This is what the report actually says, full quote only: "Compatibility concerns: The Planning Board heard concerns about the compatibility between existing single-family detached structures and the new attainable housing typologies. The Planning Board believes the pattern book can serve as a key tool to encourage the physical compatibility of these structures. The Planning Board’s recommendations would allow the creation of duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes by-right only if they follow the contents of a Planning Board-approved pattern book, which when completed, will give guidance on building massing, placement, height, door placement, parking, and other building features. Furthermore, the Planning Board recommends establishing zoning development standards (setbacks, height, lot size, etc.) for structures with these new housing types that are consistent with the existing standards for single-family detached homes." |
Wow. That is a LOT of power, and a lot taken out of local control. |
My point was that this is not being "pushed through" at a "slam dunk pace." It has been in the works for three years and we are just now at the point where a final report is finalized. There are still multiple opportunities for community engagement. Take a look at pages 54-59. Multiple press releases, outreach to specific neighborhoods and stakeholders, websites, social media campaigns, etc. It is totally fair to disagree with the report's recommendations. But to say it is happening fast and without opportunity for feedback and engagement is just false. There have been, and continue to be, multiple opportunities to provide feedback, and change the outcome. |
Yes the pattern book section says standards should be "comparable:, which means they do not need to be the identical. Comparable is a very ambiguous term and allows for significant reductions setback/lot coverage requirements. They have not even made the pattern book yet, and this by-right process give the planning department too much leeway to determine standards without transparency on what they will end up being. |
I agree with you that nothing has been finalized. The report indicates that the pattern book will take a year and include a lot of opportunity for community input. Where I disagree with you is the conclusion that the planning department will eliminate lot coverage and setback requirements, when nowhere does it say that. Rather there are a lot of indications that they will be retained. Earlier in this thread, somebody asserted that they affirmatively made that statement in the hearing. That did not happen. |
Have you looked up campaign donations for your elected officials?
I'm not in MoCo but the reps where I live were all bought and paid for by various builder / contractor / construction trade groups. |
So if Group A made a campaign donation to Elected Official A, that means Group A bought and paid for Elected Official A? How about me, if I made a campaign donation to the elected official, does that mean I bought and paid for them? |
Are the financial contributions affecting public policy? Well, yes, of course that would be an issue. You don’t have any problem with the gun manufacturers buying politicians through NRA lobbying and political donation? |
The state laws that override local zoning and require waivers of development standards will kick in if this zoning change is passed. So it does not matter whether the county actually changes them or not, the state law changes passed this year create a backdoor waiver of lot coverage requirements and setback requirements. |
I absolutely have a problem with it regardless of what the organization is advocating for. Unfortunately, the builder / contractor / construction trade groups have too much influence over this process because they benefit the most from zoning changes. |
Why stop at alarmism about 19-unit buildings right next door to your house, when you could instead be alarmist about 190-unit buildings right next door to your house?! Or 1,900-unit buildings?!?! |
Assuming that state law authorized it, how would it be a backdoor waiver? |
Could someone point to the state law changes. I am not sure why I didn't hear about these as much. |
Well, are they? |
Well it is very dishonest to for planning office to present this as a duplex-quadplex zoning ordinance, without changing setbacks or lot coverage standards when they know that is not how it will actually work. Setbacks will no longer apply in many circumstances due to the numerous exceptions created by recent state law changes. |