Commissioners flag fence rules and expect critical areas ordinance return in September

Commissioners raised questions about the city's preference for split-rail fences in critical areas and whether the requirement should be optional. One commissioner noted that residents sometimes assume the city has authority to stop certain types of development and recommended clarifying tools and legal limits in the guide.

Planning Manager Christie Schmidt said split-rail fences are described in the citys code details and are commonly used because they allow animal movement while providing a visual boundary. She added that Planner Levitan will return with the revised critical areas ordinance early in September for further discussion.