Columbia City Council has set up an 2 year interim plan for neighborhoods which provides for a review of proposed demolitions, subdivisions and removals. The plan also addresses the size of new construction in relation to the existing homes in the neighborhood. Sherwood Forest must vote to opt in to the plan's protections.


Neighborhoods and districts with historic designation are already covered by regulations that require a review by the Design Development Review Commission (DDRC).

The interim measures will be immediately applied to those neighborhoods in the process of seeking historic designation which are the Cottontown, Heathwood, Hollywood/Rosehill, Shandon and Wales Garden neighborhoods.

Other neighborhoods recognized by the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods can opt in to the plan's protection by a majority vote at a meeting of which the property owners in the neighborhood have been properly notified.

Other contiguous residential areas may opt in by a process of collecting signatures of a majority of the property owners within the proposed area.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PLAN

LIMITS TO DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL
The interim measures address limits to demolition and state that within the protected areas, the City shall not issue a demolition or relocation permit for any structure 50 years old or more without review and approval by the Design Development Review Commission (DDRC). Staff of the DDRC may review and approve the demolition or relocation of a building deemed “noncontributing” in accordance with existing regulations. In the event the DDRC denies the an application involving demolition or relocation, the applicant may appeal that determination to City Council.

LIMITS UPON NEW CONSTRUCTION AND SUBDIVISIONS
The interim measures also addresses subdivision of lots and new construction and stat that the intent of City Council that new construction that originates from new subdivisions be (1) oriented in a manner generally consistent with the existing orientation of proximate residences and (2) be generally massed and/or setback such that larger residences do not negatively impact adjacent smaller residences. Also, the side yard setbacks imposed upon the new lot shall be the mean side yard setback for all improved residential lots within a 750-foot radius.

Other more specific situations including corner lot subdivisions and height and set back restrictions are addressed in the interim measures.

The September 19 memorandum presented by Marc Mylott, Director of Development Services, which includes his notes, the opt in procedures and the interim measures is available on the City of Columbia web site.

A smaller document containing the interim measures and the opt in procedures can be reviewed here.

The interim measures outline a specific process for opting in to the protection. The Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association will be voting on the issue at the November 13 general meeting.