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Plan Commission launches study of landscaping, sidewalks and sign rules; staff to return with draft amendments
Summary
After lengthy debate over hardscaping versus plantings and enforcement, the commission asked staff to research other municipalities' approaches to hardscape point values, maintenance enforcement, sidewalk-waiver authority for staff, and a definition for 'sign alteration' and to return with draft code language for public hearing.
The Weston Plan Commission on Aug. 12 directed staff to research and return with draft zoning-code amendments focused on landscaping and preservation standards, sidewalk-waiver authority and sign definitions and enforcement.
The commission’s direction followed an extended discussion prompted by ABC Weston’s as-built landscaping. Staff explained that the current point-based landscaping rules favor living plantings (trees and shrubs) over hardscape; natural boulders count for 10 points each up to a 200-point maximum, while trees and perennial beds carry substantially higher point values. Commissioners asked staff to inventory how peer municipalities treat hardscaping (point values, square-foot measures, or alternative metrics), and to craft options that would allow alternative low-water, low-maintenance approaches (examples cited: intentional minimalism, pollinator-friendly plantings, or high-quality hardscape that retains ecological function).
On sidewalks, staff proposed language allowing the Site Plan Approval Authority (staff) to waive sidewalk requirements where appropriate, so routine staff-level determinations would not always return to the commission. For signs, staff proposed adding a definition for “sign alteration” and discussed enforcement of temporary flag signs; the commission generally favored maintaining enforcement for signs in the right-of-way but allowing measured temporary use on private property.
Staff will compile model ordinances and return with draft language and cost/maintenance considerations for the commission to review before a public hearing.
