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Council weighs variance for Oscar Meadows Phase 2; opts to open code amendment hearing to keep project on schedule
Summary
Council discussed a requested subdivision variance to reduce right‑of‑way/boulevard widths for Oscar Meadows Phase 2 (41 lots). Planning staff recommended approval but council directed staff to schedule a public hearing on a zoning ordinance amendment (lot size/right‑of‑way) to allow a faster path without setting city‑wide precedent, balancing developer schedule and code review.
Council heard a detailed staff presentation and lengthy council discussion about a requested subdivision variance for Oscar Meadows Phase 2, which would reduce the right‑of‑way from 66 feet to 60 feet (narrowing the boulevard from 8.5 feet to 5.5 feet) to accommodate 41 single‑family lots on a site constrained by wetlands, easements and utility corridors.
Planning staff (speaker 1) said the feasibility work and Planning Commission review found special circumstances that reduce buildable area and recommended approval of the variance. Staff also noted code alternatives (changing minimum lot size or right‑of‑way standards) that would eliminate the need for a site‑specific variance in future cases.
Councilmembers raised concerns about precedent, boulevard tree placement, snow storage, and how a city‑wide ordinance change could affect other neighborhoods. Some council members expressed a desire not to delay the developer’s schedule; others urged caution about granting a one‑off variance. Staff reminded council of the 60‑day timetable for subdivision action (which can be administratively extended another 60 days).
To strike a balance, council directed staff to set a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment (addressing lot size and/or right‑of‑way dimensions) so Planning & Zoning can consider city‑wide adjustments. Council indicated that scheduling a hearing would allow discussion of code changes without unduly delaying the developer; staff suggested P&Z and council hearing dates be accelerated where legally possible.
Staff will return with a public‑hearing schedule and options so council can decide whether to adopt a code change or consider the variance on a property‑specific basis.
