In 2012, the City started hearing some strong reactions from residents upon learning that tall houses were being developed in their neighborhoods on what had been considered back or side lots, but not anticipated to be a developable lot.
In September 2012, City Council adopted Ordinance 123978, interim regulations for small lot development in Single Family zones. The ordinance addressed public concerns that some developments on single-family zoned lots, which were approved through existing lot area exceptions, were incompatible with surrounding neighborhoods. This interim ordinance:
1. Eliminated one lot-area exemption that allowed lots to be established through historic County property tax records;
2. Established a minimum lot size of at least 50% of the minimum requirement of the zone; and
3. Imposed new height restrictions on new houses proposed for lots of less that 3,750 square feet.
The ordinance was adopted on an emergency basis. The progress to modify standards for small lots in Single Family zones has been delayed slightly by changes at City Hall - new Mayor and new head of the City Council Committee that handles land use matters - but are expected to get back on track soon. The new standards will likely be adopted in the next few months. Typically code amendments take effect 30 days after they are adopted by City Council and signed by the Mayor, so we may be looking at May or so before new standards are in effect.
Happy Investing!
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