Planning staff outlines multiple UDC amendments: landscape code, housing rules, lot standards and block‑length exceptions
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Summary
Staff described ongoing work to simplify and right‑size landscape requirements, pursue housing affordability amendments, replace lot-type dimensional tables with clearer dimensional standards, and allow block‑length exceptions that provide pedestrian/bike connections as alternatives to vehicular links.
Charles Bloom told the council staff is working on several UDC amendments and expects to advance drafts and outreach in the coming months. Major items identified were: a landscape-code rewrite to encourage water-wise practices and simplify requirements; continued ‘right-sizing’ of housing regulations to reduce development barriers; a move to a unified dimensional-standards table instead of the current lot-type approach; and Planning Commission-requested exceptions to block-length requirements that would permit private pathways, greenways or bikeways in lieu of vehicular connectivity.
Bloom said the landscape-code effort aims to “right size” requirements, simplify the text so it is easier to apply, and encourage water-wise landscaping. The housing changes seek to remove unnecessary restrictions to increase affordability and to provide clearer dimensional standards across zone districts.
Council Member Seagrave asked for data on how previous UDC changes (for example, creation of tiny lots) have been used; Bloom agreed to provide utilization history as staff develops the drafts. Bloom said staff will identify engagement strategies, seek input from developers and the public, test-draft ordinances and then move items to the Planning Commission for public hearings and eventual readings by the governing body.