Minutes 06/22/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 22, 2021 - City Manager’s Report - 21 - 187 - Adoption of an ordinance to amend and reordain Chapter 2 of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia (Administration) by modifying Section 2-29 thereof (procedure for adoption of ordinances and resolutions) for the purpose of eliminating the requirement for a second reading on approved zoning items. Background:  The current City Code requires that zoning items have two readings before City Council prior to approval.  By consensus, City Council requested staff to review the “two reading” requirement and determine whether it could be modified to require only a single reading. Discussion:  There is no state law requirement that zoning items have two readings prior to adoption.  Most Virginia localities require only a single reading.  Requiring only a single reading (rather than requiring applicants to wait an extra two weeks for a second Council meeting) will expedite the zoning approval process.  The ordinance presented for Council consideration provides that zoning items can be finally approved on first reading.  The ordinance also provides that zoning items that are denied on first reading may, at the discretion of Council, have a second reading. If an item is approved on second reading, it will be deemed finally approved, and if an item is denied on second reading, it will be deemed finally denied.  The ordinance presented for Council consideration further provides that the change from two readings to one will take effect on July 1, 2021 and will not apply to items which have already had a first reading before Council. Financial Impact:  N/A Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The change to a single reading for approvals will be implemented for future Council agendas. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Dr. Whitaker, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REORDAIN CHAPTER 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA (ADMINISTRATION) BY MODIFYING SECTION 2-29 THEREOF (PROCEDURE FOR ADOPTON OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS) FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELIMINATING THE REQUIREMENT FOR A SECOND READING ON APPROVED ZONING ITEMS.” Ayes: Barnes, Battle, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Whitaker, Woodard, Glover Nays: None 21 - 188 - Adoption of a resolution to amend the Rules of Order and Procedure of the Portsmouth City Council for the purpose of conforming the rules to amended Section 2-29 of the City Code. Background:  An ordinance is being presented for City Council consideration to amend Section 2-29 of the City Code. The purpose of the amendment is to allow zoning items to be approved on first reading.