During a recent government meeting, officials discussed two significant topics concerning local development standards and maintenance requirements in Woodstock.

The first item on the agenda was the white fence requirement along Highway 92, part of the Parkway Overlay. City staff highlighted that the fence, intended to enhance the visual appeal of the area, has become a maintenance burden for many businesses. Some council members expressed their discontent with the current fencing, describing it as \"tacky\" and \"jagged,\" and suggested that the requirement be eliminated altogether. They noted that while some businesses have maintained their fences, others have not, leading to a disjointed appearance along the corridor.

Council members debated the need for a cohesive visual standard in the area, with some advocating for alternative landscaping solutions instead of the white fence. The consensus leaned towards allowing businesses the option to maintain or remove the fences without imposing a mandatory requirement.

The second discussion focused on the Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) required for building permits in the downtown district. Staff pointed out that the current process is inconsistently applied and lacks formal administration. They proposed simplifying the process by potentially eliminating the CCC requirement in favor of a more informal review system that has been historically used. Council members acknowledged the need for a streamlined approach, emphasizing that the goal is to ensure compliance with downtown development standards without overburdening businesses.

City staff plans to prepare a comprehensive zoning text amendment that will address both the fence requirement and the CCC process, aiming to present these changes to the Planning Commission and City Council by December. The discussions reflect a broader effort to balance aesthetic standards with practical considerations for local businesses in Woodstock.