Commission debates setback and parking flexibility to support missing‑middle housing

Packet 3 addressed setbacks, garage standards and driveway design to make it more feasible to build missing‑middle housing while protecting the public realm. Staff proposed allowing new buildings in CD‑4 and CD‑5 to align with the average setbacks of adjacent buildings rather than a strict front‑lot‑line requirement, increasing maximum corner‑lot setbacks in CD‑5 from 0 to 15 feet, and adding attached‑garage location rules for CD‑5.

Staff also proposed increasing maximum setbacks in CD‑4 from 20 to 30 feet and reducing the minimum distance required between a garage door and the closer of the frontage line or sidewalk from 24 feet to 20 feet to allow parking in front of attached garages on narrower lots; staff suggested driveway flare options to accommodate larger vehicles. Commissioners raised concerns about large trucks obstructing sidewalks, ADA access, and the public‑right‑of‑way dimensions in older neighborhoods with little buffer between the property line and curb. Staff proposed technical edits tying the clearance measurement to the sidewalk or the front‑lot line, whichever is farthest, and to require flared driveways only where impervious surface and stormwater limits are met.

Commissioners generally supported increased flexibility for residential design while urging the staff to tighten language preventing sidewalk obstruction and to preserve clear public‑realm standards. Staff said they would draft ordinance language that allows flexibility for residential infill but keeps commercial districts subject to stricter controls.