Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 11/19/2018

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5.02: Review Request for an Amendment to the Current Topsoil Standard City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the City has received a written request to consider an amendment to the current topsoil requirement. Presently, the issuance of any Building Permit for a new principal building (residential and commercial/industrial buildings) specification, across all disturbed areas not otherwise improved with impervious surfaces (e.g. building, walkways, driveways, etc.). Staff has not prepared any draft ordinance amendment but did want to initiate a discussion with the EPB about what information will be helpful for a future discussion on this topic. He stated that staff received an email this afternoon from PSD, which he provided to the Board prior to the meeting, and stated that PSD would like to leave the topsoil requirement as is and focus more on education on the homeowner level. He stated that part of the concern is that perhaps the first homeowner is aware of the topsoil requirement, however when the property changes ownership the information is not passed on to future owners. He stated that staff continues to research water conservation techniques and it is becoming apparent that the most effective water conservation tool is the smart sensor technology for inground irrigation systems. Board Member Covart asked what would happen if there is not enough topsoil. and provided additional details. He stated that if the sod is laid prior to inspection the builder would need to roll back the sod to allow for the inspection. Board Member Fetterley stated that she would like to see comparisons from other communities. She stated that as a recent homeowner in the community they installed a smart sensor without knowing the requirement of the City. She stated that they have seen a decrease in their water bill after installing that technology. She noted that if builders are installing the smart sensor, there should not be an issue with over watering going forward. She agreed that education of existing homeowners and with the change in ownership of property would be helpful but noted that if the smart sensor is installed that should prevent over watering. City Planner Anderson stated that the irrigation amendment was done more recently and agreed that the City should not see the issue as much moving forward. He stated that the cost to meet the topsoil requirement for the smaller lots is about $5,000, while the cost to meet the requirement for larger rural parcels would be higher. Board Member Madison asked for details on the Capstone request. City Planner Anderson stated that Capstone is aware of the City requirement. He stated that the City has created a list of pre-approved soil suppliers. He stated that if an alternate supplier is used, the developer/resident would have to have the soil tested. Board Member Madison asked where the soggy yards are occurring for Capstone. City Planner Anderson stated that could occur in swale areas that are lower in elevation. He provided additional information on the grading requirement of the City.