City Council has discussed code amendments over the last year, and a public hearing from the Planning and Zoning Commission is planned for Sept. 11. City Council will hold a public hearing Oct. 2, and plans to consider the final adoption Oct. 16.
The details
City Planner Jessica Relucio on Sept. 4 walked through some of the upcoming amendments, which include changes to screening standards, conservation development alternative, subdivision design, signs, trees, site development and other policy changes.
One change targets specifying lot sizes, enhancing specific requirements for maximum gross density and minimum lot sizes at half an acre for Neighborhood Residential Zoning and 1.75 acres for Rural Residential Zoning.
Amendments will also be made to define tree circumference regulations and clarify requirements for tree plans.
What they’re saying
Council member Jonathan Swarek asked if a loophole in the tree requirements had been addressed in the UDC amendment.
Swarek said a loophole allows property owners to remove trees before selling a property, thereby making the developer not liable for replacing the trees.
The city attorney stated that he would collaborate with city staff to ensure the implementation of a remedy.
City Manager Scott Huizenga said in most cases, developers are incentivized to keep the trees due to the character of the area, but staff will continue searching and exploring avenues for addressing the issue.
Swarek said his main concern was not with private property, but with the possible transition of property from a resident to a commercial entity that would take advantage of removing trees.
