Algood City Council has amended the city’s ordinance regarding duplexes and two-family residential structures to help with growth.
The amended ordinance will now allow duplexes and two-family residential structures in R2 Districts on a conditional use. City Administrator Keith Morrison said the measure was recommended by the Algood Planning Commission and would require developers to meet several conditions before approval from the Algood Board of Zoning Appeals.
“The lot must be a minimum of 15,000 square feet, it has a minimum front setback of 35 feet, must have at least eight parking spaces, that is four per unit, maximum lot coverage of 40%, and it also requires a privacy barrier of either vegetation or a fence,” Morrison said.
Morrison said the lot coverage requirement ensures a majority of the property remains open space. Morrison also noted the ordinance applies only to R2 districts and would not allow duplexes in R1 zones unless the property is first rezoned.
“Originally it was for R1 conditional, R2 permitted use,” Morrison said. “This changes that, and it is not in R1 at all. It is only in R2 as a conditional use.”
Council members also discussed modifying the ordinance’s privacy barrier language. The original draft required a barrier only when a duplex bordered property zoned R1. However, council members agreed to revise the condition so a barrier would be required for all duplex developments, regardless of neighboring zoning.
“I agree with you, Mayor Fowler, that it shouldn’t matter R1 district or whatever it’s adjoining,” Council Member Luke Hill said. “I like that idea of just taking that out completely and making the barrier determined by the adjoining property.”
Under the revised language, the ordinance would require a privacy barrier created either by vegetation or fencing, as preferred by the adjoining property owner.
Council members unanimously approved the ordinance on first reading after modifying the privacy barrier condition. The measure will return to the council for a public hearing and second reading before it can take effect. City officials also plan to provide an updated map showing R2 zoning areas and vacant R2 lots before the next discussion.