Commission advances multiple land-development code updates on landscaping, parking and waterfront rules; PUD debate continues

Staff presented five proposed amendments to the Land Development Code addressing landscaping and tree protection, planned-unit-development (PUD) standards, waterfront mixed-use definitions, parking standards and board structure. Commissioners approved the landscaping/tree-protection amendment and the waterfront mixed-use definitions (both passed 5-0). The parking-standards amendment — scoped to the A Street mixed-use overlay with an option for fee-in-lieu — passed 5-0 after concerns were raised about the fee level; staff said the fee is set in the city's annual fee schedule (to be reviewed in September).

A proposed expansion to allow PUDs on smaller parcels (down to 0.75 acres) prompted extended debate over risks such as tree loss, higher density and precedent; no motion to adopt received a second and the measure died for lack of a second. Commissioners split a separate proposal to merge advisory boards: they approved removing alternates from the Historic District Council (HDC) and postponed broader PAB/BOA merger language for more study and potential legal review.