Omaha City Councilman Chuck Sigerson Jr., right, talks with developers John Lund and Jay Noddle and University of Nebraska at Omaha Chancellor Emeritus Del Weber at the official unveiling of the Urban Design Element implementation measures.  The Omaha Planning Board voted 7-0 to recommend approval of the groundbreaking package of zoning code revisions and additions June 27.

Zoning Package Gets Board’s Recommendation

Omaha is one step closer to becoming the first city of its size to develop and implement a comprehensive urban design plan.

The Omaha Planning Board voted 7-0 to recommend approval of a groundbreaking package of zoning code revisions and additions that will bring life and weight to the city’s Urban Design Element, a planning tool designed to improve the quality of development in Omaha while protecting and enhancing the city’s natural environment. The unanimous tally was recorded at the board’s June 27 meeting.

In his opening remarks, board chair Pete Festersen called the proposed package “the single most impactful item we will consider as board members.” 

Connie Spellman, director of Omaha by Design, kicked off a line of proponents - including members of the design and development communities – who offered testimony in support of the package. She thanked the planning board members for devoting hours of their time to closely examining the proposal in an extensive series of briefings and also praised the efforts of the Technical Advisory Group. The volunteer group, comprised of members of the development and design communities as well as others representing civic interests, helped write the code revisions and additions in conjunction with the city’s planning staff, city officials, Omaha by Design and the project’s nationally renowned urban design consultants.

“They’ve created a thoughtful package that makes sense for our city, our development community and, most importantly, our citizens,” Spellman said. “It’s an Omaha product that captures the visions Omahans have for their future.”

The Omaha City Council will consider the Omaha Planning Board’s recommendation beginning Tuesday, July 24, with the first reading of the proposed package of code revisions and additions. The second reading will be held Tuesday, July 31, and the final reading and vote is set for Tuesday, Aug. 14.

“When the private and public sectors work together, we start turning the Omaha by Design vision into reality,” said John Lund, president/CEO of The Lund Company and a member of the Omaha by Design Advisory Committee. “This urban design plan helps lead Omaha in a positive direction of growth and encourages developers to build projects in a more responsible way for our community. Omaha by Design has drafted a blueprint for a prosperous and desirable future for Omaha, and we all must do our part to help bring out its full potential.”

To review the complete package of proposed revisions and additions, visit www.omahabydesign.org. For more information, contact Spellman at 402.342.3458 or connie@omahabydesign.org.


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