Former Commissioner Harrison supports commission hearings re lot splits
Taking issue with VersagiVoice's repeated objections to legally unnecessary public hearings re lot splits, former City Commissioner Laura Harrison provides some historical context to support.

Frank: let's talk about lot splits.
I have been against them since I was on the commission, especially if the new lots created are less than 50 feet across.

Before the new master plan came into existence, and I was sitting on the ZBA, the old ordinance did allow under 50 ft. lot splits with a variance. The ZBA historically turned them down. The primary reason was the loss of lot green space. Also, most of the requests came from real estate agents who could make a bigger buck by buying large lots with a small house on them, split the lot, tear down the house and build two new houses. It worked in the eighties, but everything changed in the nineties. House buyers, especially families, wanted a bigger house on BIG lots. 

The new master plan in Royal Oak changed everything. The original lot splits were based on the front footage only.  Now, it is front footage and size of lot. And if the size of the new lot is over X square footage, it can be approved.  And these requests do NOT require ZBA approval. The split request last week was on a lot 80 wide by over 200 deep. Most Royal Oak lots are only 100 to 130 deep.

I think commission approval is a good idea for two reasons. One, if the split meets requirements and does not need to go for a variance the commission public hearing is the ONLY outlet for a neighborhood to express their views.  And two, let the elected officials get some of the heat. There is much unhappiness in the neighborhoods, not necessarily regarding the splits, but what comes later.

Another problem is that a 50 ft lot can only cover 30% with a house, but a forty footer can cover 35% of the lot.  This means the new lots granted last week will get long narrow new homes that cover 35% of a lot that is over 200 ft deep. In other words the footprint of the house will be, with setbacks, less than 30 ft wide by over 140 ft long. UGH!

What most neighborhoods are getting is dull & boring & cheap (or should I say economical) construction.  While I applaud replacement of old, rundown, and neglected houses, I also feel what it is replaced with is important. I have seen some real ho-hums with big price tags and still for sale. 

LAURA
25 March 2006