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Council asks staff to craft zoning code changes on metal building facades and front‑yard setbacks
Summary
Council directed staff to draft amendments to zoning code standards: allow high‑quality faux finishes as alternatives to masonry on metal buildings (with exceptions for visible light‑industrial areas) and revert residential front‑yard setback standards from 30 to 20 feet for smaller lots.
Kingman — The Kingman City Council on Tuesday directed staff to return with formal zoning‑code amendments to address two developer requests: standards for metal building facades and front‑yard setbacks in certain residential zones.
Staff said a 2021 zoning code update increased architectural standards that require portions of building facades to be masonry or masonry‑like. Local fabricators and developers raised concerns that the standard can be subjective and can make metal buildings difficult or costly to construct. Council discussed recent local examples, including a commercial metal building with a high‑quality alternative finish that staff previously approved after discretionary review.
Council directed staff to prepare code language that would allow specified faux finishes and high‑quality alternative treatments in place of masonry, while excluding routine light‑industrial areas where large metal buildings are common and less visible from public rights‑of‑way. The direction asks staff to craft objective standards so staff and applicants can determine compliance without repeated discretionary determinations.
On front yards, staff noted the R‑1/2 (R½) and similar residential zones had moved from a 20‑foot to a 30‑foot front setback in the 2021 code update. Developers and a public commenter argued the 20‑foot setback had been the longstanding standard and that returning to 20 feet gives property owners greater flexibility, especially on half‑acre and smaller lots where backyard buildable area can be constrained. Council members agreed and asked staff to draft an amendment to revert to a 20‑foot front‑yard setback for the affected residential categories.
Why it matters: The changes would clarify acceptable facade materials and return setback standards relied on by local builders, affecting housing design, construction costs and neighborhood appearance.
What comes next: Staff will draft proposed ordinance language describing acceptable finishes for metal buildings, identify zones (including light‑industrial exemptions) and return with a code amendment and analysis for Planning and Zoning and council consideration.
