Minutes - Evironmental Policy Board - 11/17/2025

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5.01: Review Draft Ordinance Amendment Related to Alternative Landscapes Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the draft ordinance is related to the installation and/or maintenance of an alternative landscape. The EPB has previously provided feedback and input in terms of what should be included in updated regulations. Staff has attempted to incorporate that input and feedback into the draft Ordinance Amendment. Board Member Hagerty appreciated the setback that was incorporated along with the signage requirement. Chairperson Fetterley appreciated the clarification on what a resident would need to include in their management plan. Board Member Moore stated that she works with people in other communities to develop alternative landscapes and had some concern with the language requiring establishment within three years, noting that it can often take five years. Senior Planner Anderson stated that if there is hesitation on that, he would prefer to rethink the language used. He noted that Board Member Moore could also provide draft language that he could circulate via email to the Board for consensus. Board Member Moore referenced a scenario in which a five-year timeline was identified within a management plan. Senior Planner Anderson stated that if the language is adopted as presented, he would not have the authority to deviate from that timeline. Board Member Bernard stated that he did not want to change the three-year timeline, but perhaps the establishment threshold could be changed, using the example of requiring 75 percent establishment at the three-year mark. He believed people would take advantage of a five-year timeline. Chairperson Fetterley stated that she does not have the expertise to make that decision, but recognized that a deadline should be included. She stated that perhaps Board Member Moore could bring back additional documentation on this topic, given her expertise. Senior Planner Anderson stated that perhaps he and Board Member Moore could work together to develop a solution to that uncertainty. He stated that he could either bring that back at a future meeting or send the proposed language in a blind copy email to the Board for consensus, as this is the only item being questioned in the amendment. Board Member Moore confirmed that she could work with staff on that language. Councilmember Peters noted the cost for the variance process and urged the Board to stay away from things that would require residents to apply for variances for this type of project. Environmental Policy Board / November 17, 2025 Page 2 of 4