The council’s most pressing topic was the revision of the Land Development Code, particularly Article Six, which consolidates various regulations related to transportation, infrastructure, and service levels into a more accessible format. This revision aims to improve clarity and usability by incorporating charts and graphics, addressing the current LDC’s navigational difficulties. Local resident Jim Wood praised the council for their progress on the LDC, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive planning framework, which he referred to as a “five-legged stool,” comprising the comprehensive plan, LDC, zoning map, future land use map, and design manual. Wood advocated for adopting the LDC promptly, stating, “a good plan now is better than a perfect plan later on.”

A point of discussion was the proposed adjustments to tandem parking regulations. Currently, tandem parking is restricted in residential areas, allowing only one vehicle to be parked behind another without moving both cars. The Local Planning Agency (LPA) recommended eliminating these restrictions to promote the development of homes consistent with older neighborhoods. However, concerns were raised about potential drainage issues from driveways, with council members emphasizing the need for regulations ensuring proper water runoff management to prevent negative impacts on neighboring properties. Staff assured that language could be incorporated to mandate proper drainage slopes.

Further complicating the conversation were potential impacts on short-term rentals, which often host large groups. Increasing parking capacity could unintentionally promote more short-term rental operations, raising concerns among council members. Staff explained that existing regulations concerning parking widths and vehicle allowances would still apply to short-term rentals, highlighting the difficulty in effectively regulating this area.

Shuttle parking for businesses, particularly in the harbor district, was another focal point. With commercial parking becoming scarce, business owners expressed a desire for shuttle provisions to alleviate parking demands. However, concerns were raised about the sustainability of shuttle services if a business changes ownership. It was clarified that while shuttle services are allowed, they do not reduce required parking standards; businesses must provide the necessary parking spaces regardless of any shuttle service offered.

The council also delved into the sewer connection requirement, which mandates homeowners within a certain distance of sewer services to connect within a year. Currently, several homes have access to sewer services but remain on septic systems. The LPA recommended enforcing this requirement, noting that 33 homes have sewer service available and 96 homes are not currently connected. The current tap fee for connecting to the sewer was noted to be $2,800.

Tree removal regulations generated considerable discussion. The LPA advised that residential properties, including single-family homes and duplexes, would not require a tree permit for removing trees. This recommendation was well-received, though concerns about protecting large heritage trees were raised. Past attempts to regulate tree removal faced pushback from the community, leading to reluctance in revisiting permitting requirements. A council member suggested a threshold for tree size that would trigger a permit requirement, balancing property rights with environmental considerations.

The common boundary buffer regulations, which require a five-foot buffer between residential properties, were also debated. The LPA recommended removing the buffer requirement in residential districts, acknowledging that it served little purpose given existing setbacks. Concerns about the impact on short-term rentals and existing fences becoming non-conforming were discussed, with the LPA proposing solutions to exempt certain areas from height requirements to avoid discontent among residents.

The design manual, intended to streamline the planning and development process, was another significant topic. The manual includes design details and measurement guidelines, such as tree diameter and multi-trunk tree specifications. Amendments to the design manual would require only one public hearing before the city council, raising concerns about reduced public engagement. Council members emphasized the importance of maintaining public involvement in the legislative process.

Traffic management strategies, including the use of optical illusions to create tighter turns and the potential for narrower lanes during road resurfacing, were also discussed. These measures aim to slow down traffic and enhance community safety. The council highlighted the importance of data-driven approaches and community feedback in implementing these changes.

The discussion of water taxi stops at non-residential businesses along the Harbor concluded the meeting. It was clarified that these properties must provide a minimum of one loading and unloading area for water taxis, with suggestions for incentivizing compliance to enhance local transit options.