July 24, 2023 |
Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
The amendment to the Rawlins Title 19 zoning ordinance passed on third reading last week despite one council member’s objections.
As he did during second reading, Councilman Darril Garner voiced his opposition to the change governing the construction of garages on residential property. Garner said not requiring a home to eventually be built after constructing a garage will affect city neighborhoods and properties in negative ways.
Councilwoman Tonya Lewman motioned for the final approval of the amended Title 19 zoning ordinance. Mayor Terry Weickum opened the floor to discussion. Lewman asked if the ordinance changed the definition of a residential zone, adding that properties in residential zones must have a residence. She asked if a property with a garage and not a home would still be considered a residential zone. Councilman Chris Weisenburg said the city wasn’t required to change the definition because a garage must leave enough room for a house to be built in the future.
Weisenburg said the lot would still have the potential for a residence to be constructed at a later date. Hence, the property would remain zoned as residential.
Councilwoman Lewman asked if the city was planning to address the commercial businesses currently located in areas zoned for industrial use. Mayor Weickum said the planning and zoning commission was working on a compromise.
Mayor Weickum said the issue of retail businesses in industrial zones will be addressed in the future. Councilman Weisenburg said the planning and zoning commission are focused on fixing the issue.
Councilman Garner returned the conversation back to the topic of garages. He asked how the city could justify not redefining a residential zone if the amended ordnance eliminated the need to build a home.
Councilman Garner said a residential zone is for people to live, not for storage.
Councilman Garner said he asked several residents their thoughts on the new garage ordinance. Garner said none of the people he’s spoken to thought allowing a garage to be built in a residential zone without requiring a house was a good idea.
Councilman Garner said he spoke to a representative from the Wyoming Association of Municipalities who said the ordinance would change the character of the city. Garner said he’s also talked to realtors who said properties with lone garages would make it more difficult to sell nearby homes.
Councilwoman Lewman said the city can change the ordinance to reintroduce a time limit if the garage issue becomes a problem in the future. Lewman also said allowing the construction of a garage would encourage owners to maintain their property.
Councilman Weisenburg said he agreed with Lewman. He said having a garage would motivate property owners to take more pride in their land.
Councilman Weisenburg said the city’s code enforcement officer would ensure residents maintain their garage properties to a reasonable standard. Councilman Garner disagreed. He said existing lots in the city’s industrial zones are an example of what the city can expect in a residential zone with only a garage.
Councilwoman Lewman said a residential zone with a garage still has the potential to have a home built on the property. Councilman Garner said the current ordinance provides an assurance that a home will be built. He said the amended ordinance would eliminate that safeguard.
Councilman Weisenburg called for a vote, ending the discussion. The amended Title 19 zoning ordinance passed on the third reading. Councilman Garner was the sole dissenting vote.
