Staff sets plan update schedule and Olive Grazer preliminary review; commission flags garden-fence guidance

Planning staff on July 21 told the Planning and Zoning Commission it will bring consultants to a commissioned check-in Aug. 18 as part of a comprehensive plan update and is scheduling a second open house Sept. 29, with a draft plan expected to reach the commission Oct. 20.

City planner (unidentified on the record) described the Aug. 18 session as a market-analysis check-in where consultants will present initial recommendations and receive early feedback. Staff said the second open house is planned for Sept. 29, with Sept. 18 as an alternate, and that the draft plan should be ready for commission review Oct. 20; if more time is needed adoption could occur at the commission’s first November meeting.

Moore also announced a pending application: a preliminary Olive Grazer site concept review is scheduled for Aug. 4. Moore said the Aug. 4 meeting will be a preliminary review (not a vote) intended to give the developer feedback and allow the public to comment; staff will publish a staff report the Friday before the meeting.

Separately, staff reported a rise in resident inquiries about tall garden enclosures and showed examples, some roughly 8 feet tall and topped with netting or tarps. Staff suggested the commission could consider creating a special category or standards for garden fences similar to existing allowances for sports-court fences so that materials, maximum heights and setbacks are clear. Commissioners discussed enforcement challenges, aesthetic concerns, and deer intrusion; staff said it would research how other municipalities regulate such structures and could return with options.

Next steps: consultants will meet with the commission on Aug. 18; the Olive Grazer preliminary review is set for Aug. 4 with a staff report to be posted the Friday before the meeting. The commission agreed staff should research possible code categories for garden enclosures and bring options back for discussion.