In a recent government meeting, officials outlined significant developments in the ongoing planning phases for Santa Fe's urban landscape. The discussions focused on the upcoming Phase 2 and Phase 3 of a comprehensive project aimed at enhancing community engagement and aligning zoning regulations with the city’s general plan.

Phase 2 will delve into the complexities of overlapping boundaries between the Base Code District (BCD) and historic districts, with an emphasis on resolving conflicts that may arise. Officials proposed the possibility of increasing mixed-use districts and transitioning certain areas to form-based code districts, which would better reflect the architectural style of Santa Fe. This approach aims to extend the city's unique urbanism beyond the historic district, creating templates for new neighborhoods.

Looking ahead to Phase 3, the focus will shift to assessing growth patterns and aligning zoning districts with the future land use map. This phase is expected to involve extensive discussions on how these changes may impact historic districts and the potential consolidation of overlay districts into more effective zoning regulations.

Architectural design review processes are also set to be re-evaluated, with suggestions to replace existing checklists with a more context-sensitive form-based code handbook. Additionally, the meeting highlighted the need to reduce outdated parking regulations and streamline administrative review procedures to expedite project approvals.

The chair of the meeting acknowledged the complexity and significance of the project, emphasizing the importance of public involvement to ensure that the final outcomes are beneficial for the community. As the project progresses, officials are committed to fostering transparency and inclusivity in the planning process, aiming for a clearer and more effective urban framework for Santa Fe.