Growing Pains: Davis Seeks to Tame Impact of Development

Plus, $3.9 million sought for riverfront improvements, a new indoor entertainment venue opens, and the ski report

Aerial view of downtown Davis. Photo by Brian Sarfino.

As Davis struggles to cope with expanding tourism and rapid development, residents will vote June 8 on a proposed zoning ordinance that would restrict business activity in residential areas, impose tight limits on signs, prohibit residents from raising livestock in town, and ban “sexually oriented” businesses, among other provisions.

The most controversial part of the zoning plan is a 24-unit limit on the number of short-term rentals allowed in residential neighborhoods. Country Roads News will take a closer look at short-term rentals, often referred to as Airbnbs, in a future edition.

Davis currently has no zoning ordinance.

“Right now, it’s the Wild West,” said Davis Councilmember Bob North, who supports the zoning proposal.

Zoning is necessary for the town to effectively manage the rapid growth that will inevitably come as more new residents, second homeowners, and businesses are drawn to the area, North and other zoning advocates say.  

“In 10 years, you won’t recognize this town, trust me,” North said.

Click the “Download” button below for a plain-language summary of the 86-page Davis zoning ordinance.

Davis Mayor Al Tomson said the town is holding the binding referendum on a