02-11-2021 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 11, 2021 5 Mr. Weber stated that lot size could also be an applicable condition. He confirmed that staff could work to develop a list of conditions for the Commission to review. Chair Schwalbach stated that he could see that some neighborhoods would not be good fits for ADU’s, as it would increase density in already dense areas and therefore believed that the conditions should be relatively specific to ensure that the ADU would not impact the surrounding properties and neighborhood. Mr. Weber provided an example in which the ADU is a very large and towering structure. Commissioner Johnson commented that could easily be addressed by stating that the ADU could not exceed the height of the existing principal structure. The Community Development Director stated that an ADU could provide an opportunity for affordable housing as well as offering an opportunity for someone to have an aging relative live on their property but maintain some independence. Mr. Weber reviewed the proposed changes to the dimensional standards and setbacks within the residential districts. He provided additional information on the definition of front of the lot. Chair Schwalbach referenced a recent plat where the City allowed a lesser lot width. He asked for information on lot width and what other communities are using in order to address the market demands. Mr. Weber commented that Little Canada only has a small amount of land left to develop as low density residential as there are only two properties remaining. The Community Development Director stated that there has been some discussion related to allowing smaller lot sizes to fit with the present market demands and perhaps there could be additional discussion on that topic if that is desired, noting that would increase density within R- 1. She stated that the discussion could be related to current and future trends as there may be more opportunity for lot splits in the future. Chair Schwalbach commented that this would seem like the appropriate time to consider that when the Code is being updated. Commissioner Buesing stated that perhaps lot depth is also considered, as a smaller width would not necessarily require that depth. Commissioner Johnson stated that in the previous development the Commission reviewed there were 65-foot lots.