The City has initiated work on a new zoning Ordinance to implement into the General Plan. This Ordinance, when completed and approved, will create zoning regulations to control future development and help realize the community’s vision for the future—a safe, beautiful, vibrant and livable community, a robust local economy, a vibrant Old Town District and protection of environmental resources. It will build upon the foundation of the General Plan and other prior planning endeavors to help achieve the City’s goals for sustainability and green design. Zoning will address a wide range of topics through this Ordinance, including protecting neighborhood character, promoting mixed use and infill development, involvement of citizens in the zoning review process and urban agriculture. The Planning Commission has started the process by reviewing issues and options and has created an outline of the new Ordinance. The Commission has also reviewed permitting procedures and administrative provisions proposed for discussion in Module #1 at its March 10th meeting.

The City Council encourages your active participation in this process. Residents can provide observations and suggestions for new zoning and express opinions about specific proposals being considered by the Planning Commission. Become part of the process and make your voice heard.

Here are some specific dates to keep in mind:

• Monday, April 7th from 5-6:30 p.m.:The City will host an Open House with Jennifer Carman, the City’s Planning & Environmental Review Director, and Anne Wells, the City’s Advance Planning Manager, for an informal discussion about the zoning ordinance and Module 1.  This is an opportunity for community members to have individual and small group discussions with the City’s lead planners about City zoning regulations and the Zoning Code process.  After the Open House, the Planning Commission will receive a status report on the Zoning Ordinance Project from City staff, including feedback and direction on Module 1: Administration and Permits and a preview of Module 2: Zoning Districts.  The Planning Commission meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.

• Monday, April 28th from 5-6 p.m.: City staff and the project consultant will host an Open House for an informal discussion with Goleta residents on Module #2 (Base and Overlay Zoning Districts) of the Zoning Ordinance. This module will include details on use regulations and physical development standards for the residential, commercial, mixed use and other zoning districts that will implement the land use designations of the General plan.

• Monday, April 28th from 6-8 p.m.: The Planning Commission will have a study session on Module #2 (Base and Overlay Zoning Districts) of the Zoning Code.

• Monday, May 12th from 5-6 p.m.: City staff and the project consultant will host an Open House for an informal discussion with Goleta residents on Module #3 (regulations applying in some or all zoning districts – parking, signs, landscaping and standards for specific uses) of the Zoning Ordinance.

• Monday, May 12th from 6-8 p.m.: The Planning Commission will have a study session on Module #3 of the Zoning Code.

These meetings will be held in City Council Chambers at 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B, Goleta, CA 93117.

Community workshops on the draft ordinance will also be scheduled after the Commission’s review of the modules in order to present the new framework for zoning which emerges from the Commission’s initial work and to delve into some of the specifics. A new zoning map will also be available for review at these workshops.

Check the project website, www.goletazoning.com, for dates of upcoming meetings to attend and for draft products available for review.