Committee Report - Land Use - 3-23-11 — File 191016

March 23, 2011 Land Use Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 3/23/2011 REPORT OF THE LAND USE COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived William A. White Jr. Chair Present Thomas F. Taylor Vice Chair Present Sean T. O’Donovan Ward Five Alderman Present Bruce M. Desmond Alderman At Large Present Omar Boukili Administrative Assistant Present Elizabeth Maroney Planning Board Present Michael Capuano Planning Board Present Dana LeWinter Planning Board Present Joe Favaloro Planning Board Present George Proakis OSPCD Present Mark Neidergang School Committee Present 190780 - Requesting an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to establish minimum pervious area requirements on lots in certain zoning districts.: Mr. Proakis discussed the purpose of this proposal noting that excess runoff of water overburdens the sewer systems, causes water to enter basements, creates heat islands and is aesthetically unappealing. Different types of pervious materials were discussed for use in driveways and Mr. Proakis believes that there should be more discussion about regulating the paving of driveways. OSPCD has developed a comprehensive ordinance to address the areas of permitting, registration, limiting run off and curb cuts. As proposed, the City Engineer will establish regulations and the Inspectional Services Department will issue permits. A registration system would be established and contractors would be required to post bonds to perform work. No impervious area may be constructed if it would increase the amount of stormwater runoff. Mr. Favaloro stated that this proposal is creating an unnecessary bureaucracy that may overburden the city's inspectors and engineer. Mr. Capuano inquired why commercial properties were not included in the proposal. The Public Hearing was opened and residents expressed the following: - Concerns about global warming, - Instituting a curb cut moratorium, - Controlling what individuals do to their own property,

Committee Meeting March 23, 2011 Land Use Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 3/23/2011 - Discontinuing the use of asphalt in the city and offering a financial incentive to those who use materials other than asphalt, - a suggestion that the city dig up its school yards, as was done in Los Angeles. The Public Hearing was closed and Chairman White left the record open until the close of business on April 1, 2011 to receive written comments. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE