City staff previews density-bonus rules and commercial flex overlay for future code changes

Planning staff told the council they are developing proposed code changes that would allow density bonuses for developers who provide amenities such as water‑retention areas, parkland, trees and trails. The staff presentation said the intent is to ensure higher-density projects provide commensurate public amenities and to create administrative checklists for planning commission review; final agreements would return to council as development agreements.

The planner also described a proposed "flex overlay" for commercial highway areas that could allow different uses where certain amenities or mitigation measures are met. "What we're looking at right now is density bonuses and what it would take for a developer who wanted to come in and increase the density of their project," planning staff said, outlining options for required amenities and review steps.

Council members were invited to provide feedback on amenity types, park requirements and when a development agreement should be required. Staff plans to codify the ideas into draft regulations for planning-commission consideration and later council review.