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Staff to introduce land-development changes for fill limits, HVAC placement and utility easements
Summary
Staff presented proposed land-development-code changes to limit fill, allow HVAC equipment in front yards under screening rules, and create an administrative deviation process for public-utility-easement encroachments; planning and zoning will review before council vote.
City planning and development staff outlined proposed amendments May 14 to the land development code addressing three topics: limits on grading/fill, mechanical-equipment placement, and protection and controlled encroachment into public utility easements (PUEs).
Deputy Development Services Director Matt Grambo described a two-part approach to fill: maintain a 12-inch maximum of fill under foundations, and allow up to 30 inches of on-site fill outside the structure to preserve appropriate lot slopes and setbacks. Building officials said the 30-inch figure aligns with 7.5-foot setbacks to preserve a safe 4:1 slope. The draft would also allow development-services staff to grant deviations where fill would not affect drainage, floodplain management or neighboring properties.
On mechanical equipment, staff proposed allowing HVAC units to be located in front yards under the same limited, screened-enclosure standards now used for generators: a consistent material enclosure, painted to match the facade, six-foot height unless more height is needed to screen equipment, and compliance with setback rules.
Finally, staff proposed an administrative deviation process allowing certain non-mechanical encroachments into PUEs — for example, walkways, decks or planters — if utility providers with an interest in the PUE provide signed “no objection” letters and the applicant records a hold-harmless agreement with the county. The draft would bar encroachments that include mechanical, electrical or plumbing equipment unless utility providers approve and emergency access considerations are addressed.
Staff said they expect to introduce the amendments at the next council meeting, take the plan to Planning & Zoning for review on June 4, and then return to council for adoption steps.
