Agenda - Council - 08/10/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Manager Larson commented that they are receiving complaints about the larger lots in the rural areas. He explained that some people just stop mowing when they do not want to maintain their lawn, and then call it natural, which is not actually natural landscaping. Commissioner Musgrove stated that Councilmember Olson proposed 100 square feet per acre and asked for the opinion of staff on that option. Senior Planner Anderson replied that it could be manageable, but if they are going to tie it into acreage, they should state that for each acre, or part thereof, you would be eligible for 100 square feet. He explained that a 1.25-acre lot would then only be eligible for 100 square feet, and only when a lot size reached two acres would it be eligible for another 100 square foot exempt area. Chairperson Gengler stated that she does not want to add additional layers, adding difficulty in enforcement. She commented that if someone is being intentional in having a natural landscape, they should put forth the effort to develop a plan that could be turned into the City. She stated that she leans towards only allowing 100 square feet of exempt area. Senior Planner Anderson commented that this makes an applicant think about what it will take to establish this type of landscaping. He commented that people often think this is an easier option, but it does take a lot of work to get that established in the first few years. Motion by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Lubarski, to recommend that City Council adopt Ordinance #26-11, Amending Chapter 30 (Nuisances) and Chapter 106 (Zoning Code) as drafted. Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Gengler, Commissioners Bauer, Lubarski, Allshouse, Bauer, Cochrane, Lubarski, and Sanoe. Voting No: Commissioner Musgrove. Absent: None.