Discussions surrounding stormwater management have stalled progress on Chapter 24, a key development regulation, as the community development board opted not to pause stormwater discussions. This decision has placed the chapter on indefinite hold, with significant implications for landscape requirements, particularly in commercial areas.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges of stormwater management, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to prevent flooding and manage runoff, especially as sea levels rise. Staff noted that current stormwater regulations are somewhat generic, leading to frustrations within the development community, which often resists taking up space for stormwater retention on their properties. This has resulted in instances where developers remove trees to accommodate stormwater needs, raising environmental concerns.

Staff proposed an update to the stormwater master plan, with $200,000 earmarked in the budget for this purpose. However, there is a sense of urgency among developers to revise stormwater codes before the master plan is completed. The city faces increasing flooding issues, particularly during king tides, and staff warned that failure to address these challenges could lead to significant infrastructure costs in the future.

The meeting also revisited the topic of artificial turf, which has gained popularity among homeowners. While it offers water savings, concerns were raised about its environmental impact, including the displacement of native vegetation and potential heat absorption. Staff encouraged the Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC) to weigh in on these issues, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that considers both development needs and environmental protection.