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STRATEGIC OUTCOMES |
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ACTION |
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Safe & Prosperous |
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Motion |
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Community Development |
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Active & Appealing |
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Resolution |
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Respected & Responsible |
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Ordinance - Introduction |
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Division: |
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Connected & Engaged |
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Ordinance - Adoption |
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Community Planning |
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Unique & Creative |
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Public Hearing |
TITLE:
title
Text Amendment: Old Town
end
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION:
Summary Recommendation
Amend Title 15, Chapter 154 of the Yuma City Code to require parking for new construction in the Old Town zoning district and open space for new multi-family developments. (Community Development/Community Planning) (Alyssa Linville)
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STRATEGIC OUTCOME:
The proposed amendment advances the City Council’s Safe and Prosperous outcome by requiring parking for new construction that will address the growing parking needs in the Historic North End and provide uniform development standards for multi-family projects.
REPORT:
The purpose of the text amendment is to address the need for parking and open space for new multi-family development in the Old Town zoning district.
The Old Town zoning district was adopted October 18, 1995. The intent of the Old Town district is to have a zoning district that emphasizes tourism and historic preservation while encouraging a mix of commercial, cultural, governmental and residential uses in a lively pedestrian-oriented environment. As adopted, the Old Town district exempts buildings constructed before November 1, 1995, from having to provide on-site parking thus promoting preservation of existing buildings. The district also exempts buildings permitted after November 1, 1995, and under 5,000 square feet from having to provide on-site parking. The text amendment will remove the parking exemption for buildings that are less than 5,000 square feet but does not change the parking exemption for buildings permitted prior to November 1, 1995. Additionally, this amendment will not update the parking requirements for those properties located within the Mall Maintenance District, as this area of Old Town is exempt from on-site parking requirements.
The parking exemption for buildings under 5,000 square feet met the needs of the community at the time but with continued development of the downtown area over the past 30 years, the obligation to provide on-site parking for new development of all types is now essential. This need is particularly acute when a site is completely redeveloped with a use that significantly increases the parking requirements.
The text amendment also incorporates the Private and Common Open Space requirements for multifamily developments adopted by City Council April 3, 2024, into the Old Town zoning district providing uniform development standards for multi-family projects. But because the Old Town district is in proximity to our riverfront and a number of parks, the Common Open Space requirement can be waived if the project is within 1,500 feet of a park area and a paved pedestrian or bike path is available or provided.
On September 14, 2026, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend APPROVAL (4-0) of the request by the City of Yuma for a Zoning Code Text Amendment to amend Title 15, Chapter 154, to address the need for parking and open space for new multi-family development in the Old Town zoning district.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - EXCERPT FROM PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES:
QUESTIONS FOR STAFF - NONE
PUBLIC COMMENT - NONE
MOTION
“Motion by Luis Cuevas - Planning and Zoning Commissioner second by Lorraine Arney - Planning and Zoning Commissioner to APPROVE ZONE-45539-2026 as presented.
“Motion carried unanimously, (4-0) with one absent and two vacancies.”
FISCAL REQUIREMENTS:
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CITY FUNDS: |
$ 0.00 |
BUDGETED: |
$ 0.00 |
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STATE FUNDS: |
$ 0.00 |
AVAILABLE TO TRANSFER: |
$ 0.00 |
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FEDERAL FUNDS: |
$ 0.00 |
IN CONTINGENCY: |
$ 0.00 |
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OTHER SOURCES: |
$ 0.00 |
FUNDING ACCOUNT/FUND #/CIP: |
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TOTAL |
$ 0.00 |
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FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT: NONE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS NOT ATTACHED TO THE CITY COUNCIL ACTION FORM THAT ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK:
NONE
IF CITY COUNCIL ACTION INCLUDES A CONTRACT, LEASE OR AGREEMENT, WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ROUTING THE DOCUMENT FOR SIGNATURE AFTER CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL?
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Department |
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City Clerk’s Office |
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Document to be recorded |
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Document to be codified |
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Acting City Administrator: |
Date: |
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John D. Simonton |
10/12/2026 |
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Reviewed by City Attorney: |
Date: |
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Richard W. Files |
10/08/2026 |