An ordinance which would set minimum landscaping requirements for commercial and multi-family properties in Hermiston will move forward for public hearings.
Hermiston Mayor Dave Drotzmann broke a four-four tie Monday night in favor of forwarding the change to the Planning Commission for hearings.
The draft ordinance, if ultimately approved by the Hermiston City Council, would affect only new development or significant renovations to existing properties. The ordinance would require 15 percent of the developed area on a multi-family residential property to be landscaped, as well as 3 percent in the C-1 Commercial Zone, 6 percent in the C-2 Commercial Zone, and in the Industrial Zones the requirement would be 3 percent or 10,000 square feet – whichever is less.
The council directed the Community Enhancement Committee last summer to look in to, and develop, a proposal for a landscaping ordinance. The CEC’s recommendations were heard by the city’s Planning Commission in March, and those recommendations were included in the draft ordinance presented to the council Monday.
Several people spoke against the proposed ordinance Monday night. Kathy Erz, owner of Columbia River CPA Services in Hermiston, told the council she opposed the idea, saying it would place an unfair burden on business owners.
“This is an unfunded mandate against business owners,” she said. Erz said she agrees with the idea of trying to enhance Hermiston’s beauty and livability, but said most new business owners already invest in landscaping by choice.
She also said there would be unexpected costs to businesses that substantially improve their property.
“If you do this and make it all pretty, the county will come in and raise your property taxes,” she said.
Stacey Stanek, Erz’ daughter who also works at Columbia River CPA Services, said the city should focus its efforts on bringing more economic development to the area.
“If you bring in economic development, you will bring in beauty,” she said. “But telling people what to do and mandating a cost is not the way to do it.”
Diane Ables told the council that she was concerned that the requirements would make it cost-prohibitive for some to purchase and develop commercial property in Hermiston.
Hermiston City Planner Clint Spencer said Hermiston is one of the only cities in the state that does not currently have a landscaping ordinance.
The Planning Commission will now hold a public hearing on the ordinance, which will likely be at their August meeting, before another public hearing is held before the city council. After those public hearings, the council may adopt or turn down the ordinance. A copy of the current draft ordinance is available on the city’s website.
