Port council OKs $164K rewrite of zoning code

Port Washington has modified its zoning code through the years, but the document is about to undergo a complete revision.

The Common Council last week hired Graef-USA Inc. to create a new zoning code for $164,500.

The process is expected to take 18 to 20 months, with the new code expected to be completed by June 30, 2025.

Port’s current code was written in 1965 and needs to be updated to address ongoing and future development and redevelopment issues, Bob Harris, the city’s director of planning and development, said.

“This is something that’s been let go way, way, way too long,” Ald. Dan Benning said.

Mayor Ted Neitzke suggested the Common Council add a clause in the city codes requiring the zoning to, at a minimum, be reviewed every decade.

However, City Attorney Eric Eberhardt said that any such clause would have no teeth because the council can’t bind a future board.

“It’s a good idea but I don’t think it will have the lasting power Mr. Mayor expects,” he said.

One way to ensure it gets reviewed periodically might be to place a sunset clause in the zoning code, Ald. Mike Gasper said.

“I’m not saying it’s a good idea,” he added, noting that it would ensure the code gets reviewed.

The city received four proposals from companies seeking to rewrite the code, with costs ranging from $130,000 to $180,000, Harris said.

The city had budgeted $200,000 for the work, he noted.

Graef will work with CiviTek Consulting to rewrite the zoning code, a process that will include community engagement in the process, Harris said.

In addition to rewriting the zoning code, the consultant team will review the city’s subdivision ordinance and make recommendations for consideration by the city, he noted.

Graef has retained an attorney to provide a legal review of the new code before it is finalized and presented to the city, Harris added.