Zoning Code & 2020 Update

The Zoning Code is Article 32 of the City Code. Zoning regulations determine both the use of land and the layout of buildings developed on parcels of land.

2020 Update

In June of 2020, the Department of Planning began a review of the Zoning Code.  The current Code was adopted in December 2016 with an effective date of June 2017.  During the adoption process, the Department of Planning proposed having a regular update process for the code moving forward. The goal is to make updates, discovered through application of the code or due to new circumstances not considered in 2016.

Our changing world provides a good opportunity to review and rethink some of the key policy issues that the Zoning Code presents.   

Some of the policy topics being reviewed by the Department of Planning at this time include:

  • Parking: Do we require too much parking for a City?  
  • Procedures: Including BMZA's ability to deny an application for unresolved violations 
  • Maker Spaces: Expanding areas where maker spaces can be located, including art spaces
  • Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations 
  • Provide for smaller lots to permit single houses 

To view proposed changes, and offer your own ideas, you may comment via our public comment tool found here.

To submit feedback via email, please reach out to [email protected]

Reading the Code: A Quick Guide

A glossary of terms common to the Zoning Code is available via this link.

  • The use table tells you whether or not a given use is (1) permitted, (2) conditional or (3) not allowed for each zoning category.
    • Conditional uses may be approved by either the Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals (BMZA) or the City Council (by ordinance) following a public hearing on the matter.
  • The bulk regulations table tells you how large a building may be on a site - it tells you about height restrictions, minimum lot area, minimum size of yards, and maximum floor area ratios.

View the Zoning Code