minhpd 11-13-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Director Leininger delivered a presentation about the proposed legislation. He explained that the 4 main priorities of the legislation are to improve and protect 1) Aging in Place, 2) Shared Living Spaces, 3) Neighborhood Character, 4) Affordability. Among the main recommended revisions by the Planning Commission and Planning Department were: Defining accessory dwelling unit Defining maximum lot coverage and setting limits for maximum lot coverage in the R1 & R2 Districts. Establishing ADUs as a Conditional Use in the R2 District. Establishing fourteen conditional use regulations on ADUs intended to protect the safety and character of the community. Councilmember Shachner asked questions about the Maximum Lot Coverage definition, specifically the part which deals with stormwater management. Director Leininger explained that structures such as decks, patios, etc., that are approved by the city’s engineer to be functional and integral with stormwater management, will not be considered as part of the lot coverage area. He explained, for example, a porous pavement element to a backyard could potentially be seen as consistent with stormwater management, if approved by City engineers, and therefore would not count towards the overall lot coverage area. Planning Director Leininger clarified that in the R1 District, lot coverage allowances vary based on lot sizes. Larger lots are permitted less impervious lot coverage, while smaller lots are allowed more, reflecting the limitations of impervious areas. In the R1 District, small lots have an 85% lot coverage allowance, medium lots have 70%, and large lots have 60%. The Planning Commission established these levels based on standard development patterns in the city, taking actual conditions within Lakewood into account. Additionally, Director Leininger highlighted that in the R2 District, the maximum lot coverage is uniformly set at 85%. Planning Director Leininger pointed out that ADUs are proposed to be designated as Conditional Permitted Uses exclusively in the R2 District. Chair Bullock clarified that being conditionally permitted implies property owners can propose ADUs, but it is not an automatic right. Instead, they must present their ADU proposal to the Planning Commission for approval. Councilmember Rader asked about the ability of Lakewood residents to demolish garages and reconstruct them with a different and/or larger footprint. He mentioned receiving complaints from the public regarding the desire to replace garages with more substantial or differently structured ones. Planning Director Leininger clarified that when it comes to garages, if someone wishes to make an addition, they should refer to Lakewood’s Codified Ordinances and consult with the Building Department. Lakewood’s Codified Ordinances specify that additions for garages are limited to a maximum of 480 square feet or 25% of the rear yard area, whichever is larger. The revised version of Ord. 07-2023 allows the construction of an ADU on the garage, removing previous restrictions regarding additions. While setback standards and height standards still apply, the use would be permitted for ADUs. When addressing the Conditional Use Standards for ADUs in the R2 District, Director Leininger highlighted the significance of Section 2, stipulating that the majority owner must occupy the lot 2