June 27, 2023 |
Photo – Inside of a garage – Bigfoot99 file photo
Rawlins City Council has amended the zoning ordinance to allow residents to have larger garages on their properties.
During last Tuesday’s Rawlins city council meeting, an amendment to Title 19, the municipal code governing the city’s zoning ordinances, was passed on first reading. The reading of the ordinance was waived. Discussion focused on the increased allowable size of residential parking garages.
In the amended ordinance, the permitted footprint of garages in residential zones has increased. Title 19 states garages may only be a maximum of 75% of the total square footage of the home on the property. The proposed change increases the limit to 125% of the home’s size. Roof height has gone from 75% of the height of the property owner’s house to a maximum height of 25 feet. Community Development Director Lou Lascano said Title 19, as it is written, is too restrictive.
Lascano said he felt the amended ordinance should allow enough room to store some powersports equipment, such as snowmobiles and side-by-sides. The community development director said based on existing garages in town, he thinks people’s storage needs would be met by the larger space.
Councilwoman Tonya Lewman asked Lascano if, under the amended ordinance, people would be permitted to build a garage on a lot without an existing home. Lascano said if the garage complies with all other city ordinances, residents may purchase property specifically for a garage.
Mayor Terry Weickum thanked Lascano for his work on the Title 19 amendment. Mayor Weickum said parking structures built under the existing ordinance are too small. The mayor said the weather means having a garage is required.
Councilman Chris Weisenburg also sits on the city’s planning and zoning commission. Councilman Weisenburg said less restrictive construction codes will bring in more money for the city.
Councilman Weisenburg said he fully supports amending the ordinance. Mayor Weickum said the new garage height limit should be sufficient for a homeowner’s needs.
The entity responsible for appointing the city’s zoning enforcement officer was also changed. Originally handled by the planning commission, the city manager will now have the final say on hiring a zoning officer.
Lascano said he would have information about more of the proposed changes to Title 19 after the second reading, during the next city council meeting.
