Tentative proposed standards to allow Secondary Dwelling Units (SDUs) on larger flag lots.

During the City Council hearing, several property owners objected to the proposed R-1 Code Amendments that would prohibit SDUs on all flag lots.

In response to these concerns, neighborhood leaders requested that City Council allow one more week so that an alternative could be crafted.

Neighborhood leaders have discussed the issues with some of the property owners and have developed a tentative proposal that would provide more flexibility, while still mitigating the potential negative impacts from flag lot development. Here is a concise recap …

Current code requires:

• A flag lot must be at least 13,500 s.f. to allow an SDU.
• All structures must be setback at least 10 feet from all property lines.
• If the “pole” is used for access for 2 to 4 dwellings, the pole must be at least 25′ wide.
• A maximum of 4 flag lots can use the same pole for access, regardless of the flag lots’ sizes

Tentative proposal:

• The “flag” (main) part of a flag lot must be at least 12,500 s.f. to allow an SDU.
• All structures must be setback at least 10 feet from all property lines. SDUs must also comply with the “sloped setback” standards that will apply to SDUs on other lots.
• If the “pole” is used for access for 2 to 4 dwellings, the pole must be at least 25′ wide. The requirement for new flag lots that are created after these standards are adopted is a 30-foot wide pole for an SDU.
• A maximum of 4 dwellings can use the same pole for access. SDUs are included in the dwelling count.
• Appropriate landscaping, berms, walls and/or fences are required to screen headlight glare and reduce noise and dust impacts.
• Exceptions to the requirements are allowed for certain conditions.

The proposed standards would allow large flag lots that have an adequate pole for access to have an SDU.

A final recommendation will be submitted to City Council prior to June 23 at 5:00 p.m.