Shop-front windows may be located adjacent to sidewalks, and entrances to buildings may be located on the sidewalk. This legislation will support and encourage a pedestrian scale, walkable community. 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 regulation will not prevent a building from being set back further than 15 feet, but rather, will support property owners in creating an urban-style residential street. The existing public right-of way width generally varies from 8 feet to 20 feet, which causes multifamily 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.
The construction of parking and loading areas in front of residential buildings is encouraged. Pedestrians must walk through parking lots to access building entrances. 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. Such regulations are at odds with creating livable communities and walkable streets. This legislation will provide sufficient room in the front of multifamily buildings for adequate sidewalks, street trees and a landscaped area between the building and the sidewalk.