Zoning Code Rewrite – City of Toledo

Introduction

The City of Toledo, Ohio (the "City") is seeking a qualified planning consultant (the "Consultant") to undertake a comprehensive rewrite of its existing zoning code (adopted June, 2004). The current code is not consistent with the Forward Toledo Comprehensive Land Use Plan and no longer effectively serves the City's future needs. The goal of this project is to create a modern, user- friendly, and effective zoning code that implements the goals and objectives of the City's comprehensive plan, promotes sustainable development, and fosters a vibrant community.

Scope of Work

The Consultant's scope of work will include, but not be limited to:

• Comprehensive Review and Analysis: A thorough review and analysis of the existing zoning code, including its strengths, weaknesses, inconsistencies, and areas of obsolescence. This should include an analysis of current land use patterns, development trends, and best practices in zoning.
• Community Engagement: Developing and implementing a robust community engagement strategy to solicit input from residents, businesses, stakeholders, and City staff. This will include public meetings, workshops, surveys, and other outreach methods.
• Drafting the New Zoning Code: Drafting a complete rewrite of the zoning code, including clear and concise language, modern zoning techniques (e.g., form-based coding, mixed- use zoning), and updated regulations for various land uses. The new code should be consistent with the City's new comprehensive plan Forward Toledo and other relevant policy documents.
• Development of Supporting Documents: Preparing necessary supporting documents, such as a user's guide, zoning map updates, and implementation strategies.
• Presentation and Adoption Support: Providing support to the City during the public hearing and adoption process, including preparing presentations and responding to questions.
• Consistency with State Law: Ensuring the revised zoning code complies with all applicable State of Ohio laws and regulations.

Qualifications and Experience

The City seeks a Consultant with the following qualifications and experience:

• Extensive experience in planning and zoning code, with a demonstrated track record of successfully completing zoning code rewrites for municipalities of similar size and complexity to Toledo.
• Strong understanding of modern zoning principles, best practices, and innovative zoning techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience in facilitating public meetings, community workshops and alternative methods of public outreach.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Ability to deliver high-quality work products on time and within budget.
• Professional certifications (e.g., AICP) are preferred.

Form of Response

Interested Consultants are requested to submit the following:

A. Cover Letter:

• List the RFQ title.
• The name of the firm.
• The name, title, address, telephone number, and email address of the primary contact person.
• A brief letter expressing interest in the project and highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.

B.  Statement of Qualifications:

A detailed statement outlining the Consultant's qualifications, experience, and approach to the project. This should include information on relevant projects, team members, and specific expertise in zoning code rewrites.

C.  Project Understanding and Approach

A description of the Consultant's understanding of the project scope and their proposed approach to completing the work. This should include a proposed timeline and work plan.

D. Fee Schedule:

A standard fee schedule for the Company and projected team members needed.

E.  References:

A list of at least three (3) references for similar projects, including contact information.

F.  Submission

Proposals for this project can only be accepted via electronic submittal through the City of Toledo’s PlanetBids website. Bid submittals or other transmissions of information have not been completed until an email confirmation of the transmission has been issued by PlanetBids.

Required Information

I.  Organization

a.     Correct legal name, address, and general telephone number.

1. Brief historical sketch of the organization.
2. Number and location of offices.
3. Brief description of the organization of the firm, the number of employees, the locations at which it performs its activities and identities of the members of the board or directors (or owners of a partnership) and principal management (if not otherwise listed).
4. Enclose the portion of the employment manual committing the organization to employ and promote without consideration as to race, religion, national origin or sex.
5. Provide a statement of assurance that your organization is not currently in violation of any regulatory agency rules to a degree that it may have material impact on the firm’s operation.
6. State whether you intend to engage, either as an employee or independent contractor, in performing the services contemplated by the proposal, any employee of the City, or any person who has been an officer or employee of the City, or any entity as to which such an officer or employee (i) is a partner, if the entity is a partnership, (ii) owns or controls more than five percent of the outstanding shares, if the entity is a corporation or (iii) owns, holds or controls more than five percent of the total indebtedness of such entity.  If your response is in the affirmative, identify the person or persons and list the details of the activities contemplated to be secured from them.

Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• • Qualifications and Experience (40%)
  • Project Understanding and Approach (30%)
  • Fee Schedule (20%)
  • References (10%)

Following review of the submitted qualifications, the City may invite shortlisted Consultants for interviews.

Disclaimer

The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received in response to this RFQ. This RFQ is not a contract offer. All costs associated with preparing and submitting a response to this RFQ shall be borne by the Consultant.

Bid Opening Meeting

Bids will be open at 2 PM EST on the due date of this bid via Zoom Meeting at:

https://toledo-oh-gov.zoom.us/j/96570601158  

Preliminary Bid results will be available within 1-2 business days on the PlanetBids website after bid opening.  Bid results will be published to the PlanetBids website once awarded.   

Questions regarding the project must be submitted through the PlanetBids’ Q & A tab for the project manager to respond.