City Holds Hearing on Three New Ordinances. (1/21/2022)

On Thursday evening, January 13th, the City held a hearing on three proposals. It’s hard to explain the discussion. On the good news front, LBCA member Janie Warren provided a succinct, powerful statement in support of the proposed revised definition of Substantial Damage/Substantial Improvement, making the 50% cap an annual limit instead of a 10 year cap. Other statements in support of the proposal are being submitted to the record. No one spoke against the proposal. The record will be kept open until we believe February 4th. Click here for the proposal.

As to the other two proposals, several LBCA members tried to ask questions about the proposal concerning off-street parking. It was made clear from the outset, however, that questions about meaning, interpretation, and enforcement of the existing codes and proposed amendments would not be answered. Interestingly, it was revealed that no member of the Council had sponsored the proposal. It was prepared by staff. Moreover, staff argued that the city has been enforcing almost all of these provisions covered in the proposal for years. This was the second hearing on the proposal and, like last time, no additional information was provided about what specific provisions meant, how to comply, or who or what is covered. Click here for the proposal and here for a copy of some of the questions that have been submitted.

The third proposed ordinance covered during the hearing expands the authority of the current City Planner over property, owner rights, building and construction, and enforcement.  As noted earlier, the City Planner is the author of all 10 of the proposed ordinances we have challenged or questioned this past year. Seven have been withdrawn, significantly amended, or set aside. The other three were the subject of last night’s hearing. This point was shared during the discussion, which was very brief. Click here for the proposal.