Planning staff says zoning rewrite is moving to drafts after strong public input

Planning staff told the Town of Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals that the zoning rewrite is moving from outreach to drafting after a period of public input.

"We have gotten a fair number of survey responses. I believe over 200," Nathaniel said, describing a closed survey and a successful public workshop that drew strong turnout. He said consultants are now drafting the document and that drafts and map proposals should appear in the coming months.

Nathaniel said early themes include simplifying multiple similar residential districts, reducing instances where district lines cut through single parcels, and exploring mixed-use designations where sewered corridors (for example, areas along Eastore Drive and Traphammer Road) could support higher intensity or mixed uses. He noted sewer extension around Water Wagon Road is likely to influence future land-use designations in that area.

Board members asked whether draft maps would be available for another round of public review; staff said consultants typically produce draft maps and the town expects to hold additional activities, including a map exercise, before finalizing changes. The board discussed the utility of overlay zones and form-based approaches to reduce spot-zoning and better match historic land use.

Staff also reminded members the consultants have processed workshop and survey comments and that the zoning-advisory committee will present more specifics when drafts are ready. No formal decisions were made; staff requested continued engagement and suggested the committee will return to the public with proposed drafts for review.