Grants Pass approves development-code amendment to allow 10-foot front setbacks for certain new land divisions
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Summary
The council approved an amendment to Article 12 of the development code permitting an optional 10-foot front setback for new land divisions with alley-loaded garages; planning staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval, and council added language to include some previously platted but undeveloped lots.
The Grants Pass City Council approved an amendment to the city’s development code that gives builders an option—where alleys serve garages—to locate front building faces 10 feet from the property line instead of the current 20-foot minimum for new land divisions.
Bradley Clark of the Community Development Department told the council the change is intended to increase buildable area on smaller lots and help the council’s housing and homelessness goals. He said the change applies only to new land divisions and recommended examples include recent developments on SW L Street and the Harbeck Meadows project, where developer John Camiller sought flexibility to place houses at 10 feet from the front property line when garages are alley-loaded.
Clark said the Urban Area Planning Commission reviewed the proposal on Nov. 12 and recommended approval after finding the amendment met applicable criteria. During council questions staff confirmed the option would not apply to ordinary remodels or standalone rebuilds on existing lots; the proposed language would apply to new subdivisions and land divisions unless council amends the code.
Councilor Rick moved to approve the ordinance with an amendment to allow previously platted but undeveloped subdivisions to use the option; the motion passed in open session by unanimous voice vote and was read by title for first and second readings.
Ending: The ordinance was approved unanimously; staff will implement the code amendment language and update permit guidance for new land divisions.
