Consider Ordinance #16-4 to Amend City Code Section 2-159 (Duties, Responsibilities, and Objectives) to Incorporate the Principals of the Environmental Policy Board's Statement of Purpose

The Environmental Policy Board (EPB) developed a Statement of Purpose last year and through that process, the City Council and EPB collaboratively developed various purposes and strategies appropriate for the board.  This included involvement in the Comprehensive Plan update process and an active role in review of certain Land Use Applications. The Statement of Purpose also noted that the Board's involvement in reviewing Land Use Applications would be revisited in a year to determine whether this had been effective and added value to the review process, which the Board did at its January meeting.  The purpose of this case is to consider Ordinance #16-4 that would codify the principals of the Statement of Purpose in City Code.

The Board has been 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. Review has focused on natural resources, generally consisting of the Tree Preservation and Landscape Plans, but also allows the board to provide input on or comments regarding opportunities for potential inclusion of Best Management Practices (BMPs) related to concepts such as alternative landscapes and stormwater. Staff has been incorporating comments from the EPB's review into the Staff Review Letter that is generated for an applicant.

The EPB will have an active role in the Comprehensive Plan update, which will begin in earnest this year. Similar to other advisory boards/commissions, the Board'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 the Board 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.

Staff does plan to route this Ordinance Amendment through the Planning Commission also for feedback and comment prior to its introduction to City Council.

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

Motion to recommend that City Council adopt Ordinance #16-4 incorporating the EPB's role in reviewing certain Land Use Applications and the Comprehensive Plan Update into City Code.