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Milton council approves 2026 planning commission work plan; significant tree protections targeted
Summary
Council unanimously approved the planning commission's 2026 work plan, which includes a standalone significant tree code, parking-standard updates, design standards review and an urban forestry plan; staff and commissioners aim to bring tree-code proposals to council in April-May 2026.
The Milton City Council on March 16 unanimously approved the planning commission's recommended 2026 work plan, which centers on unfinished 2025 items and policy updates including a standalone significant tree code and adjustments to parking standards.
Planning manager Angelie Stalnecker told the council the commission expects to finish carryover items such as comprehensive-plan tweaks, zoning corrections, critical areas updates required by state law, and a unit-lot subdivision code. Stalnecker said the planning commission removed the significant-tree language from the general landscaping chapter to develop a standalone section aimed at better protecting large street and canopy trees.
Stalnecker described a proposed tree-credit approach to ensure every lot contributes to canopy preservation: "We're looking at...one credit per 1,000 square feet. So if you had an 8,000 square foot lot...you would need eight credits. Eight credits could be maybe you have a very large tree...that's five credits, and then you only have to plant three smaller trees to get your eight credits." She said the planning commission hopes to recommend a draft in April and that council could consider adoption by May.
Council members asked clarifying questions about scope and timing. Council Member Hall emphasized parking standards are a high priority on his list but staff clarified the parking-code updates apply primarily to private parking requirements tied to the use table; street parking enforcement remains under police authority. Council Member Whelan and others pressed for protections on single-family lots, noting current landscaping code exempts single-family properties and that recent redevelopment had removed significant canopy cover.
Stalnecker said the planning commission is also reviewing design standards for multifamily and commercial buildings and the six-year capital facilities plan to preserve grant eligibility. The council approved the work plan by voice vote with no objections.
Next steps: the planning commission will continue a subcommittee process on the significant-tree draft, aim to make a recommendation at its April meeting and present the proposal to the council at a study session in April with possible adoption in May.
