3. SHORT PLAT DISCUSSION

Short plats (those subdivisions with nine or less lots) can assist with infill development to meet the requirements of the GMA for example in terms of density; reduced sprawl; and housing options.

short plat issues

The existing requirements of the Oak Harbor Municipal Code make achieving this kind of infill develop difficult, specifically: required street frontage; lot configuration; utility easements; and, emergency services access/turnaround requirements.

In some cases, adopting more flexible or less restrictive standards can allow infill development to go forward, where existing regulations discourage this.

current condition

An existing large lot may have sufficient area to mathematically create more than one lot.

standards

Requirements for new r-o-w width and the potential need for a turn around at the end may make the proposed lots unfeasible.

Also, “standard” requirements may add additional hurtles relating to utility easements, stormwater management, and lot shape.

standards

If the current standards are followed we generally end up with less desirable lot configurations, with problems such as reduced density and multiple driveways.

options

Would the Commission like staff to bring forward Code revisions that would remove these obstacles, and assist in better fulfilling the intent of the GMA with these plats?