The Independence City Council has begun the process of changing city regulations to allow for accessory structures in front yards — but only in certain zones and only on large lots.
The proposed regulation changes would allow accessory structures in front yards of the city’s three largest residential zones: its residential rural estate, residential large lot and conservation district zones. The structures would also be subject to the following conditions, in addition to regulations already in place:
- The lot must have a minimum three-acre footprint
- The structure must be setback at least 150 feet from the front property line
- The structure cannot take up more than 50% of the front yard’s area
- The structure must have an evergreen screening, obscuring it from the view of the right of way.
The city council unanimously voted on Monday to seek a regulation change recommendation from the Kenton County Planning Commission. Mayor Chris Reinersman stated the decision came after resident inquiry.
The city hopes the planning commission will hear their request in November. Once the planning commission issues its recommendation, the city council will cast a final vote to either enact or deny the regulation changes.
The city amended many of its regulations around ADUs late last year. You can read about those changes here.
