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Council approves design-guideline tweaks to count mulched tree areas as greenspace and recommend lower eave height for flat roofs
Summary
The Council adopted Resolution No.2026-G to allow organic-mulched areas beneath tree canopies to count as private greenspace and to add a recommended 25-foot height guideline for predominantly flat-roof homes to address scale and privacy concerns.
City Planner Jill Clifton presented two Planning Commission-recommended changes that the Council adopted on Jan. 12. First, the definition of private greenspace will be clarified to allow organic-mulch areas under tree canopies to count toward greenspace so long as they are not converted to impervious surfaces. Clifton said this responds to homeowner concerns where shade and root zones prevent understory vegetation from growing.
Second, the Planning Commission recommended a new design guideline for homes with predominantly flat roofs, proposing a recommended maximum eave height of 25 feet (instead of the 35-foot zoning cap) to reduce scale and high window lines that can affect neighboring privacy. Clifton said the Professional Review Panel of architects recommended the lower guideline; the Council noted the guideline is advisory and that the Architectural Review Board retains discretion in application.
Councilmember Caroline Moran asked about the basis for the 25-foot recommendation; Clifton said it aligns more closely with typical two-story eave heights and that the ARB and Professional Review Panel reviewed the proposal. Council adopted Resolution No.2026-G 5-0.
