Council updates zoning ordinance, Urban Village plans

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Woodbury City Council approved changes to part of the city ordinance that governs zoning at its Wednesday, June 28, meeting.

City staff, along with Planning Commission, have been working on the ordinance for more than a year to implement changes that complement the Comprehensive Plan, clear up definitions and comply with state laws.

The council amended the ordinance that will guide how Urban Village will be built, its characteristics, landscaping and architectural standards.

Council Member Christopher Burns was the only opposing vote to the ordinance amendment.

After commending staff on the work they’ve done updating the ordinance, he said he didn’t want it to be so limiting.

“I just fear that some of these particular revisions are getting a little bit on the micromanaging side,” Burns said.

Planning and Economic Development Manager Janelle Schmitz said the city spoke with a number of community businesses and multi-tenant properties to get feedback on the new changes of the ordinance and haven’t heard any strong feelings against it.

She added that the changes will allow for a staff review process as opposed to coming before the City Council for minor site plans and conditional use permits as well as eliminate “jumping through hoops.”

It’s better to start out with high standards and work through the Planned Unit Development process, she added.

“It’s kind of balance the need to be responsible and flexible but also maintain our high standards,” Schmitz said.

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