The purpose of regulation

Contrary to popular belief, the purpose of regulation is NOT to slow down development. Quite the contrary. The purpose of regulation is to provide an appropriate framework in which quality development can occur. When this framework is undermined, when questions are brought to bear on whether or not the regulation is appropriate or helpful, when there are concerns about fees or methods or other attempts at circumvention of the process the process takes longer.

What's the point of regulating ordinances if they're not going to be enforced? How is a fee fair or just if it's negotiable? It just doesn't make any sense.

We live in a world of laws. They govern many of our actions. Some view them as restrictive or confining, but they enable many of the positive aspects of our society, including roads, running water, sanitary sewer, storm water drainage, etc. If the laws were applied in an arbitrary manner we would be opening ourselves up for all kinds of inappropriate activity, with potential long-reaching effect.

Laws are not static things. They are subject to constant review, revision, and update. As the values of the community adapt the laws must also adapt. Further, as new information becomes available, as better practices and theories come to light, these should be incorporated into existing standards. In this way, our city evolves in meaningful and appropriate ways. Laws of necessity are difficult to change, requiring public input periods and action taken over a period of time by elected representatives and officials. City staff does our best to provide professional opinions that are trustworthy and legally acceptable. But those are just for advice and informative purposes only: ultimately, the decisions must be made by the City Council.