Planning Commission recommends new official zoning map consolidating 10 zones into five

Lisa, the city planner, told commissioners the proposed official zoning map is the final step in a year-long periodic update and implements Ordinance 1144, which created five new zoning districts to replace the previous ten.

She explained the mapping changes by example: R1 and R1P would become low-density residential; R2 and R3 would become medium-density residential; C1/MC1/L1 become mixed-use or central business districts; and parks, schools and institutional lands are consolidated as public facilities. Lisa emphasized that zoning shows what the city wants to see over time and does not instantly change the deed or guarantee immediate redevelopment.

Commissioners discussed map legibility for printed copies and asked staff to increase color contrast; staff brought large-format maps for closer inspection. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the proposed map to the city council.

The recommendation advances to city council for final adoption; staff noted some specific parcels (including a Nike-site parcel and a LeFay property) received targeted treatment to avoid creating unnecessary nonconforming situations.