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Council seeks code clarification after staff debate whether developers must install gas lines
Summary
City staff debated whether the development code should continue to require natural gas infrastructure for new subdivisions. Utilities advised following existing code; sustainability and housing highlighted climate goals and affordability tradeoffs. Council asked staff to clean up code language so developers clearly have the option to build without extending gas in typical residential zones and to return with an energy‑transition consultant report in July.
City staff and councilors debated whether new subdivisions should be required to install municipal natural‑gas infrastructure at a work session on April 13, with staff from Community Development, Utilities, Sustainability and Housing presenting technical, policy and equity tradeoffs.
Community Development Director Chris Favor reviewed code language on adequate public facilities and noted the code currently lists natural gas among utility improvements. Utilities Director Adrienne Whitmer said the utility’s position is to follow the development code and to avoid creating a situation where one group of users is disenfranchised. Whitmer also said the gas system is used for emergency generation…
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