At the end of its Nov. 14 meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission heard from planning staff that the city has begun updating its land-development and zoning code and requested feedback from the commission.

Anya Colette of the planning office said staff are seeking comments from the commission and other boards while preparing code changes and an RFP to hire a consultant for expanded architectural survey work under a recently awarded grant. Colette said the procurement process is underway and that the request for proposals will conclude in December.

Commissioners recommended the update consider more than above‑ground architecture. Commissioner Nathaniel King, who identified himself as an archaeologist, urged attention to below‑ground cultural resources and suggested an archaeological ordinance or survey language for the land‑development code to protect subsurface sites. King also asked staff to engage Wabanaki stakeholders in surveys of waterfront or other sensitive areas.

Commissioners suggested expanding historic‑district surveys to include Whitney Park and the Parker Street neighborhood, which some members said has significance for the city’s African‑American history. Members noted the city’s existing surveys and recommended that the planning office coordinate outreach to tribal and community stakeholders before surveys begin.

Planning staff described outreach steps, said they will share RFP timing and asked commissioners for specific feedback at the December meeting or sooner if commissioners preferred. There was no formal vote on the code update at the Nov. 14 meeting.