General Plan update advances out of advisory committees; planning commission review expected in April

Director Maria told the planning commission on Jan. 22 that the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) and the steering committee voted to advance the draft general plan update out of committee. The director described the milestone as the result of a resident-led, multi-year effort and outlined the next steps: planning commission review in April followed by anticipated city council consideration in May.

Director Maria said the GPAC has met extensively since 2022. “Since formation of the committee in 2022, they have collectively met a total of 57 times,” she said, adding that subcommittees formed to review elements had met an additional 47 times. She commended Planning Manager Ben Zediba for managing the process.

Maria also noted other planning items: the Acacia Atrium Medical Office condominium project was denied by the planning commission at the Nov. 20 hearing and the applicant appealed; staff is preparing that appeal for city council review. The director flagged the Feb. 5 planning commission meeting, which will include the Dover Residences, a proposed 33-unit for-sale townhome project using the new housing overlay.

The director did not announce specific dates for hearings beyond the general April/May timeframe; staff will return to the commission with the formal review and schedule.