HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report - Preliminary Workshop on Front Porches
Meeting Date
August 23, 2011
Agenda Item
Workshop 1
Title
Preliminary discussion on front porches in Falcon Heights
Submitted By
Deborah Jones, Staff Liaison
Description
Info
rmal preliminary discussion on whether the City of Falcon Heights should revisit the zoning ordinance that severely restricts the addition of front porches on existing homes.
Background
In
this year’s goal setting process, the City Council has decided to revisit the issue of allowing front porches as a legal encroachments into required front yards (front setback) in Falcon
Heights. The existing setback ordinance does not include porches among the allowed encroachments. A number of homeowners have approached the City in recent years, seeking to add porches
or porch-like structures to the fronts of their homes, but they were not able to do so unless the structure could be added behind the setback line.
Most of the neighborhoods of Falcon
Heights were built in an era when front porches were not popular features of home architecture styles, and the homes were built with small entries or stoops right up to the front setback
line. The limits on front yard encroachments were probably designed to prevent larger scale encroachment into front yards, preserving the visual open space of the original neighborhood
streetscapes. Over the years Falcon Heights residents have shown they value this open character.
However, housing styles and family needs change over time. Recognizing that there may
be benefits to neighborhoods in giving homeowners more options for the front entries of their houses and for the transitional spaces between public street and private homes, the Council
feels it is time to take another look at the issue and has directed staff to open discussion of this subject with the Planning Commission.
Budget Impact
None
Attachment(s)
Falcon
Heights City Code, Section 113-241. Required yards and open spaces.
Selection of photos and aerial photos of existing Falcon Heights residential streets.
Additional Resources
Commissioners
are encouraged to bring any personal research they have done on this matter, including photos.
Action Requested
No formal action is needed at this time. The goal is to initiate discussion
of amending Sec. 113-241 to allow more types and sizes of entry spaces at the front of single family homes, including porches. If the Commission’s consensus is to move forward, what
information, resources and discussions are needed to address this issue? Staff will report back to the Council.