The purpose of this legislation is to reduce the numerous problems that are being created through the implementation of the existing 40 feet setback requirement. The proposed legislation will not prevent buildings from being set back further than 10 feet from the property line, but rather, will support urban, pedestrian scale development. The existing public right-of way width generally varies from 8 feet to 20 feet, which causes commercial buildings to be set back from the street a minimum of 48 feet to 60 feet.
Current regulations result in an undesirable, suburban strip development appearance.
Property owners are prevented from locating buildings adjacent to public sidewalks and, as such, are encouraged to provide parking lots and loading areas in front of their buildings. Pedestrians must walk through parking areas to access building entrances and to shop at nearby businesses. These conditions create a street environment, which is unfriendly to pedestrians, contribute to air pollution by encouraging people to drive instead of walk and contribute towards an unattractive and unsafe street environment. This legislation will provide sufficient room in the front of businesses for adequate sidewalks and street trees and, in many areas, outdoor dinning opportunities in good weather. Parking and loading areas may be located behind or to the side of businesses.