Proposed ordinance would set 40% greenspace minimum for R1/R2; tweaks to infill permitting proposed

Staff introduced an ordinance to amend various sections of Chapter 78 that would impose a 40% minimum green‑space requirement for R1 and R2 residential districts, aligning those districts with OSRD standards. The chair said the measure is intended to address the impact of larger new homes replacing smaller existing houses and to preserve neighborhood character.

In tandem, staff proposed amendments to chapters 14 and 56 to operationalize a three‑tier permit system for residential infill: staff would evaluate drainage and impervious-surface impacts and apply green-infrastructure controls as needed. "The two primary aspects are we don't want water quality to go backwards and we don't want drainage situations to get worse," the presenting staff member said. Commissioners clarified that permits issued before the ordinance's effective date would be grandfathered and asked staff to return with ordinance language and permit-process details.