Council hears debate on changing landscape plan requirements, refers amendment to legislative committee

Council considered a proposed amendment to the zoning code that would restore the option for licensed professional engineers or architects to prepare landscape plans, rather than requiring a State of Tennessee‑registered landscape architect for every qualifying project.

Councilman Harvey introduced the amendment, saying the prior code—changed about a year earlier to require landscape architects—had narrowed who could submit plans. "The old code for over 20 years allowed more than just a registered landscape architect," he said, and the proposed language would again allow architects and engineers licensed in Tennessee to submit landscape plans if they have competency in landscape plan preparation.

Supporters argued the change addresses an administrative bottleneck. City staff and other presenters told council that there are too few licensed landscape architects locally, which has slowed plan approvals and housing production. City planning staff said the planning commission unanimously approved the amendment, and presenters emphasized that the city’s landscaping and stormwater standards would not change; the amendment would only change who prepares the plans.

Opponents raised practical and stewardship concerns. Council members from districts with known runoff and irrigation problems asked how engineers and architects would be prevented from submitting plans outside their specialty, and urged safeguards. One speaker summarized public opposition emails saying the amendment could "put us out of business" for landscape architects; presenters replied that the same city review by Land Development Office staff (including long‑time reviewer Carla Levitt) would remain in place and competency is subject to state verification.

There was also discussion of native plant stewardship and biodiversity: one council member cautioned that landscape architects often bring broader ecological and aesthetic viewpoints, and asked whether any native‑plant phase‑in or nursery capacity considerations should be paired with code changes.

Outcome and next steps: Council agreed to refer the amendment to the legislative committee for further review and possible amendment. The chair asked the legislative committee chair to coordinate a meeting date by email. Council members asked staff to continue monitoring the zoning code and suggested quarterly or monthly reviews during the initial period after code changes.

Other business noted during the same session included a notice that the Northgate TIF resolution language is in meeting folders and will be on the Jan. 6 agenda, and two board appointments (Nan and Linda) were noted as ready for reappointment.