Citywide landscape and planting plan
Summary
Commissioner Pauly flagged that the city's approved plant list excludes many native, drought-tolerant plants and constrains downtown landscaping. Updating it would require a specific plan amendment with tribal consultation.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 12, 2026.
Impact analysis
An EIR would cost an estimated $150,000–$200,000, contingent on next year's budget.
Landscape architects and property owners wanting more drought-tolerant planting options.
Tree-protection advocates fear looser thresholds will accelerate canopy loss and weaken the urban forest.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Planning Commission Meeting — May 12, 2026
Commissioner Freeman proposed replacing landscape lists embedded in individual specific plans with a single citywide planting plan like Carmel's and Pacific Grove's; staff will fold it into the June work program discussion.
Planning Commission Meeting — April 28, 2026
Commissioner Pauly flagged that the city's approved plant list excludes many native, drought-tolerant plants and constrains downtown landscaping. Updating it would require a specific plan amendment with tribal consultation.
Council Regular Meeting — April 21, 2026
The city is rewriting its tree preservation rules — bigger removal thresholds, stronger penalties, fire-safety provisions — and may spend up to $200,000 on an environmental report. Residents split between wanting easier removal for fire safety and stronger protections for the forest.
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