Item 5: Action - Ord. on Land Use Code Amend - Infill Standards

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At the public hearing, one of the issues raised in testimony pertains to the amendment related to driveways and parking areas in the R-3 and R-4 zone. The intent of this provision is to limit the amount of paving of front and side yards for driveways and parking areas, which has been identified as a common issue in the neighborhoods west and south of the University of Oregon. Staff originally proposed this standard to apply only around the university; however, the Planning Commission recommended that it be applied citywide. The testimony identified an unintended consequence of applying this standard citywide, in that it limits design features and flexibility in front yard setbacks for more typical single-family and attached housing in the R-3 and R-4 zones. The specific examples given were the rowhouses and townhouses in the Crescent Village planned unit development which include decks, pavers and planters within the front yard setbacks. As written, these features would be prohibited by the proposed code amendments for single-family homes, duplexes and attached housing in all R-3 and R-4 zones. Staff concurs with the testimony and has provided two options for council’s consideration to resolve this issue (see Attachment C). The first option (Option A) exempts approved planned unit developments from complying with this standard, and the second (Option B) limits the applicability of this specific amendment to the university area. Both options allow for projecting building features within the front yard setback, and grant an allowance for an adjustment provided that the area subject to the adjustment is physically precluded from being used for vehicle access or parking. The attached draft ordinance (see Attachment B) represents the Planning Commission’s recommendation for this package of code amendments. Additional background information regarding the Planning Commission’s recommendation for approval and all materials from the record are available for review in a binder located at the City Council Office and online at www.eugene-or.gov/codeamendments. Findings in support of the Planning Commission’s recommendation for approval are included as Exhibit F to the ordinance (Attachment B). The ordinance and findings, with any directed changes, will be utilized in the event that the City Council votes to approve the proposal upon finding that it complies with the applicable approval criteria. RELATED CITY POLICIES Findings addressing consistency with related City policies, including provisions of the Metro Plan and applicable refinement plans, are included as an exhibit to the draft ordinance (Exhibit F of Attachment B). COUNCIL OPTIONS 1.Approve the ordinance. 2.Approve the ordinance with specific modifications as determined by the City Council. 3.Deny the ordinance. CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends that the City Council approve the draft ordinance, as modified by Option A contained in Attachment C. S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M120514\S1205145.doc