The Next Step in the Process - M Streets Conservation District

Leif Sandberg of the City's Department of Planning & Development provided a timeline for the process of becoming a conservation district. You can also download a calendar which shows our estimated timeline.

Step in the Process	Estimated Time Frame
1. Neighborhood meetings (optional): Property owners are invited to a discussion of zoning options for achieving their goals. Straw vote may occur to determine level of consensus.	1-2 months
2. Neighborhood submits application to City: Application materials assembled, including petition signatures	3-12 months
3. City Planning Commission authorizes hearing: If >75% property owners' signatures are submitted, Planning Commission authorizes hearing.	1 month
4. Building Consensus - Phase 1: Community meetings are scheduled to discuss the proposal in general terms. 1) "What is a conservation district?" 2) "What are the advantages/disadvantages?" 3) "What concerns exist, and can they be resolved?" 4) "Does a consensus (strong majority) exist?"	3-6 months
5. Building Consensus - Phase 2: Community meetings* are scheduled to discuss specific criteria to be incorporated in the proposed conservation district ordinance 1) Building materials? 2) Architectural style? 3) Building setbacks/heights/density? 4) Regulation of demolition? 5) (other standards?) *In some cases, a representative committee of the overall community is asked to work closely with staff to develop standards, after which the proposal is presented to the entire community for comment 3 -	3-36 months
6. City Planning Commission holds public hearing: 1) Notice sent to all property owners within area of request and within 200' 2) Signs posted in neighborhood 3) Newspaper ad run If CPC recommends approval, process continues to next step.	2 months (minimum)
7. City Council public hearing: 1) Notice sent to all property owners within area of request and within 200' 2) Newspaper ad run If CC approves proposal, ordinance is published and zoning is changed.	1 month (minimum)