HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report - Workshop on Front Porches Continued
Meeting Date
September 27, 2011
Agenda Item
Workshop 1
Title
Continued discussion on front porches in Falcon Heights
Submitted By
Deborah Jones, Staff Liaison
Description
Co
ntinuing informal discussion on whether the City of Falcon Heights should revisit the zoning ordinance that severely restricts the addition of front porches on existing homes. Should
some
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 (usually covered stoops) to the fronts of their homes, but they were not able to do so unless the structure could be added behind
the setback line.
In its August workshop, the Planning Commission observed that there are possible degrees of “front porch” under discussion: (1) Open covered stoops with a roof, supporting
columns and possibly railings, providing shelter to a front entrance; (2) Open porches that are larger than an entry stoop and provide not only entry shelter but space for outdoor seating;
(3) Full traditional front porches (similar to those common in nearby St. Paul neighborhoods) that could be screened, enclosed and ultimately turned into extensions of the house, narrowing
the front yard. Commissioners were generally comfortable with (1), opposed to (3) as too great a change to neighborhood character. Commissioners were willing to give further discussion
to something in between, i.e., (2)
Commissioners advised staff they would like to continue discussion and requested examples from other city codes.
Budget Impact
None
Attachment(s)
Excerpts
from zoning codes of other Twin Cities metropolitan area municipalities with examples of ways other cities handle these types of encroachments into required front yards.
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.
If the Commission’s consensus is to move forward, staff will request from the city attorney a draft ordinance amending Sec. 113-241 and other sections as necessary, according to the
wishes of the Commission, for a future public hearing, possibly in October, 2011.