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Staff proposes interim R4 and R6 setback districts to blunt state 'zero‑setback' rule
Summary
Staff and consultants proposed two intermediary setback chapters (R4 and R6) so substandard R10 lots do not immediately inherit R3 zero‑setback standards; mapping would be optional and require future neighborhood notice and council approval.
Staff and consultants told the council that a recent state rule forces any lot that is even slightly under a district minimum to use the lower district’s setback standards, potentially allowing new construction flush with the sidewalk. Nick Farmer, the city’s zoning officer, said that on many R10 lots—on average about 4,400 square feet—this change would produce “a 0 foot setback in front,” an outcome staff deem out of character for most neighborhoods.
To avoid immediate zero‑setback outcomes, staff proposed two stop‑gap chapters (R6 and R4) that would provide intermediate setback standards for lots between 4,000 and 9,999 square feet. Farmer said the new chapters would not be mapped automatically; instead, mapping and any rezoning would require GIS analysis, neighborhood notice and council action. He told the council the intent is to preserve neighborhood character in the short term while enabling future rezoning or subdivision analysis under the 2027 comprehensive‑plan process.
