Minor Exceptions Ordinance - | ||
This proposed ordinance consists of two sections involving minor exceptions to zoning site standards, such as setbacks from property lines and height limits. Additionally, the ordinance would add new site standards for residential garages. The draft ordinance and Initial Study are available below for review. This ordinance was developed under the direction of the Board of Supervisors, who in June 2010 directed planning staff to develop amendments to establish a more reasonable and streamlined review process for considering minor deviations from site standards that are unlikely to impact neighboring properties. Additionally, in February 2010 the Board of Supervisors directed staff to develop provisions that would allow different side and rear setbacks for garages located at the rear of residential properties. The first section of the ordinance would classify a subset of variances involving minor deviations from the zoning standards for height, setbacks, lot coverage and floor area ratio as "minor exceptions" and allow these exceptions to be reviewed and decided upon without a public hearing, in conformance with state law. These exceptions would apply to zoning standards only, such as a required front setback from a street, and would not apply to environmental protection standards such as required setbacks from riparian corridors. Planning staff brought a draft ordinance implementing a minor exception process to the Board of Supervisors in November 2010. The ordinance has been revised in response to public comments and further direction from the Board of Supervisors. Section two adds a number of specific and limited exceptions to the Santa Cruz County Code, as well as adding new site standards for garages. The proposed new standards for garages were developed in accordance with the February 2010 direction from the Board of Supervisors. The other proposed specific exceptions were developed in response to comments from the Board of Supervisors at the November 2010 hearing. The goals of these more specific exceptions are to provide additional flexibility to applicants for certain types of projects, facilitate improved residential and commercial designs, and allow for improved environmental protection and public safety. The draft ordinance, and the Initial Study analyzing potential environmental impacts of the proposed ordinance, is available below. The public comment period on the Initial Study has been extended to January 22, 2011, to conform to the comment period established by the California State Clearinghouse. Please direct comments to Matthew Johnston, Environmental Coordinator, County Planning Department, 701 Ocean Street Rm 400, Santa Cruz CA 95060 or via email to pln458@co.santa-cruz.ca.us. |
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