Page 11 - Mid Valley Times 7-21-22 E-Edition

Thursday, July 21, 2022 | A11 | Mid Valley TiMes
Why update the Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance?
The Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance have not been updated comprehensively in decades and have instead been updated with occasional amendments to ensure compliance with State and Federal law. As a result of this piecemeal update approach, the Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance have struggled to stay consistent with the Municipal Code and
State Law.
The City has initiated the comprehensive update to modernize the Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance, address emerging trends and recent State laws, consider new challenges, and create a more user-friendly experience for better administration.
With this update, the development review process can be simplified, encouraging compliance and promoting development in line with City standards.
The Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance Update aims to...
1) Achieve General Plan consistency
2) Stimulate housing
3) Reflect changes in State law (i.e., density bonus, ADUs, WELO, wireless)
4) Create contemporary zoning and subdivision provisions
5) Make the regulations easier to use and implement
6) Implement changes to address issues identified by the City and citizens
How is the Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance being updated?
The following describes our approach and phases to prepare a comprehensive, fruitful Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance update:
1. Research Existing Conditions
• Research existing conditions and trends
• Perform a diagnostic document review
2. Project Management & Coordination
• Regular project management calls
• Ongoing six-month schedules
3. Project Initiation
• Kick-off meeting
• City tour
• Matrix of code and regulation issues
• Table of Contents
4. Public Engagement
• Stakeholder interviews
• Council/Commission meetings
• Community workshops
• Newsletters
5. Draft Zoning Code & Subdivision Ordinance
• Zoning district provisions
• Allowable land uses and permit
requirements
• Subdivision Ordinance
• Zoning map
6. Public Review Draft
• Opportunity for public to comment
7. CEQA Compliance
• CEQA Compliance review
• Addendum to General Plan EIR
8. Adoption
• Planning Commission Hearing • City Council Hearing
• Final Zoning Code
• Final Subdivision Ordinance
Newsletter #1: Zoning Code & Subdivision Ordinance Update Overview
Visit the City’s website to:
▪ Stay informed
▪ Find out about
upcoming meetings
▪ Share your ideas on the city’s future
reedley.ca.gov
Go to the “Government” Tab Click on “Community Development”
Click on “Major Projects”
The City of Reedley is excited to announce that it is conducting a comprehensive update to the Reedley Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance. The City initiated this update to refine the current Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance, address changes to State law, increase housing supply, consider changing community needs and opportunities, and ensure consistency with the 2030 General Plan. This effort will enable the City to implement best practices to ensure the Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance meet the needs of the community now and in the future.
What is a Zoning Code?
The purpose of a zoning code is to specify which uses are allowed on a given property, establish development standards, and implement the policies of the City’s General Plan. The Zoning Code classifies land by category or district (i.e., residential, commercial, industrial, agriculture). By classifying land by these broad categories, the City can assign specific development standards (i.e., parcel size, building height, yard setbacks, parking, landscaping), to maintain compatible and consistent development within a given area. These standards emphasize the importance of the interaction between structures, site layouts, public spaces, and neighboring development.
As required by State law, the Reedley Zoning Code includes allowed land uses and development standards linked to and consistent with General Plan goals, policies, and programs. It is through this link that the land uses and development standards implement the General Plan and establish the basis for project approvals.
What is a Subdivision Ordinance?
While zoning codes address the type and density of development allowed within a community, a subdivision ordinance controls the pattern of development—the way land is divided to accommodate land uses and supporting infrastructure such as roads and utilities. The Reedley Subdivision Ordinance is meant to ensure that the division of land into smaller units results in parcels that are usable, safe, and reflect the physical characteristics of the site.
QUESTIONS? (559) 637-4200 - Option 3 | ellen.moore@reedley.ca.gov
City of Reedley
“The World’s Fruit Basket”
What is the expected schedule of the update?
The Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance Update process will be completed in about two years, wrapping up in late Summer 2023.
The Update will be developed in the following phases:
Winter 2021
2022 thru Spring 2023
2022 thru January 2023
February 2023 Spring 2023 Spring 2023
Preliminary Research, Existing Conditions, and Project Initiation
Lay the foundation for the project, including reviewing the existing Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance, coordinating with City staff on guidance for the issues found over the years, and drafting a table of contents.
Public Engagement
Learn from the community by holding interviews, meeting with City staff, presenting at City Council and Planning Commission meetings, holding community workshops, collecting public comments, and providing educational materials.
Drafting the Zoning Code & Subdivision Ordinance
Draft the Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance with information attained from the Project Initiation phase, public engagement, and continuous, further support from City staff and the public.
Public Review of Draft
Conduct public meetings to discuss suggestions, concerns, and possible revisions based on City staff and public input in preparation for the final draft of the Code and Ordinance.
Environmental Review
Analyze the potential environmental impacts of carrying out the Update in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Adoption
Conduct public hearings on the Public Review Draft Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance leading to final adoption.
How can you make a difference?
Get Involved!
The success of this planning effort will depend in part on input from the community to fully identify the community’s needs and expectations for development, building, and the Subdivision Ordinance. The success of this Zoning Code and Subdivision Ordinance Update will be greatly affected by input from the community, and we have provided a host of ways to participate in this process.
You can participate as much or as little as you like, from being actively engaged in public meetings and workshops to simply providing comments by email to City staff. Any input helps us make this update more successful!
LEARN
Visit our website
The “Major Projects” page at the City website is the hub for timely updates on the status of the update, announcements of related upcoming workshops and meetings, and publication of key documents. You can also learn about other major development projects in Reedley.
reedley.ca.gov
Go to the “Government” Tab Click on “Community Development” Click on “Major Projects”
ENGAGE
Email your comments
Have a question? Have a suggestion? We want to know what you think! Send your comments anytime
to the Community Development Department through:
Ellen Moore
City Planner
ellen.moore@reedley.ca.gov
(559) 637-4200, Ext. 222
CONNECT
Attend a forum
Not only are meetings and workshops great opportunities to learn about the Update, they are also a great place to share your ideas and connect with the community. To learn more about attending these events, visit the “Major Projects” webpage for up-to-date announcements. You can also visit the “Community Calendar,” under the “Living & Visiting” tab.
City of Reedley 1733 9th Street (559) 637-4200
“The World’s Fruit Basket” Reedley, CA 93654 Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM
05/04/2022
009037