Planning Commission recommends code change to allow targeted relief from 50% setback cap

Staff presented a targeted zoning code amendment (PC 25‑33) that would retain a 50% cap on major adjustments to minimum setbacks but add factors that allow relief when site constraints (no other buildable location on the lot or comparable alternatives) justify greater reductions. Planning supervisor Karl Alsager told commissioners the revised language replaces a strict "shall" with a "should" standard to reduce disputes over inch‑level differences and provides clearer guidance for when relief is warranted; the amendment was framed as a narrow fix to speed review of cases currently held by the 50% rule.