Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission asks staff to study incentives for porous pavers and permeable surfaces
Summary
After two years of discussion, commissioners asked staff to research best practices and whether incentives (for example, reduced permit fees) could promote porous pavers and other permeable driveway materials to reduce runoff; staff noted state law limits requiring materials but incentives and an ordinance draft could be explored.
Commissioners revisited a long-running item about porous pavers and permeable driveway surfaces that can reduce stormwater runoff. Staff said state law (SB 180) constrains local governments from mandating these materials for private driveways, but the city can pursue incentives, like reduced permit fees or other benefits, to encourage voluntary adoption.
The city manager said the next step would be for staff to compile best practices, consult engineers about likely benefits, and, if warranted, draft ordinance language and incentive options for the commission to consider. "If there's a benefit to avoiding runoff and we can help mitigate some of the flooding, I'm for it," one commissioner said.
No ordinance or incentive program was adopted at the workshop; staff were asked to return with research and recommendations.
