Council adopts zoning changes to fix lot-line and lot-coverage issues on smaller, older lots
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Summary
Council adopted ordinances amending the zoning code to allow alternative primary front lot-line definitions and to increase allowed lot coverage on smaller lots to reduce nonconforming status for many older properties.
Escanaba City Council on Aug. 7 adopted ordinances to address two zoning issues the administration said were producing widespread nonconformities on older, smaller lots.
Ordinance 1310 permits property owners on certain corner lots to opt for an alternate primary front lot line when the existing definition reduces the buildable envelope and creates nonconforming setbacks. Planning staff said the change will allow property owners to choose the lot line that yields setbacks consistent with neighboring properties.
Ordinance 1311 raises permitted lot coverage on smaller lots zoned single-family residential, responding to staff analysis showing many of the city’s median-sized 7,000-square-foot lots were already over the existing 35% limit. Planning staff presented a sampling that found an average lot coverage of about 33.6% on those lots and identified 25 sample parcels already nonconforming. Staff said the change is intended to create a modest increase in allowable coverage for smaller, older lots — not to match other cities’ much higher allowances.
Both ordinances were presented at a second reading and public hearing with no public testimony; council approved both by roll call.