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Steering committee endorses pursuing climate-focused zoning updates, hears proposals on marsh overlay, deconstruction and EV-ready rules
Summary
Committee members discussed folding climate-action measures into the city's zoning code update, including marsh overlay districts, deconstruction and demolition-by-neglect rules, EV-ready parking standards, and ways to tie public funding (TIF) to sustainability requirements; staff and consultants will refine proposals.
Members of the Climate Action Plan Steering Committee discussed integrating climate priorities into the city's ongoing zoning code update and said now is an appropriate time to pursue zoning changes that implement the committee's climate action plan.
A presenter explained that, with the zoning update under way, the committee could pursue "some environmentally focused zoning changes related to those things outlined in our climate action plan." Committee members asked that the consultant consider a marsh overlay district recommended by Friends of the Marsh to protect wetlands and resilient stormwater functions.
Natalie Hennigan told the committee she is "very interested in eventually the city adopting a deconstruction ordinance," and suggested interim steps such as mandatory recycling plans for large new construction or rehabs and policies to discourage demolition by neglect.
Discussion also covered transit-oriented development scaled to La Crosse's transit network, EV-ready requirements for parking lots, and tying public funding (for example, tax-increment financing) to sustainability conditions for projects that receive city subsidies. Staff said some items may not fit neatly into zoning but could be encouraged through overlay districts, incentives, or complementary code changes.
Committee members asked staff to gather examples and work with the planning department and the consulting team to refine options. The presenter and staff will accept additional input via email and incorporate suggested priorities into follow-up materials to be reviewed at a later meeting.
