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Single-Family Residential Lot Split Study Report CONTEXT OF THE SINGLE-FAMILY LOT SPLIT STUDY May 14, 2007 As part of the Single-Family Lot Split Study, the CAG dedicated considerable time to discussing several contextual issues that are fundamental to the lot split issue. These broader issues, including property-owner rights versus neighborhood expectations, neighborhood character, and the nature of change, are pervasive throughout community discussion generally, but particularly relevant to the lot split issue. Property-owner Rights versus Neighborhood Expectations The desire of an owner to control his/her property and the neighborhood expectation to enjoy that neighbor's property in perpetuity can become a divisive issue within a neighborhood. Neighbors can perceive a loss of open space with the construction of a new house or the installation of a fence, even if all work is done according to code and a lot split is not involved. The taking of development rights from property owners can prove to be expensive. Balancing these two sets of rights is a significant challenge faced by policymakers when dealing with the single-family lot split issue. Nei�hborhood Character The definition of neighborhood character is a complex issue, and one that transcends lot splits. A sense of character is a site-specific interaction of the natural environment, the designed environment, and the social environment. Beyond the size and shape of a lot, many other factors, such as topography, natural features, house age, architectural style, density, and setbacks, and also the current residents contribute to the character of a neighborhood. Without specific, objective and measurable standards that can be applied equally across the entire city, the potential exists for subjective or arbitrary decisions. The Challenge of Change Roseville is fortunate to have a diversity of housing types and styles as well as a strong tax base due to the care and planning done by elected officials over its half century of history. The process of change is hard, but a reality. Even city water, sewer, pathway construction and other projects that contribute to the livability of our city have had their proponents for preserving the status quo. Societal trends, such as the desire for multi-car garages and growing appreciation for protection of the environment, require change. Long-held Council policies to preserve existing residential neighborhoods, deny spot-zoning, and to encourage re-investment in our current housing stock have provided a flexible framework for accommodating change and lend support to the expectation that the City will remain attractive and vital for its residents in the future, while supporting the tax base. ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS The following section will provide an overview of the analytical framework developed by the CAG and then move into analysis and finding of specific issues associated with the Subdivision and Zoning Codes as well as other items related to the lot split issue. Analytical Framework The CAG developed a list of desired outcomes of any new single-family lot split regulations. Overall, members gave high ranks to criteria involving quantitative and measurable standards and