Olivia council adopts two zoning code changes to widen driveways, relax shed setbacks

The Olivia City Council on an administrative vote approved two amendments to Chapter 152 of the city code that change driveway width and accessory-building setback rules.

Staff told the council the planning commission and city engineers reviewed requests to increase driveway width from 24 feet to 36 feet to better accommodate three-car stalls and said they had no objections. "Nobody had any objections, widening that driveway from 24 feet to 36 feet wide, which is what you see here," the staff member said. The council closed the public hearing after receiving no testimony and voted to adopt Ordinance 11.

Council also approved Ordinance 12, which alters accessory-building setback requirements so small sheds (described in the presentation as under 200 square feet) may be placed closer to attached garages and to align accessory setbacks with recent side-yard setback changes from 10 to 5 feet. The staff member explained the amendment had been reexamined at the planning commission level and reflected engineering input.

Both ordinances were approved after motions and verbal 'aye' votes with no recorded opposition during the meeting. There was no public comment on either ordinance during the hearings.

The council handled these zoning amendments as part of regular business and did not set additional conditions. The ordinances were adopted at the meeting and will be reflected in the city code upon completion of the final administrative steps.