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Plan Commission backs rule changes to facilitate backyard (flag) lot divisions
Summary
The commission recommended approval of an ordinance to ease requirements for deep residential (backyard/flag) lot divisions: it reduces the required pole width to 10 feet, standardizes minimum lot depth to 75 feet, sets a 15‑foot front setback for created backyard lots and shifts some reviews to CSM processes.
The Madison Plan Commission on July 7 recommended approval of a zoning text amendment intended to make it easier to create deep residential (“backyard” or flag) lots in existing neighborhoods.
Staff explained the measure would reduce the minimum width of the flagpole (driveway access) from 30 feet to 10 feet, standardize minimum lot depth for both resulting lots to 75 feet, and set a 15‑foot minimum front yard setback for the newly created backyard lot to ensure a usable building footprint. The change would also shift many of these lot divisions from conditional‑use review to review under the certified survey map (CSM) process, except where other standards require plan commission review.
Staff said the change would roughly double the number of residential lots that meet the basic size requirements for a potential division (an estimate of about 7% of residential lots citywide meeting the standard after the change). The Housing Policy Committee recommended reducing the minimum lot depth to 75 feet and supported the amendment.
Commissioners asked about interactions with private covenants; Katie Bannon, the city’s zoning administrator, said private covenants are private agreements the city does not enforce and that property owners could still face private enforcement actions even if the city approves a lot division. Several registrants registered in support; no speakers registered in opposition.
Commissioner Solheim moved approval of the substitute ordinance (reflecting the 75‑foot depth and 15‑foot front setback); Alder Field seconded. The commission recorded a unanimous recommendation in favor of the amendment, which will go to the Common Council for final action.
