ZA2020-0003 Zoning Amendments

This ordinance was a City-initiated code amendment to the current City zoning code to refine industrial land use classifications. The draft ordinance proposed to prohibit large fulfillment centers/heavy distribution, parcel sorting centers, and as originally proposed, identified zoning districts where parcel hubs (also known as last mile delivery centers) could be permitted or conditionally permitted.   The adopted ordinance resulted in a prohibition of parcel hubs. 

Also included in the draft ordinance, were staff recommended changes to the Design Permit Process within the Municipal Code to require Planning Commission review of buildings and developments of certain sizes. 

Background

City Council and community members have raised concerns about projects along the Hwy 101 corridor, particularly around the City's current zoning regulations not adequately regulating e-commerce facilities potentially being developed as heavy distribution "fulfillment centers" served by hundreds of semi-trucks daily.

Additionally, the City Council directed staff to develop more specific criteria for determining what projects are referred to the Planning Commission for design review rather than administrative review. 

The ordinance addressed the concerns above by creating definitions for e-commerce facilities in industrial zones and by creating criteria that requires large projects to be referred to the Planning Commission for design review, while still giving the Development Services Director flexibility to refer smaller projects to the Planning Commission that are determined to be significant. 

City-initiated Code Amendments (aka Industrial Ordinance) FAQDone Editing

City Council Action

The City Council considered and adopted this item at the October 21, 2020, City Council Meeting.  City Council also directed staff to hold a workshop to discuss last mile delivery uses.  This workshop is scheduled for February 3, at 5 p.m. 

October 21, 2020 City Council Staff Report (PDF)

Draft Ordinance taken to City Council (PDF)

Adopted Ordinance 2317 - Industrial Ordinance (PDF)

October 21, 2020 City Council Hearing - Public Hearing Notice (PDF)

October 9, 2020 Email Update to Community

Planning Commission Action

On September 22, 2020, at the request of the City Council, City staff presented a City-initiated text amendment to the Zoning Code to refine industrial land use classifications. The draft ordinance (linked below) proposed to prohibit large fulfillment centers and parcel sorting centers and identified zoning districts where parcel hubs (also known as last mile deliver centers) could be permitted or conditionally permitted. Additionally, City Staff recommended changes to the Design Permit Process in the Municipal Code to require Planning Commission review of large projects.

Planning Commission Staff Report

Draft Ordinance taken to Planning Commission

Planning Commission Hearing - Public Hearing Notice (PDF)

Resolution No. 20-08 (PDF)