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Planning commission backs zoning code updates on fences, building design and landscaping
Summary
The commission approved resolutions supporting zoning code changes in chapters 6–8, adding standards for fences and screening, tiered building materials and glazing requirements, tree preservation and a new social gathering space requirement for larger developments.
The Planning Commission voted to approve zoning code changes captured in chapters 6, 7 and 8 that add and clarify development standards for fences and screening, building materials and design, and landscape/tree preservation and community open‑space requirements.
Highlights: Chapter 6 (general development standards) tightens rules for fences and walls, clarifies dumpster and mechanical screening, creates vision‑clearance triangles at driveways and corners, and strengthens lighting standards with BUG (backlight‑uplight‑glare) ratings to limit light pollution. The revisions include provisions about garden fences in front yards and a discussion point that led commissioners to prefer requiring garden fences to meet principal building setbacks for lots with large front‑yard depths.
Chapter 7 (building design) introduces tiered materials requirements: higher‑quality "Tier 1" materials (brick, manufactured stone, architectural CMU) must cover a minimum percentage of front and street‑side facades on certain nonresidential and multifamily buildings; the draft also sets minimum glazing/window coverage on primary elevations and requires facade articulation and roof articulation for larger buildings. The update also seeks to phase out vinyl siding on nonresidential/commercial buildings.
Chapter 8 (open space, tree preservation and landscape standards) adds a social gathering‑space requirement for larger redevelopment projects, creates a tree‑replacement or fee‑in‑lieu standard for trees 12 inches or greater in diameter (fee proposed at $550 per tree or replacement at a 50% formula), and defines landscape transition zones with screening and buffer standards between differing uses. The updates also include a managed "natural landscape" (wildflower/native planting) permit option with limits (up to 50% of lot area under conditions) so such plantings are permitted but maintained and tracked.
Commission discussion touched on front‑yard garden fences and appropriate setbacks. Commissioners suggested larger principal‑building setbacks for front‑yard garden fences on standard city lots (several supported 50–60 feet rather than the 40‑foot setback used elsewhere) so that small city lots would not be able to use a front yard to place tall, opaque garden fencing directly adjacent to the sidewalk. Planning staff said the Urban Forestry Commission reviewed the tree proposals and helped set the fee‑in‑lieu amount and replacement expectations.
Action and outcome: Commissioners moved and seconded resolutions supporting code chapter 6, chapter 7 and chapter 8 updates; each resolution passed on roll call (each recorded as yes by commissioners present). Staff asked commissioners to continue providing redline comments but said the resolutions are nonbinding expressions of support pending formal ordinance adoption by council.
