The City of Sparks has elected to update, reorganize and revamp the chapter of its municipal code which governs zoning and development (Title 20).   Title 20 regulates the use and improvement of land while controlling the location, soundness and use of structures located thereon.  The update should 1) provide a new organizing structure that integrates the Zoning Code and other regulatory documents and guidelines (i.e. Transit Oriented Development standards) and 2) update the permitted uses table.  The attached scope of work outlines a process for completing this work.

In 2012, the City approved a contract with Clarion Consulting and CFA of Reno to complete an analysis and identify “Barriers to Development” in the City of Sparks’ zoning code.  This analysis (Phase II of the Zoning Code update process) was reviewed and considered by the City Council.  Ultimately, staff along with CFA of Reno held a workshop where the City Council ultimately identified various amendments for staff to incorporate into the advance planning work program in Phase III.

Earlier this year, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit and select a consultant to assist City staff with updating, reorganizing and revamping of the zoning code.  The City interviewed two consultants who were scored by five reviewers: two city staff, one planner in private practice, a private developer and a Sparks Planning Commissioner.  The committee unanimously recommends to the Sparks City Council that the contract be awarded to White & Smith, LLC in association with Reno firm CFA and Winter & Company in the amount of $149,965. Funding for this project was included by the City Council in the City’s FY 2012/2013 budget.

Should the contract be awarded, CFA will play a significant role.  Staff anticipates CFA’s role in Phase III will include participation in all phases of the project including analysis and drafting of the new code, coordinating stakeholder input, providing staff with stakeholder perspective and supporting with City Council workshops.

This planning team along with City staff will be working to provide a new organizing structure that integrates the zoning code and other regulatory documents and guidelines.  The update is intended to make information easier to find, avoid internal inconsistencies, make the regulations easier to use, translate the City’s vision for development into clear instructions for both applicants the general public and staff.  The project will result in an updated table of permitted uses while providing more flexibility for land use decisions.

This revision will include the direction provided by the Sparks City Council at the workshops held in January earlier this year.