Growth FAQ - Planning & Zoning

Why and how is the zoning code periodically updated?

There are at least two reasons to update a Zoning Code. First, Zoning Codes are living documents that are meant to evolve over time to reflect the community's current conditions and future priorities. I'll give you two examples. The pattern of development favored in the post WWII era was focused on suburbia, the car, and large single use areas. The net result was a development pattern that wasn't walkable and was entirely dependent on the car. Today, many cities are embracing their urban core, with denser housing, mixed uses, and walkability. The two patterns of development call for two very different Zoning Codes. That's an extreme example, but the point is that our Zoning Code should evolve as our community changes.

Second, it's also important to recognize that time has taught us what parts of the Code are and aren't working as planned. Zoning Codes are written with the best of intentions, but it is inevitable that time will highlight something that is overlooked or an unintended consequence. It's important to remain aware of such issues and to update the Zoning Code as such concerns are identified.