Commission backs CDO amendments to ease downtown setbacks and add low-impact stormwater options

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend City Council approve ordinance 2026-15-26, which would amend the coordinated development ordinance (CDO) to modify downtown setback requirements and expand options for natural management of stormwater.

Staff said there are three principal amendments: first, an alternate 10-foot front setback for parcels on unimproved downtown streets where developers provide an 8-foot sidewalk on private property, a 2-foot planted buffer, street trees and an awning covering at least 30% of the building length; second, a requirement or incentive to incorporate a green civic space within building clusters so interior buildings do not create bland interior courtyards; and third, an additional option among low-impact development (LID) features that would encourage gray-water irrigation systems as a way to reduce potable water demands and wastewater loads. Staff emphasized the option expands developer flexibility while seeking to protect streetscape consistency.

Commissioners asked how the city would avoid patchwork streetscapes if some properties used the 5-foot setback option while others used the 10-foot alternative; staff said consistency across a block can be mandated in block-level implementation. Commissioners also discussed tree-species suitability in a 2-foot planting strip and how improvements would interact with future street reconstruction; staff said the private-property option avoids tearing up later-installed public sidewalks and curbs.

A motion to recommend approval of ordinance 2026-15-26 passed by voice vote; staff will forward the amendment package to City Council for final action on April 21, 2026.