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1 Ogden City Council Work Session: October 10, 2017 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO FRONT YARD SETBACK REDUCTIONS IN CLUSTER SUBDIVISIONS Purpose of Work Session: To review the proposed zone text amendment Planning CommissionRecommendation Approval of the amendments (6-1) Executive Summary A petition has been submitted by Lynnelle Carson to add front yard setback reduction standards for cluster subdivisions. A cluster subdivision is one in which the dwelling units are grouped more closely to allow a larger area to be preserved as open space. Cluster subdivisions allow smaller than normal lot sizes and reduced lot widths and side yard setbacks to accomplish the closer grouping. Currently, there is no provision to allow a reduction in the front yard setback for cluster subdivisions. The petitioner is requesting an amendment to the cluster subdivision ordinance to allow such a reduction. Background A cluster subdivision is a residential development design in which the dwelling units are grouped more closely to allow the consolidation and preservation of a larger area of open space. These types of subdivisions may also be known as conservation subdivisions. These types of subdivisions are not intended to be done as a matter of course; rather, these types of subdivisions are usually done to preserve a natural or open space area and are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis. In Ogden, cluster subdivisions may be approved in the R-1-10, R- 1-8, R-1-6, and R-2 zones and must have at least 25 dwelling units. In order to achieve the clustering of dwelling units, a reduction in lot sizes, lot widths and sideyard setbacks may be approved. As per the current City code, lot sizes may be reduced to no less than two-thirds (2/3) of the minimum lot size of the underlying zone. As an example, in an R-1-10 zone with a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet, the reduction in lot size would allow a single lot no smaller than 6,600 square feet. Similarly, the side yard setbacks and lot widths for a cluster subdivision may be reduced to no more than three-quarters (3/4) of the required setbacks and lot widths in the underlying zone. Consequently, the open space to be permanently reserved must be not less than the ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 Ogden City Council Work Session: October 10, 2017 amount by which the areas of the residential lots are reduced below the minimum area normally required in the zone (§15-9-4). A cluster subdivision does not therefore take up any more or less space than a standard subdivision; the advantage of the cluster design is to preserve the natural or open space. The petitioner, Lynnelle Carson, has submitted a request to amend the cluster subdivision ordinance to allow a reduction to the front yard setback similar to the side yard setback reduction. Current Proposal The current proposal is to amend the cluster subdivision language to allow a front yard setback reduction of up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the setback required in the underlying zone with the requirement that the front yard setback is not less than eighteen feet Planning Staff discussed the issues related to reducing a front yard setback beyond that of the length of a standard car (or parking stall) indicating that if the front yard setback is too small a car parked in the driveway may extend over a sidewalk or into the roadway. A standard parking stall is eighteen feet in length and that is the minimum standard used for the proposed changes. Planning Commission The Planning Commission reviewed the petition at its September 6, 2017 meeting. The Commission forwarded a recommendation of approval to the Council with a 6-1 vote. The Commission’s recommendation was made with the findings that the request is consistent with the purpose of the cluster subdivision ordinance and the general plan and that the amendments provide adequate driveway room that does not infringe on the right of way. Commissioner Schade indicated that his ‘no’ vote was due to concerns that no one parks right to the garage door and more room should be provided from the front of the home to the property line. Public Comments No comments were given at the Commission’s September 6, 2017 meeting. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 Ogden City Council Work Session: October 10, 2017 Attachments 1. Transmittal 2. Ordinance 3. Planning Commission Report 4. Petition 2017-10 Council Staff Contact: Glenn Symes, AICP (801) 629-8164 ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK---