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Commission recommends updates to zoning code for townhomes, lot coverage and visitor parking
Summary
The commission voted to recommend to city council text amendments to Chapter 156 of the Lockport zoning code to clarify "building lot coverage" and open‑space definitions, update building and impervious coverage rules for attached single‑family dwellings, add separation distances for attached units, and require visitor parking; motion passed Nov. 12.
The Plan and Zoning Commission on Nov. 12 voted to recommend amendments to Chapter 156 of the Lockport code to the city council. The proposed changes add or clarify definitions (for example, building lot coverage and open space), create tailored maximum building lot coverage and impervious surface limits for attached single‑family dwellings in R‑2/R‑3/R‑4 districts (the presentation proposed up to 70% maximum building lot coverage and up to 85% impervious surface in certain attached‑unit contexts), and add minimum separation distances and design standards to make townhome layouts functionally consistent with the city’s intent for light, air and rear/front relationships. Staff also proposed a visitor‑parking requirement for attached single‑family developments equal to one additional space per ten required spaces.
Rationale and context: Staff said the updates respond to recurring practical issues with townhome platting and lot‑coverage calculations (examples cited: Sadie Ridge, Silo Bend). The amendments formalize practices already used on several recent approvals and aim to remove ambiguity that led to ad‑hoc variances.
Decision: Commissioners voted to recommend the ordinance changes to city council in a roll‑call vote after staff presentations and brief discussion; the measure now advances for council consideration.
