Monthly Meeting Updates Series

In efforts to provide the public with information about activities within the city, the CDA Communicator will provide monthly updates about issues addressed before the City Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Design Review Committee. Each of these entities meets once monthly, and official agendas and attendance lists are on file for public record at the Department of Planning. Articles on the Communicator will summarize the issues and indicate the entity's decision on each.

The City Planning Commission is an advisory committee to City Council in matters of land use and planning. Amendments to the zoning map, ordinance, street dedications/vacations, annexations, and detachments all go through the Commission. The Commission then makes recommendations to Council. A resolution passed to Council by the City Planning Commission takes a super majority to reject and a simple majority to pass.

The Board of Zoning Appeals is responsible for making interpretations of the zoning ordinance. Zoning code ordinances allow for some variances. The Board has the power to accept or reject proposals for specific variance requests brought to their attention.

The Design Review Committee reviews all proposals to change the aesthetic appearance of the center city. The Committee reviews proposals for new development, redevelopment, and improvements to existing facilities to determine whether or not they meet city standards. The Committee has the ability to accept or deny a proposal and/or to make recommendations.