Officials continue to work through what will be a lengthy process to redesign the City of Warren’s zoning ordinance.

Randy Rossey, the city’s director of codes and planning, said a zoning steering committee met on March 9 and analyzed a proposed mixed-use district on Market Street.

Planners walked Market, Part of East Street as well as portions of Fifth Avenue and Liberty Street to “look at the R1 (residential) zone up there.”

Rossey said “most of the meeting was consumed by looking at the existing districts” and especially the residential zone, “looking at ways (we) might want to enlarge that just to preserve that feel.”

Several more in-person steering committee meetings are expected as part of the process.

The Commission discussed the process of notification to DEP that is required for demolition permits and there was some sentiment to lobby the county’s representatives to seek a change.

“We can improve workability within the city,” Rossey said, and with its building code contractor, Bureau Veritas. “We just need to find a way… to bring this to the state’s attention.”

Zoning & Ordinance Official Scott Taylor said this is an issue that the city has heard about a lot lately.

The Commission also discussed that the city’s comprehensive plan is up for public hearing and approval by council on Monday.

“I appreciate all of your hard work,” Rossey said. “(It) would not be a plan as well thought out as it is without you.”

“The work is starting once we get that approved,” Commission chair Angie Dart said. “It’s a living document. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”