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May 12th, 2026 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 6 specified number of. She noted that Edina requested a 50 percent reduction from standard water use for landscaping and believed that would be appropriate to measure in percentages, but that a different metric should be used for other areas. City Planner Grittman stated that when writing code, measurability and specificity are important, and that these may be easier to achieve with percentages. He noted that the goal of this language is to determine if the builders are making a marked improvement from the previous structure. Mayor Webster asked whether Sustainability Coordinator Saulog could explore language that relies on resources builders can refer to for more measurable efficiency. Councilmember Elnagdy asked Mayor Webster to clarify whether she was seeking something similar to the proposed method by Councilmember Doolan, which would provide a list of options to improve the building's sustainability and require the builder to select a specific amount. Mayor Webster confirmed that this was her goal. City Planner Grittman expressed concern that all builders will likely select the cheapest items from the list. Councilmember Doolan stated that this was likely okay as long as the options were effective. Councilmember Doolan appreciated the targets and thresholds, but proposed adding a limit on water use for landscaping. Councilmember Jenson stated that there are already methods for penalizing buildings that use excessive water. Councilmember Doolan acknowledged community complaints about excessive watering of new development lawns. City Manager Yunker highlighted the possibility of landscape water-use limits that could restrict individuals seeking to add green space. City Manager Yunker expressed concerns about natural disasters or unplanned events that require rebuilding under the Sustainable Building Ordinance, leaving individuals unable to rebuild due to the high costs of sustainable building practices. Councilmember Elnagdy proposed adding a clause similar to an “Acts of God” clause that exempts individuals who experience an unforeseen disaster, such as a fire or tornado, from these requirements. Mayor Webster expressed support for requiring individuals who tear down single-family homes to build a new home that complies with sustainable building requirements. She emphasized that these individuals likely have the financial ability to incorporate these items and that sustainable building will save the builder money in the future. However, she also recognized the struggles faced by individuals forced to tear down their homes due to unforeseen circumstances and felt that these homeowners should not be required to comply. Councilmember Randle expressed his disapproval of the requirements for homeowners rebuilding under any circumstances. 7