Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Making it easier to Build More!

The City Staff is suggesting a streamline process to build structures that are not in compliance with our current city code. Instead of going to the ZBA for a variance and appearing at a public hearing to build into the home setbacks from the street, a SPECIAL ZONING PERMIT could be attained from our staff after meeting a reduced set of standards.

Again, staff is suggesting we make it easier to create more mass into the dedicated open spaces we visually share with everyone and nature on our private properties. The current community rights do not put an undue burden on our private property rights and should be upheld to the strong standards currently in place. These standards protect our community character and the natural buffers around our homes.

I suggested to the City Council that if they think current laws that govern land use and building are unreasonably burdensome they should change the laws to support more build out of our homes. I would however strongly oppose such legislation that would promote larger homes as I am opposing the Special Zoning Permits to make it easier to build out residential properties. Only Councilman Levenfeld and Myself voted against moving forward on this proposition.

While we on the City Council are still hearing from residents that they are upset about large structures next to their property, new homes and additions blocking the sun from their residences, and increased flooding from adjoining properties, the majority of the City Council still pushes for more development........ HELP!!!