Here we go again - another reduction in our ability to improve our properties. I took a quick look at the ordinance proposals and if you already have a house you will have less rights to build a basement someday than someone willing to tear down their house or someone building a big new house. This is unfair! Also, if you live in areas that don't have mega parcels like the Glens then the requirement to only put the basement in the areas that are allowed for above ground setbacks will make it about impossible for many of us to find a place that meets the new proposed ordinance.

Basements are not seen so they don't need a big setback. What's wrong with simply limiting square footage and allowing a basement anywhere up to within 10 or 20 feet of the property line as long as it's underground and doesn't disturb the neighboring property somehow?

There goes the wine cellar we would like to put in some day!

And who says we need changes to our basement regulations? What is the crisis?? Too many bureaucrats with too much time on their hands - that's the crisis!!

The council will be considering basements under nonconforming structures, such as occur in neighborhoods in which lots are small. From Page 3 of the May 26 staff report, in particular item 4:

"In alignment with the discussion at the first study session, the Town Council Zoning Subcommittee recommends the following:

"1. Require basements to meet all required setbacks (Attachment 1, Required Setbacks by Zoning District);

"2. Allow egress light wells, and egress stairways within setbacks if they are immediately parallel to the basement wall along its longest length, and designed to the minimum required by building code (Attachment 2, CRC Minimum Required Egress Light Wells and Stairways).

"3. Continue to hold to the prohibition for grading within ten feet of the property line; and,

"4. Allow construction of new basements beneath nonconforming structures which encroach into required setbacks so long as that portion of the newly constructed basement located in the setback does not exceed the footprint of the nonconforming structure."

Sounds like reasonable limits. Why aren't these already in the codes? What is Woodside: the Wild West? Why should we, neighbors, have to endure years of trucks, noise, and construction that come with outrageously big houses, huge basements, endless development of the property. We have a right to peaceful roads and neighborhoods.

Margie:


someone developed your property. What about the right of your neighbors to "peaceful roads and neighborhoods?" You can bet trucks were used during the construction of your home. I got mine so to heck with everyone else, eh?