Zoning Code Update

Zoning codes are a set of rules that regulate what can and cannot be done on a particular piece of property.  Zoning can be used to encourage construction of new housing, support local entrepreneurs, attract new businesses, and protect natural resources.  

The City began working with ZoneCo (formerly Calfee Zoning) in 2018 to update the City's Zoning Code after city leaders agreed that it was a priority to put the vision and goals of the City's planning documents into action.  The Bowling Green Zoning Code was originally adopted in 1975, with text amendments over the years as needed.  

Prior to the start of the update to the Zoning Code, ZoneCo created a Diagnostic Report of Zoning Code (PDF) by reviewing the current Zoning Code.  As the City began the process of drafting new and streamlined zoning regulations, the Diagnostic Report was an important first step in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the existing Zoning Code and the extent to which the current Zoning Code advances or acts as a barrier to the land use principles and planning vision set forth in the City's planning documents: 

Draft Zoning Code 

The initial Draft Zoning Code was released for public review in June 2022.  The revised Draft Zoning Code Update captures the edits that were made as a result of public comment gathered during 2022 and at work sessions and public meetings hosted by the Planning Commission and City Council up until this point. The revised Draft Zoning Code and the proposed Zoning Map were updated and released for public review in February 2023 and are linked below:

Past Presentations & Public Meetings

Past public meetings on the zoning code update are available on the City's YouTube Channel. The 2022 Zoning Code Update Year in Review (PDF) provides a timeline of past meeting dates.

ZoneCo also delivered several public presentations to the community on October 11, 2021, February 16, 2022, and June 1, 2022.  Presentation and materials are available below:

Please note the visuals and proposed districts throughout presentations, including the zoning map, are conceptual ideas from the consultants and are fluid subject to public input and comment. 

Community Engagement

Residents are encouraged to review slides and/or watch videos of past meetings and presentations, read through the revised Draft Zoning Code, and participate in live meetings when able. Online comments were accepted until July 1, 2022:  Online Comments Received - Zoning Code Update (PDF) 

Additional comments can be emailed to City Council Members, emailed to the Clerk of Council, or mailed to or dropped off at 304 North Church Street (c/o Clerk of Council).

Additional opportunities for public input will be available at future public meetings, including the Public Hearing required before the adoption of the Zoning Code and Zoning Map. 

Upcoming Public Meetings

  • Monday, March 13, 2023 at 6:00 PM, Veterans Memorial Building, City Park: City Council Work Session to introduce possible changes to the Zoning Code.  No public input.
  • Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM, Veterans Memorial Building, City Park:  Public Forum - Active community participation.
  • Monday, March 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM, Veterans Memorial Building, City Park:  Final City Council Work Session to work through ideas/recommendations from the first Work Session and Public Forum, which will likely lead to alterations to the Draft Zoning Code.

After the March 27th Work Session, it's expected that a Final Draft of the Zoning Code will be introduced as legislation.  The legislation will require a Public Hearing and three readings and a vote from Council before finalized.  

Revised Pedestrian - Residential District

The Revised Draft Zoning Code Update captures the edits that were made as a result of public comment gathered during 2022 and at work sessions and public meetings hosted by the Planning Commission and City Council up until this point.  The Pedestrian - Residential District section was a focus during several public meetings.  While there were a number of revisions to the Draft Zoning Code in its entirety, several of these changes relate to the P - R District.  The FAQs below provide responses to the community questions pertaining to this section of the Draft Zoning Code.

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