CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: December 16, 2015
PREPARED BY: John W. Baty, Senior Planner/Community Development
APPROVED BY: City Manager
Title
MORGAN HILL 2035: ZONING CODE UPDATE
END
RECOMMENDATION(S)
RECOMMENDATION
Review, discuss, and provide feedback on the approach, schedule, and recommended outline for the Morgan Hill Zoning Code Update.
BODY
COUNCIL PRIORITIES, GOALS & STRATEGIES:
Ongoing Priorities
Enhancing public safety
Protecting the environment
Maintaining fiscal responsibility
Supporting youth
Fostering a positive organizational culture
Preserving and cultivating public trust
2015 Focus Areas
Stimulate Economic Development
Participate in Regional Issues
Infrastructure Funding and Advocacy
Impacts of Drought Conditions
General Plan Update
Advance Downtown Revitalization
Southeast Quadrant
Ongoing Support of Senior Services
Advance Regional Transportation
Community Engagement Effectiveness
Maintaining & Enhancing Medical Services
REPORT NARRATIVE:
One of the components of the Morgan Hill 2035 project is the comprehensive update of the City’s Zoning Code. Although amended many times, the Zoning Code has not been comprehensively updated since 1981. As a result, the Zoning Code suffers from problems with organization, consistency, and flow. Because of these problems, it can be difficult for readers to find what they are looking for and to understand what they find. Readers may also overlook important requirements because related content is not kept together or clearly cross-referenced.
The Planning Commission, at a study session on October 13, 2015, commented on the role of the Planning Commission in the Zoning Code Update process and on issues related to content.
Regarding process, the Planning Commission supported an efficient process with sufficient opportunity to provide input to ensure that the Zoning Code reflects the unique needs and character of Morgan Hill.
Related to content, the Planning Commission had comments on: the use of Planned Development Zonings; sustainability and conservation; promoting good design through the Zoning Code; permits and approvals; and zoning for the Monterey Road corridor.
At their study session on December 8, 2015, the Planning Commission considered and provided feedback on several questions related to the key content topics identified at the earlier study session. The Planning Commission's input is summarized in the attached annotated memorandum.
The purpose of this report is to provide the City Council with an opportunity to review, discuss, and comment on the recommended outline and process for the Morgan Hill Zoning Code Update and to add to the Planning Commission’s feedback that is presented in the attached annotated memorandum.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Consult
The Zoning Code Update is an important component of the Morgan Hill 2035 project, which has and will continue to provide opportunities for public participation. Members of the public will have opportunities to review and submit comments on two drafts of the Zoning Code Update and can also provide feedback at a series of public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS:
N/A
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL AND COMMISSION ACTIONS:
On October 13, 2015 the Planning Commission held a study session to provide initial input on the Zoning Code Update.
The Planning Commission, at their December 8, 2015 study session, provided input on the approach, schedule, and recommended outline for the Zoning Code update.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
The Zoning Code Update is within the work plan and budget for the Morgan Hill 2035 project.
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act):
Not a Project
City Council feedback will be used to help guide the preparation of a comprehensive Zoning Code Update, which is a component of the Morgan Hill 2035 project.
LINKS/ATTACHMENTS:
1. Annotated Zoning Code Outline Memorandum
2. Attachment A. Morgan Hill Development Code Update Outline