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EDA asks City Council to review site‑plan ordinance after proposed expansion for Northwest Landscapes
Summary
After reviewing an application from Northwest Landscapes (applicant Tom Spanier) to add office space to an existing industrial site, the EDA voted to recommend that the City Council review the ordinance that currently triggers site‑plan review for certain expansions, saying it may hinder small business improvements.
Planning staff (Hayden, S7) briefed the EDA on a site‑plan review for an approximately 780‑square‑foot office expansion for Northwest Landscapes (applicant Tom Spanier). Staff said the property includes legally nonconforming outdoor storage that predates current zoning and that the applicant proposes reducing outdoor storage and formalizing parking as part of the addition.
Members questioned why an expansion of this size triggers a site‑plan review and whether the ordinance as written is unduly onerous for small business improvements. Staff noted the ordinance language requires site‑plan review for expansions on nonresidential properties; Hayden (S7) suggested the council might consider setting a square‑foot threshold to distinguish minor from major expansions.
S5 moved that the EDA recommend the City Council review the ordinance and consider potential revision to reduce barriers to modest expansions; S4 seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said Council Member Salonek would place the request on the council consent agenda for further consideration next week. The EDA’s vote was a policy recommendation and does not alter the current code; any change would require council action and ordinance amendment.
