The Environmental Regulations and Policy Review is a review and update of the City’s environmental regulations and policies. Project topics include stormwater management, floodplain management, tree canopy, stream buffers, critical slopes, and energy-efficiency. The project will develop a new policy framework, implementation recommendations, and regulatory revisions to align the City’s policies and regulations for natural resources with the Comprehensive Plan.

On Monday, January 5, 2026, City Council held a work session to discuss the proposed project topics and phasing. Council also reviewed the Planning Commission's feedback provided at their October 28, 2025, work session. Our team is working to ensure that the project schedule aligns with related City initiatives, including the Community Flood Preparedness Fund grant and the Urban Forest Management Plan. Stay tuned for updates!

The City’s Comprehensive Plan implementation priorities include both supporting housing choice and affordability and protecting the natural environment. Since the City’s new Development Code was adopted in 2023, there have been multiple challenges with implementing these Comprehensive Plan priorities, especially for smaller infill sites where it is difficult to accommodate both by-right dwelling units and required infrastructure and trees. Updates to policies and regulations will work to balance housing choice and accommodating projected population growth with protecting the natural and built environments. This project is also an opportunity to find ways to make our community more resilient, especially to increasing risks of flooding and extreme heat.

This project includes a cross-departmental team including staff from Neighborhood Development Services, Public Works, Utilities, Office of Sustainability, and Parks and Recreation. There are a number of related City programs and plans related to this project, which are provided in the Programs and Resources page.

An overview of this project is also available on the City's website here.

The following are potential project outcomes organized by topic. Final outcomes will depend on data and findings, best practices, staff technical expertise, Planning Commission and City Council direction, and community input where applicable.