Staff proposes two small text amendments to the zoning ordinance to match state rules.  The city's code establishes a 10-day period for filing an appeal of a land use decision.  However, the state statute governing local land use planning was amended to require a 12-day period for the filing of appeals.  Staff has been using the 12-day rule but recommends amending the code to reference the statute so any further changes at the state level are automatically incorporated into the code.

The second amendment changes the open space requirement for nursery schools from 100 square feet per student to match the OAR requirement which is currently 75 square feet.  The state has more experience in conducting studies into optimal child development standards and the current 75 square foot standard is a step down from the 100 square foot standard in place when the code was adopted.  By eliminating a numeric standard and incorporating the OAR by reference, future changes are automatically incorporated without needing to amend the code.

Staff recommends initiating these changes and scheduling hearings before the planning commission and city council.  

The city council may:

• initiate text amendments to the zoning ordinance
• reject initiating text amendments to the zoning ordinance