HomeMy WebLinkAbout01112016 Planning & Zoning Work Session Laydown MEMORANDUM
City of Seward
Date: November 23, 2015
To: Seward City Council
Through: Ron Long
Community Development Director
From: Dwayne Atwood
Planning Technician
Subject: Examine the Development of 30 by 100 foot lots
At the September Planning and Zoning Commission work session, commissioners discussed the
development of 30 by 100 foot lots in Seward's Original Townsite and ways to possibly
encourage projects.
The Commission was directed by City Council to look into ways to facilitate the development of
small lots, within both the residential and commercial zoning districts.
Property owners can currently build a single family home on a 30 by 100 foot lot, if the parcel is
originally platted. Commercial developments of various kinds may be undertaken within the
commercial zoning districts, provided that all development regulations are met.
One of the issues with developing property in Seward is that the Code currently requires a
minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet (south of Phoenix Road) if the land has been reconfigured,
or replatted. Vacating interior lot lines or combining multiple lots into a single parcel changes the
original platting.
When the city was founded, the Original Townsite was platted in 30 foot by 100 foot lot
dimensions. These smaller lots are served by alleys and streets, which helps with access and
utility services. Laubner Subdivision was also platted in 30 by 100 foot dimensions, while the
Federal Addition subdivision was platted with 50 by 100 foot lots. These subdivisions extend,
essentially, from the area of Van Buren Street southward through town.
In some instances it can be difficult for a developer to replat and meet Code provisions. Consider
this situation: A landowner has three, 30 by 100 foot lots. That landowner would like to
subdivide or replat those three parcels (9,000 square feet in total) into two, 4,500 square foot lots.
As noted above, City Code currently does not allow newly subdivided Iots to be that small.
Commissioners agreed they wanted to accommodate developers and land owners and considered
possible Code amendments, including:
* Allowing property owners to subdivide parcels back to the original platting dimensions or
larger within the Original Townsite, as well as the Federal Addition and Laubner subdivisions.
This would allow for the development of 3,000 square foot lots that are not originally platted,
within the Original Townsite.
* Reduce the side-to-a street setback for 30 by 100 foot lots. Currently a corner lot that is 30 feet
wide would have a 10 foot structural setback at the side street, and an additional five foot side
yard setback. That would leave only 15 feet of width in which to develop. Reducing the side-to-
a-street setback to five feet would afford 20 feet of overall width to build a structure.
All of the suggestions are subject to the further direction of City Council.
The memo is intended to update City Council on Planning and Zoning Commission work
session activity.