Agenda - Council - 07/14/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Our Mistionc To work together to reipoiibly grew our comma nityr, and to provide quality, cert-oliBcdwe, and efficient government services. CC Regular Session 7. 6. Meeting Date: 07/14/2015 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Information Title: Review Recent Feedback Concerning Buildable Area on Parcels with Floodplains and Wetlands Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to review resident feedback regarding the amount of remaining buildable area on certain residential parcels after areas of wetlands and floodplains are subtracted. Staff notes an increase in the number of concerns raised by residents most notably in the Brookfield and Sweetbay Ridge developments, but communitywide as well. This policy issue can also be seen in some high water times when primary structures are in close proximity to floodplains and wetlands. Potential outcomes of the policy discussion range from taking no further action to amend City Code to making certain amendments to City Code to ensure a minimum amount of buildable area to the benefit of the ultimate home owner. Staff believes that this policy issue has risen beyond just a small number of isolated incidents to at least a level to bring to the attention of the City Council. This policy issue is especially evident in Sweetbay Ridge, and to a slightly lesser extent in Brookfield, where it appears there is a high number of wetland encroachments in rear yards. This issue has also surfaced at time of sale due to proximity to floodplain boundaries and potential wetland impacts during due diligence periods. Staff acknowledges the previous wetland protection ordinance of the City Code repealed circa 2009 and notes that none of the alternatives noted below include these previous restrictions. Staff is not suggesting that any policy change needs to be made. However, Staff believes it is relevant to bring the topic to the City Council's attention. The intent of the direction of this case would be to simply direct Staff to work with the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) and Planning Commission to brainstorm 1) if policy changes are needed and 2) if so, ideas of potential policy changes. Notification: No notification is required at this time as this is for discussion purposes only. Observations/Alternatives: The policy issue appears to arise after the initial construction of the home with the expectation of the ultimate resident that future improvements, such as a deck and/or detached accessory building, could be added to a property. The initial, principal structure meets all current and applicable bulk standards. However, the presence of floodplains, wetlands, and/or storm sewer infrastructure can greatly restrict the actual buildable area of a lot for future improvements and rear yards. The builder has met all minimum requirements to obtain a Building Permit. However, the ultimate home owner is not able to utilize the rear yard as expected due to non -developable portions of the lot. The City has a number of examples where the actual lot size is approximately one (1) acre in size, but the developable area is less than a quarter (1/4) acre in size.