Carson City Supervisors, Planning Commission to discuss building standards, code changes
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Tue, 10/17/2023 - 10:20am
Event Date:
October 19, 2023 - 2:30pm
On Thursday, Oct. 19 beginning at 2:30 p.m., the Carson City Board of Supervisors and the Carson City Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting to discuss amendments to the Carson City Municipal Code regarding development standards, which includes design standard changes as well as the ability to rent out Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU).
Supervisors, Commissioners, and city staff have been working since 2020 to revise and amend CCMC Title 18 which establishes the city’s development standards.
Many of the proposed amendments, all of which can be read here, are corrective in nature to clarify text.
However, there are some changes that could affect future developments such as colors allowed for buildings, roof choices, lighting and more.
For example, a provision is being removed prohibiting smooth faced block or fabricated metal wall panels from being used as the predominant building material in building exteriors.
Another removed provision states that exterior building colors should only be “muted or earth tone in color,” and bold colors shall be avoided except when used as accent or trim.
ADU changes
A change to ADU provisions could see the potential for additional housing within Carson City.
Currently, there is a provision stating that ADU’s may only be occupied by family members of the primary residence or non-paying guests and cannot be rented out. However, under the proposed revisions, this provision has been removed, which could open up rental opportunities for individuals and families across the city.
To create an ADU, the minimum lot size for an attached ADU is 6,000 sqft and 12,000 sqft for a detached ADU. To be considered attached, the ADU must share a common wall for at least 10 feet with the primary residence.
ADU’s must remain under 700 sqft for lots of less than 21,000 sqft in area, and under 1,000 sqft for lots over 21,000 sqft in area. In addition, all ADUs must adhere to setback standards.
Other changes and updates
An added provision states that bike racks shall be provided to encourage pedestrian and bicycle activity and access depending on the type of use and location of the property.
There are many textual updates to the section regarding lighting and light choices. Regarding temporary lighting, a change extends use for temporary lighting that will be in the public interest from 60 days with a potential 30 day extension to a flat 90 days of consecutive use.
Bed and Breakfast provisions expand the number of allowed guest rooms from two to five.
Provisions regarding residential satellite dishes have been removed.
For those following the curbing issue within the city, it should be noted there are no proposed design standards for curbs within residential developments.
For the full list of amendments, additions and retractions, you can view the document here.
