DOWNEY – Amending the city’s zoning code to address concerns with lot splits and mansionization would take about a year and cost up to $85,000, according to a city staff report. 

Aldo Schindler, Downey’s director of community development, is scheduled to address the City Council on Tuesday night.

Last Nov. 28, the council rejected a moratorium that would have halted controversial lot splitting. Then-mayor Fernando Vasquez, however, requested a report on the estimated cost and time needed to amend Downey’s zoning code. 

In his report, Schindler stressed that amending the zoning code, and possibly the General Plan, “is a complex undertaking.” 

“The City will need to balance development rights with the desire to preserve the character of existing neighborhoods,” Schindler wrote. 

According to Schindler, the city would need to hire a professional planning firm “that has the experience and depth of staff to complete the analysis and prepare the necessary amendments in a timely manner.” 

The entire project would take between 9-12 months and cost up to $85,000, Schindler said.