Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 10/21/2024

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Senior Planner Anderson stated that some regulations did exempt the buffer if the property abuts a park or a neighbor with native landscaping. He stated that he could draft some exemptions for the Board to consider and bring those back. He noted that there is not a strict timeline for this, as his goal would be to have the regulations in place prior to the next growing season. Chairperson Fetterley agreed that it would make sense to split up where buffers would be required and not required. Board Member Hagerty asked for clarification on the process moving forward. Senior Planner Anderson explained that the Board will develop the standards and he will finalize the draft ordinance language, which would receive a formal recommendation from the Board. He stated that if the language stays in the nuisance chapter, it would then move to the City Council for two readings. He stated that if the information is placed in the zoning code, it would move to the Planning Commission for a public hearing before going to the City Council for two readings. The Board provided consensus direction to consider different buffer standards for rural residential lots and MUSA lots. It was noted that there would still be a setback requirement from the road regardless of the zoning district. Board Member Salami commented that it will be important to differentiate the standards so that people on urban lots do not compare themselves to people on larger, five or ten acre lots. Board Member Bernard stated that while he would support a front setback from the road for rural lots, he would not want to see side or back setbacks unless someone complains. Senior Planner Anderson replied that he would be hesitant to include a complaint claim as some residents just do not get along with their neighbors and that could put them in an unfair position. He stated that he will use the comments received to update the draft and bring it back for additional review by the Board. 6. BOARD / STAFF INPUT Senior Planner Anderson provided an update on the recent Fix It Clinic held on October 5th, which was not as well attended as they had hoped. Chairperson Fetterley asked if the Board should discuss the 2025 meeting calendar or whether that should occur at the next meeting. Senior Planner Anderson commented that he planned to create a draft calendar for 2025 to present at the November meeting, recognizing that the January and February meetings always have to shift because of holidays. 7. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Board Member Salami and seconded by Board Member Burgess to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Environmental Policy Board / October 21, 2024 Page 4 of 5