Zoning and Development Code Update

About Zoning and Development Code

The Zoning and Development Code (ZDC) is a set of laws and regulations that determine how land can be used and developed in a particular area. The ZDC is divided into different zones, each with its own set of restrictions. For example, a residential zone may only allow for single-family homes, while a commercial zone may allow for businesses and offices. Zoning codes also regulate things like building height, setbacks, and parking requirements. Development codes go beyond zoning to include other regulations related to land use and development, such as environmental protection & historic preservation.

The purpose of zoning and development codes is to promote public health, safety, and welfare. They help to ensure that land is used in a way that is compatible with its surroundings and that development is done in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Executive Summary

The City is updating the Zoning and Development Code (Z&DC) so that the City's zoning and subdivision regulations support and implement the One Grand Junction Comprehensive Plan. The project is being managed by a team comprised of city staff from the Community Development Department, the Zoning and Development Code Committee appointed by City Council, and support from the consultant team at Clarion Associates.

Key Goals

1. Update the City's regulations to better reflect the key principles and policies described in the 2020 One Grand Junction Comprehensive Plan, especially those key principles related to Responsible and Managed Growth and Strong Neighborhoods and Housing Choices.
2. Achieve a higher level of efficiency, consistency, and simplicity.
3. Identify constraints and opportunities for affordable and attainable housing, consistent with those identified in the City's Housing Strategies.

Key Changes

1. Administration and Procedures: Clarified procedures and integrated objective criteria for review and approval, Made allowances for flexibility and more predictable
2. Zone Districts: Removed or adjusted prohibitive dimensional standards that limited development
3. Use Regulations: Expanded housing options, Greater mix of residential and nonresidential uses allowed in more districts
4. Site and Structure Standards
5. Natural Resources and Environmentally Sensitive Lands
6. Landscaping, Buffering, and Screening: Aligned requirements with goals of sustainability and water conservation, Established incentives, and predictable requirements that limit disturbance during development
7. Off-Street Parking: Reduced minimums, Increased opportunity for alternatives
8. Subdivision Standards
9. Outdoor Lighting
   

Adoption

The Zoning & Development Code was adopted by City Council on December 20, 2021 and will be effective on January 21, 2024. City Council made amendments to the previous version of the draft during the hearing. The final version of the code can be found using the link below.

ADOPTED ZONING & DEVELOPMENT CODE