Council updates Main Street/Central Expressway code: flags, accessory buildings and manager approval

The council approved zoning file ZF26‑13, a city‑initiated set of amendments to the Main Street Central Expressway plan‑development (PD) district that updates flagpole regulations, clarifies accessory‑building placement adjacent to alley rights‑of‑way, and consolidates prior code amendments into a restated PD code.

Staff explained the changes mirror citywide code for flags and flagpoles (limits on height, flag size, number and corporate flags; site‑plan and building‑permit triggers for taller poles) and will require flagpoles to be set back from property lines at least the height of the pole. The accessory‑building amendment allows a 0‑foot rear‑yard setback from alley rights‑of‑way for detached, incidental accessory buildings (for example dumpster enclosures or walk‑in coolers) on constrained downtown lots, subject to site‑plan review. Staff reported mixed public input and that the City Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval.

Council added explicit language authorizing approval of accessory buildings by the city manager or designee. Mayor Pro Tem moved to approve the code changes with that addition; the motion passed unanimously.