2017-117 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

F. The reduction of parking and setback requirements for affordable housing. As structured, the county's Land Development Regulations establish minimum setback and lot size requirements for both single family residential zoning districts and multiple family residential zoning districts. These setback requirements provide a standard separation between houses and between houses and roadways. For affordable housing projects, the small lot subdivision provisions of section 971.41 of the LDRs allow for a reduction of lot size and building setbacks for single family homes. In the RS-6 zoning district, for example, single family homes are required to have a minimum lot width of seventy (70) feet. With small lot subdivisions, however, lots having a minimum width of only fifty (50) feet and reduced side yard setbacks seven (7) feet can be created. While rear yard setbacks are reduced from 20 feet to 15 feet, the minimum front yard setback on all single family homes from the edge of right-of-way is twenty (20) feet. This setback distance allows for cars to be parked in the driveway and not block the sidewalk or impede pedestrian movement. For residential uses, the county requires two parking spaces for each dwelling unit. This requirement is detailed in section 954.05(56) and is as follows: Section 954.05(56) Single-family dwellings and duplexes. Two (2) spaces for each dwelling unit; single- family dwellings and duplexes shall be exempted from all other requirements in subsection 954.07(4) and 954.10. Uncovered parking spaces shall be exempted from the front yard setback requirements. ANALYSIS: To ensure health and safety, all residential development must meet current minimum parking and setback requirements for the appropriate zoning district as established in the county LDRs. For example, the county's 20 foot minimum front yard setback provides enough distance, but not an excessive distance, for parking a vehicle in a driveway without the vehicle projecting into the sidewalk. Reducing or eliminating parking requirements would force residents to park in roadway rights-of-way. This could create safety issues unless minimum mandatory right-of-way widths are increased (which would reduce lot depth and area). Generally, reduced setbacks for affordable housing projects are appropriate, because reduced setbacks can increase yield and reduce housing prices. In Indian River County, the small lot subdivision allowances provide for reduced lot sizes, as well as reduced side yards and reduced rear yards setbacks, for affordable housing projects only. F:\Community Development\SHIP\AHAC-Affordable Housing Advisory Committee(AHAC)\AHAC 2017\AHAC 2017 15 report.doc