Normandy Park commission adopts tree canopy goals tied to stormwater permit and recommends council approval

The Normandy Park Parks Commission voted Wednesday to adopt a set of tree canopy goals developed to satisfy components of the city's stormwater permit and agreed to forward the report to the City Council with a recommendation that the council adopt the goals.

"Back in 2025, my name is Jesse Medrow, stormwater coordinator with Public Works," Jesse Medrow said as he introduced the grant-funded work that produced the goals. He told commissioners the project had three objectives: review the city's low impact development code, set tree canopy goals and policies, and update the small-project drainage manual. The work was undertaken through a Department of Commerce grant and is tied to the city's NPDES stormwater permit overseen by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Medrow described the document as non-regulatory guidance that aligns with existing Normandy Park municipal code: "this isn't necessarily a regulatory document," he said, adding that the goals are intended to guide where the city focuses protection and outreach rather than create new enforcement authority.

Commissioners focused on the scope and numeric targets. Staff said the 46% canopy target covers the entire city, including private property, and reflected analysis by the consultant using an updated canopy study; commissioners asked whether the city would be able to meet a higher target and whether missing the goal could carry permit repercussions in future permit cycles. Medrow noted the permit term discussed in the presentation runs 2024 through 2029 and said staff set an attainable interim target because Ecology updates permit language every five years.

The plan includes a mapping requirement and a list of likely planting areas identified in the King Conservation District tree canopy study; staff said mapping work must be completed as part of the permit reporting schedule (targeted by the end of 2027) and the city will use outreach and incentives to encourage private-property plantings. Medrow also noted the city already runs twice-yearly tree giveaways and that those programs could be expanded and targeted once mapping is finished.

When Chair asked for a motion to adopt the report and forward it to council, staff moved the measure and a commissioner seconded it. The commission approved the motion by voice vote. The motion, as recorded in the meeting, directed staff to send the tree canopy goals report to City Council with a recommendation that the council adopt the goals.

Next steps: staff will finalize the mapping and outreach plans and incorporate consultant findings before transmission to council. The commission's adoption is a recommendation; final adoption and any regulatory changes would be decided by the City Council.