06-23-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JUNE 23, 2004 Montour agreed with Anderson. He compared the appearance of the Pitrina Park townhomes with front-loaded garages, versus homes with side-loaded garages. Montour agreed reducing from a 20-foot structure separation to 10 feet was a big change. Montour suggested a 7-Yz foot side yard setback so that the City could ensure a 15-foot minimum separation and not worry about competing interests with property owners vying for the 5-foot setback. Gordie Howe, Masterpiece Homes, explained that as the street layout for Hidden Acres has changed, the result is more cul-de-sac and corner lots. The ability to develop these lots with side-loaded garages is difficult under the current 10-foot side yard setback. Howe indicated that a 15-foot separation between structures would allow him to construct side-loaded garages. Blesener stated that the only way he would support the reduced setback is under a PUD for Hidden Acres, and not as a Text Amendment for the entire R-1 District. Fahey suggested that the issue of a race between property owners to get the 5-foot setback on a side yard was Limited given houses in most neighborhoods have the garages on the same side. Other Council Members disagreed, and Blesener indicated that his neighborhood is about 50/50. Fahey asked if there was a way to address the situation that would accommodate all R-1 property owners and notjust this one developer. The City Planner suggested that a Text Amendment providing fora 7 '/z foot side yard setback in the R-I District would do that. This would also eliminate the need for the City to police whether the space is living space or garage space. Blesener suggested that an additional 2-Yz feet would not do much for existing houses. The Planner thought it might He stated that if the City is comfortable with a 15-foot building separation, then his recommendation would be to change the R-1 side yard setback standard to 7 '/Z-feet. Fahey noted that the Planning Commission supports the 5 and 10-foot side yard setbacks. Anderson pointed out that this raises the additional issue of living area versus garage area. Blesener stated that these factors are why he supports the PUD option so that the City has more control. Fahey stated that he supported the text amendment reducing the R-1 side yard setback to 7.5 feet. The City Administrator noted that State Statute requires three votes in support of a Zoning Code Text Amendment for approval.