Planning commission approves several subdivision variances and a new zoning fee schedule

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of several subdivision variances and a zoning text amendment that establishes a consolidated planning and zoning fee schedule.

Subdivision variances recommended for approval included requests to reestablish legacy lot lines and adjust lot widths and frontages at 2058 Comstock Avenue (contingent on rezoning), 2164 and 2168 Elm Avenue, and parcels at 2002 Kingswood Avenue/2211 Cosmopolitan Avenue. Applicants and owners said the intent is to restore original lot lines, remove dilapidated structures and bring parcel sizes into alignment with surrounding lots to enable single-family housing consistent with neighborhood character. "We would like to bring these lots back to your original size, which would be consistent with the rest of the neighborhood," said Chris Ramsey on behalf of Northway Homes.

Commissioners also voted unanimously to recommend a zoning text amendment to clarify the rezoning and zoning-map amendment procedures and to establish a fee schedule for planning and zoning services. Staff said the proposal consolidates existing fees, revises several charges and establishes fees for items for which the city previously collected none. "After reviewing nearby jurisdictions' fees ... staff has proposed a fee schedule which consolidates existing fees into one section and revises some fees," the staff presenter said.

All of these recommended approvals will be forwarded to the mayor and council with opportunity for public comment at the scheduled committee meeting on June 18.