Fairview adopts updated development code after months-long process; new rules require civic space and adjust densities

Fairview’s Board of Commissioners adopted a new development code, Ordinance 2026-02, on second and final reading April 2 after an 18-month drafting and public-engagement process. The board approved several staff- and commissioner-proposed amendments and voted 5-0 to adopt the code.

Planning Director Ethan Greer (presenting as Mr. Greer at the meeting) summarized the process: a consultant-led draft, public workshops, a 30-day public comment period and three public hearings. The new code replaces a 1987 zoning ordinance and moves Fairview toward a hybrid form-based approach that emphasizes walkable, mixed-use character in designated commercial districts.

Major changes and effects: The code reduces the maximum residential density in some character districts (for example, the new CD4 character district emphasizes a commercial core with a maximum residential density of about six units per acre rather than the older RM-8 standard), requires developers to provide programmed civic space (minimum 5% of a site and proximity standards so residences are within about 800 feet of a civic space), and adds street- and parking-section standards designed to preserve emergency access. The code also includes detailed building-composition and finished-floor-elevation standards and creates review roles for the city engineer.

Board amendments: Commissioners proposed and the board approved several targeted edits on the floor, including minimum finished-floor elevation language for certain character districts, removal of one unreadable clause in the adult-oriented-business section, alignment of historic-zoning-commission appointment language with state law, and a rollback of minimum garage interior dimensions to 10x20 for single-car and 20x20 for double-car garages where previously larger minimums had been proposed. Planning staff and consultants agreed those edits could be administered internally.

Costs and process: Greer said the city spent nearly the full consultant contract (about $275,000) on preparing the code and that future routine amendments would be handled in-house. The code’s initial adoption does not prevent future revisions; staff noted that periodic amendments are common after municipalities adopt new form-based or hybrid codes.

Why it matters: The code is meant to guide future development so that new projects provide walkable civic space, better accommodate emergency access and parking, and align building form with community character. Staff said the changes could reduce the gross residential capacity in some previously zoned multifamily parcels but are designed to promote mixed-use development and long-term infrastructure and public-space benefits.

What officials said: Greer described the code as the implementation vehicle for the city’s 2040 plan and thanked commissioners and the planning commission for their input. Commissioners praised the long process and acknowledged that the code is a working document that will be refined as needed.

Next steps: Staff will publish the adopted ordinance and update development-review materials. Several projects that had pending rezoning applications will be reconsidered under the new code.