Council Action Requested:
Application by Lancaster County to amend the Unified Development Ordinance Section 6.4.1, Connectivity, to modify standards pertaining to the maximum number of lots which take access from a road where one end is permanently closed.
Currently, Lancaster County allows a maximum of 20 lots to access off of a dead end road pursuant to UDO section 6.4.1.D.1. As written, this standard applies to not only new construction but all existing dead-end roads within the County. Following concerns from constituents and a failed request to a variance from these regulations (VAR-2022-2006), County Council directed Planning Staff to prepare a text amendment which would provide relief to property owners on roads which existed prior to the adoption of the current UDO.
Points to Consider:
It should be noted that there are other factors which determine whether or not a property can be subdivided (how many times the lot has been previously divided, lot size, zoning compliance, etc.). While this text amendment may provide relief and the ability to subdivide to some residents, it does not guarantee that all lots located on existing roads may now be subdivided.
Funding and Liability Factors:
N/A
Recommendation:
Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the text amendment as proposed.
Some commissioners expressed concerns about public safety access to the roads most effected by this amendment; including concerns with road widths, adequate turnarounds, and overall road conditions.
Staff also recommends approval of the amendment.