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Council weighs code rewrite approach; setback change prompts caution
Summary
Staff described a reorganization of the development code to simplify standards and remove obsolete provisions; a proposal to increase side setbacks from 8 to 10 feet in R1‑20,000 prompted council concern about reduced buildable area on small lots.
City Planner II Cherylyn Egner told councilors the rewrite is intended to reorganize scattered standards and make the code more accessible for non‑technical users. Egner outlined a specific example for the R1‑20,000 zone and said "the primary adjustment would be to the side setbacks, increasing them to 10 feet on each side, with a combined total of 22 feet," and asked whether to retain the current 8‑foot standard instead.
Council Member Ryan Hunter warned that the change could have practical consequences on smaller lots, cautioning that it "could significantly reduce the buildable footprint" and push houses toward more vertical designs. Staff noted multiple layered exceptions (including reduced setbacks for certain attached garages) and explained that some modifications are motivated by fire‑rating and building‑code implications. No formal policy change was adopted; staff will refine the draft and flag specific changes so the council can review targeted provisions in future work sessions.
