The permissible uses table was a central point of discussion, with the council examining changes in zoning for housing, commercial uses, and the inclusion of new categories like live-work units and regulations for short-term rentals. The staff presented findings highlighting inconsistencies in the code and noted the absence of specific zoning districts, such as Milton Square.

The council engaged in an in-depth debate regarding the classification and allowance for various land use categories, which included hotels, motels, veterinarian and kennel services, and industrial uses. A notable topic was the simplification of categories for industries such as research development and testing, laser technology, and simulation and modeling, which are expected to be combined in future revisions.

Adult entertainment was established as a special exception in different zoning districts, emphasizing the need for regulation and public awareness. The potential for grants to install alternative fuel stations, like electric vehicle charging stations at the golf course, was also discussed.

On the topic of building heights, the council reached a consensus to set a maximum height limit of 60 feet for certain zoning categories, aligning with recommendations from the Land Development Code Committee. This decision came after a debate on the change from a previously proposed height of 78 feet and its implications for the city’s skyline and service capabilities of emergency response equipment.

The council also focused on the Planned Unit Development (PUD) section of the code. There was disagreement between the Land Development Code Committee and the council regarding the deletion of language pertaining to assessing maintenance fees for common open spaces, with the latter recommending its deletion. The discussion extended to how building height is tied to density and intensity bonuses, with members seeking clarification on how these would be calculated and applied, especially in the context of downtown mixed-use properties.

Further discussions included the imposition of language regarding homeowner association (HOA) responsibilities, the management of new private streets, and the removal of language related to grass medians and street lighting. Another issue was the discouragement of detached single-family uses in targeted areas, where existing homes were deemed legally non-conforming.

Architectural standards were also scrutinized, with members debating the guidelines for town homes, setbacks, and building articulation requirements. The need for visual aids to understand the proposed block perimeter and minimum widths for passages was highlighted.

Towards the end of the meeting, the council expressed the need for more information on affordable workforce housing and the potential replacement of the term “green building” with “sustainability” in the city’s comprehensive plan. Historic preservation also surfaced as an issue, with members deliberating over the inclusion of a specific date for the significance of buildings.