Review of Environmental Policy Board's Statement of Purpose

As the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) developed their 2015-2016 Work Plan last year, a question arose regarding their purpose and whether the EBP was still relevant/necessary or if their work could be assumed by other advisory boards/commissions.  Through a joint meeting with the City Council to review their Work Plan, the City Council and EPB collaboratively developed various purposes and strategies appropriate for the board, including involvement in the Comprehensive Plan update process and an active role in review of certain Land Use Applications.  The purpose of this case is to provide the Planning Commission with an update on the EPB's newly approved Statement of Purpose and to provide an opportunity for the both advisory boards to discuss how the EPB's new role can benefit the overall review process.

The EPB has begun reviewing Land Use Applications for Major Plats (four [4] or more lots with public infrastructure improvements), Site Plans (new development only, not for building expansions), Variances in Overlay Districts (Wild and Scenic, Critical Area, Shoreland, and Floodplain), and Comprehensive Plan Amendments.  Their review focuses on natural resources, generally consisting of the Tree Preservation and Landscape Plans, but also allows the board to provide input or comments regarding opportunities for potential inclusion of Best Management Practices (BMPs) related to concepts such as alternative landscapes and stormwater.  Staff is incorporating comments from the EPB's review into the Staff Review Letter that is generated for the applicant.

The EPB will also have an active role in the Comprehensive Plan update.  Similar to other advisory boards/commissions, the EPB's involvement will be dependent on the topic.  However, the EPB will take the lead on the Environmental Protection/Resource Management chapter. 

Having the EPB take a more active part in review of certain Land Use Applications and the Comprehensive Plan also allows them to better gauge whether existing natural resource focused standards are achieving their intended goal.  By closing this loop, the EPB will be better informed and in a better position to identify opportunities to recommend improvements and/or amendments to City Code.

This case is being handled under regular staff duties.

No action is necessary, this is for informational purposes only.