Port Townsend Changes Rules on "McMansions"
The Port Townsend City Council is working on a resolution that would limit the size of homes according to the lot size and floor -area ratio. The idea is to prevent "McMansions" . A 5000 sq. ft. lot would be limited to a 2500 sq. ft. residence, or 50% floor-area ratio. A 14,200 sq. ft. lot would be limited to 38.5% or a maximum of 5500 sq. ft.
The new ordinace would increase the number of historic structures subject to design review and protected from demolition. As of now, only commercial properties have been under this rule. Properties currently zoned R-lll will be changed to R-ll.
This is a double edged sword! The people who want to keep Port Townsend a small rural seaport village are in control. I do love the village atmosphere and charm of Port Townsend, but it is not practical to deny property owners the right to use their property as they see fit to the highest and best use. Not to mention new development and tax revenue. Stay tuned for the outcome.
http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net/
Hi Sandra ~ I actually think regulations like this are a good idea and often long overdue. Tearing down older houses and replacing them with mega-houses all out of proportion with the lot and the neighborhood is a total disaster. Attractive, livable towns and cities are often special *because* regulations like these kept them that way. I'll be interested to hear how it turns out in your town.
Liz
Will be interesting to see how this plays out -- you will have to keep us all posted.
Elizabeth, this town is truly a treasure due to it's remote location far away from the city and JOBS, and also a few major recessions, begining in the late 1899's. However, the city is really strapped for income and is leaning heavily on property owners and driving out young families, small business, and retirees on a fixed income. All that will be left is older and well off retirees with escalating property taxes. Not a good scenario. Thanks for reading.
What has your local government got against McMansions?
They get high assessed value for very little government services demanded. They should love McMansions...their net effect is to make the tax rate lower for everybody else.
What are they thinking?
Must be class warfare.
Sandra - another thing that I have mixed feelings about, I like when cities keep their older charm, but, i don't like draconian rules that restrict the rights of private property owners for merely "atmosphere". I hope that you guys can get things worked out well for all interests.
Jim, What they are thinking is about the same thing that is running our government at the moment. This is definitely class warfare and liberal politics.
Mike, things will not get worked out because this town has a city council that is 95% left leaning. The end result will probably ruin any growth we could have had.