Page 2 of 3
Staff Comment: Kennicker Subdivision qualifies as a minor subdivision because previous plats of survey created the parcels to be subdivided on the proposed Final Plat.
Chapter 2, Section 37.1 Preliminary Plat Submission (f) "A simple division or minor subdivision without improvements may be submitted without a preliminary plat. However, the Zoning Commission may, in special circumstances where the Commission feels that the final plat does not convey enough information to adequately review the subdivision, move to require additional information or a complete preliminary plat."
Staff Comment: Kennicker Subdivision is a minor subdivision in the R-1, Rural Residential District. The new proposed lot to accommodate a single-family dwelling will use Lovers Lane and easement to provide access. Additionally, a farmhouse on the larger Lot 1-1 has been demolished, so the amount of dwellings using the same driveway is not proposed to increase. Staff recommends moving forward with consideration and recommendation on the Final Plat without first reviewing a preliminary plat.
Chapter 2, Section 51.2 “The Planning Commission shall examine the plat and the report of the Zoning Administrator, and such other information as it deems necessary or desirable, to ascertain whether the plat conforms to the ordinances of the County, and conforms to the Comprehensive Plan and other duly adopted plans of the County. The Planning Commission shall, within forty-five (45) days of the filing of the plat with the Zoning Administrator, forward a report and recommendation regarding the plat to the Board. If such recommendation is to disapprove or modify the plat, the reasons therefore shall be set forth in writing in the report, and a copy of the report and recommendation shall be provided to the applicant.”
Staff Comment: Kennicker Subdivision conforms with the Subdivision and Platting Ordinance, as addressed previously.
With respect to the Dubuque County Zoning Ordinance, both lots are zoned R-1 Rural Residential, and both lots meet the minimum area requirements. However, Zoning staff has concerns with Lot 2-1 being developable.
Lot 2-1 does not meet the minimum frontage width requirement of 150'. As depicted on the plat, line L42 is 149.85' long. Being approximately 2" short of the required minimum frontage width may not seem like a significant issue; however, with 118 acres remaining on Lot 1-1, it seems easy enough to meet the required minimum width for Lot 2-1.
There will be an 80' setback from the east property line (L42 on the plat) and a 50' setback from the north, west, and south property lines (L39 at 304.47', L40 at 205.72', and L41 at 222.41' respectively). Establishing the true building envelope for a single family dwelling on Lot 2-1 is important. The lines of the building envelope run parallel to the proposed lot lines of Lot 2-1. This establishes a building envelope with the following dimensions: 49.85' on the east, 174.47' on the north, 105.72' on the west, and 92.41' on the south. In theory this is a buildable area. The topography does not present a challenge to development. However, there is not a lot of flexibility for the location of the structure.
It is possible the Board of Adjustment will be considering variance requests for this property to modify required setbacks. Zoning staff holds the opinion that a home can be placed on the property in conformance with the R-1 district setback requirements: 80' from front, 50' from sides and rear.
With respect to the Dubuque County Regional Comprehensive Plan, there is no rezoning connected to this Minor Subdivision as it is already zoned R-1 Rural Residential. The proposed development on Lot 2-1 would need to be in conformance with the Zoning Ordinance, and this lot meets the minimum area requirements for the R-1 district. Creating an additional lot here does conform with objectives in Chapter