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Council discusses raising backyard impervious-cover cap, retains 12‑foot accessory‑building height
Summary
Council reviewed proposed edits to Chapter 103 (building code) addressing accessory structures. Staff and consultants recommended increasing allowable impervious cover from 35% to 45% and keeping a 12‑foot maximum height; staff will return an amended draft for two readings.
During a planning and building-code discussion, B&B inspections and council members reviewed proposed changes to Chapter 103 regarding accessory buildings. Consultants recommended clearer wording to calculate impervious cover, urged ending a sentence earlier in the draft ordinance to avoid unintended coverage restrictions, and proposed increasing the allowable impervious cover from 35% to 45% to account for preexisting pools and decking.
Council discussed the maximum height for accessory buildings. Staff recommended retaining a 12‑foot standard for practicality and to avoid measurement complexity; the Board of Adjustments was identified as the avenue for property‑specific relief. Council asked staff to produce revised ordinance language reflecting the 45% impervious-cover allowance, removal of confusing verbiage about setbacks and a confirmed 12‑foot height limit. Staff said the changes would return for two readings for final passage.
Council members also asked about drainage and potential neighbor impacts from higher impervious cover; staff and consultants said state drainage rules and setback protections would apply and that similar communities have higher allowances without systemic drainage issues.
Staff recommended bringing back the drafted ordinance for formal readings after edits.
