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Mar 21, 2022 · Trigger

Commission holds a public hearing on the zoning and subdivision ordinance rewrite and tables it

Assistant City Manager Andrew Freeman and consultant Kelly Cousino presented the proposed revisions to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, which Ms. Cousino said had not been updated in 50 years. Eighteen members of the public spoke; the minutes record seven as speaking in opposition, and others asked about nonconforming status, parking for existing businesses, tiny homes, landscaping and event centers. The commission tabled the item to a March 28 special meeting, unanimously.^[1]

Andrew Freeman

What the sources say

✓ Verified
The March 21, 2022 minutes describe the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Revision Project as begun in 2019 to implement the Amarillo Comprehensive Plan, modernize and simplify the ordinance, and update regulations, with changes including land use table restructuring, impervious area maximums, dark sky provisions, infill incentives, tiny homes, accessory dwelling units, consolidation of districts and an urban overlay district. Ms. Cousino said six zones were being consolidated and an Estate District and two overlay districts added, with airport and historic preservation overlays incorporated. ^[1]
⚠ Sources differ
The share of the existing zoning ordinance that the rewrite would keep was stated differently by the two presenters at the March 21, 2022 hearing.
Reported value 1[1]
Value
75%-80%
consultant Kelly Cousino, "75%-80% of the previous ordinance is being carried over"
Reported value 2[1]
Value
roughly 70%
Andrew Freeman, asked what percentage of the zoning ordinance isn't changing
✓ Verified
Of the 18 members of the public recorded as speaking on March 21, 2022, seven are recorded as speaking in opposition to the ordinance; concerns stated included properties becoming nonconforming, burdens on small businesses, event center occupancy rules and parking for existing businesses. Mr. Freeman said existing businesses would not have to update parking unless a change triggered it and that the rewrite would not require anyone to tear down a structure. Chairman Rob Parker said no decision would be made that day. ^[1]