Subject:
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Town Council Conference Session on proposed zoning ordinance text amendments for Section 18-15 and 18-168, Related to Lot Coverage and Porch Projections into the Front Yard
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BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
The Mayor and Town Council directed Department of Planning and Zoning staff to engage the community last fall on potential updates to the zoning code for lot coverage and front porch projection provisions separate from the process to update the Town's zoning and subdivision ordinances (CODE CREATE Vienna).
Currently, Sec. 18-15.F. of the zoning code states that not more than 25% of a lot shall be covered by a house, accessory structure, driveway and parking areas, sport courts, patios, and terraces. Open decks without a roof are allowed for an additional 5% of the total area of a lot. Elements that are currently exempt from lot coverage include any walkway less than 5 feet wide, steps, chimneys, cantilevered features, areaways, window wells, and pools.
Based on Council direction, Staff developed an opinion poll with three options for lot coverage. Option 1 retains existing lot coverage and deck coverage definitions. Total coverage currently allowed is 30%. Option 2 retains existing lot coverage and deck coverage definitions with a new outdoor living space provision allowing up to 5% of additional outdoor living space. Total coverage proposed is 35%. Option 3 replaces existing lot coverage and deck coverage definitions with new definitions for building coverage and outdoor living/non-building improvements coverage. Total coverage proposed is up to 35%.
At the September 27, 2021 conference session, following the regular meeting, Town Council discussed feedback received on the opinion poll as well as public comments made at the meeting and proposed two additional options, described below.
Option 4 is similar to Option 3 with the main difference being that covered and uncovered decks are included in the "building coverage" category. Total coverage p...
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