Planning commission backs window requirement for garages placed closer to street

The Newberg Planning Commission received staff proposals to allow some garages to be sited closer to the street provided their street-facing elevations include architectural treatments such as windows to break up blank walls. City staff presented the change as part of a broader code maintenance package and said the measure would apply when garage access is from a shared driveway or easement rather than the street. The requirement under discussion would let garages be placed 15 feet from the street — a 5-foot reduction from the standard 20-foot setback — if the side elevation facing the street provides a minimum of 10% window or glazing coverage. A city staff member explained the math for commissioners: “based on a 22 to 24 foot deep garage, 8 foot ceiling height, about a 180 square foot” façade, and “10% of that surface area…about 18 to 20 square feet,” which could be achieved with multiple small windows. Commissioner Matthew Mansfield said he supported the idea, calling it a sensible way to avoid “a blank wall” along the street. Staff said the change is intended to preserve design quality where alternative housing types — courtyard housing, cottage housing, or attached units — place garages adjacent to public walkways. The commission indicated consensus to include the proposal in the public hearing draft; staff said the hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11 and that the final ordinance posted for council will remove explanatory comment boxes currently present in the draft.