Adopted from Stop Me Before I Plan Again by Richard Hedman, copyright 1981 by the American Planning Association.

 
The City of Sunnyvale’s Community Development Department is working on reformatting the entire Zoning Code (Title 19 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code) to be more clear and user-friendly for members of the public, as well as staff and decision-makers.

The Zoning Code is commonly used by members of the public to find information about modifications to their property, including new construction, business signage, parking requirements and fencing modifications. In the current format, it can be difficult to find the right information and understand the requirements.

The new format will use clear, everyday language, illustrations and examples to clarify requirements. This project will also explore ways to improve administrative procedures and streamline permitting requirements for residents and businesses. No changes are planned to be made to land use regulations or development standards. The last time the Zoning Code was reviewed in its entirety was in 2001, and before that, in 1963. The Zoning Code was originally adopted in 1951.

It is important for the Zoning Code to be clear and accessible to everyone, not just attorneys and professional staff.

Project Completion Date: December 2012 (estimated)

Visit ZoningCode.inSunnyvale.com to stay updated on the progress of the project and for any upcoming public meetings and hearings.

DOCUMENTS AND SURVEYS

Public surveys will be posted to help guide the project.

The Planning Commission will act as the advisory committee to select a new desirable structure and format, and to ensure that any proposal to streamline permitting or administrative procedures will not compromise community standards. Staff will hold several study sessions with the Planning Commission at various stages of the project to receive feedback on options and preliminary proposals. The public is invited to attend these meetings.

 A general community meeting will be held to outline the potential changes at a later stage of the project.  

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Public hearings have not yet been scheduled for this project.