12-14-2023 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 14, 2023 5 needs today compared to when the zoning code standards were created for those structures. She reviewed the proposed zoning code language changes which would allow the total floor area for a detached garage and other accessory buildings of up to 1,500 square feet. She also reviewed proposed changes to the allowed dimensions for garages. She stated that her intent was to gain input from the Commission tonight and bring back a final draft for the Commission to consider at its January meeting. Commissioner Carlson-Clark asked why one large building could not be constructed that does not exceed 1,500 square feet. Commissioner Buesing stated that the code would allow one building up to 1,500 square feet or multiple buildings under that threshold. He stated that if the intention is not to allow a building that large, that would need to be clarified within the code. He liked having the 50 percent width of the home requirement to ensure that the portion facing the street has a nice appearance. He commented that language should be clarified to specify the width of the front of the home. Commissioner Carlson-Clark referenced a townhome development and asked how that would fit. The Community Development Director explained that would fall under different zoning standards as this would apply to the single-family zoning district. Commissioner Lum asked the concern with a garage facing the street. Commissioner Buesing explained that the intention is to ensure the portion of the home and garage facing the street are proportionate. Chair Johnson stated that perhaps they could look at some of the new homes being built to compare those percentages of frontage for the home and garage to ensure that the standard is still relevant. Commissioner Masrud noted that tuck under garages would seem to require a different standard. Commissioner Carlson-Clark commented that he does like the proposed changes as drafted. He stated that he would like to allow consideration for someone to build one large structure, with the understanding that additional accessory structures would not be allowed. Chair Johnson stated that there is proposed language that would allow a resident to request a conditional use permit for total structures exceeding 1,500 square feet. She stated that they would need to develop standards and conditions that would apply in that scenario. She stated that perhaps the hard limit should be 1,500 so they do not continue to see requests above that level. She noted that another option would be to allow over 1,500 square feet through a conditional use permit, as long as it fits within the character of the area to ensure that something