HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated September 14, 2004 ITEM # LID
DATE 09/14/04
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDING
REGULATIONS IN THE "S-SMD" SOUTH LINCOLN MIXED-USE DISTRICT PERTAINING
TO THE MAXIMUM WIDTH OF DRIVEWAYS.
BACKGROUND:
On May 13, 2003, the City Council approved the creation of the South Lincoln Mixed-Use
District (S-SMD). During the past 15 months of implementing this new Zoning District, staff
has discovered an inconsistency with one of the provisions of the Ordinance, and the City's
Fire Code. The S-SMD limits new driveways within the front yard area to a maximum width of
16 feet. The Fire Code requires a minimum width for fire access of 20 feet.
The current S-SMD regulations are as follows:
Table 29.1003(3)
South Lincoln Sub Area(S-SMD)Mixed-Use District
Zone Development Standards
Development Standards S-SMD ZONE
Vehicular Access Any new driveways constructed from a public street shall not exceed 16
feet in width. Ex;sting front yard driveways may be maintained and
replaced, but shall not be widened to more than 16 feet in width. For
lots accessed from South 3Td Street, driveways may exceed 16 feet in
width,but shall not exceed 30 feet in width.
The main intent of the requirement to limit the maximum driveway width in the front yard to 16
feet is to lessen the impact of paving in the front yard. By minimizing the width of driveways on
these narrow lots, more green space and pedestrian areas can be provided. However, this
provision is in direct conflict with the Fire Code requirement, which requires a minimum fire
lane access width of 20 feet. The Fire Code provision does not apply to one and two-family
dwellings, but does apply to all multifamily (three or more units) and commercial structures.
In order to remedy this inconsistency, staff is proposing the following text amendment
(proposed changes are in bold italics):
Table 29.1003(3)
South Lincoln Sub Area(S-SMD)Mixed-Use District
Zone Development Standards
Development Standards S-SMD ZONE
Vehicular Access Any new driveways constructed from a public street for one and two
family structures shall not exceed 16 feet in width.Ally new driveway
constructed frow a public street for multifamily or commercial
development shall not exceed 20 feet in. width. Existing front yard
driveways may be maintained and replaced,but shall not be widened to
more than 16 feet in width for one and two family structures and 20
feet for multifamily and commercial developments. For lots accessed
from South 3`d Street, driveways may exceed 16 and 20 feet in width,
but shall not exceed 30 feet in width.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
With a vote of 7-0, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the
proposed text amendment to the "S-SMD" South Lincoln Mixed-Use District of the Zoning
Ordinance at its meeting of September 1, 2004.
ALTERNATIVES:
1 . The City Council can approve the proposed text amendment to the"S-SMD"South Lincoln
Mixed-Use District of the Zoning Ordinance.
2. The City Council can deny the proposed text amendment to the "S-SMD" South Lincoln
Mixed-Use District of the Zoning Ordinance.
3. The City Council can refer the text amendment to the "S-SMD" South Lincoln Mixed-Use
District of the Zoning Ordinance back to staff for further review and comment.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff concurs with the recommendation of :he Planning and Zoning Commission to
recommend Alternative No. 1. The proposed change will restore consistency between the
Zoning Ordinance and the Fire Code. Requiring a 20-foot wide driveway, while reducing the
amount of green space, will provide for necessary emergency vehicle access as identified in
the Fire Code. Staff believes the need to address life safety concerns outweighs the aesthetic
impact of the wider driveways within the Districl.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Attachment
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