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Council adopts tiered Natural Resources Overlay and LDR updates, including new buffer and retaining-wall rules
Summary
The Town of Jackson adopted a package of six land-development regulation amendments establishing a tiered Natural Resources Overlay, updating processes for environmental assessment, retaining-wall standards, wildlife-friendly fencing rules and water-body buffer language; council approved all five items unanimously.
The Jackson Town Council voted unanimously to adopt a suite of land-development regulation amendments that create a tiered Natural Resources Overlay (NRO) and implement process and standards changes to how projects in sensitive areas are reviewed.
Planning staff presented the proposal to replace the 1994 NRO with a tiered map (base/mid/high). Staff described a mid-tier checklist intended for education and minor adjustments, and a high tier that retains an environmental-analysis requirement similar to the current NRO. Staff emphasized exemptions intended to avoid excessive process for small additions and for 100%-affordable housing projects, though the Planning Commission had recommended removing the accessory-structure and affordable-housing exemptions.
Councilors asked about enforcement and practicality of new buffer prohibitions (dumpsters, fertilizer, snow/refuse storage). Staff acknowledged enforcement would be site-specific and partly aspirational for existing development, and noted the town is working with nonprofit partners and public works on stormwater and mitigation strategies. The planning consultant Megan Smith said the focal-species list used to map tiers remains valid.
Council heard public comments from Protect Our Water Jackson Hole and the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance urging stronger wetland protections, increased setbacks and clearer wildlife permeability standards. After discussion, the council approved motions to adopt the tiered NRO map (PM26-00005), the NRO standards and process (PM26-00006), water-body and wetland buffer updates (PM26-00007), retaining-wall standards (PM26-00009) and wildlife-friendly fencing edits (PM26-00008); all motions passed unanimously.
Staff said some items (fencing, permeability) will continue as follow-up work with stakeholders and that ordinances and readings will be brought forward in follow-up meetings. Council also directed staff to continue collaborative work where Planning Commission and staff had disagreed on exemptions.
