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MINUTES OF THE HOUSING, PLANNING, & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 17, 2026 COUNCIL CHAMBERS Present: Councilmembers Evans, Bullock, Baker Also Present: Councilmember Bixenstine, Hamilton Steiner, Building Commissioner Parmelee, Council staff Call to Order: 6:45 p.m. Approval of the minutes of the November 10, 2025 Housing, Planning & Development Committee meeting. Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes of the November 10, 2025 meeting of the Housing, Planning, & Development Committee. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Minutes approved. ORDINANCE 02-2026 - AN ORDINANCE to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, to amend Chapter 1775, Weeds, of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Lakewood for the purpose of establishing regulations for front yard plantings. ( 1st read & referred to HPD 01/20/26) Chair Evans noted that this topic was discussed last year and was re-introduced by Councilmember Baker. He thanked everyone for their work getting to this point. Commissioner Parmelee reported no updates from the last time this topic was discussed in 2025 due to other priorities competing for time in 2025. He acknowledged that it was his responsibility to update figure 1 and figure 2 in the ordinance and that he would do so prior to the next committee meeting. Commissioner Parmelee reviewed the edits made in committee from the first time the legislation was introduced, noting that the setbacks have been reduced but still provide an important sight triangle. He stated that his primary goals of the setbacks and sight triangles were to protect pedestrians and cyclists from cars backing out of driveways and to give clear direction to his Property Maintenance Inspectors. He noted a few problem corner lots where enforcement may be needed. He acknowledged residents’ interests in creatively using their yards to grow produce, plant flowers, and attract pollinators. Chair Evans reported that he heard a lot of feedback from gardeners who are using their front yards already. Gardeners expressed concern that the ordinance would embolden the City to remove their plantings. Residents also objected to the height threshold, stating that it was unrealistic for the types of plants being tended. Councilmember Baker provided procedural history of the ordinance, explaining that in response to public input, the buffers were reduced and clarifications were made to prohibit plants from hanging over the sidewalk. He noted that LCO 1775.02 already empowers the Building Docusign Envelope ID: 5384FE61- D832-43C3-B91F-7633F61E9A54 Department to address plants over 3 feet in height. The proposed ordinance clarifies that compliance with 1775.02 must be maintained within the two-foot setbacks. He added that beyond the two-foot setback that property owners are granted more freedom because those areas of their properties have less impact on sight lines. He noted that the ordinance provides standards for gardeners and will keep people safe. Councilmember Baker flagged a drafting error in Section 3 of the ordinance regarding 1775.03 b)(4). 1175.02 is supposed to be 1775.02. Councilmember Bullock asked about enforcement of high plantings on tree lawns, noting that it is prohibited under existing code. Commissioner Parmelee responded that Ord. 02-2026 does not impact tree lawn plantings at all. If tree lawn grass is overgrown, the Building Department will issue a citation and eventually cut the grass if the property owner does not respond. He acknowledged that while some residents beautify their tree lawns in various ways, they ought not to without seeking permission from the City first. He clarified that such plantings are subject to removal by the City, especially if they are impacting sight lines, but deferred to Public Works on the matter. Councilmember Bullock questioned whether anyone’ s plantings are grandfathered in, noting that some residents have made significant investments over the years. Commissioner Parmelee responded that situations would be handled on a case-by-case basis and acknowledged that it will be a learning curve for all. He noted that the Ohio Building Code defers to existing conditions, and that could be applicable here. He emphasized that the existing Code authorizes the City to cite for plantings that overhang the right of way. In response to a question, he estimated that 90% of the enforcement will be complaint driven and inspectors will not be out looking for these issues. Motion by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Evans to amend Ordinance 02- 2026 in Section 3, 1775.04(b)(4) by replacing 1175.02 with 1775.02. All members in favor. Motion passed. Ord. 02-2026 amended. Chair Evans expressed support for the existing version of the ordinance as a way to bring uniformity of standards. He called for another committee meeting to continue discussion on this topic. Motion by Chair Evans, seconded by Councilmember Baker to defer Ord. 02-2026. All members voted in favor. Housing, Planning, & Development Committee adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Approved: 3/2/2026 Bryan Evans, Chair Housing, Planning, & Development Committee Maureen M. Bach, Clerk of Council Docusign Envelope ID: 5384FE61- D832-43C3-B91F-7633F61E9A54