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Council debates RM-6 zoning changes; setback language sent back to staff for alternatives
Summary
Planning staff briefed the council on proposed amendments to RM-6 zoning (private-lane standards, parking and whether private road area counts toward lot area). The planning commission recommended a uniform 15-foot rear setback adjacent to single-family lots; council members debated restoring a 25-foot setback and asked staff to return with alternative language and plug-and-play options.
Planning staff presented proposed amendments to the RM-6 zone (6 units/acre), including incorporation of private-lane standards, parking and road-width requirements keyed to number of lots, and a clarification that private-lane area should not count toward individual lot buildable area in most RM-6 layouts. Staff emphasized that the proposed language simplifies administration and aligns RM-6 with existing private-lane expectations used elsewhere in the code.
A central point of contention was rear-yard setbacks where RM-6 adjoins single-family zoning. The planning commission recommended a consistent 15-foot rear setback; staff acknowledged the exhibit currently sets it at 15 feet but noted the council could direct otherwise. Council members debated whether to codify a 25-foot setback as the default and allow exceptions (for instance where adjacent zoning is equal or where developments are single-story). Councilmember McKay moved to adopt ordinance 25-21 as drafted; after significant debate the motion was withdrawn and staff were asked to return with alternative language that defaults to 25 feet with explicit exceptions to allow 15 feet in specified circumstances.
