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Weston planning commission OKs Chapter 94 updates on landscaping, sidewalks and sign definitions
Summary
The commission approved amendments to Chapter 94 updating references to the dissolved Everest Metro Police Department, revising landscaping point allocations and planter credits, allowing limited sidewalk waivers by the Site Plan Approval Authority and adding a definition for 'sign alteration.' ETZ approved the changes as well.
The Village of Weston Plan Commission voted Oct. 14 to recommend amendments to Chapter 94 of the municipal code that staff said are intended to modernize several sections and increase flexibility for landscape compliance.
Staff presented a set of changes this week that include: removing a specific reference to the now-disbanded Everest Metro Police Department and replacing it with a generic "police department" reference; revising landscaping point allocations to better distinguish planting types (large/small deciduous and evergreen trees) and to expand credit for planters from 500 to 1,000 square feet; adding a landscape surface-ratio bonus to give flexibility to projects that exceed green-space minimums; adjusting maintenance provisions (clarifying replacement obligations within one year) and tightening enforcement language; creating a staff-authorized sidewalk waiver mechanism for certain staff-reviewed site plans; and adding a definition for "sign alteration" to align with sign-code practice.
"The landscape changes came out of the ABC Westin project, which had more hardscape than landscaping," Carrie (planning staff) told the commission. Staff said the changes are intended to allow design flexibility while ensuring meaningful planting and long-term maintenance. Commissioners asked for clarification on boulder/rock allowances and maintenance enforcement; staff replied the rock/boulder credit remains at 10 points per 8-cubic-foot boulder up to a maximum.
After discussion, the commission moved to approve the amendments as presented (motion by Deason; second by Gernt). The ETZ committee also moved to approve the same changes and carried its motion before adjourning.
The amendments will be forwarded to the village board for final ordinance adoption and implementation. Staff noted that elements such as the replacement timeline for dead plantings (one year) will remain in the code but acknowledged enforcement challenges; commissioners asked staff to monitor compliance and report as needed.
