Editor's note: Story has been updated to correct zoning process and information.
Residents and visitors alike passing through the city of West University Place could potentially notice a few new neighborhood initiatives popping up, including access to shareable, free books.
How did we get here? West University Place City Council and the city's Zoning and Planning Commission held a joint public hearing on March 27 as one step in a process that could move forward with changes such as artificial turf and book sharing exchanges, according to West U City Manager Dave Beach.
"The ZPC is finalizing their report on the issues and will return to present to Council at future meetings," Beach said.
During those meetings, City Council can choose to accept, modify or reject the Zoning and Planning Commission's recommendations.
"If Council chooses to move forward with the recommendations or modified changes, it will require two readings at separate meetings before approved," Beach said.
Here are the proposed ordinance recommendations, according to ZPC documents submitted to Council.
Artificial Turf
Existing ordinance: A resident’s front yard is defined by the measurement from the street line to the front building line. The front yard must be natural vegetation or landscape areas that receive rainwater in order for rainwater to pass through or be absorbed.
Recommended changes to ordinance: Front yard landscape areas need further clarifying language stating that artificial turf may be used in lieu of natural vegetation, provided that the artificial turf is a natural green color consistent with the characters of the neighborhood.
Little Free Libraries
Existing ordinance: A resident’s front yard is defined by the measurement from the street line to the front building line. Freestanding accessory structures in the front yard, minus porches, decks and low retaining walls, were not currently permitted.
Recommended changes to ordinance: A new entry should be added that permits book sharing exchanges to project into front yard setback areas, provided that such structures follow the city's proposed guidelines:
- Can only be erected in the front yard and not placed in the right-of-way
- Must be permanently affixed or anchored to something that has a permanent location on the ground
- Approximate size is 18 inches wide, 18 inches deep and 30 inches tall
- When constructing the library, city officials stated that the look of the library should "be considerate of the character of the neighborhood"
- A permit is required prior to installation
