SUBJECT
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An Ordinance of the City of Laredo, Texas, amending the City of Laredo Land Development Code, Section 24.77.1, entitled Dimensional Standards, to amend the minimum lot area requirements for "Duplex" and Appendix A, by amending "Duplex" in the list of definitions, and providing that this ordinance shall be cumulative, providing for severability clause, and providing for publication and effective date.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On December 2, 2024, the City Council introduced the proposed ordinance amendment.
BACKGROUND
Stakeholders have approached the City of Laredo with concerns regarding the reduction of density requirements for duplexes.
Definition:
Current Definition: A duplex shall mean a single building or structure designed to contain two (2) separate living units with facilities for living, sleeping, cooking and eating, as per the Laredo Land Development Code, Appendix A.
The Proposed Definitions:
Duplex (Horizonal) - single building or structure designed to contain two (2) separate living units, arranged horizontally side by side, with each dwelling unit containing facilities for living, sleeping, cooking and eating, and located on a single lot.
Duplex (Vertical) - single building or structure designed to contain two (2) separate living units, arranged one above another, with each dwelling unit containing facilities for living, sleeping, cooking and eating, and located on a single lot.
Minimum Lot Area:
Proposed minimum lot area requirements for Duplex (Horizontal):
Duplex (Horizontal) shall follow Section 24.77.1 Dimensional Standards for "Duplex (Horizontal)" minimum lot area requirement of 6,000 square feet in the R-2, R-3, R-O, AE, B-1, B-3, and CBD zoning districts.
Proposed minimum lot area requirements for Duplex (Vertical):
Duplex (Vertical) shall follow Section 24.77.1 Dimensional Standards for "Multi-Family Residential / Duplex (Vertical)" minimum lot area requirements, "The minimum lot area shall be 1,200 square feet per dwelling unit, plus 400 square feet for the second and each additional bedroom." in the R-2, R-3, R-O, RSM, AE, B-1, B-3, and CBD zoning districts.
By amending the minimum lot area requirements for duplexes, it may allow the following potential benefits:
Affordability
Better use of land
High density residential uses are encouraged.
Provide a greater opportunity for infill development.
Therefore, the proposed ordinance amendments aligns with the City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan since it may create more density and provide infill opportunities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Planning & Zoning Commission in a 6 to 0 vote recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendment.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
N/A
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