Erie Planning Commission Meeting - May 20, 2026: Robert's Rules Overview, Duplex SRU, Landscaping Code, and Prop 123 Discussion
Erie Planning Commission Meeting - May 20, 2026
The Erie Planning Commission held its regular meeting on May 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting included a Robert's Rules of Order overview, a public hearing on a duplex special review use for the Erie Junction project, a resolution on landscaping code amendments, and a discussion on Proposition 123 fast track. The meeting adjourned at 8:38 PM.
Robert's Rules of Order Overview
- Chair Hempill presented an overview of Robert's Rules of Order to orient new commissioners and clarify meeting procedures. The presentation covered the role of the presiding officer, motion process, debate rules, and voting. Commissioners thanked the chair for the orientation.
Public Hearing: Erie Junction Duplex Special Review Use (2026-332)
- Staff presented the proposal for 10 duplex buildings (20 units) on 2.73 acres in Old Town Residential zone. The special review use is required for duplexes in OTR. The applicant, Mick Jacobs, expressed frustration with the town's process, stating that delays cost him $18,000 per month and that he was not given due process. He requested an apology and remuneration. Several commissioners and staff noted that the project had already received preliminary and final plat approvals, and that the special review use was a formality. Commissioner Salish noted that the applicant's demeanor was unusual and advised a change in approach. After discussion, a motion to approve with a condition requiring the developer to construct and maintain fences on the north property line (where new buildings are located) was passed unanimously. The main motion to approve the resolution as amended also passed unanimously.
Landscaping Code Amendments (2026-321)
- Staff presented a resolution to amend Title 10 to prohibit non-functional turf on commercial, institutional, industrial, common interest community, and multi-family properties with 12+ units, in compliance with state law. The amendment allows native or hybridized turf. The commission voted unanimously to recommend adoption to town council.
Discussion: Proposition 123 Fast Track
- The commission discussed the upcoming joint session with town council on June 2 regarding Prop 123 compliance. Staff clarified that the current UDC does not require changes to meet state requirements; only internal process adjustments are needed. Discussion touched on affordable housing definitions, funding availability, and the town's prior commitments. No formal action was taken.
Key Outcomes
- Robert's Rules overview presented for orientation.
- Resolution P 26-10 (duplex SRU) approved unanimously with condition on fence construction and maintenance.
- Resolution P 26-09 (landscaping code) approved unanimously for recommendation to council.
- Prop 123 discussion held; no formal action.
Meeting Transcript
Just confirming everybody can hear me. Thumbs up if you can. Yep. Thank you. Good evening and welcome to the May twentieth, twenty twenty-six regular meeting of the town of Erie Planning Commission. The time is now six thirty PM, and I'm calling this meeting to order. Please join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Booth. Here. Commissioner Lee. Here. Commissioner Drakman. Here. Commissioner Salish. Live from Zoom. Commissioner Schatz. Here. Vice Chair Brodus. Here. Chair Hempill. Here. We have a quorum. Thank you. We have an agenda before us this evening. Does staff have any changes? No changes. Who would like to make a motion for tonight's agenda? Motion. Second. Booth and Druckman. We have a motion and a second. All in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed say no. Heard Commissioner Solish in there. The motion passes unanimously. Do we have any changes? Motion. Second. We'll go with uh leaf on the second booth on the motion. Uh motion and a second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. All opposed say no. Motion passes unanimously. This brings us to the public comments portion of the meeting. This is for public comments intended for items not already scheduled on the agenda to be discussed. Is there anyone in the waiting room signed up or in the audience for public comment? Okay.
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