Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 04/20/2015 - Joint with Planning Comm

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Statement of Purpose The Environmental Policy Board (EPB) will promote environmental awareness and conservation practice by citizens by advising the City Council on policy issues, review of new development proposals, communication and education. Through careful review, the EPB will present multiple perspectives, ideas, and new technologies that promote both discovery and accountability. Scope Land Use Application Review Beginning in 2015, the EPB will have an active role in reviewing various land use applications with respect to natural resources. The EPB's review will occur concurrently with other advisory boards/commissions to ensure compliance with State Statute 15.99 (generally known as the sixty [60] day rule). The EPB will review and provide recommendations regarding landscape plans, tree preservation plans, potential impacts to natural communities/areas as identified in the Natural Resources Inventory and Wetland Functions and Values report, and the potential for implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs). The EPB will actively review land use applications for Major Plats (four [4] or more lots with public infrastructure improvements), Site Plans (new development only, not for building expansions), Variances in Overlay Districts (Wild and Scenic, Critical Area, Shoreland, and Floodplain), and Comprehensive Plan Amendments. In general, the EPB will not review applications for Conditional or Interim Use Permits, Minor Plats (three [3] or fewer lots), Administrative Subdivisions, Easement Vacations, Home Occupation Permits (unless a request has potential environmental hazards), or Variances (except for the Overlay Districts as noted above). Finally, the EPB will, on occasion, also review Zoning Amendments, dependent on the subject of a proposed/requested amendment. The EPB's role in land use application review will be conducted for a trial period of one (1) year without amending City Code. At the conclusion of the trial period, the process will be reviewed by the Board (and City Council) for effectiveness and efficiency. If found to add value to the overall land use application review process, an ordinance amendment will be prepared for consideration by City Council. Comprehensive Plan Review The City has begun preparations for an update to its Comprehensive Plan and has noted a significant role the EPB will have in this process. This document will lay out the vision for the community through 2040 and sets the foundation for how the community will develop over time. Once adopted, the Comprehensive Plan likely will set in motion certain updates or amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and should any amendment or updates relate to natural resources, the EPB will be directly involved with that process as well. The EPB will have a role in reviewing various portions of the Comprehensive Plan and will take the lead on the Natural Resources Chapter. While the update is not due until 2018, the EPB will begin a review of the existing Natural Resources Chapter early in 2015 and subsequently establish guiding principles and a framework for updating this Chapter. In 2016 (or early 2017), the EPB will complete a draft update to the Natural Resources Chapter.