More details at: http://www.
Council members Hoppe and Skala introduced the idea of conditional use permits as a stop-gap measure until all zoning could be reviewed, but we have some grave concerns about using this as a temporary fix. Regardless of good intentions, a conditional use permit creates uncertainty when it comes to rules, and inequities on how they are applied. In addition, given how long it will likely take to discuss, develop, approve, and implement a form-based code or other type of zoning change, this will essentially become an ad hoc city policy.
The CID recruited a broad-based group of volunteers work to come up with some very good zoning recommendations and the city is starting the process of hiring a consultant to review those recommendations. This conditional use permit is essentially a moratorium--and will have the same effect on investment. We should urge the council to continue in this direction of thoughtful and deliberative changes to zoning, rather than an approach that can seriously harm downtown.
Please email or call all city council members regarding this: http://gocolumbiamo.com/
