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Council splits on requiring 2x6 framing; staff recommends optional plan sets
Summary
Council members debated whether the plan book should require 2x6 exterior wall framing (above code) or offer 2x6 as a recommended/optional set; staff said mandating materials for private lots is legally constrained and suggested incentivizing plan use instead.
Council discussion focused on whether the plan book should mandate 2x6 exterior wall construction or offer it as a recommended option. Councilwoman Campbell argued that 2x6 is "above code" and raised concern about imposing higher requirements on builders, asking whether the city intended to make it mandatory. "The only concern I have is that the 2 by 6 is above code," she said.
Councilwoman Farabee said she preferred designing to 2x6 because the higher standard supports aging‑in‑place and long‑term durability: "I prefer to design to the 2 by 6… being above code is a good thing." City staff and the city attorney explained legal limits on mandating materials for privately held lots and recommended using the plan book as an incentive (faster permitting and preapproved plans) rather than a regulatory mandate. City Manager Bunting confirmed offering only 2x6 sets or both 2x6 and 2x4 sets would raise city costs if two engineered sets are required.
Outcome: Council discussed preferences; staff will return with refined recommendations and legal analysis on options to incentivize plan book uptake and whether conditions can be attached to city‑owned lot sales.
