Planning & Zoning to review fee‑in‑lieu and tree‑protection rules; parks committee urges attendance
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Summary
The committee reviewed a city council referral asking Planning & Zoning to examine the fee‑in‑lieu for tree preservation, potential caliper‑size changes, and allowable fee uses. Members encouraged attendance at Planning & Zoning’s meeting and said higher fines or larger caliper thresholds could deter clear‑cutting.
Committee members discussed a city council referral asking the Planning & Zoning Commission to review the city’s fee‑in‑lieu for tree preservation, possible adjustment for caliper size, and allowable uses for collected fees.
Members said the fee‑in‑lieu, as currently structured, can make clearing trees cheaper than preserving them on site and urged the planning commission to consider increasing fines or changing the caliper threshold so developers weigh retention more heavily.
Linda Aird (member of Planning & Zoning), referenced by committee members, asked whether Planning & Zoning had placed the item on its agenda. David (city parks staff) confirmed the item was listed as agenda item No. 6 for the next Planning & Zoning meeting: “Consideration of possible action on a referral from the city council to review and make recommendations on the fee in lieu of tree preservation ordinance and define the allowed uses for those fees,” the staff packet reads.
Committee members encouraged colleagues to attend Planning & Zoning’s meeting (third Thursday; listed as 6 p.m. in the chamber) and to sign up during public comment if they wished to speak. No binding action was taken by the Parks Committee; the matter will proceed to Planning & Zoning for review and recommendation to council.