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Commission approves zoning-code exception to allow Main Street School expansion egress
Summary
The commission approved a staff-initiated zoning amendment to Chapter 175.21 allowing limited encroachment into side setbacks for certain nonresidential uses so Main Street School can add exterior egress stairs without triggering a 50‑foot setback that would leave no buildable envelope.
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a staff‑initiated amendment to the city's zoning exceptions (Chapter 175.21) to allow limited encroachment into side setbacks for a narrow class of nonresidential uses, a change intended to enable the Main Street School to complete planned renovations including exterior egress stairs.
Elliot (city planner) explained the issue: converting the house next to the school from single‑family to a nonresidential occupancy increased the side‑yard setback requirement from seven feet to 50 feet, leaving no buildable envelope. The proposed code text would permit limited encroachment for specified public‑adjacent uses provided a 10‑foot side setback is maintained. "Based on the building plans we've seen from Main Street School, this would easily accommodate what they are wanting to do," Elliot said.
There was no public opposition and commissioners described the amendment as straightforward. The commission moved, seconded and approved the zoning text amendment by roll call.
Staff will forward the amendment to Council as required for final adoption; the change was described as narrowly scoped to address similar redevelopment constraints without broadly opening up encroachments for unrelated conversions.
