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A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Planning Department provide a report to the Metropolitan Council on strategies and policy changes to improve public notice and awareness of proposed amendments to the Metropolitan Zoning Code.
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WHEREAS, over the course of the current Metropolitan Council term, there have been numerous significant amendments to the Zoning Code proposed that would have a broad impact on the residents and property owners of Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, for several of these proposals, members of the community have been generally unaware of the proposal until well into the approval process and in some cases until after the public hearing at the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, robust community engagement and input on amendments to the Zoning Code is essential to the Planning Commission and Metropolitan Council in their respective consideration of such amendments; and
WHEREAS, it is not possible to have robust community engagement and input when community members are not informed about proposed amendments until well into the approval process; and
WHEREAS, it is important for the Metropolitan Council to examine and consider changes to its own operations and Rules of Procedure to improve public notice and awareness of proposed amendments to the Zoning Code to increase community engagement and input on such amendments; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Department has the expertise and experience to lead a review of the current practices and policies related to public notice and awareness of proposed amendments to the Zoning Code and recommend policy changes and additional strategies for engagement based on peer city research and recognized best practices.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby requests that the Metropolitan Planning Department provide a report to the Metropolitan Council on strategies and policy changes to improve public notice and awareness of proposed amendments to the Zoning Code, to be completed no later than October 31, 2024, and presented at the first subsequent Planning & Zoning Committee meeting in November. Such report should include both online and offline strategies for public notice and awareness.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to the Director of the Metropolitan Planning Department.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.