Planning commissioners set public hearing on R‑1 zoning text amendment after line‑by‑line review

Goodland planning commissioners voted to set a public hearing for May 14 on an ordinance that would revise Chapter 19, Section 4‑52, the town’s R‑1 (low‑density residential) zoning text. The panel reviewed the draft line by line and instructed staff to clarify wording in a few places before the hearing.

Staff summarized the proposed changes as a reorganization of current text into clearer subsections listing principal uses by right and permitted accessory uses, rather than the existing single‑paragraph format. The draft explicitly lists single‑family dwellings (including manufactured/modular homes), duplexes, and group homes limited to one through eight occupants as principal uses by right; it also enumerates accessory uses such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), garages, carports, fences and walls, and storage/parking of recreational vehicles.

The commission discussed minimum lot and intensity rules. The draft consolidates minimum lot area language to require 7,000 square feet for single‑family lots (replacing some older references to 8,400), retains a 50 percent maximum combined building lot coverage, and keeps a 35‑foot maximum structure height. Commissioners noted that driveways and other impermeable surfaces would not count toward the 50 percent building coverage limit, a point staff confirmed.

Commissioners also debated whether to cap the number of accessory structures per lot versus relying on the 50 percent coverage rule. Multiple members favored keeping the coverage percentage and avoiding an explicit per‑structure count that could force property owners to physically connect outbuildings simply to comply.

A proposed design‑standard item would require “adequate” on‑site storage for dwelling units (examples in the draft include basement, garage, or a storage shed). Several commissioners asked staff to soften the language so the code lists examples rather than an exclusive set of required storage types.

On conditional uses, staff reminded the commission that larger institutions such as group homes over eight residents, day‑care facilities not in a residence, cemeteries, heliports and similar uses would continue to require conditional‑use review to allow neighborhood input. The proposal preserves a process by which staff and the commission can limit a conditional approval if needed.

Commissioner Wally moved to set the public hearing; Grady seconded. The hearing date was corrected in the meeting from May 12 to May 14, and the motion passed on a voice vote. Staff will publish the notice and finalize the ordinance wording for the hearing.