Review Structure of Chapter 13 (Environmental Protection/Resource Management) of the Comprehensive Plan and Prioritize Areas of Revisions for Current Goals and Strategies

The purpose of this case is to begin the review of Chapter 13 (Environmental Protection/Resource Management) of the Comprehensive Plan.  This initial introduction is intended to provide both the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) and the Planning Commission an opportunity to review the existing contents and inform Staff of areas where updates may be necessary or appropriate.  This is the first step in the review process and will help Staff frame a future public input meeting.

The intent is not to develop new goals, strategies, or alternatives, yet prioritize areas for future revisions. Essentially, Staff desires the group to identify priority areas for revision and to also identify areas that do not require additional future revisions.

Section A of the Chapter reviews the existing conditions within the City, broken down by wetlands, shorelands, soils, rivers (including urban streams and drainage ditches), floodplains, and woodlands.  This section also provides a brief overview of existing management efforts and existing data that has been collected.  While there may be some revisions identified within this Section, it doesn't appear that any significant updates are necessary.

Section B of Chapter 13 outlines goals and implementation strategies that are intended to serve as the framework for environmental protection.  It is within this Section that Staff would really like to focus discussion.  The intent is to identify the goals and/or implementation strategies that the EPB and Planning Commission believe need to be addressed, revised, eliminated or added.  Staff will subsequently then synthesize this feedback to structure a future collaborative session with the general public.

This case is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

Identify goals and/or implementation strategies that need to be addressed/updated as part of the Comprehensive Plan update.