We're looking at updating our zoning districts to allow for more flexibility in how land gets used around town. Here's what we're considering:

What's changing:

Right now, we have areas zoned as "Mixed Use" and "C4." We're thinking about switching these to two new categories:

• CR-H (Commercial-Residential Hybrid): This would replace our current Mixed Use zoning. The idea is to allow a mix of housing (apartments, condos), shops, offices, and services all in the same area. These wouldn't all have to be in the same building, just in the same general neighborhood. We're thinking this would work best near major intersections where people already go for shopping and services.
• CI-H (Commercial-Industrial Hybrid): This would replace what's currently zoned C4 along Highway 13. It would allow both light industrial businesses and regular commercial businesses to set up shop in the same area.

We'd love your input:

• Does this kind of flexible zoning make sense to you? Would you like to see neighborhoods where you can live, work, and shop all within walking distance?
• Do you think these mixed-use areas would work best near major intersections and along Highway 13, or would you put them somewhere else?

Let us know what you think.

We're trying to make our zoning code less confusing and more user-friendly. Right now, it can be pretty complicated to figure out what you're allowed to do with your property. 

Here's what we're proposing:

• Easier to understand land use rules: Instead of having complicated charts scattered throughout the code, we're putting everything into just 2 simple tables—one for residential properties and one for commercial/industrial properties. This should make it way easier to look up what's allowed on your property.
• Simpler setback rules: Right now, the rules for how far your building needs to be from your property lines use percentages, which can be confusing to calculate. We want to switch to fixed distances (like "15 feet from the side property line" instead of "20% of the lot width"). Much easier to measure and understand.
• Smaller front yard setbacks: We're proposing to reduce how far back from the street your house needs to be. This would give homeowners more flexibility to add a room, expand their garage, or make other improvements without running into zoning issues.

We'd love to hear your thoughts.

We're looking at updating the rules around how much of your yard you can cover with hard surfaces like driveways, patios, sidewalks, and buildings. We want to give residents more flexibility while still protecting our environment and managing stormwater runoff.

What we're proposing:

• A bit more coverage allowed: Right now, you can only cover 35% of your residential lot with hard surfaces. We're thinking about bumping that up to 40%. That extra 5% could mean room for a bigger patio, an extended driveway, or a shed.
• Even more if you manage stormwater: If you install something like a rain garden or another stormwater treatment system on your property, you could go up to 50% coverage. This way, you get more usable space and we still protect water quality.
• Easier approval process: Currently, going over the limit requires a Conditional Use Permit, which is a whole process. We'd switch to a simpler administrative approval, so it's less of a headache for homeowners.

Let us know what you think.

We have some special zoning overlays and planned development rules that need updating. Some are outdated, and others could be clearer about what the community gets in return for giving developers more flexibility.

What we're proposing:

• Remove the County Road 42 Overlay: This overlay was created years ago to guide development along County Road 42, but that area is pretty much built out now. The overlay isn't really serving a purpose anymore, so we're thinking it's time to retire it.
• Update the Hamilton District: We want to bring the zoning standards for this area in line with our Downtown Redevelopment Plan so everything is consistent and moving in the same direction.
• Change how Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) work: Right now, developers can ask for a PUD to get more flexibility with things like setbacks, density, or building height. We're proposing that these become official overlay districts and that developers have to clearly show what public benefit they're providing in exchange for that flexibility. Think things like public green space, affordable housing, better walkability, or community amenities.

Let us know your thoughts. 

We're updating our rules around how buildings look, what materials they're made of, and how properties are designed. The goal is to make sure new development looks good and lasts, while also being more practical for how people actually live today.

What we're proposing:

• A clearer system for building materials: We're creating a 3-tier classification system for exterior materials. Class 1 would be the most durable stuff (like brick, stone, or high-quality siding), and we'd require new buildings to use a certain percentage of these better materials. This helps ensure buildings look nice and hold up over time.
• More specific design standards: Instead of vague rules, we're switching to clear, measurable standards so everyone knows what's expected and there's less guesswork.
• Simpler driveway rules: The current regulations are more complicated than they need to be. We're streamlining them to make it easier to understand what's allowed.
• Lower parking requirements: We propose reducing the minimums to better reflect how people actually use parking today, which would free up space for other uses.
• Taller residential fences: Right now, there are limits on fence height. We're proposing to allow fences up to 7 feet tall in residential yards, which could give you more privacy and security

What matters to you? 

We're looking at how projects get approved in our city. Right now, pretty much everything goes through the same lengthy process, whether it's a small addition to an existing building or a brand new development. We think there's a better way to do this.

What we're proposing:

• A two-tier approval system: We'd split commercial and industrial projects into two categories:
  • Small stuff gets quick approval: Minor additions, renovations, or modifications to existing buildings would go through a simpler administrative review. This means staff approval without needing to go before the Planning Commission or City Council—faster and less paperwork.
  • Big projects still get full review: New construction and major developments would still go through the full legislative process with Planning Commission and City Council hearings, so the public has a chance to weigh in.
• A safety valve: If the zoning administrator or the applicant thinks a project should get more scrutiny, they can bump it up to the Planning Commission or City Council even if it would normally just get administrative approval.

What do you think about this? 

The City wants to explore more diverse housing types and understand resident housing preferences. Please rate how supportive you are of the various housing options if they are next door to you, in your neighborhood, or somewhere in the city.