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Planning commission discusses code changes on accessory‑building height, landscape standards and special residential facilities
Summary
Commissioners directed staff to draft code amendments limiting accessory‑building height and tightening landscape and special residential facility rules for future meetings.
Perry City planning staff asked the commission May 1 for direction on three proposed code changes: accessory‑building height and setbacks, clearer landscaping standards (irrigation and sod requirements), and a new code section for "special residential facilities." Commissioners asked staff to draft ordinance language and bring the items back for formal review.
Staff member Bob outlined options for accessory buildings after members raised concerns that large accessory structures had grown taller and more prominent than adjacent dwellings. Bob proposed two approaches: require that accessory structures taller than a threshold follow primary‑building setbacks, or impose a lower absolute height limit for accessory buildings (for example, 25–30 feet). Commissioners favored a simple numeric cap rather than subtle setback changes; one Commissioner said 25 feet seemed reasonable for an accessory building and another suggested simpler rules are easier to administer.
On landscaping, Bob said some developers meet the letter of the city’s landscaping standard by planting native seed rather than establishing irrigated lawns and plant beds, producing poor outcomes. He proposed clarifying that required landscape areas must include irrigated trees, shrubs and lawn — and suggested requiring lawn to be installed as sod to avoid failed seeded areas. Commissioners expressed support for tightening maintenance and installation language and asked staff to draft revisions.
Finally, Bob said the city code is currently silent about special residential facilities (small group homes, recovery residences, assisted living with limited beds) and that state law is protective of these uses. He said the city cannot simply prohibit appropriate uses but can establish reasonable parameters; staff will draft proposed code language for review.
No formal votes were taken; commissioners asked staff to prepare draft ordinance language for a future meeting.
