Planning commission debates open-space subdivision code changes — setbacks, lot variation and process

Nibley City planning staff presented a draft revision to the city’s open-space (conservation) subdivision rules, proposing larger setbacks where new lots adjoin existing residential property, a requirement for variation in lot sizes in larger subdivisions, and a minimum buildable area designed to ensure lots can accommodate dwellings.

City planner Levi summarized the staff draft and said the first proposed change was straightforward: "Side yards would increase to 10 feet and rear yards would increase to 25 feet," he told the commission. Levi said the rear-yard figure aligns with typical setback requirements in the underlying R‑2A zone. The draft would apply the increased setbacks where a new subdivision abuts property with residential zoning that already requires the greater setbacks.

The draft would also require variation in lot sizes for subdivisions with 40 or more lots: no more…