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To: Chair Bollis and Planning Commission Members <br /> Adam Edwards, City Administrator <br /> <br />From: Laura Oakden, Community Development Director <br /> <br />Date: July 21, 2025 <br /> <br />Subject: #LA25-000028, City Code Recodification, Ordinance Update <br /> <br /> <br />Background <br />In 2021, the City Council directed staff to review the city code and make necessary updates. The <br />city staff partnered with CivicPlus Municode to conduct a detailed review of the entire city code. In <br />2022, CivicPlus completed a legal review of the code with recommendations. In 2023, staff and <br />city attorney prepared draft updates and presented these to council and commissions as <br />needed. In 2024, staff consolidated the updates and provided them to CivicPlus for <br />implementation. In 2025, the City Clerk and CivicPlus performed final quality control, processed the <br />tables and index, and shipped the code books for review and adoption. <br /> <br />Chapter 78: Zoning Regulations of the City Code (Exhibit B) is attached for your review. The new <br />version has the same text as the current City Code but is renumbered with updated outlines and <br />updated state statue refences to keep the City Code organized and remove the sections that have <br />been left blank (reserved) over the years. Because the Zoning Regulations (Chapter 78) numbering <br />is being updated with the recodification process, a public hearing and recommendation by the <br />Planning Commission is required. <br /> <br />A well-organized and regularly updated city code ensures that our local laws remain clear, <br />consistent, enforceable, and aligned with state and federal regulations. This helps the city run <br />smoothly supporting efficient governance and the well-being of the community. It is a good <br />practice to do a full legal review and update of the code every 10 to 15 years so it remains current. <br />The City last competed recodification in 2003. <br /> <br />Public Comments <br />No public comments have been received. <br /> <br />Planning Staff Recommendation <br />The Planning Commission is asked to hold a public hearing and make a motion to recommend approval of <br />the proposed recodification of Chapter 78. <br />Application Summary: The City of Orono is proposing a recodification of the City Code. Chapter 78: Zoning <br />Regulations requires a public hearing. <br />Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval. <br />86