08-22-16 Zoning and Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Randy Kelly entered the meeting at 4:08 p.m. Bill No. 38 -16 — Proposed text amendments to Chapter 21 regarding definitions of dwelling unit, family and group residence Committeemember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to accept substitute Bill 37 -16. Committeemember John Voorde seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of four (4) ayes. Angela Smith, Area Plan Commission with offices on the 11th Floor of the County -City Building, served as the presenter for this bill. This is very closely related to the last bill in protecting Single - Family but comes at it from a different angle. Right now the definition of family is no more than two (2) unrelated individuals exclusive of household servants. The term servants is an antiquated term as it is rare to have butlers or cooks living with the owner of a property anymore. There have been instances where that definition has been used to circumvent the definition of family to allow more than two (2) unrelated people in a house. This weakens the Single - Family District intent. This text amendment would tighten up that definition by removing the antiquated term `servant'. Also, the definition of "group resident" is tweaked as well. Currently the term "group resident" is basically a co- living situation or group- living situation but is also used for anything that doesn't meet the definition of family. When we looked at this, we found a serious gap where they are allowed. Currently the Central Business District does not have the opportunity for someone to get a group residence. The proposal is to insert it as a special exception to keep it as part of the public process but in general you would want a group residence where there are already services such as public transportation available and there is high density. This comes to the Council with a favorable recommendation from the Area Plan Commission. This text amendment recognizes the growing popularity of non - traditional housing and invites opportunities for group residents in the Central Business District. Councilmember Dr. David Varner asked if this makes a distinction between "group residences" and "group homes ". Ms. Smith responded there is a distinction in the ordinance between the two (2) and a clear definition. Group residents is a form of non - traditional housing that is not necessarily social service related. It is more along the lines of four (4) bedroom apartments or communal living spaces and rent out bedrooms. Councilmember Dr. David Varner asked if this allows for the conversion of any home to a group residence or just the Central Business District. Ms. Smith responded it only pertains to the Central Business District. Right now the places where it is allowed is where Multi - Family is already permitted. Councilmember Dr. David Varner asked if someone has a piece of property in the Central Business District and they want to use it as a group residence, what restrictions exist to limit how many people can be in that residence?