AgdaPkt 2003-06-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8A- REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager June 23, 2003 Subject Proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance related to: 1. The construction of arbors and trellises in setback areas; 2. Definitions and standards for the measurement of residential height; 3. Definitions, land use classifications, and parking standards for medical offices, medical clinics, and research and development uses; and 4. Definitions and allowance for "theater' uses in the Central Business Retail (CBR) district. Recommendation Hold a public hearing, find that each of the proposed amendments are in the public interest and introduce the recommended Zoning Ordinance amendments. The specific recommended changes are outlined in detail in the attached Planning Commission staff report from May 6, 2003. Background The City of Redwood City's Zoning Ordinance has not been comprehensively amended since Ordinance No. 1130 was passed in 1964. Many amendments to the Code have been adopted since that time, but a significant number of zoning provisions do not reflect issues of concern today, and may in some cases conflict with other Code provisions, as piecemeal amendments have been made in the past. At a minimum, there is a current need to clarify existing ordinance language, and there are frequent opportunities to use graphics to illustrate Code provisions to enhance understanding for the reader. Staff has compiled five initial groupings of provisions to be amended to remedy identified problems in the Zoning Ordinance. The City has contracted with Curtis Williams, a local planning consultant, to review these provisions, analyze options to address those concerns, and work with staff to develop proposed revisions to current language. Mr. Williams has worked closely with Planning staff over the past few months to develop these proposals, and has also coordinated his review with the Engineering and Building staff, as well as with the City Attorney's office. Planning Commission Review and Recommendation On May 6, 2003, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendments, conducted a public hearing, and forwarded the ordinances to the City Council for approval.