SUBJECT
Title
Joint Study Session with Planning Commission on the Zoning Code Comprehensive Update: New Districts, Simplified Processes, Single-Family District Standards, and Placemaking
Report
BACKGROUND
The Community Development Department is preparing a comprehensive update to the City of Santa Clara Zoning Code. The City of Santa Clara's current Zoning Code has not been comprehensively updated since it first came into effect in 1969.
The City has been working with Mintier-Harnish, the City's Zoning Code Update consultant, since late 2017. The goal of the Zoning Code Update process is to develop a more up-to-date, readable and relevant Zoning Code that better aligns with the City's General Plan.
Overarching goals of the Zoning Code Update are:
? Simplification and modernization
? Streamlining the multiple appeals process
? Consider potential form-based design elements
? Integrating Specific Plan zoning districts
To date, the work completed on the zoning code update has included the development of: new zoning districts and allowed uses; illustrated development standards including setbacks and height limits; clearer standards for landscaping, screening, parking and outdoor lighting; a new Code section describing specific use regulations that apply across zoning districts; and a revised table of authorities that spells out the particular body responsible for issuing permits described the Zoning Code.
Remaining work on the draft code includes preparation of chapters on permit processes, non-conformities and definitions.
DISCUSSION
For this study session, staff will present an overview on the current status of the Zoning Code Update and an opportunity for the City Council to provide input on the project scope and identify key issues to consider as the City completes the effort.
The study session will highlight the following areas of change within the Zoning Code Update: new zoning districts, simplified processes, new standards for single-family distric...
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