Memorandum 15-098 Amendments to Site Development Standards

Memorandum 15-095
 

TO:                  MAYOR WYTHE AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH         KATIE KOESTER, CITY MANAGER
FROM:             RICK ABBOUD, CITY PLANNER

DATE:                  JUNE 18, 2015

SUBJECT:     RECOMMENDATION FROM HOMER ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO HCC 21.50.020 AND 21.50.030, SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS LEVEL ONE AND TWO. 

After the additional review of the draft ordinance requested by the City Council, the Planning Commission has recommended a new draft ordinance.

Vegetative native cover and weed free plants with no invasive species.

After the Commission listened to a presentation from Matt Steffy from the Homer Soil and Water Conservation District the Commission regarding what exactly is an invasive species and how the State of Alaska deals with them, they found that the most practical method of control is reseeding as soon as possible.

Allowance of alternate erosion control measures.

The Commission found that this is addressed in lines 28-31 of the draft ordinance. Several measures are listed here along with an allowance for other methods not listed. It is specific to controlling erosion after dirt work is completed. Language regarding minimizing invasive species is proposed.

Enforceability and legal ramifications of the “no adverse impact” language.

While the language describing adverse impact may not always lead to identifying clear cut examples, many times it does. The Planning Commission is in consensus that these expectations are important in describing negative impacts that need to be avoided and they do prescribe some efforts that developers need to consider. The language does provide an important tool from which to base discussion upon when negative impacts are noticed alongside of new development. 

Consideration of enforceability and non-prohibitive development.

Reseeding by a date specific or in nine months if work is initiated after development is much easier to keep track of then the current 16 month period in code. Not being too prescriptive regarding invasive species (what are they, what needs to be done when introduced) contributes to enforceability. The Commission agreed that we will do our best to keep people informed and provide non-ordinance support for dealing with invasive species. The best thing devopers can do is contact Soil and Water. Seeding is not onerous and does not require much investment.

The new consideration of this code was the subject of three Planning Commission meetings inclusive of the public hearing conducted at the meeting of June 3, 2015. No one testified and the revised ordinance received unanimous support.

Att.

Proposed draft ordinance
Staff Reports
Excerpts of Planning Commission meetings