During the October 14, 2019 City Council meeting, Councilman Lawson asked the City Manager to return with an agenda item to allow the City Council to direct the City Manager to review and propose changes to Title 20 of the Sparks Municipal Code (Zoning Code). Councilmember Lawson specified an interest in adding internet-based retail and auto-oriented uses as permitted uses, and the addition of locational criteria for signs, in the Mixed-Use (zoning) Districts. This agenda item fulfills Councilmember Lawson’s request.

Internet-based businesses were not specifically addressed in the Zoning Code approved in 2015. Concerns have also arisen regarding the exclusion of certain auto-oriented uses from the Mixed-Use Commercial designation of the Mixed-Use (zoning) District (MUD). Lastly, there may be unnecessary restrictions regarding signage in the MUD that warrant modification.

If the City Council provides the City Manager direction to review the Zoning Code and initiate changes related to these issues in the MUD, City staff will develop options and make recommendations to the City Council for amendment of the Zoning Code.

1. City Council may direct the City Manager to review and propose changes to Title 20 of the Sparks Municipal Code to add locational criteria for signs and additional permitted uses in Mixed-Use (zoning) Districts.
2. City Council may decide not to direct the City Manager to prepare a code amendment.

I move to direct the City Manager to review and propose changes to Title 20 of the Sparks Municipal Code to add locational criteria for signs and additional permitted uses, specifically internet-based retail and auto-oriented uses, in the Mixed-Use (zoning) Districts.