostly related to outdoor storage of recreational vehicles (such as boats, RVs, or snowmobiles), unoccupied trailers, and firewood. Additionally, many residents with unique lots with double frontage had especially limited space to store these items. After researching the issue, speaking to other mayors in our area and sending out a community survey I proposed a solution that gave residents more flexibility to store these items, as well as
- Code amendment text - Agenda Item 8A
An amendment to add performance standards to protect existing residents from disproportionately large non-residential conditional uses in residential zoning districts.
Another issue of concern was the lack of any reasonable limit to the size of assembly uses in residential areas. After significant discussion amongst the City Council and Planning Commission, I drafted language that allowed these uses to remain in residential zoning districts, while adding key performance standards including:
- Increased setbacks that scale proportionally to the square footage of the building
- A 50% limit on impervious surface
- Adding landscaping zones along property lines that abut existing homes
- Adding parking lot landscaping to screen headlights and require large lots to have internal landscaping, and
- Requiring the site has access to a road that can appropriately handle the traffic impact
- Code amendment text
- Additional Council discussion: Agenda Item 9B
