New Firebaugh Zoning Ordinance

Firebaugh’s new zoning ordinance implements a hybrid form-based zoning code for the City. Prior to that Firebaugh was using a 1960's era zoning code that was very outdated. The City has extremely limited resources and so the ordinance was prepared over multiple years to spread out the cost. In fact, during preparation of the code, work had to be suspended for at least a year due to severe budget issues.

The new Zoning Ordinance implements many forward-thinking concepts, especially for a small agricultural community, including design guidelines that supplement the hard and fast standards of the code. Other distinct features include:

- Graphic illustrations of many key zoning standards.

- Flow charts that explain permit procedures.

- Easy to understand permitted use lists.

- R-1 (TN) "Traditional Neighborhood" zone that is intended to create walkable neighborhoods with homes designed in historic styles, with prominent front porches and garages set back at or behind the front plane of the house.

- The C-2 (Central Commercial) zone establishes new standards to better strengthen downtown Firebaugh as a walkable, pedestrian-oriented shopping core of the City. A key standard will require new buildings to be set forward on the lot (and parking to the rear) with large display windows to help bolster downtown's unique character.To further invigorate downtown, the Zoning Ordinance waives all requirements for on-site parking (up to a certain amount).

- Mixed Use developments are classified as a permitted use in most commercial zones - helping to remove administrative barriers to this unique land use category.

- Formatting to improve readability and ease of understanding.

With the new Zoning Ordinance in place, the City feels confident that it will have a positive impact on future growth and development, improving the quality of design, creating more harmonious land use relationships, and simply helping people to better understand the sometimes complex world of zoning.

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