Item 5: Public Hearing on Ordinance Establishing Chambers Special Area Zone

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r - - - T - - - T - - -r - - 1 - -, I I I , I I I I I I I I I \ I I I I \ : I ' I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I t - - 4 - - - 1" - - ~ - - -\~'- 7 I ; I! : I I ~ I I I I 1\. I \ \ \11~ I I I I kf"1Ir!' r I I __ - ~ _ _ - -,_ - '.... - _ _ l... _ .... Diagram illustrates the idea of "sphere of influence." Every new dwelling, alteration, addition, or even minor change. has an effect on the neighboring houses and on the neighborhood as a whole. These changes can either contribute to the neighborhood or detract from it. Guidelines to encourage neighborhood enhancement are the subject of this guide. These two buildings are on Garfield just outside of the ETN. It is a good illustration of the principle that "no house is an island." Six triplexes were built in an area of smaller single-family homes. This image shows the relationship between two buildings when consideration for the effect on neighboring buildings is not a priority. . NO HOUSE IS AN ISLAND A house is surrounded by several other houses, a street and possibly an alley, and the house influences those other houses and public spaces. There is of course a legal boundary around the house, but the influence of the house, and the yard and garden, extends beyond that boundary. When making changes, it is important to consider this influence. For example, think about what happens at the edge of the lot. Most people would agree that a solid concrete- block wall at the edge is unpleasant-even though the owner of the lot may have the legal right to put it there. A hedge, or the archetypal white picket fence is more agreeable to most people. True, "good fences make good neighbors" -but what makes for a good fence? That fence, depending on the neighbors, may be one that is low, that provides for privacy near important windows, but is somewhat permeable in places. Low places allow for a neighborly chat or for sunlight to reach the plants on the other side of the fence. A high fence may be necessary to protect privacy on a busy street or to contain pets. A fence, at the intersection of two people's spheres of influence, is an example of how the actions of one property owner may augment and improve an adjacent property-and thereby help the overall feeling of neighborliness in the neighborhood. Another example of influence is the size and shape of the house, relative to other houses on the street and to the street itself. When houses are compatible with each other, there is a sense that they are together contributing to the character of the street and of a whole neighborhood. A row of houses with a similar setback