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Council discusses 30% open-space guideline for annexations
Summary
Councilors debated a draft guideline that calls for a minimum 30% open space in annexations, with members describing the target as a goal in some cases and a potential mandatory minimum in others; staff said topography and parcel size may justify exceptions.
The annexation draft includes an open-space guideline calling for a minimum of 30% open space in proposed annexations unless specific land characteristics make that impractical. Staff told the council the policy language intends a 30% minimum but allows exceptions: "The policy is for, at minimum 30% unless specific, you know, land characteristics dictate a natural number," a staff presenter said.
Councilors debated whether 30% should be a firm requirement or a goal, citing examples where steep topography or small parcel size would make strict adherence impractical. One councilor suggested that flexibility be preserved for case-by-case decisions and that the council should be able to explain to residents if it approves a lower open-space percentage in a particular annexation. Staff said the guidance and the comprehensive plan together would inform those decisions and that the annexation agreement could reflect negotiated outcomes.
