Implementation of new city zoning code extends administrative delay on development

Columbia Mayor Brian Treece suggested an administrative delay on all downtown development earlier this year, and on Dec. 1, it’s supposed to expire.

But the implementation of a newly revamped zoning and building code called the Unified Development Code is taking longer than expected and will most likely push back that expiration date.

“I want to make sure we have the opportunity to adopt this code before the construction season begins in the spring,” said Treece in an interview last month.

The complicated and comprehensive new code has been in the works for almost three years now and has occupied much of planner Pat Zenner’s life. He and the rest of the Planning and Zoning Commission have spent hours and hours listening to resident input into the new plan, which replaces a code that hasn’t been updated since 1964.

“Initially we had anticipated that we would be able to get through all the public input in a single meeting and we would basically be wrapped up by now,” he said. “However, the amount of public comment on the public hearing draft has been greater than what was anticipated, so we’ve actually only been able to complete three of six public hearing segments.”

Zenner said the Planning and Zoning Commission won’t likely make a recommendation on the code to the City Council until January. Introduction of the new code to the City Council probably won’t happen until February.

Other groups, including the city’s Parking Task Force, the Historic Preservation Committee and the Downtown Columbia Improvement District, have also provided recommendations to Planning and Zoning.

The code is based on the city’s comprehensive plan, which was adopted in 2013. You can find that plan here. He said the plan has broad and general ideas on how the community wants the city to look and the code is the regulatory tool by which they achieve that.

“We have taken aspects of the comprehensive plan which said we want to preserve the environment,” he said. “We have taken that goal and have put a regulatory framework around it. That doesn’t make the comprehensive plan a regulatory document.”

Zenner said many cities that adopt a new comprehensive plan usually update their zoning codes shortly after.

The new code presents changes for downtown development and subdivision requirements. It also is meant to consolidate items within the old plan that were scattered and not properly organized.

The journey of the code isn’t finished and there are still plenty of opportunities for residents to have input before the code is officially adopted next year.

City Council is expected to take up the issue of the administrative delay at its next meeting.