Join the Discussion - Initial Fall Community Engagement Announced

The full, initial draft of the City’s new Land Use Code is being released for public review in early October. In advance of that, we’re announcing initial community engagement opportunities through the fall. This draft will be continually refined as we hear from the community over the coming months.

Stop in for Land Use Code Bingo at Liquid Mechanics on Oct. 16, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. RSVP here!

Engagement Checklist

Help shape Lafayette’s new Land Use Code! Pick the options that work for you:

Anytime

• Follow the project page to get notified of new events as they’re scheduled (see “Subscribe” button to the right).
• Share feedback on missing middle housing and neighborhood shops in a Virtual Open House
• Schedule a 1:1 meeting directly with staff here.
• Sign up to join a Focus Group discussion and/or weigh in on issues affecting Old Town Lafayette (form link).
• Read the draft code (will be posted in early October)
• Read one-page topic summaries in the document library to the right (will be posted in early October)

October

• Play Land Use Code Bingo at Liquid Mechanics Brewing Co., Oct. 16, 4:30–6:30 p.m. (RSVP here)
• Weigh in on building height. Do taller buildings (like four stories) make sense in Lafayette? Drop a pin on the interactive map below and share your thoughts.
• Drop into a virtual office hours on Oct. 13 (12 p.m.) and Oct. 20 (4 p.m.). See key dates to the right for registration information.

November

• Take the citywide survey (details coming soon).
• Join a City board meeting to view discussions and offer your views (details coming soon)

December

• Attend a Community Event – weigh in on key issues (details in Nov.)
• Join the Community Briefing + Listening Session – learn about the final draft code and share input (details in Nov.)

Lafayette is Rewriting its Land Use Code

The City of Lafayette is rewriting its land use code (also referred to as zoning) for the first time in nearly 40 years. The new code will be based on the community's vision for the future, as outlined in the 2021 Legacy Lafayette Comprehensive Plan. Many of the policies and strategies of the plan are best implemented through an overhaul of the City’s development regulations.

The first code was adopted in 1967 and has been amended several times since then (with the last overhaul in 1986.) Because our code no longer aligns with the community's goals or latest planning practices, the rewrite process is now underway, with the goal of adopting the new code in 2024. The new code help ensures that new development is consistent with the community's vision and meets the needs of residents and businesses.

What is a Land Use Code?

A land use code is a set of regulations that govern how land can be used in a city. They are also known as a zoning code. These codes are based on a community vision for the future and are intended to encourage orderly development (typically on private property) and aid in the creation of livable, vibrant communities. A code typically includes regulations like the use, height, and location of buildings, and the location of roads, parks, and other facilities.

What is a Form-Based Code?

A form-based code is a type of land use regulation that focuses on the physical form and context of development, like the size, shape, and placement of buildings. Form-based codes are particularly effective at promoting walkable, mixed-use communities where people can live, work, and shop within a reasonable walking distance. Form-based codes are an alternative to conventional use-based regulations, which divide a city into different types of uses, prohibiting or encouraging residential, commercial, industrial, or other developments. The use-based approach to zoning often contributes to long distances between residential uses and desired services, which has exacerbated issues like traffic congestion and suburban sprawl. Lafayette currently has use-based regulations in place. However, the city is exploring ways to incorporate form-based elements alongside use-based regulations (i.e., a hybrid code).