Board approves looser corner-lot accessory-structure rules, adds screening requirement

The Planning and Advisory Board recommended changes to city code that would allow some accessory structures to be placed closer to the street on corner lots, reduce the need for repeated Board of Adjustment variances and require screening where appropriate.

Staff said the draft amendment is primarily housekeeping to reduce frequent BOA requests and to allow property owners on corner lots more usable yard space for permitted accessory structures. Under the proposed language, accessory structures could be located in the second-front-yard area while remaining subject to setback distances, building-code requirements and site-plan review; permanent accessory structures still require engineering to meet wind-uplift standards. Board members discussed sightlines, privacy for neighbors and the placement of fences or landscape buffers to screen boats, RVs and other visible items.

A board member moved to approve the accessory-structure changes with an added requirement that screening be consistent with other parts of the code; the motion was seconded and several members voted to approve it. The board then considered closely related verbiage allowing certain fences on corner lots to be placed to the property line to reduce BOA variance requests and voted to move that verbiage forward as well.

What happens next: Staff will prepare ordinance language and forward the recommendation to City Council; where accessory structures are large or permanent they will still require permits and engineering documentation before issuance.