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Scofield council and planning commission debate setbacks, 30% roof coverage and options for small lots
Summary
After county input, the planning commission recommended staying away from frequent variances and exploring zoning adjustments for small interior lots; council discussed 30% roof-coverage rules, 0 setbacks for commercial zones, IBC building-code implications and the need for a town master plan.
The Scofield Town Planning & Zoning commission presented a series of recommendations Monday after consulting Carbon County building staff about setbacks, lot coverage and small-lot development.
The commission reported that the county advised limiting variances and suggested the town consider a 30% maximum roof coverage on lots and changing side setbacks on interior lots to allow development of small parcels. Commissioners also discussed creating a special R-2 zone for constrained interior lots or otherwise adjusting setbacks so a modest house could be built on narrow parcels.
Council members debated potential benefits — such as revitalizing Main Street by allowing 0-foot setbacks in commercial zones — against the regulatory consequences: 0 setbacks trigger International Building Code (IBC) requirements (fire separation, sprinklers, water-supply needs) and may complicate enforcement given the town’s volunteer fire department.
Members emphasized the importance of corridor preservation, potential future road alignments, and the need for a master plan tailored to Scofield’s scale. The council voted to draft an ordinance allowing 0 setbacks in the commercial zone but one member abstained pending completion of master-plan work. Staff and planning commissioners will meet again with county staff to refine options and prepare draft ordinance text for public review.
