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Board briefed on residential infill policy and lot-size reductions allowed under program
Summary
Staff summarized the city’s residential infill policy, including permitted lot-size reductions from 8,000 to as small as 3,500 square feet, incentives, and the BOA’s role in granting regulatory flexibility for qualifying projects.
The Board received an overview of the residential infill program, which staff said the council approved in July 2025 to encourage development on vacant or underutilized residential lots.
Lisa Hannan, Planning Director, entered the staff report into the record and said the adopted ordinance calls for an 8,000-square-foot minimum lot, but the infill policy allows reductions with a minimum of 3,500 square feet for qualifying projects. Hannan noted that the infill process pairs financial reimbursements and a streamlined permitting path with regulatory flexibility that will require Board of Adjustments involvement for lot-size and setback reductions.
Wainesmith (building official) reiterated that many lots in downtown and older parts of Decatur do not meet the 8,000-square-foot minimum and that the infill program anticipates permanent reductions to lot size on plats or temporary setback encroachments as appropriate. He cautioned the board that lots under 3,500 square feet could create practical problems for constructing a lawful dwelling and that staff would evaluate each case’s parking and lot-coverage impacts.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the difference between variances and special exceptions (Wainesmith: a variance requires hardship; a special exception does not) and whether staff would bring summary materials for each application. Staff said they will provide a two-page policy summary and are available for individual follow-up with commissioners.
