Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 02/22/2016

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Board Member Bentz questioned if there are similar regulations for rural lots. City Planner Anderson noted the minimum lot size is two and half acres. The minimum setbacks are slightly larger for rural lots. He commented that a Planned Unit Development would have more ability to deviate from the City rules. He said as developments are considered, the City is becoming more aware to be sure the developer plans accordingly. The City is doing all it can on some lots that were lawfully created. Board Member Bentz commented some of the larger landowners had concerns. He asked if there are any larger landowners in the MUSA district that would be affected by the specific issue of the wetlands requirement. City Planner Anderson answered there would need to be a detailed analysis. There would likely be some impact in the MUSA. However, he said he could think of only one or two tracts of land that would be affected. Board Member Bentz inquired if the lot size can be split from the setback requirement in the example on the screen. City Planner Anderson replied it cannot be. Without the wetland area, the lot would not meet the minimum required size. There are lot frontage requirements as well. As part of the development process, the developer could propose to plat that area as an outlot, which is unbuildable. This could result in losing a buildable lot in a development. This would have an impact on the total number of units in a development. He said he believes this Ordinance will provide a greater benefit to the future homeowner going forward. City Planner Anderson noted the language for the lot depth development is not yet in the Ordinance, and will be clarified. Motion by Board Member Lewis and seconded by Board Member Bentz to recommend City Council adopt Ordinance #16-03 to include lot depth parameters as determined by staff. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chairperson Valentine, Board Member Lewis, Bentz, Bernard, and Covart. Voting No: None. Absent: Chairperson Stodola, Board Member Hiatt. 5.03: Consider Ordinance #16-4 to Amend City Code Section 2-159 (Duties, Responsibilities, and Objectives) to Incorporate the Principals of the Environmental Policy Board's Statement of Purpose City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He noted Section E in the Ordinance was updated and item numbers 6 and 7 were added in that section, as noted in the meeting packet. He said Staff would like to present the changes to the Planning Commission before it is introduced to City Council. This would come before the Planning Commission in March, and come before the Council shortly after. Motion by Board Member Bernard, and seconded by Board Member Lewis to recommend that the City Council adopt Ordinance #16-4 incorporating the EPB's role in reviewing certain Land Use Applications and the Comprehensive Plan Update into City Code. Environmental Policy Board / February 22, 2016 Page 4 of 6