Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Consulting Services Agreement with Miller Planning Associates, LLC for the Preparation of a Comprehensive Zoning Code Update in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $157,000
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Economic Development
SUMMARY
The City’s Zoning Code requires updates to improve navigation and clarity to current planning standards to better assist property owners, businesses, and City staff. The proposed update will comprehensively revise the Zoning Code to reflect best practices, enhance usability, and align land use and development regulations as recommended in the City's 2024 Economic Development Strategy.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Miller Planning Associates, LLC for the preparation of a comprehensive Zoning Code Update for a not-to-exceed amount of $157,000.
BACKGROUND
The existing Zoning Code has been amended incrementally over several decades, resulting in fragmentation and the need for a comprehensive revision, including but not limited to addressing economic development priorities, and community expectations. In addition, the 2024 Economic Development Strategy highlights the importance of streamlining the City’s regulatory processes to enhance business retention, expansion, and attraction.
Analysis
A comprehensive Zoning Code Update will provide a modern, cohesive, and user-friendly document that supports responsible development and economic growth. The scope of work includes the following:
• Task 1: Zoning Code Outline - Development of an annotated outline to structure the new Code for improved clarity and usability.
• Task 2: Draft Zoning Code - Preparation of updated regulations in modules (e.g., Use Regulations, Development Standards, Administrative Provisions), with emphasis on consistency, simplicity, and legal compliance.
• Task 3: Public Review and Adoption - Public workshops will be held to engage stakeholders ahead of adoption hearings to ensure transparency, feasibility, and alignment with community priorities.
An updated Zoning Code will improve the efficiency and predictability of the City’s development review processes, making it easier for businesses to understand and comply with requirements, thereby reducing processing times and administrative burden. It will also align with modern zoning best practices and local Economic Development goals to ensure appropriate regulation of land use and development.
Applicable General Plan Policies
• Community Design Policy CD-1.4: Development Review Process. Maintain a clear, objective, and transparent development review process that encourages high-quality design while avoiding unnecessary delay.
• Economic Development Policy ED-1.1: Business Climate. Create a regulatory environment that encourages business growth and expansion while balancing community quality of life.
• Economic Development Policy ED-1.4: Streamlined Review. Simplify and streamline development review processes to make them more predictable, transparent, and timely for all users.
• Economic Development Policy ED-2.1: Retention and Expansion. Support local business retention and expansion through regulatory updates and removal of barriers to investment.
Legal Analysis
The consultant has agreed to the terms of the contract.
Financial Impacts
Sufficient funds are included in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 General Fund budget for consulting services:
• Planning Consulting, Account 010-41-001-5120: $157,000
This Council action will not impact fund balance because there are funds available in the FY2024-2025 adopted budget.
ATTACHMENTS
A: Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Consulting Services Agreement with Miller Planning Associates, LLC for the Preparation of a Comprehensive Zoning Code Update in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $157,000
B: CSA Scope of Work
C: CSA Compensation Schedule
PREPARED BY: Avalon Schultz, Assistant Community Development Director