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Monticello tightens residential zoning standards to reduce garage-forward designs
Summary
The City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 873 and Resolution 2026-70 on July 27, 2026, revising several zoning code sections to align residential base districts with the Comprehensive Plan and encourage living areas oriented to the street rather than garage-dominated façades.
The Monticello City Council adopted Ordinance 873 and Resolution 2026-70 to amend Title XV, Chapter 153, of the City Code to implement residential design goals from the updated Comprehensive Plan. Planner Steve Grittman presented the ordinance changes, which include clarifications for R-1 and R-A districts, alignment of residential densities with the Comprehensive Plan, and design guidance that emphasizes living areas oriented toward the street.
The Council discussed specific language that allows a garage to extend up to six feet in front of the house, or up to 10 feet when design alternatives such as a usable porch, patio, or other façade improvements are included. Mayor Lloyd Hilgart and Councilmember Kip Christianson asked staff to revise the language so the 10-foot allowance is clearly tied to the required design alternatives and to clarify how porches and steps are measured. Councilmember Christianson moved to adopt Ordinance 873 and Councilmember Tracy Hinz seconded; the motion carried unanimously.
Staff said the changes are intended to reduce garage-dominated streetscapes and encourage front porches and usable front-yard features as part of new residential development and PUD approvals.
