Council reviews mixed-use stepback changes, a party-fines ordinance and CIP requests
July 8, 2025, 3:45 p.m.
At the July 8 work session Council Members discussed a revised stepback and three-month effective date for the mixed-use zoning consolidation, a proposed civil fine for large unruly gatherings on private property, follow-ups on housing program resolutions and CIP funding requests, and three board appointment interviews. The Council went into closed session on real property and attorney-client matters.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Mixed-Use zoning consolidation follow-up | Discussed |
| Ordinance amending Chapter 11.14, parties, gatherings or events | Discussed |
| Housing program fund policy resolutions follow-up | Discussed |
| Council Policy Manual: communication budget | Discussed |
| Capital Improvement Program follow-up | Discussed |
| Board appointment interviews | Discussed |
| Executive Director report | Discussed |
| Closed session | Approved · 7-0 |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Zoning
Mixed-Use zoning consolidation follow-up
Discussed
Nick Tarbet and Planning Director Nick Norris discussed setbacks and stepbacks next to landmarks, the variance process and incentives for qualifying historic buildings. Council Member Mano raised the Planning Commission's stepback requirement for streets under 90 feet wide and said it would affect many District 5 properties; he suggested limiting it to the area from McClelland Street to 2100 South and the freeway, and proposed a three-month implementation period. Council Member Wharton asked for a text amendment letting contributing structures in historic districts be treated like landmarks for setback and stepback purposes.
Item 2 · City code
Ordinance amending Chapter 11.14, parties, gatherings or events
Discussed
Staff proposed an administrative process and civil fine for large unruly gatherings on private property involving illegal activity and disturbances, replacing a recently eliminated service fee for police responses. Discussion covered the difference between mass events and small parties, unofficial college gatherings, difficulty identifying responsible property owners, and possible civilian enforcement. Senior city staff said the aim is house parties that become a continuous public nuisance, not expanded enforcement. Members asked for a report on deputizing civilian response teams and expanding them to handle violation calls. A hearing was set for August 12.
Item 3 · Other
Housing program fund policy resolutions follow-up
Discussed
Staff reviewed the Home Repair, Community Land Trust and NOAH Preservation programs, single-owner versus multi-property applicants, and deed restrictions on acquisitions. A unanimous straw poll supported using available NOAH funding for acquisitions and prioritizing smaller properties and smaller non-institutional owners. Council Member Petro asked for a cost comparison of city-run versus outside-partner land trust loans. Council Members Mano and Dugan asked for a recommendation on limiting participation by the number of properties an individual or LLC owns. Action was tentatively set for August 12.
Item 4 · Other
Council Policy Manual: communication budget
Discussed
This was a written briefing only; no discussion was held.
Item 5 · Budget
Capital Improvement Program follow-up
Discussed
Staff reviewed requests including GREENbike match and bike racks (#18), Livable Streets (#19), Glendale traffic calming (#41), curb and sidewalk replacement (#20), a pedestrian HAWK signal at Richmond Street and Zenith Avenue (#21), sport court and playground replacements (#22, #23), the East Central 1200 East median restoration (#25, in its eighth year of applying, per Council Member Lopez Chavez) and Nevada Street reconstruction (#27). Council Members asked for comparisons of bike rack requests, definitions of livable and complete streets, data behind the Livable Streets and Glendale requests, review of Curtis Park for playground funding, and joint review of the curb and median requests.
Item 6-8 · Appointment
Board appointment interviews
Discussed
The Council interviewed Sarah Vaughn and Margaret Neville for the Library Board (terms ending June 30, 2028) and Solomon Brumbaugh for the Transportation Advisory Board (term ending September 25, 2028). Council Member Wharton said all would be on that evening's consent agenda.
Item 10 · Other
Executive Director report
Discussed
Deputy Director Lehua Weaver said registration was open for the Impact Transit and Community Conference, a pre-approved convention under the Council Policy Manual, and confirmed it falls within the period when members up for election should not travel.
Item 11 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 7-0
The Council entered closed session from 6:40 p.m. to 6:58 p.m. to discuss strategy on the purchase, exchange, disposition or lease of real property and attorney-client matters. No action was reported.
What residents said
Stepbacks near historic propertiesUnruly private gatheringsTraffic safety CIP requests