Staff proposes reduced side setbacks for narrow oceanfront lots; commission sends change to planners

Senior planner Miss Thompson presented a code amendment proposal to adjust street-side setbacks for narrow oceanfront lots (many 46.5 feet wide) from the current 12-foot requirement to 8.5 feet. She said most oceanfront lots are older and narrower than inland lots, which are typically 50 by 93 feet, and that recent variance applications for such lots were denied by the Planning and Zoning Board for lack of demonstrated hardship.

Miss Thompson explained that the amendment would preserve existing front setbacks (ocean side), keep interior-side setbacks at 7.5 feet, and only alter the street-side dimension to better match lot realities. Commissioners asked about sight-line and view impacts and whether lane-and-street configurations could produce two reduced setbacks; staff replied that lots with both a street and a lane generally have enough area to adjust house placement and remain subject to the 35% lot-coverage limit.

The commission expressed general support for forwarding the proposal to the Planning and Zoning Board for formal review and ordinance drafting. No vote was taken; staff will return with an ordinance draft and the PZB's recommendations.

Next steps: staff to draft ordinance language, refer to PZB, and return to the commission for readings.