Agenda - Council - 09/08/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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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. 1. Meeting Date: 09/08/2015 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development Information Title: Consider Preliminary Policy Direction Regarding Fence Standards and Front Yard Definition in City Code Chapter 117 (Zoning) Purpose/Background: Purpose The purpose of this case is to seek preliminary policy direction regarding existing City Code provisions related to fences and the definition of front yard in the R-1 Residential District (detached single-family). Background The impetus for this case is a result of Citizen Input at the August 25, 2015 City Council Meeting. At that meeting, the Property Owner at 14024 Dysprosium St NW objected to the construction of a fence proposed at 14026 Dysprosium St NW and requested an ordinance be drafted to amend City Code to clarify the definition of 'front yard' in City Code Section 117-1. It is Staffs understanding that this amendment is being requested for situations in which one property's front yard abuts another property's side yard. Notification: Notification is not required at this stage. If an actual amendment to City Code is proposed/requested, a Public Hearing will be held by the Planning Commission and will require certain notifications. Observations/Alternatives: Observations In working preliminarily with Staff, the Property Owner made the request to the City Council to amend the definition of front yard as she felt that although the proposed fence is located in her neighbor's side yard as defined by City Code, the proposed fence would obstruct the view of her front yard. In reviewing the case since August 25, 2015, it is Staffs belief that the situation at hand is more the result of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) approval for Flintwood Hills that allowed the clustering of four (4) homes with a shared driveway along Dysprosium Street rather than the City's definition of front yard. While this layout may have provided a unique development concept and reduced project costs for public roadways, there were other, less desirable outcomes, such as the current situation, that have arisen. The fact that one home is allowed to be constructed between another home and the public roadway presents potential conflicts. With any amendment to City Code, the potential for the creation of non -conforming structures does exist. Staff has not had the opportunity to analyze how many of these non -conforming situations would be created with an