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Commission refers ordinance to council to ease certain lot-split depth-to-width rules
Summary
The Planning Commission voted to refer Ordinance 91-2025 to City Council; the ordinance would amend Part 11 of the planning and zoning code to address depth-to-frontage requirements that can produce awkward flag or L-shaped lots.
The Planning Commission on Sept. 10 voted to refer Ordinance 91-2025 to City Council, a proposed amendment to Part 11 (planning and zoning code) that would revise principles of acceptability in Chapter 1179, including section 1179.05 addressing lot depth-to-frontage ratios. Staff explained the change is intended to allow logical parcel splits in large, irregular properties without producing L-shaped or flag lots that create poor long-term outcomes for neighbors.
Tim Burns described the problem using an example in which current calculations can force a split that leaves one owner with an L-shaped remainder: "The distance from this to here can only be 2 and a half times the frontage," he said, explaining how the existing formula can prevent sensible subdivisions. Staff said the amendment targets a small number of large parcels where the current rules create inequitable or impractical lot shapes.
Commissioners asked how the city would prevent creating lots with inadequate street visibility or long driveways; staff said the proposed language is intended to prevent the kinds of isolated, irregular access scenarios the amendment seeks to avoid and that the referral will allow council to evaluate final wording. The commission approved the referral by voice vote; the ordinance will move to council for consideration and potential amendment.
Outcome: Referral to City Council for Ordinance 91-2025 (amendment to Part 11, Chapter 1179 of the codified ordinances). Next steps: council consideration and possible public hearing.
