Staff provided an in-depth educational presentation on proposed landscaping and activity-area requirements within the new Unified Development Code (UDC) and how these standards relate to the city’s land-use plan, climate goals, stormwater protection, and neighborhood livability. Presenters explained that landscaping plays a key role in cooling urban areas, improving air quality, supporting the urban forest, and filtering stormwater before it reaches the aquifer, which serves as local drinking water supply. Staff also reviewed policy connections with Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails (PROST), the Climate Ready plan, and the Community Health Improvement Plan, emphasizing urban-forest equity and green-infrastructure needs across neighborhoods. To address concerns raised by developers and design professionals, staff presented test-case site scenarios showing how the new 20% landscaping requirement and activity-area flexibility would function on real projects. They concluded that, under the proposed code, landscaping would not prevent developments from achieving maximum density or floor area ratios, and that requirements have been significantly reduced from current Title 20 thresholds while still meeting environmental and policy objectives.
During public comment, architects, landscape architects, and neighborhood representatives expressed concerns that certain landscaping and activity-area requirements may still pose barriers to infill housing, increase development costs, or feel suburban in form, especially for mixed-use and small infill projects. Some urged removal or reduction of activity-area requirements. Neighborhood speakers also raised concerns about zoning designations, amenities, and environmental constraints in specific areas such as the Ben Hughes subdivision.
Councilmembers discussed the challenge of balancing climate and environmental policy goals with housing production. They emphasized the need for flexibility and requested additional information on how current city-supported projects, such as the Ravara Housing Development, would comply with proposed standards. The chair noted that upcoming sessions would focus on sidewalks, right-of-way improvements, build-to zones, and related UDC components before the public hearing opens in January 2026.