Code Changes Questioned
By Anne Scheck
Coding changes aimed at increasing the visual appeal of houses in Independence have become a concern to both a homeowner and a developer in the city. Local homeowner Victoria Kruljac, who currently is barred from putting a vinyl fence on her property, plans to address the issue tonight at the City Council meeting, at 6:30 pm at the Civic Center.
In response to Ms. Kruljac’s argument against prohibiting vinyl fencing, Zach Pelz, the contracted city planner for Independence, stated that the ban on vinyl fencing “is a standard in many cities and is in response to the perception that vinyl is a lower-quality and aesthetically inferior material compared to wood,” he said.
However, vinyl fencing is allowed in many towns identified in national rankings as model cities. Vinyl fences are allowed throughout residential areas of Corvallis, for example, with the possible exception of the city’s historic district. In Beverly Hills, vinyl fencing is considered versatile and weather-resistant for that California city.
If Ms. Kruljac presents her objections tonight, her views won’t be the first time this month the issue of code updates receives a public airing. At a recent Planning Commission meeting, developer Harvey Cummings, who plans to build 40 homes in a southeast part of Independence’s urban growth area, expressed unease over coding changes that many see as requiring upgrades to construction.
Mr. Cummings, a developer of the project known as “Brandy Meadows,” stressed he cannot yet forecast the effect of the city’s mandate for certain building materials and housing features. However, in an interview outside the meeting, he explained that he raised the question due to escalating buildings costs, which affect pricing and affordability.
Coding changes aimed at increasing the visual appeal of houses in Independence have become a concern to both a homeowner and a developer in the city. Local homeowner Victoria Kruljac, who currently is barred from putting a vinyl fence on her property, plans to address the issue tonight at the City Council meeting, at 6:30 pm at the Civic Center.
In response to Ms. Kruljac’s argument against prohibiting vinyl fencing, Zach Pelz, the contracted city planner for Independence, stated that the ban on vinyl fencing “is a standard in many cities and is in response to the perception that vinyl is a lower-quality and aesthetically inferior material compared to wood,” he said.
However, vinyl fencing is allowed in many towns identified in national rankings as model cities. Vinyl fences are allowed throughout residential areas of Corvallis, for example, with the possible exception of the city’s historic district. In Beverly Hills, vinyl fencing is considered versatile and weather-resistant for that California city.
If Ms. Kruljac presents her objections tonight, her views won’t be the first time this month the issue of code updates receives a public airing. At a recent Planning Commission meeting, developer Harvey Cummings, who plans to build 40 homes in a southeast part of Independence’s urban growth area, expressed unease over coding changes that many see as requiring upgrades to construction.
Mr. Cummings, a developer of the project known as “Brandy Meadows,” stressed he cannot yet forecast the effect of the city’s mandate for certain building materials and housing features. However, in an interview outside the meeting, he explained that he raised the question due to escalating buildings costs, which affect pricing and affordability.
Independence Landing Progress
At a planning commission meeting earlier this month, realtor Aaron Young was recommended for a variance to construct his proposed mixed-used building, “Osprey Point,” eight feet higher than originally approved. The building will now be 48 feet tall from its base. The additional height doesn’t create any adverse impact, according to contract city planner Zach Pelz. Also, the city required a parking-lot access way that reduced the availability of land for Osprey Point, which planning commissioners cited as one reason they endorsed the height change. Osprey Point will occupy the site across from the planned hotel.
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