Agenda - Council - 03/12/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5.04: Public Hearing: Consider Amendment to Chapter 117, Section 111 and 112 to Modify the R-1 Residential and R-2 Residential Zoning Districts to Allow 50- and 65-Foot- Wide Lots and Clarifying Existing Language Public Hearing Chairperson Bauer called the public hearing to order at 9:26 p.m. Presentation City Planner McGuire Brigl presented the staff report stating the purpose of this case is to review a proposed zoning amendment (text) to allow 50- and 65-foot-wide lots. The case came forward as part of the Harvest Estates 2nd Addition Preliminary Plat application, but is being handled and treated as a separate case. The proposed zoning amendment (text) modifies both R-1 and R-2 regulations, while consolidating and making the R-2 section easier to read and utilize. These changes have been requested by a number of Developers over the past several years. Community Development Director Gladhill explained the City would be creating a district that would allow 50- and 65-foot-wide lots based on changing market conditions. He reported the City has been allowing 50- and 65-foot-wide lots through the PUD process, however, this would codify a change in City Code. Citizen Input Commissioner VanScoy asked why setbacks were being changed. He feared that the proposed setbacks would make it difficult for new neighborhoods to have sidewalks or be able to park cars in driveways. Community Development Director Gladhill stated a 25-foot front yard setback would allow for sidewalks and proper driveway length to allow for cars to be parked. Commissioner VanScoy questioned if staff had received feedback from the Fire Department regarding the reduced side yard setback. City Planner McGuire Brigl stated she reached out to the Police and Fire Departments regarding this matter. She noted the Police Department did not have any concerns. She explained the Fire Marshall supported a 10-foot separation between buildings, or a five-foot side yard setback. She suggested the language regarding the separation for detached villas be changed from 15 feet to 10 feet in the R-2 district. Commissioner VanScoy stated he would support a 30-foot front yard setback. Community Development Director Gladhill discussed how neighborhood design was changing and certain neighborhoods were bringing their homes closer to the street. He discouraged the Commission from changing the front yard setback from 25 feet.