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SAY 8 MU LOOK 80 PAGE 10 `BACKGROUND CONDITIONS: The Indian River Aerodrome Property Owners Association has submitted a request to amend the zoning code by reducing the side and rear yard setbacks in the A-1, Agricultural District. Presently, thirty (30) foot side and rear yard setbacks are required in the Agricultural District. The applicant proposes to amend the setback provisions to fifteen (15) feet to ensure uniformity within the subdivision, preclude the necessity for variances and provide agreement between the zoning and covenants of the subdivision. The Aerodrome subdivision units 1 and 2 were platted in 1972 and contain lots of approximately 3/4 to 1 1/2 acre in size and also contain a private airstrip and related taxi -ways. This portion of the subdivision has been and is zoned A-1,' Agricultural. Additional lots known as unit 3 were platted in 1987, and are zoned RS -1. The A-1 district permits residential development and has a 5 acre minimum lot size. Thirty (30) foot setbacks are required for all yards (front, tear and side). The district also permits airstrip facilities as special exception uses. Many garage/hanger structures have been constructed on Aerodrome lots, either through variances or oversight, and these structures encroach into the 30 foot setbacks. Over the years, eight variances have been granted for the original 40 lots. On March 22, 1990, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6 to 0 to recommend approval of this request. Analysis As stated, over the years a number of variances have been given allowing structures to encroach into the required rear or side yard setbacks in the Aerodrome subdivision. In granting these variances, the Board of Adjustment has recognized reduced setbacks in the Aerodrome subdivision. For the Board of Adjustment to grant a variance, eight (8) criteria must be met. Three of these criteria have significance when applied to the subdivision. These ;are the special condition, no public detriment, and reasonable use jcriteria. A special condition exists in the subdivision since many variances have been granted and garage/hanger structures have been built encroaching into the normal setbacks. No detriment to public welfare exists with the reduced setbacks as many property owners have utilized the reduced setbacks and the A-1 district setbacks are the most extensive of any zoning district. Finally, the use of individual lots for hanger structures has been deemed reasonable use of the property by previous actions of the Board of Adjustment. Setbacks, generally, are an integral part of land development and zoning regulations. Their primary purpose has been to protect public health and safety. Over the years many of these issues, such as fire safety, air circulation and accessibility to natural light, have been lessened through building technology. In residential areas, however, setbacks still play an important role in the aesthetics of a neighborhood. While the density of an area is controlled by zoning provisions which regulate the type of structures, permitted uses, and minimum lot sizes, the setbacks determine how a development is perceived. Large setbacks will provide for a more open and less crowded appearance than small setbacks. Setbacks in the current code vary by district type and density. Residential side yards are generally 10 or 15 feet, while rear yards range from 20 to 25 feet. The code also recognizes the need 16