The second wave draft represented the sum total of ReCode changes, including edits based on hundreds of public comments. The draft changes decreased residential lot sizes, introduced parking maximums, expanded neighborhood-scale business uses, established a innovative new Coastal Flood Resilience Overlay zone, consolidated zoning districts for greater simplicity, created new shoreland zoning protections, and increased height in areas targeted for growth.

What changed?

The second wave edits touched all parts of the land use code, so there was a lot to take in. To make the public review easier, the City created a podcast, and a series of guides (listed below) that summarize key proposed changes to the code about the edits was developed:

Zoning Changes

• Base Zones
• Coastal Flood Resilience Overlay Zone
• Zoning Map

Other Changes

• Administration + Nonconformities
• Shoreland, Floodplain, + Waterfront
• Siteplan, Subdivision, + Impact Fees
• Historic Preservation
• Housing + Signs
• Parking + Loading

What did we hear about the second wave?

Just like with the first wave, there were a number of ways to get involved and provide feedback on the second wave of draft changes to the land use code and zoning map. Altogether, almost 200 people visited our ReCode Studio, a two-day, drop-in event where people could learn, engage with City staff, and provide input. You can review the materials from the event here, and find a summary of feedback here. We held two workshops with the Planning Board, one workshop on June 5, and one workshop on July 30, 2024. We also got a LOT of written and emailed public comments, as well as comments through our online document and map comment portals. A summary of comments from these sources can be found here.