06-23-2004 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 10, 2004 PUD was appropriate given the aesthetics for the entire plat and the coordinated control that the developer would have. Knudsen felt that in granting the PUD for Hidden Acres allowing for a reduced setback on the garage side yard, the City gained in improved aesthetics within this plat. Knudsen felt there was more control for the City in addressing this issue in a coordinated manner as part of a Residential PUD, than opening up the option on a citywide basis. Knudsen pointed out situations where property owners build garages adjacent to one another resulting in a 10 -foot separation between structures. He also noted the situation where a garage is constructed 5 feet from a property line adjacent to a neighbor's bedroom or living room window. Knudsen felt that the Residential PUD requested for Hidden Acres allowed for a more coordinated setback plan and improved aesthetics. Keis stated that the question in considering the Text Amendment is whether or not the Commission is in agreement with 10 feet between structures. Knudsen did not support the 10 feet. Gordie Howe, Masterpiece Homes, stated that he would like to have the code amended to allow a 5 -foot setback on the garage side of a house. Howe noted that the amendment requires a 10 -foot setback for the livable area of a house. Therefore, the closest a garage could be to livable area is 15 feet. The City Planner indicated that should the Text Amendment be adopted, the administration of it might require that property owners submit surveys of their own property as well as their neighbor's property to ensure that adequate separations are being maintained. This will be more burdensome to the applicant. The Planner indicated that currently it is at the Building Official's discretion whether or not to require survey information. The Planner suggested that another option may be to require a minimum 15 foot separation between structures, resulting in a 7 '/ foot side yard setback in the R.-1 District. Knudsen pointed out that in the Hidden Acres development, the developer was trying to avoid placing garages in front of the homes. Placing the garages on the sides of the houses was an aesthetic improvement for the City and the basis for granting a Residential PUD. Knudsen pointed out that the Commission would not have supported the Residential PUD if there had not been a gain for the City. He indicated that adopting the Text Amendment to allow a 5 -foot setback for garages in the R -1 District does not provide a gain for the City.