Commission approves AGR setback change to allow side‑yard accessory buildings with limits

The Planning Commission approved text amendment 26005 to Lincoln Municipal Code section 27.72.0.12, allowing accessory buildings in the AGR (agricultural residential) district to be located in the side yard with a minimum 5‑foot setback and a 15‑foot height limit within that setback.

Steve Henrickson explained staff’s rationale: accessory buildings already can sit in the side‑yard setback in many other zoning districts, but AGR historically forbade them in side yards. The amendment provides flexibility for acreage lots — where topography, easements or views can force accessory buildings to one side of a house — while protecting neighbors by keeping a larger front‑yard setback and limiting height when buildings are placed in the side yard.

Mark Hunzicker, the applicant and consultant, said the change would fix an inconsistent rule and accommodate practical building needs on larger lots. Staff noted outreach to HOAs and acreage subdivision lists and said they had not received objections. Commissioners described the amendment as sensible and consistent with surrounding zone practice and approved it 5–0.