Staff and developer clash over whether project must retain 100‑year/24‑hour storm

A central technical dispute in the meeting concerned whether the Orange Camp South project must 'retain' the 100‑year/24‑hour storm event on site or whether meeting the pre/post volumetric hydrograph standard is sufficient. Staff repeatedly cited comp‑plan language and recent practice as support for retention. As one staff member said, "As of last year, all developments have done the same. They have retained 100 year 24 hour storm."

The applicant and other members stressed that requiring full 100‑year retention would have major layout and cost consequences. A presenter warned that meeting a retention standard could force the east–west access road to shift and add substantial costs — "upwards of $200,000" or require expensive underground systems — arguing such requirements could make the parcels unviable. The TRC agreed to request a written opinion from the city attorney to clarify whether retention is required by local policy or whether detention/pre/post volumetric compliance would suffice. That legal interpretation will be circulated to staff and the applicant ahead of the special meeting.