Item A - Update Land Use Code - Laserfiche WebLink

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· Strategic. Having a code that is less detail-oriented and more form-based with adjustable processes that allow more responsiveness to staff, developers, and neighbors about how to achieve goals and policies can allow staff to be more open to negotiations and hands-on problem-solving. · Fair. The code must recognize there will be a variety of different stakeholders needs that must be met. Negotiations, compromise, balance, and consensus-building must be incorporated into a code revision process and ongoing code applications in order for the code to embody the diverse values of our community. · Additionally, the code should be reviewed on an annual basis. This item relates to the 2003-2004 vision and goal statement of Sustainable Community Development which states "A community that retains a high quality of life and a healthy economy, effectively links land use and transportation planning, and successfully manages growth and change in the urban environment." Indirectly, it relates to the Effective, Accountable Municipal Government goal which states "A local government that works openly and respectfully with and for everyone in the community." Implementing these principles will be incorporated into one of the 'high priority' work program items titled 'Minor Amendments to Land Use Code.' The Planning Commission has already begun this work and has started incorporating these basic concepts into its review and consideration of amendments. RELATED CITY POLICIES Additionally, reviewing and amending codes using the principles noted above would indirectly apply to the adopted growth management policies concerning zoning. COUNCIL OPTIONS By streamlining processes, being less prescriptive, and implementing an improved regulatory process (including amending the code annually as needed), the experience and image of doing business in Eugene could be enhanced. The council has the following options: 1. Direct the City Manager to implement a process for revising and simplifying Chapter 9 of the Eugene Code using the guiding principles noted above, as prioritized by the Council in April 2004. 2. Provide direction to not proceed with the implementation of revising and simplifying Chapter 9 of the Eugene Code. This would mean the high priority item titled 'Minor Amendments to Land Use Code' would move forward without these basic principles. CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager approves the recommendation submitted by the Mayor's Committee on Economic Development that Chapter 9 of the Eugene Code be made simpler, and that it be intuitive, adaptable, enabling to staff, logical, strategic, and fair, and that staff should use these principles when working to improve the City's code. L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M041027\S041027A. doc