Review Environmental Policy Board's Statement of Purpose and Consider Formal Adoption Within City Code

As the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) developed their 2015-2016 Work Plan last year, 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 review the Statement of Purpose after a full construction season as outlined when the Statement of Purpose was developed. If the EPB desires to continue under this Statement of Purpose, Staff would recommend amending City Code to formally reflect the current Statement.

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.  Review focuses 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 is incorporating comments from the EPB's review into the Staff Review Letter that is generated for the applicant.

The EPB is also planned to have an active role in the Comprehensive Plan update, which will being in earnest in 2016.  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 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.

This case is being handled under regular staff duties.

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