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NEW BUSINESS • 13. Discussion of Re-Adoption of"Guidelines for Residential Design& Land Use" (Staff D. Pedro) Mayor Mordo introduced the item to Council. He explained that he had discussed the concept of re-introducing the "Guidelines for Residential Design and Land Use" (Guidelines) with Planning Director Debbie Pedro and City Manager Carl Cahill. Mordo noted that he was primarily interested in finding a mechanism to help streamline the planning process. Mordo referenced his experience as a former Planning Commissioner and now Councilmember and offered that occasionally there were controversial development projects that were usually related to design issues and how the home appeared on the site. Conflicts were seldom about the concise requirements set forth by the Zoning and Site Development Code. Mordo suggested that the Guidelines could be a helpful tool for development. He noted that the City Manager had suggested a voluntary checklist with points similar to the green building process or a rating system might be an option if they were re-adopted. Planning Director Debbie Pedro added that the Guidelines if re-adopted would be intended as a user friendly supplement to the Town's Codes. The Guidelines which are not quantifiable would be suggestions or recommendations and meant as a voluntary educational tool with a checklist for applicants to gauge their compliance with the Guidelines. • Mordo noted that the item before Council was to assess Council's interest on the re- adoption of the Guidelines and possibly forward them to the Planning Commission for their review. It was not to take formal action to re-adopt the document. Council Discussion: Councilmember Summit supported the concept but noted that much of the information was out dated and suggested that a sub-committee be established to review the Guidelines. Councilmember Larsen expressed his concern about the infamous and controversial reputation that the Guidelines had in previous years. He did not want to adopt any dracaenas restrictive rules. Mayor Pro Tem Warshawsky concurred with Councilmember Larsen's comments. He suggested that the components of the Guidelines were arbitrary and could be interpreted differently. Warshawsky offered that during his two terms as a Councilmember, very few projects had required Council review. He advised that if the process should move forward,that Council exercise extreme caution with the Guidelines. Mayor Mordo suggested that possibly a revision to the name would be advantageous and help to eliminate some of the negativity associated with the document. • Councilmember Kerr offered that the Planning changes the Council had approved during his tenure had all worked very well. He offered the new ordinance for Estate Homes as City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 14,2009