Which option do you think will work best for Decatur - Option A or Option B?
Participation
Who is listening?
The Decatur Government
Who is listening?
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Who is giving feedback?
32 people wrote or supported statements. That's 1.6 hours of public comment @ three minutes per statement.
Introduction
Summary
Watch the video on Accessory Structures
The City Commission appointed the 11 member Zoning Ordinance Revision Task Force (ZTF) to recommend changes to the zoning ordinance as part of the ongoing implementation of the 2010 Strategic Plan. The plan can be found at www.decaturnext.com. The ZTF has spent the past year considering several tasks from the Strategic Plan and they are ready to make a recommendation.
They would like your input on the following recommendation:
"The task force has agreed that all accessory structures should be limited to 1,000 square feet in floor area, stay within the 40% floor area and lot coverage limits for a lot and be subject to some privacy and massing controls by regulating the location of windows and wall heights. However, they are looking for your input on the appropriate setbacks for accessory structures.
Option A: is applying the currently allowable 3 foot setback to one story buildings and establishing a 10 foot setback for two story buildings. This option moves taller structures away from the neighbor’s property line. It can also have a modest impact on how light and shadows are affected.
Option B: is adopting the current 3 foot setback as the standard for both one and two story buildings. This option provides the greatest level of flexibility for the homeowner to locate the building on the lot and performs best in terms of maximizing useable yard space and working around existing trees and their roots."
Background
The 2010 Strategic Plan identified accessory dwellings, more commonly known as garage apartments, as a way to provide affordable housing in a lifelong community. The current zoning ordinance distinguishes between an accessory building and an accessory dwelling.
Accessory Building is a private garage, shed or home office/studio. They can be located 3 feet off of the side and rear property line. They are limited to 1,000 square feet in floor area and 25 feet in building height. They can have a full bathroom and kitchen, but stoves are not allowed.
Accessory Dwelling is a dwelling unit that is detached and separated from the main house by a distance of 10 feet and contains facilities for living, bathing, sleeping and cooking which may be occupied by no more than two persons. Accessory dwellings must maintain the same setbacks requirements as a main dwelling, typically 10 foot side yards and 30 foot rear yards.
Have Your Say
Which option do you think will work best for Decatur - Option A or Option B? Choose your preferred option and click on POST to have your say!
