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Print Agenda Item Page 1 of 3 <br />Ora r htlssion, To wnditogethap to resposibip grew cliff community, and to provide puafity, cost-effecliwe, clad efficient government services. <br />CC Regular Session <br />Meeting Date: 07/14/2015 <br />By: Chris Anderson, Community <br />Development <br />7. 6. <br />Information <br />Title: <br />Review Recent Feedback Concerning Buildable Area on Parcels with Floodplains and Wetlands <br />Purpose/Background: <br />The purpose of this case is to review resident feedback regarding the amount of remaining buildable area on <br />certain residential parcels after areas of wetlands and floodplains are subtracted. Staff notes an increase in <br />the number of concerns raised by residents most notably in the Brookfield and Sweetbay Ridge <br />developments, but communitywide as well. This policy issue can also be seen in some high water times <br />when primary structures are in close proximity to floodplains and wetlands. <br />Potential outcomes of the policy discussion range from taking no further action to amend City Code to <br />making certain amendments to City Code to ensure a minimum amount of buildable area to the benefit of <br />the ultimate home owner. Staff believes that this policy issue has risen beyond just a small number of <br />isolated incidents to at least a level to bring to the attention of the City Council. This policy issue is <br />especially evident in Sweetbay Ridge, and to a slightly lesser extent in Brookfield, where it appears there is <br />a high number of wetland encroachments in rear yards. This issue has also surfaced at time of sale due to <br />proximity to floodplain boundaries and potential wetland impacts during due diligence periods. <br />Staff acknowledges the previous wetland protection ordinance of the City Code repealed circa 2009 and <br />notes that none of the alternatives noted below include these previous restrictions. Staff is not suggesting <br />that any policy change needs to be made. However, Staff believes it is relevant to bring the topic to the City <br />Council's attention. The intent of the direction of this case would be to simply direct Staff to work with the <br />Environmental Policy Board (EPB) and Planning Commission to brainstorm 1) if policy changes are needed <br />and 2) if so, ideas of potential policy changes. <br />Notification: <br />No notification is required at this time as this is for discussion purposes only. <br />Observations/Alternatives: <br />The policy issue appears to arise after the initial construction of the home with the expectation of the <br />ultimate resident that future improvements, such as a deck and/or detached accessory building, could be <br />added to a property. The initial, principal structure meets all current and applicable bulk standards. However, <br />the presence of floodplains, wetlands, and/or storm sewer infrastructure can greatly restrict the actual <br />buildable area of a lot for future improvements and rear yards. The builder has met all minimum <br />requirements to obtain a Building Permit. However, the ultimate home owner is not able to utilize the rear <br />yard as expected due to non -developable portions of the lot. The City has a number of examples where the <br />actual lot size is approximately one (1) acre in size, but the developable area is less than a quarter (1/4) acre <br />http://156.142.212.178:8080/frs/publish/print_ ag_memo.cfm?seq=5511 &rev_num=0&mo... 8/12/2015 <br />