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6.E. - Page 28 of 31 <br />The Planning Commission recommended amendments to allow the front yard to be counted as required <br />usable open space. <br />Allowing Detached Duplexes orMultifamily— Current definitions limit duplexes (two -unit) and multifamily <br />units (more than two units) to attached units, restricting some development types such as small cottages. <br />The General Plan description of medium and high-density uses specifies a mix of both attached and <br />detached structures. Dwelling units would still have to comply with the underlying zoning district <br />standards for height, setbacks, and lot coverage. The Commission expressed concern on how these units <br />would be regulated, unintended impacts to neighboring structures, and whether there are existing <br />regulations for setbacks between dwellings. At the December 1, 2020 meeting, the Commission added an <br />amendment to define a setback between units, but since the meeting staff has confirmed there is an <br />existing six-foot minimum setback requirement (Section 32.3.D) between units and this amendment is no <br />longer needed. <br />The Planning Commission recommended amending definitions to allow detached and attached units on a <br />single lot. <br />Required Front Yards on Corner Lots - The Zoning Ordinance mandates that the shortest of two frontages <br />on a corner lot must be defined as the front yard, requiring a larger setback. Many homes have been built <br />with alternative orientation, creating difficulties when planning additions. Proposed amendments would <br />allow the Zoning Administrator to make a determination on lot frontage for corner lots and irregular lots. <br />Criteria would include the neighborhood development pattern, location of the front door, orientation of <br />neighboring structures, and setbacks of the existing structure. <br />The Planning Commission recommended creating flexibility for determining front yards on corner lots, <br />irregular lots, and flag lots. At the December 1, 2020 meeting, the Planning Commission added an <br />amendment to specify that the front door can be a factor for determining the front of a lot but should not <br />be the primary consideration. <br />Miscellaneous Items <br />Accessory Outdoor Commercial Uses - In response to Covid-19 and new emergency powers authorized by <br />the City and County, businesses are using outdoor areas for dining, retail and services in an expanded <br />manner. The current Zoning Ordinance is very restrictive in allowing these outdoor uses on private <br />property, with most zoning districts banning them outright. The Planning Commission recommends <br />adding new flexibility to the Zoning Ordinance to allow limited outdoor uses accessory to on-site <br />businesses on sidewalks, patios, or immediately adjacent parking spaces (up to 30% of total parking <br />spaces) in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts. Accessory outdoor uses could include outdoor <br />dining, retail displays, or other customer -oriented services. This new section would establish a set of <br />performance standards, similar to what is currently used for Sidewalk Cafe Permits in the downtown, <br />including hours of operation, access to fire safety infrastructure, pedestrian and bike access, outdoor <br />fixture guidelines, and property owner authorization. No additional permit would be necessary, though <br />the City would retain enforcement rights to remove uses that violate the standards or cause a nuisance. <br />At the December 1, 2020 meeting, the Planning Commission added an amendment to specify that the <br />accessory outdoor uses were for commercial properties. <br />Page 4 of 7 <br />.L <br />City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore <br />293 <br />