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County planners propose R‑1/R‑5 zoning rewrite, add open‑space minimums and design standards
Summary
Planning staff presented proposed changes to R‑1 and R‑5 residential districts, including a new 10% open‑space minimum for R‑1, a 25% requirement for higher‑density districts, accessory‑dwelling limits and sidewalk/entrance‑feature guidance; commissioners and staff discussed tree preservation, buffers and a separate tree ordinance.
Planning staff presented a draft rewrite of the county's low‑density (R‑1) and higher‑density (R‑5) residential zoning rules at a July 15 work session, proposing new development standards intended to preserve neighborhood character and require usable open space in future subdivisions.
Chelsea Furnall, planning manager, told the board the R‑1 district remains intended to “preserve and protect the character of that low density residential neighborhood” and that the minimum lot area would stay at 12,000 square feet where public or community water and sewer are provided. She said the draft limits principal residences to one per lot and allows one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per principal residence; the ADU would be restricted to 75% of the principal dwelling’s square footage.
The steering committee that reviewed…
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