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Robins City planning commission declines to advance reduced side-yard setbacks for Robins Landing
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission considered a developer proposal to reduce side-yard setbacks in Robins Landing First Addition from 10 to 7 feet to make standard home plans fit; commissioners raised concerns about precedent, neighborhood character and costs and made no motion, so the resolution died at the Feb. 11 meeting.
At its Feb. 11 meeting the Robins City Planning & Zoning Commission considered a developer proposal to amend the Developer's Agreement for Robins Landing First Addition that would reduce side-yard setbacks from 10 feet to 7 feet but made no motion, so the resolution died for lack of a motion.
Chairperson Timothy M. O'Hara introduced Resolution No. 2026-1, which recommended approval of Amendment No. 3 to Developer's Agreement 2022-3 to allow narrower side yards. Kelli Feickert, representing Forge, Inc., said the development contains 47 lots and that 10 are sold, primarily in the cul-de-sac; she told commissioners builders reported their standard home plans will not work on lots subject to 10-foot setbacks and the change is intended to encourage lot sales.
Commissioners pushed back on several points. Commissioner Jay Goodin questioned why the matter was before the Planning & Zoning Commission rather than the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Commissioner Todd Roberts warned that changing the developer's agreement could set a precedent for future developments. Commissioner C.J. McDonald and Commissioner Matt Mitzel asked about the practical differences between 7-foot and 10-foot setbacks and about why the area was zoned R-3 originally. Planning & Zoning Administrator Vance McKinnon said that without a change some lots might remain undeveloped; Roberts said custom homes could be the only feasible option under the current requirements and that would likely raise costs.
O'Hara said he did not see a major community impact beyond reduced distance between houses but noted that unsold lots represent a financial loss for the city. Commissioner A.J. Hester expressed hesitation about applying a sweeping change to all 47 lots. Feickert said the developer is evaluating why lots adjacent to amenities such as a park, pond and trail are not selling and believes lot size and setback requirements are contributing factors. No member moved to approve Resolution No. 2026-1, and the item died due to lack of a motion.
The commission approved routine business earlier in the meeting: the agenda was approved and the Jan. 14, 2026 meeting minutes were approved as corrected; the meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m.
