HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-10-05; City Council; 12428; Zone Code UpdateAB $ a.42~ TITLE: DEPT. HD. - ____ ZCA 93-03 - ZONE CODE UPDATE MT& /O-S- 73 (TITLE 21 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE) CITY ATT YafP -
DEPT. PLN CITY MGR?&
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This is an information item only. No formal action is necessary.
ITEM EXPLANATION
The Planning Department together with the development community has identified a pressing need to update the City's Zone Code (Title 21 of the Municipal Code).
A recent workshop between staff and the development community stressed the need to continually improve the department's response to its customers, and noted that one key area of improvement would be an update of the Zone Code.
Due to numerous previous revisions, certain sections of the Zone Code have become somewhat disjointed, difficult to read, interpret and use.
It is the unanimous opinion of staff, the development community and other users that opportunities exist to improve the clarity of the code and that such work is overdue.
Budgetary constraints do not allow for the hiring of a consultant to complete this work therefore, the Planning Department proposes to complete the revision with its own staff. The Planning Department is focusing the zone code amendment initially on the functioning of the code, by improving clarity and eliminating inconsistencies. This will involve reviewing the operation of code as a whole in addition to individual topics and sections. Only minor adjustments are proposed to development standards themselves at this time. ? I At appropriate points during the update staff will consult with 2 b r I development professionals to receive their input on the revisions.
VI : Once the initial improvements to the useability of the Zone Code
c are made staff could conduct a further evaluation of the code to address changes to standards. t-i 9-l c) 9 I FISCAL IMPACT
s Because this work will be conducted by Planning Department staff no additional impact on the General Fund is anticipated at this
5 time for staffing purposes.
5 EXHIBIT
5 1. Work Program
5 0
ZONE CODE UPDATE
DRAFT WORKPlAN
1.0 GOAL. To revise the Zone Code, to make it more effective and easier to use.
2.0 METHOD AND REVIEW (Overview)
2.1 The code revisions will be made by the City Planning Department.
2.2 The update would focus on changes which would ensure that the code is
internally consistent and easy to use. lt would be limited to changes to the
“mechanics” of operation of the code only to make the existing Code more
understandable and “user-friendly”. This stage could include minor changes
to standards but the basic intent of the zone would not be changed.
2.3 Individual sections or groups of sections will be presented to the Planning
Commission for their review in mini-workshops. This will ensure that the
review is broken into manageable segments.
3.0 INITIAL SCOPING (Whole Code)
3.1 Review Code with staff, management and City Attorney. Identify problems
and potential solutions.
3.2 Evaluate other Zoning Ordinances from other cities for items which may be
adapted for use in Carlsbad’s Code.
4.0 DETAILED EVALUATION
4.1 Evaluate Code sections in more detail with staff, management, City Attorney
and Review Committee.
4.1 .l Check for General Plan consistency.
4.1.2 Ensure procedures are workable.
4.1.3 Ensure development regulations are practical and achieve
zone objectives.
4.1.4 Ensure language is clear, concise and understandable.
4.1.5 Ensure regulations are located in appropriate sections/check
numbering and organization and update terminology.
4.1.6 Eliminate duplication.
ZONE CODE UPDATE PAGE 2
4.1.7 Ensure cross referencing is consistent.
4.1.8 Incorporate diagrams, charts/matrices where appropriate.
4.1.9 Review with design professionals as appropriate.
5.0 DRAFT
5.1 Prepare draft of updated Code.
5.2 Review with staff, management, City Attorney and Review Committee.
5.3 Revise draft (as necessary).
6.0 ADOPTION
6.1 Review draft with Planning Commission/City Council in workshop(s).
6.2 Revise draft as necessary.
6.3 Present to Planning Commission/City Council for adoption.
7.0 SUBSEQUENT WORK
7.1 After adoption of the initial revisions to the code which would address
useability it may be necessary to conduct a second revision which would
address development standards and may alter the philosophy and intent
of the regulations. This would not occur until after the framework of the
ordinances has been organized and clarified.
Note: Scoping, evaluation and review of drafts may be broken into manageable
sections rather than working with the whole code at one time.
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