CLEARLAKE >> Negotiations with Price Consulting Services for zoning code updates and design review services were unanimously approved by the Clearlake City Council Wednesday.
After negotiations, the total of the agreement will not exceed $85,000.
“The current code is antiquated, contradictory, difficult to understand and challenging to administer,” Clearlake City Manager Joan Phillipe said.
Changes in land use laws, including telecommunication and sign regulations have caused “some concern regarding the legal adequacy” of the zoning code, Phillipe continued.
The city is near the end of its General Plan update, which requires an update to the zoning code to implement.
In his proposal, Gary Price, who has worked with the city multiple projects, has included a “comprehensive update of the Zoning Code with focus on the recent land use and design policies and programs in the General Plan update,” Phillipe said.
“Given Mr. Price”s working relationship with the city, his understanding of the city”s needs and his ability to provide reduced costs for services, he will be able to prepare both the Zoning Code update and the design review manual for less than larger planning consultants,” Phillipe continued.
The typical cost of zoning ordinance updates runs approximately $200,000, while design guideline manuals can cost approximately $50,000, according to Phillipe.
Recommended policies and programs include streamlining the design review process, creating community design guidelines, as well as providing descriptions and illustrations of desired architectural components.
Another option would have been to incorporate design components into the zoning code, which would result in an approximately $60,000 reduction in costs. However, it was not recommended.
No members of the public offered comment on the issue.
The agreement will be funded by housing bond proceeds under the condition of meeting state-mandated housing requirements for affordable housing.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
