New Parking Space Rules, Other Zoning Changes to Get City Hearing February 7

Some Sierra Madre residents might soon have to make space for more cars on their property.

The city's Planning Commission will meet in February to consider changes to the parking ordinance, including a proposed amendments would require three on-site parking spaces for homes with five bedrooms or more.

Another parking change would restrict the storage of recreational vehicles, trailers and boats within the front 25 feet of a property.

Other proposals up for consideration include:

• Revisions to the calculation of allowable building floor area to include all structures covered by a solid roof, with some exceptions such as front porches, fully submerged basements, roof eaves up to 4 feet in projection, and some attic areas.
• New angle plane height limit along the side yard to minimize the impact of second story structures to neighboring homes.
• Inclusion of flood control easement areas in the computation of lot area, for purposes of calculating the maximum allowable building floor area.
• Bedroom to be defined as any room capable of being used as sleeping quarters in a customary manner.
• Requirement for minimum percentage of landscaping in the front yard area.

The Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at City Hall, 232 West Sierra Madre Blvd.