In a recent government meeting, officials outlined a comprehensive timeline for the development and adoption of new middle housing regulations and a comprehensive plan update. The Planning Commission is set to meet this week to discuss a final draft of these regulations, which are part of a broader effort to amend the development code in line with state mandates.

Key milestones include the issuance of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by October 15, followed by a special Planning Commission meeting on October 24 to hold a public hearing on both the draft EIS and the comprehensive plan. The public will have until November 14 to comment on these drafts, with a final EIS expected to be released by November 18. The Planning Commission aims to make a formal recommendation to the council on November 21.

The proposed middle housing code is crucial as it aligns with the draft land use map, which is integral to the comprehensive plan. Officials emphasized that any delays in adopting the middle housing regulations could necessitate significant revisions to the land use map, complicating the overall process.

The council is scheduled to review the Planning Commission's recommendations in December, with key meetings planned for December 2 and December 16, while additional dates are reserved if needed. Officials acknowledged the ambitious nature of this timeline but expressed confidence in meeting state requirements by the June deadline.

Council members were encouraged to begin reviewing the comprehensive plan and submit any questions or suggested changes to staff promptly, facilitating a smoother review process. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration and proactive engagement as the community moves toward significant regulatory updates.