Minutes - Planning Commission - 08/22/2024

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Planning Manager Larson stated that it would seem that side yard setback should then just be three feet, rather than requiring five feet and then it could be reduced a month later. Commissioner Van Scoy asked where a fence would go between two properties, specifically whether that can be placed on the property line or whether it must be set back. Planning Manager Larson replied that the Code requires the fence to be on your own side of the property line. Commissioner Van Scoy commented that he also supports leaving the regulation as is and continue to review deviations through the variance process. He commented that there logically needs to be space between driveways for vehicle doors to open, snow removal, and should someone want a fence. Commissioner Heineman stated that if someone buys an acre and if five feet is taken from the perimeter that is essentially a ten percent reduction of the property size. He stated that if the issue is snow removal, that is essentially treating a problem before it arises. He stated that people could push snow to the other side of their driveway. He recognized that he may be in the minority on this issue. He stated that although he would not recommend someone put their driveway zero feet from their property line, someone should be able to if they wanted. Commissioner Hunt stated that he could see keeping the variance process the same but could also support a reduction from five feet. He stated that perhaps the setback is reduced to one foot as that would allow for the placement of a fence if that were desired in the future. Planning Manager Larson commented that a five-foot setback tends to be common in early subdivisions built in the 1970s and on to allow for drainage to flow between the properties and away from the homes. Chairperson Gengler commented that the cases they heard at the last meeting were different and specific and could not recall a lot of requests of this nature that the Commission has considered in the past, therefore this would seem to be fixing an issue that is not widespread. She stated that she would also prefer to keep the regulation and variance process as it is. 8. COMMISSION / STAFF INPUT Planning Manager Larson provided an update on planning related matters. Senior Planner Anderson noted the upcoming Fall Recycling Event in September and the Fix It Clinic in October. 9. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Peters, to adjourn the meeting. A roll call vote was performed: Planning Commission/ August 22, 2024 Page 8 of 9