Commission hears training on urban planning versus urban design; staff discusses permeable pavement and storm-water options

At the Feb. 26 meeting the City Plan Commission received a training presentation from Ismael Siggoia, chief planner for subdivisions, clarifying distinctions between urban planning (a macro focus on land use, zoning and regulatory frameworks) and urban design (site-level design details such as building placement, streetscape elements and street furniture).

Siggoia introduced a video that described planning as the broader, regulatory and policy-oriented discipline and urban design as the detailed, design-focused practice that addresses the look and function of public spaces. He told commissioners the two fields overlap and should coordinate from project inception.

During Q&A commissioners asked how new technologies such as permeable pavement could be implemented in El Paso. Kevin Smith (for the record: Planning and Inspections) and other staff answered that permitting and maintenance are key considerations, that permeable surfaces can be effective in appropriate climates and slopes but are vulnerable to freeze/thaw cycles, and that alternative approaches such as swales, on-site storm-water harvesting and detailed site-plan controls are already used or can be encouraged through development review. Smith noted that adoption as a city-wide requirement would generally require City Council action and maintenance planning.

Staff said cost, durability and maintenance are primary practical considerations and that private applicants can propose innovative techniques during building-permit review; the city can consider how to support or require them if the commission and council decide to incorporate them into standards.

The commission received the presentation and moved on to other business before adjourning.