Port Orchard planners review proposed landscaping code changes to address canopy goals and invasive species

Planning staff presented draft amendments to Port Orchard’s municipal code chapter 20.128 on Feb. 3, 2026, proposing broader landscaping standards, stronger invasive-species controls and measures to support the city’s tree canopy goals.

“This update emphasizes visual and pedestrian connectivity and discourages long continuous fencing unless it’s truly needed,” said Jim Biss, principal planner, as he outlined the draft’s purpose statement and the main changes staff is recommending. The amendments would apply to residential and nonresidential development, clarify open-space expectations so turf-only areas are not the default, and modernize perimeter and fence standards to encourage layered planting and lower screening heights.

A central policy question is how to treat middle housing. Under House Bill 1110, middle housing units up to six dwellings must be regulated the same as detached single-family homes, which creates a potential inconsistency if detached homes remain exempt from landscaping requirements. To avoid that, staff’s draft applies the chapter to that range of residential development and asks the commission for guidance on whether that approach aligns with city goals.

Commissioners emphasized enforcement and implementation concerns. Wayne Wright, planning commissioner, raised invasive-species control as a practical challenge, noting that species such as Scotch broom and knotweed can readily reestablish and that upfront site preparation may be needed to prevent reintroduction. Several commissioners urged staff to consider site-preparation tools, homeowner-association maintenance plans, or other mechanisms so regulation does not unfairly burden individual property owners.

Biss said the city’s public-works division is mapping the existing tree canopy and setting long-term canopy goals; that analysis may inform future revisions to tree-planning requirements. Staff said many jurisdictions use flexible tools such as tree credits, tree banks or in-lieu fees to meet canopy targets without unduly compromising site feasibility.

Staff requested feedback on the draft approach and said they will refine language with public works and stormwater staff, maintain a comment matrix to track input, and return redlined draft language for commission review. The presentation included comparative analysis of how nine Puget Sound cities are addressing House Bill 1110.

The commission was told the code amendments are on track for potential adoption in early fall 2026, with further drafts and public comment expected at subsequent meetings.